The Yamaha XTZ 750 Super Ténéré is a dual-sport motorcycle that Yamaha began producing in 1989. It was named after the Ténéré desert stage of the Paris–Dakar Rally and became one of the defining big adventure bikes of its time.
Yamaha XTZ 750 at a glance
| Maker | Yamaha Motor Company |
|---|---|
| Class | Dual-sport motorcycle |
| Production | 1989–1996 |
| Engine | twin-cylinder DOHC, five valves per cylinder |
| Crankshaft | 360 degrees |
| Engine guard | solid protective guard around the engine |
| Front brakes | discs with plastic covers |
| Fuel tank | 26 litres |
| Relationship | larger twin version of the XTZ 660 Ténéré |
| Dakar success | YZE 750 won in 1991, plus six more as YZE 850T |
Based on one source (English Wikipedia).
History of the Yamaha XTZ 750
The XTZ 750 is a larger, twin-cylinder version of the single-cylinder Yamaha XTZ 660 Ténéré. Along with the 660, it superseded the smaller, air-cooled XT 600Z Ténéré. First sold in 1989, the Super Ténéré used a new Yamaha engine design with a DOHC five-valve cylinder head and a 360-degree crankshaft.
A solid protective guard around the engine prevents damage on rough ground. The front brake discs have plastic covers, which help in normal road use but can make cooling more difficult when riding downhill. Owners value the machine for its comfort, solid feel and long-range 26-litre fuel tank, and accessories for the model remain common.
The XTZ 750 was discontinued in 1996. Before that, the Dakar version, the YZE 750, won the Dakar Rally in 1991, and the design went on to win six more times as the YZE 850T, cementing Yamaha’s reputation in desert racing.
Design and features
- Five-valve twin: a DOHC engine with a 360-degree crankshaft and five valves per cylinder.
- Long-range tank: 26 litres for desert-style touring.
- Engine protection: a solid guard around the powerplant.
- Dakar pedigree: the YZE 750 and YZE 850T won the rally seven times in total.
Yamaha XTZ 750 versions
- XTZ 750 Super Ténéré (1989–1996): the production model.
- YZE 750: Dakar racing version, winner in 1991.
- YZE 850T: later Dakar racer with six more victories.
The XTZ 750 is the twin-cylinder relative of the XT500 line and shares its desert heritage with the YZE 750. More models are in the Yamaha collection.
Sources
- Yamaha XTZ 750, English Wikipedia: production, engine, equipment, Dakar success
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}