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Yamaha YZE750T Super Ténéré: The Dakar Machine That Made History
Author: Firestorm Motorcycles Date Posted:30 June 2024
In 1991, Yamaha returned to the top of the Paris–Dakar Rally with a remarkable machine — the YZE750T Super Ténéré. And despite what its name suggests, this factory-built desert racer was packing a little more than 750cc.
Built to Conquer the Desert
The Paris–Dakar Rally has always been one of motorcycling's ultimate tests of endurance. Thousands of kilometres across unforgiving terrain, with riders and machines pushed to their limits.
Yamaha had already enjoyed success in the event's early years, but by the late 1980s, the competition had become fierce.
The company developed the YZE750T Super Ténéré from its production XTZ750 platform, creating a purpose-built factory rally machine.
After finishing second in 1990 with Carlos Mas, Yamaha returned in 1991 with an improved version. The engineers had focused on better low-to-mid-range performance and making the engine more tolerant of poor-quality fuel encountered during the rally.
Five Valves Per Cylinder — and More Than 75 Horsepower
Here's where things get interesting.
Despite the YZE750T name, the 1991 factory machine actually used an 802.5cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine.
It featured double overhead camshafts and five valves per cylinder — ten valves in total — producing more than 75 metric horsepower (75 PS) at 7,000 rpm.
For a machine designed to tackle vast stretches of desert, Yamaha also equipped it with a combined fuel capacity of 64 litres.
That's a staggering amount of fuel by ordinary motorcycle standards, but long-distance rally racing is anything but ordinary.
1991 Yamaha YZE750T — Factory Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 802.5cc liquid-cooled four-stroke parallel twin |
| Valve train | DOHC, five valves per cylinder |
| Maximum power | Over 75 PS at 7,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed |
| Fuel capacity | 64 litres (38L + 26L) |
| Published weight | 194 kg |
A Yamaha 1–2–3 at Dakar
The 1991 Paris–Dakar Rally would become a landmark moment for Yamaha.
French rider Stéphane Peterhansel took victory aboard the YZE750T, securing his first Dakar win and Yamaha's first victory in the event since 1980.
But Yamaha didn't just win.
Gilles Lalay finished second, with Thierry Magnaldi third, giving the manufacturer a remarkable clean sweep of the motorcycle podium.
It was a powerful demonstration of what Yamaha's engineers and riders had achieved.
The Beginning of a Dakar Legend
Peterhansel's 1991 victory was just the beginning.
He went on to win six motorcycle Dakar titles with Yamaha during the 1990s, becoming one of the most successful riders in the event's history.
The Super Ténéré name would remain closely associated with adventure riding and long-distance exploration.
And while today's adventure motorcycles are considerably more refined, machines like the YZE750T helped establish the engineering and racing heritage behind the category.
A Piece of Motorcycle History Worth Remembering
There's something special about these early factory Dakar machines.
Long before modern rider aids and sophisticated electronics became commonplace, engineers were building motorcycles capable of carrying riders across some of the harshest terrain on earth.
The 1991 YZE750T Super Ténéré stands as a reminder of just how ambitious those machines were.
What do you reckon — would you take a 1991 Dakar racer for a ride, or would you rather have the comfort of a modern adventure bike?
Inspired by Yamaha's Dakar Heritage?
You don't need a factory Dakar race bike to enjoy your own adventure. Whether you're maintaining your motorcycle, preparing for a long-distance trip or planning your next upgrade, choosing the right parts is part of keeping your bike ready for the road ahead.
Explore motorcycle parts and accessories at Firestorm Motorcycles. Always check compatibility with your specific make, model and year.
Sources and Further Reading
Yamaha Motor — 1991 YZE750T Super Ténéré: Official factory specifications and historical information about Yamaha's Dakar-winning rally machine.
