Yamaha Ténéré XT660Z
The same bloodline as the Dakar Rally winners of the eighties. Light, reliable, and built for exactly this kind of adventure.
Yamaha Ténéré XT660Z
The same bloodline as the Dakar Rally winners of the eighties. Light, reliable, and built for exactly this kind of adventure.
Dakar heritage
The Ténéré lineage has roots in the Paris-Dakar Rally of the '80s and '90s. Spencer Conway rode this exact model as the first person to solo 60,000 km through 32 African countries — and the bike held up.
Dakar heritage
The Ténéré lineage has roots in the Paris-Dakar Rally of the '80s and '90s. Spencer Conway rode this exact model as the first person to solo 60,000 km through 32 African countries — and the bike held up.
Technical specs
Engine
659cc
Single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, fuel injection
Power
48 hp
58 Nm torque — available from low revs
Tank
23 litres
±400 km range in normal riding conditions
Weight
183 kg
Light enough to pick up if things go sideways
Suspension
210 / 200 mm
Full travel front and rear — handles anything
Wheel sizes
21" / 17"
Classic adventure sizing with dual-sport tyres
Model year
2023
Brand new · ~200 km per bike
Why this bike
Light & nimble
183 kg is significantly less than a BMW GS or Africa Twin. On sand and loose terrain you feel that difference immediately — less sinking, easier to pick up.
Decent range
With a 23-litre tank you get around 400 km between fill-ups. In West Africa, where petrol stations can be far apart, that's a comfortable margin.
Proven in Africa
This isn't a bike that might work on African tracks. It was literally built for this — and proven in practice, from the Sahara to the Gambia River.
What do you bring?
Below is an overview of gear we suggest bringing. Participation is at your own risk; you'll sign a declaration to that effect. Your own kit is more comfortable and hygienic — especially at 28–31°C. The bike comes without bags; soft luggage is lighter and more practical. No motorcycle gear? That can be arranged on request.
Your own full-face helmet
ECE-certified. On dirt roads face protection is non-negotiable — dust, stones and insects are a reality. Your own helmet fits, feels familiar, and is fitted to you.
Motorcycle boots
Solid ankle protection is crucial on loose ground. Dedicated moto boots or sturdy trekking boots with good ankle support.
Gloves
Off-road gloves with knuckle and palm protection. In the heat, thin gloves are more comfortable than thick touring gloves.
Motorcycle jacket with protectors
Shoulders, elbows and back — minimum CE level 1, level 2 for the back strongly recommended. Textile or mesh, no leather: it's hot.
Motorcycle trousers
Trousers with knee and hip protectors. Light and ventilated — you're riding at 28–31°C, no room for heavy textile.
Soft bags / tank bag
Soft bags or side bags: more volume than aluminium panniers, lighter, and less dangerous in a fall. Minimum 40–50 litres total recommended.
Hydration pack
On hot riding days, moisture evaporates faster than you realise. A hydration pack on your back is more convenient than stopping every few kilometres.
Ready to ride
Choose your expedition
The bike is ready. Are you?