Since launching overseas last year, Yamaha’s Ténéré 700 quickly established itself as one of the top selling mid-size adventure bikes in Europe, with over 8,000 units sold to date. The Ténéré 700 arrived here in the U.S. this month and after getting in some serious saddle time reviewing the Tenere 700, the capable machine won us over with its agile handling, all-around versatility and value. Without a doubt, Yamaha has found a sweet spot in the fast-growing adventure segment and the new Ténéré has become one of the most sought after ADV bikes to come along in awhile.

Now Yamaha is creating more headlines with the announcement of a Special Edition version of the popular machine. We reported on rumors of a special ‘Rally’ version of the T7 earlier this year but it wasn’t clear if there would be significant modifications to the bike. The new Ténéré 700 Rally Edition features a special blue and yellow paint scheme that pays homage to the Yamaha race bikes ridden by Jean-Claude Olivier (JCO) and Serge Bacou in the ’83 and ’84 editions of the Dakar rally. Black Yamaha speedblock graphics reinforce the historic look, making this an authentic tribute to the race heroes and their machines from a bygone era. 

As well as its special colors, the new version also features a higher standard specification, and is equipped with a number of exclusive components that offer increased levels of chassis protection in off road riding situations. For more detailed information from Yamaha, read below:

Increased Protection  

Manufactured from 4mm thick aluminium, the heavy duty skid plate gives a high level of protection to the engine and lower frame tubes, and also features a tool box mounting point. There’s also an aluminium radiator protector that’s designed to prevent the ingress of small sticks or stones – and the laser-cut aluminium chain guard enhances the premium style of this special edition model.

Rally Seat  

The exclusive one-piece Rally Seat gives a riding position that’s 20mm higher at 895mm, and this gives a straighter lower body position that makes it easier to move from sitting down to standing up on the footrests when riding off road. Its dual material construction gives a high quality feel and finish, and the white Yamaha logo complements the iconic heritage colors.  

Akrapovic Slip-On Muffler

The 689cc, CP2 engine is fitted with an Akrapovič slip-on muffler that emits a rich, deep and throaty sound. This high quality lightweight can is fitted with carbon heat shields. 

LED Flashers  

Lightweight and compact LED flashers at the front and rear give a modern and sleek look.

Grip Pads  

Special rubber grip pads come as standard on the Rally Edition, and these are designed to provide added knee and inner thigh grip during acceleration, enabling the rider to achieve better control. 

Off Road Handlebar Grips  

To underline its genuine off road abilities the handlebars are equipped with off road grips for better handling in dusty or muddy conditions.  

Ténéré 700 Rally Edition Highlights

• Iconic heritage colors with historic Dakar factory race bike influence
• Dedicated Rally Seat
• Tank grip pads
• Off road grips
• Lightweight Akrapovič slip-on muffler
• Heavy-duty skid plate
• Radiator guard and chain guard
• LED flashers front and rear
• 689cc, 4-stroke, CP2 engine delivering high levels of linear torque
• Lightweight and durable double cradle tubular steel frame
• Slim, compact and ergonomic body
• Rally-bred face with 4 x LED headlights
• Adjustable long-travel front and rear suspension
• Tough and lightweight 21 inch / 18 inch spoked wheels with adventure tires
• Switchable ABS for on the fly adjustment

Availability  

The Ténéré 700 Rally Edition will be available at European Yamaha dealers starting in July 2020 but no official price has been announced yet. According to Yamaha, the Rally Edition will not be coming to the US. However, several of the model’s highlighted components (e.g. rally seat, skid plate,chain guard, radiator guard) are available in the accessory catalog.