THRYLLZ
Thrills we thrive on
Thrills we thrive on
It’s that time again. Time for a Classic Crush. Secretly, we think it’s one of the most fun articles to write. This time in the spotlight: the Yamaha XTZ 750 Super Ténéré. Because we’re not just enthusiastic racers on the road and on track, and therefore fans of classic racers like the Honda RC-30 and the Yamaha OW-01. We just as much enjoy – and at times even prefer – off-roading.
The Yamaha XTZ 750 Super Ténére. It’s quite a mouthful. But when you take one quick look at this motorbike, you immediately forgive it. The XTZ 750 is modern enough to be practical, yet endearingly dated.
Let’s be completely subjective for a moment. We think the 750 Super Ténére is perhaps the most handsome classic ever. Certainly of all the classics that stand tall on their legs. The design is sleeker than that of its great rival, the Honda XRV 750 Africa Twin. And it also beats the Honda slightly in terms of power. And no, looks and power aren’t everything. But they do say a lot. Especially in our book. We could lie about that, but there’s no point.
We find it sexy, endearing and mischievous at the same time. And so, long overdue, the XTZ 750 is now in the spotlight on THRYLLZ.com.
The late 1980s and early 1990s saw the emergence of dual-sport and mid-range adventure bikes. Yamaha was heavily involved in this trend. The popular Yamaha XT500 preceded the XTZ in this off-road direction. The brand continued this course with models such as the XTZ 750.
With its 750cc engine and heavier weight, the Super Ténéré falls more into the adventure class than the dual-sport segment. But who says adventure always has to be off-road?
Because riding the XTZ 750 is an adventure even on the road. At least, that’s how it feels. You feel like a real rally rider, even though you’re just cruising down the street. But you can also find that adventure in the heart of big cities like Amsterdam. Because you’re dodging manhole covers and cyclists in a very adventurous way. Despite the fact that many adventure bikes never see sandy paths or mud puddles – and never will, for that matter – the Super Ténéré exudes “adventure”.
The first Super Ténéré saw the light of day in 1989 and was named after Yamaha’s lighter single cylinder. Which, incidentally, was named after the Ténéré. Any idea what that is? Take a guess…
That’s right! Correct. Bull’s eye. It’s a desert. More specifically, a desert region south of the Sahara. All in all, the region covers some 400,000 square kilometres. So, a lot of sand.
The XTZ started out as the XTZ 660 Ténéré, the smaller single-cylinder brother. The larger brother with the 750cc engine was the first engine with five valves per cylinder. It was also one of the first off-road models with two disc brakes on the front wheel. In other words: serious business.
Engine: 749 cc Parallel Twin
Power: 69.3 hp @ 7,500 rpm, 68 Nm @ 6,750 rpm
Seat height: 865 mm / 34.1 inches
Fuel tank capacity: 26 litres
Dry weight: 203 kg / 447.5 lbs
Top speed: 192 km/h / 119.3 mph
Although Yamaha originally marketed this motorcycle as a dual-sport bike with an emphasis on off-road riding, it turned out to be brilliant on the road.
Whether you’re zooming through the streets of a big city or tearing up the local dyke roads, this endearing all-rounder can do it all. The smooth steering, good brakes – especially for its age – and long suspension travel make it a very enjoyable motorcycle to ride. And with a 26-litre fuel tank, you can ride about 400 km. Not bad for a mid-weight adventure bike!
No motorbike is perfect. And that includes the Yamaha XTZ 750 Super Ténére. As much as we would like it to be… Long, fast cornering is not this adventurous motorbike’s forte.
But can you blame it? That’s not what it’s designed for. And so our painful yet well-intentioned statement proves true once again: one motorcycle is not enough.
Perhaps that’s why we love the XTZ 750 so much. For us personally, it’s the ideal motorcycle alongside our sports bikes. Do you want to ride fast without excessive power? Or without hassle from the police? Then we would feel very blessed if we could do that on the XTZ 750.
The XTZ also has a few oddities. For example, the fairing vibrates a little more than you might like. The footrests are also mounted a little strangely, if you ask me. The front brake is a little spongy. And you can easily squeeze the original front brake all the way to the handle. Finally, the XTZ also shifts a little rough.
Fortunately, these are all quirks that are easy to fix. Throw some good aftermarket parts on it, and those issues will disappear in no time. And you can forgive a Classic Crush for its clunky shifting, right?
Unfortunately, production ceased in 1996. But not before the YZE750 – the rally version of the XTZ 750 – won the ultimate off-road competition twice. That was, of course, the Dakar Rally.
Just like the Africa Twin, the Super Ténéré has been making a comeback in recent years. At least in terms of popularity. The only downside is that you don’t see them very often. And you don’t see them very often in the second-hand market either. Certainly not in good condition. And that’s a shame. Because we would love to see them more often. If only for their mischievous looks, their friendly yet adventurous sound and their extremely playful handling.
Of course, this Classic Crush series remains somewhat subjective. It depends on what you understand by “handsome” and “classic”. Combine the two and you get very different results for each person. But if you ask us, the Yamaha XTZ 750 Super Ténére is the true definition of a Handsome Classic, and therefore deserves a spot in our Classic Crush series.
Originally designed for off-road adventure, it is also a hugely enjoyable motorcycle for adventure on the road. As soon as we get the chance and have the financial means, you can bet your bottom dollar that the XTZ 750 will be added to the family.
Do you have a favourite Classic Crush that you think really deserves a place in this series? Then let us know!
