With the Brazilian market as its main target, the Yamaha XT250Z Ténéré is one of those motorcycles that would also be a good choice in developed markets. Even though it's not so much of a hardcore off-roader, it's suitable to some cross-country, and the relatively large fuel tank gives more peace of mind for longer errands.
The long suspension travel makes it more comfortable and safe when dealing with unimproved or poorly-mantained pathways, and the single-cylinder 250cc engine is enought to provide agility in city traffic and road performance with a moderate fuel consumption. Current model is now flexfuel, able to operate not just with gasoline but also ethanol. Air-cooled engines have their limitations regarding cold starts with ethanol, but the electronic fuel injection makes it smoothier than in an older carburettor-fed one.
It's been successful not just among private customers but also for commercial operations. One of the biggest insurance companies of Brazil uses a fleet of Ténéré 250, as the model is also known, for its home repairs service.
I love it. Love the Dakar styling. Why wouldn't Yamaha sell it in North America? Small ADV bikes (Versys, Himalayan, CSC) seem to be really popular and could help to strengthen the weak new-rider numbers here. There are also a lot of older riders wanting to downsize for whom the upright, comfortable ergos of this style work well. I think it's a missed opportunity.
ReplyDeleteI also don't know why Yamaha didn't sell it in the U.S. and Canada. Unfortunately it was phased out recently in Brazil, but maybe a Tracer version for the MT-03 could be competitive against the Versys.
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