The Yamaha XTZ 660 Tenere was a dual-sports motorcycle manufactured by Yamaha from 1991 until 1999. The bike was named after the Tenere desert stage of the previous Paris Dakar Rally held in northeastern Niger.
The motorcycles manufactured between 1991 and 1993 were fitted with a small rectangular headlight, while the ones produced from 1994 were equipped with two small round headlights. Also, the performance obtained during the 1990s Dakar editions provided an excellent reputation for the XTZ series.
In 1991, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer launched the Yamaha XTZ 660 Tenere, a dual sports motorcycle that followed Yamaha's tradition, incorporating the latest engine and frame technology.
Aesthetically, the bike was fitted with standard features, such as a half fairing with a small rectangular headlight, a tiny windscreen, a one-piece dual seat, a small luggage rack with integrated passenger handles, a high-mounted exhaust system, an engine guard, and wire-spoke wheels.
In the performance department, the 1991 Yamaha XTZ 660 Tenere had installed a 660cc four-stroke liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine underneath its fuel tank, delivering an output power of 46 hp at 6,000 rpm and 57 Nm (42 lb-ft) torque at 5,000 rpm.
In the braking department, the bike relied on a 282 mm disc coupled to a four-piston caliper on the front wheel and a 245 mm disc with a single-piston caliper on the rear wheel, delivering optimum stopping power.