Famous motorcycle designer Oberdan Bezzi has dreamed up a new concept bike that he thinks could be the next Yamaha Ténéré model. Bezzi’s concept is based on the new FZ-09 (MT-09 outside of the U.S.) Naked Bike, which utilizes a 857cc Triple 107 hp engine.

Bezzi has worked with companies like Ducati, Cagiva, Aprilia, Benelli and Moto Guzzi over the years as an outside consultant and has been instrumental in the development of some of their production bikes. For his own pleasure, Bezzi likes to create concept bike sketches that he thinks manufacturers should build. Sometimes Bezzi’s sketches become close predictions of future production models. For example, here is a sketch Bezzi made of a naked version of the BMW S1000RR in 2010 which looks very close to the recently released 2014 S1000R.

Oberdan Bezzi’s concept from 2010 of a naked version of BMW’s S1000RR

BMW’s recently released S1000R is the actual naked version of BMW’s S1000RR

A new Yamaha Ténéré Adventure Bike based on the FZ-09 could be a formidable contender in the middleweight category. The new FZ-09 has received praise in reviews recently for its powerful engine and reasonable price tag. The FZ-09 could be the perfect starting platform for building an Adventure Bike, offering the straight-line performance of a liter class bike in a lightweight, off-road capable package. If the reasonable price tag carries over, this bike could dominate the middleweight category.

See below how the FZ-09 compares in weight and power to the current Super Ténéré and other bikes in the middleweight category. Even if the bike were to gain 35 pounds (16 kilos) in Adventure Bike trim, it would still be significantly lighter and more powerful than its competitors.

Competitors at a Glance

We can only hope that Oberdan Bezzi is a modern day Nostradamus and Yamaha builds this bike. Yamaha originally designed the 857cc triple engine to be used in multiple bikes and the motorcycle industry is expecting news of a new Yamaha Ténéré model any day now. Chances are this could be a very close rendition of the next Ténéré.

Story Update – 2/21/2014
Oberdan Bezzi has created another version of the Tenere 857cc Triple concept. This would be the off-road focused “Worldcrosser” model with under seat auxiliary tank, crash bars, knobby tires, skid plate and headlight protector.

Yamaha Tenere Triple Worldcrosser concept bike by Oberdan Bezzi.

Author: Rob Dabney

Rob Dabney started a lifelong obsession with motorcycles at the age of 15 when he purchased his first bike – a 1982 Honda MB5. Through his 20’s and 30’s he competed in off-road desert races, including the Baja 250, 500 and 1000. Eventually, his proclivity for exploration led him to dual sport and adventure riding. Rob’s never-ending quest to discover what’s around the next bend has taken him on Adventures in Mexico, Africa, Europe, and throughout the American West. As a moto journalist, he enjoys inspiring others to seek adventure across horizons both near and far.