If you think that the Yamaha Tenere 700 is a purpose-built ADV with no-nonsense bodywork and features, you are absolutely right. But there’s a new, more dedicated and hardcore version of the Japanese dual-sport motorbike which renders the stock Tenere 700 ‘normal’. Enters the Yamaha Tenere 700 Rally Edition.
The Yamaha Tenere 700 Rally Edition takes off-roading, adventure riding to the next level. It continues to have a similar functional, mission-focussed, practical design that we’ve already seen in the stock Tenere 700. But things have been dialled a notch higher to add that extra thrill.
The Rally Edition ADV comes equipped with a new 4mm thick aluminium bash plate which ensures the safety of the engine when riding over obstacles that ‘normal’ riders wouldn’t ever come across in their entire lives. Yamaha has also slapped on a black radiator grille and an aluminium laser-cut chain protector. To provide a more dedicated riding position suited best for adventure riding, Yamaha has raised the seat height to 895mm which is 20mm more than that of the stock Tenere 700. The 21-in front and 18-in rear spoke wheels, however, remain the same.
In terms of performance, the Tenere 700 Rally Edition is propelled by the same 689cc, parallel-twin engine which has been fitted in the bike’s stock version. It pumps out 72.4 horsepower and 68 Nm of torque. The whole motorbike weighs just over 200kg and, hence, should be very agile and nimble. Yamaha has also slapped on an Akrapovic end can. As far as the electronic rider aids are concerned, well, there’s only a switchable ABS available. No traction control, no riding modes, no IMU, nothing. How hardcore is that?
Coming back to the looks, Yamaha has given the Tenere 700 Rally Edition a special blue and yellow livery 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. Yamaha lovers will recognize the iconic design of the XT600Z from 1983. Black Yamaha speed-block graphics reinforce the historic look, making this an authentic tribute to the men and their machines that inspired so many riders to travel beyond the next horizon in their search for new adventures and lasting memories.
The new Yamaha Tenere 700 Rally Edition will be available across all Europe from next month. Let’s see when does it arrive here in the Middle East.
