Yamaha Ténéré 700 Prototype Unveiled at EICMA
With its low weight & slim chassis the prototype is ready to take on the world.
Yamaha today unveiled the prototype Ténéré 700 World Raid Adventure motorcycle, further expanding on the T7 concept model that was introduced last year. This lightweight machine is based on an all-new chassis that has been designed to complement a specially developed version of Yamaha’s highly acclaimed 689cc CP2 engine, delivering strong torque and an easy power delivery for perfect traction in all conditions.
Having pioneered the development of rugged, lightweight dual-purpose motorcycles back in the 1970s, Yamaha has always had a close relationship with the Adventure segment. Developed from the legendary Dakar Rally winning race bikes, models like the original Yamaha XT600Z Ténéré opened up the possibilities of long distance exploration to every rider. With their durable designs, long range fuel tanks and known reliability, the first generation Ténéré models helped to ignite worldwide interest in a whole new movement.
Following the great success of the original air-cooled adventure bikes, the Yamaha Adventure lineup continued with popular models like the XTZ750 Super Ténéré and XTZ660 Ténéré. Moreover, the original Ténéré spirit has never gone away, and Yamaha’s commitment to the Adventure world remains as strong as ever. Since T7 broke cover a year ago, it has gained attention all over the world. Wherever the bike has been displayed, there have been crowds of eager riders waiting to see it and touch it, and videos of the T7 concept have attracted millions of views.
Chasing the Next Horizon
Inspired by the remarkable levels of worldwide interest generated by the T7 concept, Yamaha has created the Ténéré 700 World Raid, a prototype model which is being used to develop the final specification of the production model. Featuring the rugged rally-inspired character of the original T7 concept bike, and developed using the information gained from intensive testing of the T7 during 2017, this lightweight adventure bike is unlike anything else currently offered.
In contrast to many models available today from other brands, Yamaha claims the Ténéré 700 World Raid’s low weight and slim chassis give excellent off road performance for more extreme riding in a wide variety of terrain. Furthermore, its compact 689cc crossplane concept 2-cylinder (CP2) engine delivers a wide band of tractable and easy to use power that make it ideal for on and off road adventure riding.
Built with Yamaha’s rally winning DNA, the Japanese manufacturer aims to reach riders who yearn for the total freedom associated with adventures on two wheels while also capturing the genuine Ténéré spirit.
The Real Spirit of Adventure
At the very heart of the Ténéré 700 World Raid prototype is the same highly acclaimed 689cc CP2 engine that has been used in the popular MT-07. With its compact design and linear torque delivery, this specially-developed version of the highly acclaimed CP2 engine gives plenty of power for strong performance on the tarmac and dirt, while its mass-centralized layout and low weight contributes to the bike’s agile handling characteristics. The prototype also features a custom-made rally-style Akrapovič exhaust that reinforces the bike’s rugged looks and delivers a deep and powerful tone.
The steel chassis has been reworked and improved in key areas in order to achieve optimized on road and off road handling, and features capable upside down front forks and a monoshock rear that are designed to perform well in all conditions. The Ténéré 700 World Raid features the same rugged-looking rally bike silhouette as the T7, with a number of small touches, such as a lower seat height, that make the future production model accessible to a wide range of adventure riders.
The fuel tank has been developed to give a useful range between refills, while at the same time offering excellent ergonomics and contributing towards the machine’s low weight. Carbon fiber is used for the side panels, front fender and the one-piece rear tail, and the cowl is equipped with a Dakar Rally machine inspired 4-projector headlight assembly. The cockpit area is designed to enable the rider to locate additional equipment such as navigation devices, and this exciting adventure bike features the T7-inspired color scheme, with Racing Blue and carbon fiber bodywork.
2018 Ténéré 700 World Tour
Inspired by the huge levels of interest generated during the last 12 months, Yamaha will be taking the Ténéré 700 World Raid prototype on a challenging trip across the world throughout 2018. During this special World Raid, a team of Yamaha riders will take on a number of tough adventure stages across the globe, enabling Yamaha fans in America, Australia, Africa and Europe to see, feel and hear the future of adventure riding. Stay tuned for more details about the Ténéré 700.
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But can you pack it down for the long adventures?
[…] perspective, are the new Dakar Rally-inspired prototypes in the middleweight category — the Yamaha Ténéré 700 and KTM 790 Adventure R — expected to be released as 2019 models. Things are heating up […]