Yamaha XT660Z Tenere

The Yamaha Tenere XT660Z has so many great points. The suspension is not one of them.

We started working on an upgrade kit soon after the bike hit Australia in 2008. It was discontinued in 2017 but remains a great bike. Extensive testing with Greg Yager (TB from rideadv.com.au) over several years has seen us refine the ingredients, along with input from others such as Peter Payne (Yamaha Australia).

Riders from novice to A grade motocrossers have ridden our modified Tenere package with great results. Our aim is always maximum performance at minimum cost - and this delivers.

• Cush Drive Hub Problems. We also offer a mod to the rear cush drive hub. In stock form, if ridden aggressively the cush drive rubbers wear out in as little as 1000km. The axle size is a little small and only supported by a narrow bearing. We strip the cush drive and machine the hub and sleeve out to accept a double row bearing. This takes the twist out and allows the rubbers to have a normal service life.
• Frame Stresses. Keep a close eye on engine mounts, because the Tenere uses the engine as a stressed member of the frame. With loose engine mounts the frame will flex between the footpegs and the tank, resulting in a fracked frame. The lower rear engine mount is usually the first to come loose/break from the bashplate fitting and stressing the mount.
• Rims. The stock rims have no rim-locks, drill the rims and fit them if you want to run under 20psi tyre pressure. We have been using a 2.5 rim-lock in the rear with no issues, the rim is a 2.75.
• Air Filter. The stock paper filter should have been replaced by a foam unit in pre delivery by your dealer. Worth checking. We have rebuilt Tenere engines from eating dust with the stock paper element.
• Radiator Hose Issues. The water hose out of the water pump is vulnerable. Using an old grip or old radiator hose, split it down the middle and cable tie it on to help reinforce the existing hose.
• Accessories. Racks and other accessories can be found at Adventure Moto in Sydney NSW.
• Tyre Selection. We like the Dunlop 952F front as the 660 does not give a lot of feel from the front, regardless of the fork setting. Dunlop D606 is the best all round rear. The Michelin HP4 is also a great front but not road legal, the T63 is a great rear choice too.