2023: 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TENERE

It’s been 40 years since the first Ténéré, the 1983 XT600Z, and Yamaha Australia is intent on celebrating the milestone by inviting Ténéré owners to join them on two special two-day events – to be held in NSW and Victoria this October and November, respectively. Here’s an excerpt from Yamaha Motor Australia (YMA) about these rallies…

This year marks the 40-year anniversary of the iconic Ténéré. Since its inception in 1983 with the XT600Z, the Ténéré has captivated the hearts and minds of adventure enthusiasts around the globe.

Over the past four decades, the Yamaha Ténéré has forged its legacy as a symbol of the adventure spirit, exploration and resilience. From conquering the treacherous terrains of the Paris-Dakar Rally to inspiring riders to push the boundaries of what is possible, the Ténéré has become a true legend in the motorcycle world.

In the decades since Cyril Neveu claimed a historic double victory in the first and second Paris-Dakar rallies in 1979-80 on the XT500, Team Yamaha has accomplished some incredible rallying achievements. Ténéré icons such as Jean-Claude Olivier, Serge Bacou, and ‘Monsieur Dakar’, Stéphane Peterhansel, whose record of six Yamaha victories that began in 1991 remains unbeaten to this day, took their machines across some of the world’s most demanding terrain.

Most recently, legendary adventurer and Yamaha ambassador Nick Sanders finished his latest trip around the globe on his Ténéré 700, while factory riders Pol Tarrés, Rodney Faggotter and Alessandro Botturi continue to make rally racing history on their the GYTR-kitted Ténéré 700 World Raids.

To help celebrate this 40-year milestone for the iconic Yamaha, Ténéré 700 owners are invited to join upcoming Australian rallies. The final two, two-day Ténéré Rallies are scheduled to take place on: