Since its introduction the Ténéré 700 has become a hugely successful model, with massive demand throughout Europe and North America. With its smooth yet powerful 689cc parallel-twin engine, compact rally-bred chassis and agile handling, the bike has proven to be one  of the most versatile machines in the class.

However, one of the things owners of the T7 most commonly modify is its suspension. Its performance and travel numbers are not up to par with other dirt-focused Adventure bikes. And it seems Yamaha has been listening. Feedback from riders has motivated the Japanese manufacturer to study how to take the Ténéré 700 to the next level and today they have started to write a new chapter in the bike’s story with the unveiling of the Ténéré 700 ‘Raid’ Prototype.

This high-specification Rally bike has been developed in Europe by Yamaha leveraging the experience of off-road riders Alessandro Botturi and Pol Tarrés, with the aim of exploiting the full off-road potential of the Ténéré 700, extensively validated by the two Yamaha ambassadors in the Moroccan desert. The bike has been built with extensive usage of GYTR (Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing) performance parts.

The new Ténéré 700 ‘Raid’ Prototype seems to be everything we’d hoped for in a performance off-road version of the T7. Yamaha has upped the horsepower with new performance mods, while also giving it more solid protection and durability for aggressive off-road riding in challenging terrain. The brakes have also been upgraded with bigger stoppers and higher-spec components. One of the common criticisms of the T7 has been lackluster braking, so it’s nice to see this being addressed.

Best of all though, they’ve given the Raid a suspension worthy of a Rally Bike. The new prototype receives larger 48mm forks with 10.6 inches of suspension travel and mounts them with CNC Machined aluminum triple clamps for extra rigidity. The rear shock has also been upgraded with 10.2 inches of suspension travel and also gets a revised suspension linkage.

If Yamaha actually plans to release this as a production model, it’s got the KTM 890 Adventure R Rally clearly in its sights. And with the weight advantage on the side of the World Raid, running similar rally-level componentry, it definitely has a shot at dethroning the current king of the off-road ADV class. We just hope Yamaha isn’t playing with our emotions again with this latest T7 prototype and actually makes it available for sale to the public, soon.

Just The Beginning

The Ténéré 700 Raid Prototype will soon be racing for the next horizon, and will write a new story that is sure to further the Ténéré legend for a new generation of Adventure riders. We’ll be keeping a close eye on this project and will share more details as they are revealed. Stay tuned!  

Ténéré 700 Raid Prototype Technical Highlights

Engine

• Full titanium Akrapovič race exhaust
• GYTR ECU
• High performance airbox and filter
• 48 teeth final drive sprocket
• Oversize radiator
• Dual cooling fans
• New water pump cover
• New oil cooler
• Rekluse heavy duty clutch
• Two-piece clutch cover
• New clutch lever

Suspension

• 48 mm long travel front forks – 270 mm
• CNC triple clamps
• New long travel rear shock – 260 mm
• New rear suspension linkage

Brakes

• High specification single front disc – 300 mm
• Racing brake pads
• Upgraded front brake master cylinder
• New front brake lever
• Oversize 267 mm diameter rear disc
• New caliper mounting bracket
• Steel braided front and rear brake hoses