Yamaha, like other Japanese motorcycle brands, seems to work on a different clock. The Ténéré 700 took painfully long to hit the streets of the USA. However, just weeks after launching it in the US, Yamaha has already prepared a hardcore model for Europe. Say hello to the 2020 Yamaha Ténéré 700 Rally Edition.
The new Ténéré 700 holds the appeal of a no-frills, all-thrills, tallboi adventure machine. Devoid of all but the absolutely necessary electronics, it is claimed to offer you a truly connected adventure riding experience. Going up against stalwarts like Triumph Tiger 900 Rally, BMW F 850 GS Adventure, and Ducati Multistrada 950, the Ténéré offers a spartan, barebones ADV platform.
First off, would you look at the classic livery? Inspired by the OG 1983 XT600 Ténéré, the new bike features a light blue skin interspersed with white speed blocks. Yamaha has also splashed its favourite yellow around the body as well as on the wheels. The Ténéré’s rally connection goes a long way back as well.
The XT600 succeeds the XT500, a hugely successful enduro motorcycle. Furthermore, this 500 is the very bike that Thierry Sabine was traveling on when he got the idea for the Paris-Dakar Rally. Therefore we can say the T7 more than owns its Dakar-inspired livery.
OG Ténéré with the Gen-X T7. Man, what a pair.
The Yamaha Ténéré 700 Rally Edition features a rally seat perched at 894mm, up from the stock T7’s 874mm. You also get tank grip pads, off-road hand grips, heavy-duty skid plate, radiator, and chain guards. LED turn signals are also part of the package, along with an Akrapovič slip-on system
Yamaha hasn’t messed with the 689cc parallel-twin, nor with the suspension, brakes, and wheels. If it ain’t broke, no need to fix it. The Japanese firm has just added beefier protection where needed to make the bike off-road ready. With its introduction, the 2020 Yamaha Ténéré Rally Edition now occupies the flagship position in the company’s off-road range. If only Yamaha would have the good sense to offer it in the UAE.