We’ve all seen Pol Tarres pushing the limits of what seems possible aboard the Tenere 700. From showcasing jaw-dropping maneuvers in his ‘Seeker’ films and winning the most grueling hard enduro races to breaking several altitude world records, he continues to set new benchmarks on the T7.

Now, Jérémy Rouanet, a former professional FMX rider, has taken the challenge, trying out something not done before aboard the T7 — Freestyle motocross. With a machine nearly double the size of the motocross bikes you’d usually find in FMX, the 44 year old set out to accomplish one of the most difficult tricks in the sport: the backflip.

Impressively, Rouanet was able to perfect the backflip after just a few weeks of training. Even more notable is the fact that he completed the stunt with a full landing on solid ground, a far riskier feat compared to the similar attempt made a couple of years ago by FMXer Sebastian Westberg on an Africa Twin, who used the safety of a foam pit.

Starting with a Tenere 700 Rally Edition, the bike was prepared by the Tenere Yamaha Rally Team who equipped it with a range of GYTR accessories and other aftermarket parts including a TracTive shock absorber, KYTE rims and Michelin Desert tires. 

Several other modifications were implemented throughout the bike including the seat foam, which was carved by 1.5 cm. The side fairings were also opened up and the electronics were grouped under the seat to save space and to increase support on the frame for the ‘seat grab’ maneuver. To save space and weight a lighter lithium battery (2-3 kg) was installed and many components were removed including mirrors, indicators, license plate holder, hand guards, plates and rear passenger footrests, kickstand circuit breaker, kickstand and ABS control unit. 

Due to the modifications, it goes without saying that this specially prepared motorcycle is not road legal.

GYTR Accessories

• Titanium footrests (GYTF74000000)
• Clutch cover (GYTE51000000)
• Air filter case (GYTE44010000)
• Air filter kit (GYTE41C00000)
• ECU Stage 1 (GYTH591A0000)
• Crown handle kit (GYTF34050000)
• KYB front forks 48 mm (GYTF31000000)
• Akrapovič exhaust (907983310400)
• Sticker kit

The Rider

Born in Narbonne, Jérémy Rouanet is a former professional FMX rider. He retired from his pro career in 2019, at 39 years old, nearly 20​ years after having started it.

At 17, he was the youngest European rider to land a long flip over 25 meters and has numerous participations in the Red Bull X-Fighters, XGames, Nitro Circus, Night of the Jumps, Freestyle des Nations (2013) and numerous international freestyle shows to add to his credit.

He is also a regular at the Minerve FMX with his YZ250.

Photos by Oliver Godbold photography