Adventure Motorcycles

1996Yamaha XTZ 660 Tenere

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The 1996 Yamaha XTZ 660 Tenere is a versatile single-cylinder enduro designed for adventure riders seeking balanced on-road and off-road capability. Its torquey 659cc engine, manageable weight, and accessible seat height make it ideal for both experienced and intermediate riders tackling varied terrain. Known for reliability and practical performance, it remains a respected choice for touring and light trail exploration.

Capacity: 659.0 ccm
Engine: Single, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 171.0 kg
Seat height: 865 mm
Power: 48.0 HP (35.3 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

What’s new for the 1996 Yamaha XTZ 660 Tenere

vs the 1995

Spec	1995	1996
Torque	56.9 Nm (5.8 kgf-m or 42.0 ft.lbs) @ 5250 RPM	57.0 Nm (5.8 kgf-m or 42.0 ft.lbs) @ 5250 RPM

Other years 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail88%

Cornering50%

City riding45%

Daily riding55%

Touring75%

Two-up40%

Track20%

Best for: Built primarily for long-distance off-road adventure and dual-sport travel rather than outright speed or cornering performance.
Built for: A rugged, torquey single-cylinder workhorse that rewards patient, momentum-based riding over aggressive throttle inputs.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for riders seeking sharp sport-bike acceleration, low seat height, or nimble city commuting.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 865mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with tip-toe one foot on the 1996 Yamaha XTZ 660 Tenere, with a moderate knee angle of around 95 degrees and a slightly forward riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 821-900 mm — Long Legs →

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Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 659.0 ccm
Power: 48.0 HP (35.3 kW)
Torque: 57.0 Nm (5.8 kgf-m) @ 5250 RPM
Engine type: Single, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.2807 HP/kg
Bore x stroke: 100.0 x 84.0 mm
Compression: 9.2:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Starting: Electric
Valves per cylinder: 5

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Chain

Performance

Top speed: 159.0 km/h (98.8 mph)

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1495 mm
Seat height: 865 mm
Dry weight: 171.0 kg
Wet weight: 201.5 kg
Fuel capacity: 20.00 litres
Ground clearance: Not on record - add it

Chassis & suspension

Front wheel travel: 220 mm
Rear wheel travel: 220 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc
Front brakes diameter: 282 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 220 mm
Front tyre: 90/90-S21
Rear tyre: 120/90-S17

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	1991	1993	1995	1996	1997	1999
Capacity	659.00 ccm (40.21 cubic inches)	659.00 ccm (40.21 cubic inches)	659.00 ccm (40.21 cubic inches)	659.00 ccm (40.21 cubic inches)	659.00 ccm (40.21 cubic inches)	660.00 ccm (40.27 cubic inches)
Dry weight	—	188.0 kg (414.5 pounds)	171.0 kg (377.0 pounds)	171.0 kg (377.0 pounds)	171.0 kg (377.0 pounds)	—
Seat height	—	860 mm (33.9 inches)	865 mm (34.1 inches)	865 mm (34.1 inches)	865 mm (34.1 inches)	865 mm (34.1 inches)
Fuel capacity	20.00 litres (5.28 gallons)	20.00 litres (5.28 gallons)	—	—	—	20.00 litres (5.28 gallons)