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Yamaha Xt660z Tenere
7.5/10 Adventure

Yamaha Xt660z Tenere Review

"Tough, honest adventure bike that earns respect on dirt roads."

Budget-conscious adventure tourers who ride off-road regularly $4,500-$7,500 used 2008-2016
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Used Buyer Review

The XT660Z Ténéré is one of those motorcycles that rewards patience. It's not fast, it's not particularly pretty, and the single-cylinder thumper will rattle your fillings loose on the motorway — but point it at a gravel track or a badly-maintained B-road and suddenly everything makes sense. The 660cc engine has genuine low-down torque, the suspension is plush enough for loaded touring, and the upright seating position means you can genuinely cover big miles without arriving in pieces. Buying used, you're looking at bikes that have genuinely worked for a living. Check the subframe for cracks, inspect the rear shock carefully — they go soft and replacements aren't cheap — and look hard at the fuel tank for dents or rust. Chain and sprocket wear is common on neglected examples. The good news? Parts are plentiful, the engine is essentially bulletproof if serviced regularly, and the community support online is excellent. Mechanically confident riders will love owning one.

Pros

+Indestructible single-cylinder engine
+Excellent real-world torque
+Comfortable for long distances
+Strong parts availability
+Genuine off-road capability

Cons

-Rear shock deteriorates quickly
-Motorway cruising feels strained
-Heavy for a single
-Subframe cracking known issue
warning
Avoid if

You want fast motorway miles above all

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