Yamaha reveals Ténéré 700 Raid Prototype
Concept machine takes the Ténéré 700’s ability to a whole new level, sheds light on future direction for popular dual-sportYamaha has teased a hardcore take on its Ténéré 700 adventure bike, with the release of photos and first details of its Ténéré 700 Raid Prototype.
The Ténéré is one of the founding fathers of the adventure bike genre, and the latest incarnation of the name – the Ténéré 700 – has been a sales smash hit for Yamaha in some markets, and especially here in Australia.
Now Yamaha ramping the model up a notch, with this Ténéré 700 Raid Prototype bristling with GYTR (Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing) parts to take the model’s already significant ability to the next level.
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Desert odyssey
Development of the prototype has been assisted by off-road guns Alessandro Botturi and Pol Tarrés, the pair carrying out gruelling testing of the machine in the deserts of Morocco.
Technical highlights of the Yamaha Ténéré 700 Raid Prototype include the following:
Engine
- Full titanium Akrapovic race exhaust
- GYTR ECU
- High-performance airbox and filter
- 48-tooth 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
- 48mm long-travel front fork, 270mm travel
- CNC triple clamps
- New long-travel rear shock, 260mm travel
- New rear suspension linkage
Brakes
- High-specification single front disc, 300mm
- Racing brake pads
- Upgraded front brake master cylinder
- New front brake lever
- Oversize 267mm rear disc
- New caliper mounting bracket
- Steel braided front and rear brake hoses
When will we see it?
So, are we likely to see this prototype mixing it in the cut and thrust of competition any time soon, before making it to dealership floors in production form? Judging my Yamaha’s carefully worded statement, it seems highly likely.
“The Ténéré 700 Raid Prototype will soon be racing for the next horizon, and write a new story that is sure to reinforce the Ténéré legend in the eyes of a new generation of adventure riders,” the company says.
And here in Australia, where the standard Ténéré 700 has been fully embraced and where accessorising your ride is a high priority for many owners, it seems the model is destined for even greater heights.
While we did miss out on the Yamaha Tenere 700 Rally Edition released in 2020, and Yamaha Motor Australia has again confirmed the Rally variant won't be coming our way in 2022, fingers crossed this up-spec Raid incarnation will head Down Under.
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