If you thought Yamaha was done expanding the Tenere 700 range, think again. The Japanese manufacturer just unveiled what they call ‘the most exclusive model in the lineup,’ joining the standard, Rally, World Raid, Extreme, and Explorer variants. Dubbed the Tenere 700 World Rally, the new machine celebrates Yamaha’s remarkable Rally history, dating back to 1979 when the brand won the first ever Paris-Dakar.

To honor this legacy, the new World Rally is packed with top-shelf components and features special livery inspired by the 1993 Dakar race bike ridden by off-road racing legend Stéphane Peterhansel, who gave Yamaha six of its nine Dakar victories. 

Besides its retro bold blue, pink and silver historic rally racing colors, the new Tenere 700 World Rally boasts a number of upgrades over the base model. Suspension duties are delivered by high-spec, fully-adjustable, black colored 43mm KYB front forks with 230 mm of travel while a competition-quality aluminum piggyback rear shock ensures consistent damping performance. Featuring a special linkage and large bump stop, the World Rally’s shock gives 220 mm rear wheel travel.

With 18 different settings, the lightweight Öhlins adjustable steering damper provides added confidence and controllability when the going gets tough and enables the rider to get the most from the premium suspension systems. 

The Ténéré 700 World Rally is also equipped with the latest race developed 23-liter fuel tanks that give great autonomy for long distance rides. The bulk of the fuel is carried as low as possible in order to achieve mass centralization for agile handling, while the top of the tanks is positioned lower than the standard Ténéré for easy rider mobility.

Moreover, the World Rally’s 3-mode switchable ABS gives the rider flexibility in choosing how they want the bike to behave on a variety of surfaces. Mode 1 is fully on, with ABS working on both wheels – a legal requirement on public roads. Mode 2 is front wheel on and rear wheel off, giving added confidence on loose gravel tracks – and Mode 3 is fully off, giving the rider ultimate controllability when riding in the dirt.

With its 2-piece design, the flat rally inspired seat can accommodate the fitment of a rack or luggage by removing the rear section. The flat profile ensures easy rider mobility and effortless front/rear weight shifting, while its dual black-gray material construction gives a firm yet comfortable ride. For added exclusivity, the seat also features the World Rally logo.

Tenere 700 World Rally riders have a choice of three switchable screen styles – digital, analogue or roadbook style – and the connected 5-inch color TFT display can also be linked to a smartphone with the free MyRide app, enabling the display of text messages and incoming call notifications on the screen.

Completing the package is a lightweight slip-on Akrapovič muffler which Yamaha says accentuates the high torque feeling and distinctive roar coming from the 270-degree crank CP2 engine.

Tenere 700 World Rally Highlights

• Heritage Yamaha Rally Racing colors
• Lightweight Akrapovič slip-on muffler
• 23-liter capacity dual side-mounted fuel tanks
• High specification 43 mm KYB front forks, 230 mm travel
• Öhlins adjustable steering damper
• Aluminum piggyback rear shock, long 220mm travel
• Dedicated 2-piece flat rally seat
• 5-inch color TFT meter with smartphone connectivity and 3 themes
• 3-mode switchable ABS

The new Tenere 700 World Rally will be offered in Trophy Blue with black colored front forks, black-gray seat and black wheel rims. The same colors will be used by Yamaha riders Alessandro Botturi and Pol Tarrés in their 2023 race season where they will test their Ténéré factory bikes to the limit.

Yamaha Europe says the bike will be available mid-June and to contact your local dealer as prices may vary per region. So far the UK is reporting a retail price of £13,000 including OTR charges and VAT. As you may expect by now, there is no news from Yamaha on when or if this new model will land in the US. 

Ténéré 700 World Rally Specs