Peter Whitaker

Contemporary adventurers demand much more comfort than a big bore trailie retro-fitted with a large fuel tank and screen; and the latest edition of Yamaha's legendary Ténéré, the XT660Z, is well suited to a country where the bitumen often stops east of the dividing range.

Previous experience with a XT660R on a 7000km run across West Australia impressed me with the ergonomics and comfort, however the lack of a screen and the fuel range were short of requirements for outback travel. The low-slung pipes and lack of ground clearance were also a deterrent to any serious off-road work.

It machine has high set dual pipes, 250mm ground clearance (with preload but no damping adjustment), a range of over 400kms and has more than adequate power from the fuel injected single. Plus, the 45/15 gearing is a great match for the five-speed gearbox and really makes the Ténéré a great 'go anywhere' tourer.

This is not the bike to take on single track - at least not with a full fuel tank, panniers and a swag - however a detour across a sandy creek bed and up over a few rocky ledges to look at the view is well within the Ténéré's capabilities as long as you're wearing the right hoops.

Straight from the crate this machine is perfect for an everyday commute before knocking off 800km of bad bitumen and gravel roads over the weekend. For those who expect to spend more adventure time on fire trails and cattle station tracks, fitting knobbies is essential and bar risers and a high front guard is recommended. Select your luggage option from the lengthy Ténéré options list, and by the time you return from your first lap of Oz you'll be ready to step up to the 1200 Super Ténéré. See you out there.

Yamaha XT660 Ténéré

ENGINE: Single cylinder, liquid cooled, 4 valves per cylinder
DISPLACEMENT: 659cc

BORE & STROKE: 100mm x 84mm
COMP. RATIO: 10:1
POWER: 33.8kW/48hp @ 6000rpm
TORQUE: 58.4Nm @ 5250 rpm
FUEL SYSTEM: Electronic fuel injection
CHASSIS: Diamond steel frame with dual tank rails
SUSPENSION: Front: 43mm Sochi forks (210mm travel), Rear: Monoshock Sachs (230mm travel)

BRAKES: Front: 2x298mm disc, 2-piston Brembo radial callipers, Rear: 1x245mm, 2-piston Brembo radial calliper

FUEL CAPACITY: 23 litres
DRY WEIGHT: 183kg
SEAT HEIGHT: 895mm
PRICE: $13999 + ORC
TEST BIKE: Dalby Moto, Dalby Queensland