Hi, I got this in an email from a friend of mine. I don't know who wrote it or whether I'm breaking copyright but I found it quite interesting..

The Ténéré Story


In 1983 Yamaha produced the first 600cc single cylinder Enduro. The XT600Z
Ténéré was named after the most difficult section of the Paris-Dakar Rally.
It started a new trend in Enduro bikes. With its large 28 litre fuel tank
and long-travel (255/235mm) suspension, it no longer had much in common with
its predecessors, the XT500/XT550. It was in total contrast to the XT500
with its small tank and modest spring travel.
This first model is commonly referred to as the 34L model in many countries.
It was the first time the MONOCROSS system, well known on motocross models,
was used on an Enduro bike. This transformed the heavy (165kg) Enduro in to
a perfect touring machine for motorcycle travellers. The engine produced
43HP with a flexible but extremely strong performance at low engine speeds.
The 34L model Ténéré was successfully sold for 3 years from 1983 to 1985.
A few small modifications were made in 1985 and this is referred to as the
55W model in some countries but this model is essentially the same as the
34L model.

<http://www.tenere.ch/images/xt600z83.jpg> Model XTZ600
Years built 1983 - 1985
Displacement 595cc
Power 43HP
Torque 49Nm
Starter Kick
Fuel tank 28 L
Wheels f / r 21" / 18"
Suspension f / r 255 / 235mm
Dry weight 165kg



In 1986, Yamaha made several major modifications to the Ténéré. This model
is commonly referred to as the 1VJ model in many countries.

In addition to the kick-starter it received an electric starter. The air
filter box was moved from under the seat to under the fuel tank. This
reduced the capacity of the fuel tank to 23 litres. The fuel tank also had
lowered sides which improved weight distribution. However, then a fuel pump
was necessary. The oil cooler was mounted in front of the cylinder head on
the right hand side. With this change and the lowered tank sides, suddenly
the Ténéré had engine overheating problems. Yamaha tried to overcome this
problem with longer stud bolts at the cylinder head and an increased
diameter (from 27mm to 28mm) in the secondary throat of the carburettor. But
the latter not only increased fuel consumption but led to irregular engine
running at high altitudes. Spluttering Ténérés were not a rarity in these
years on alpine passes.

<http://www.tenere.ch/images/xt600z86.jpg> Model XTZ600
Years built 1986 - 1987
Displacement 595cc
Power 46HP
Torque 49Nm
Starter Electric / Kick
Fuel tank 23 L
Wheels f / r 21" / 18"
Suspension f / r 255 / 235mm
Dry weight 179kg

Altogether the 86/87 model badly damaged the reputation of the Ténéré as a
reliable travel companion. By attacking only the symptoms one does not solve
the fundamental problem.



Therefore in 1988, with the third model, more major modifications were made.
This model is commonly referred to as the 3AJ model in many countries.

A frame-mounted fairing with twin headlights and a small screen provided
better travel comfort. The small shaky speedo and tacho were replaced by
large round instruments. The rear wheel received a disc brake. The
overheating problems of the 86/87 model were eliminated with the transfer of
the front mudguard to directly over the wheel. Also the cooling fin surface
area was increased by one third. In addition, the lubrication circuit was
optimised and fifth gear was strengthened. Thus the Ténéré again became a
reliable long-distance touring companion.

<http://www.tenere.ch/images/xt600z88.jpg> Model XTZ600
Years built 1988 - 1990
Displacement 595cc
Power 46HP
Torque 49Nm
Starter Electric
Fuel tank 23 L
Wheels f / r 21" / 18"
Suspension f / r 255 / 235mm
Dry weight 185kg

Some General Photos


<http://www.tenere.ch/images/h200k03.jpg>
<http://www.tenere.ch/images/h200k08.jpg>
<http://www.tenere.ch/images/h200k04.jpg>
<http://www.tenere.ch/images/h200k06.jpg>

<http://www.tenere.ch/images/h200k09.jpg>
<http://www.tenere.ch/images/h200k10.jpg>

<http://www.tenere.ch/images/h200k11.jpg>
<http://www.tenere.ch/images/h200k12.jpg>

From the above I'd imagine that a 1988-1990 model is the one to find if you can't afford a new one.. We're planning a long African trip and after reading through these threads i'm getting nervous as to whether I have the necessary technical skills to complete it. I can ride but don't know nearly enough about the mechanical side of bikes//// oh well.

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Many Miles to Motor

__________________
Many Miles to Motor

The info you quoted was taken from a website with URL http://www.tenere.ch/english/etenerestory.html which I found to be quite a good read on the history of Teneres