Yamaha has moved a step closer to introducing a midsize parallel-twin adventure bike with the Ténéré 700 World Raid prototype which will visit Australia in 2018.
The bike was unveiled at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan today as a bit of a disappointment as many expected the final production model would be revealed.
Last year Yamaha showed the T7 concept at EICMA and this is a further development of that bike, but it’s still not quite production-ready.
Yamaha T7 ConceptThat’s a shame because KTM is about to release a 790 Adventure and Triumph and BMW are updating their midsize adventure bikes, leaving Yamaha in the lurch.
However, Yamaha says the prototype is being used to develop the final specification of the production model so it may not be too far away.
Yamaha’s prototype will go through rigorous testing in 2018 when Yamaha test riders take on a challenging world circumnavigation made up of tough adventure stages.
Apparently riders in Australia, America, Africa and Europe will be able to “see, feel and hear the future of adventure riding”.
We’re not sure what that means, but we’ve asked Yamaha Motor Australia for details, so stay tuned.
Heading Down UnderYamaha Ténéré 700
The Yamaha prototype is powered by the 689cc 2-cylinder crossplane engine from the very popular MT-07.
It should be a fine motor for a combination of off-road and on-road use with its rideable midrange and smooth power delivery.
It’s also a low-weight engine with mass centralisation for lithe handling and manoeuvrability in rugged terrain.
The prototype has a steel chassis, upside down forks and rear monoshock, a custom-made rally-style Akrapovič exhaust and carbon fibre side panels, front fenders and a one-piece rear tail.
The towering nose and four-projector headlight resembles the Yamaha rally bikes that won seven Dakar Rallies in the 1980s and 1990s.
Yamaha XT1200ZE Super Ténéré Raid Edition
Meanwhile, Yamaha has introduced a Raid Edition of its big-bore adventurer.
It comes with two 37-litre aluminium side cases with techno polymer-reinforced corners, a wide skid plate, a high screen, wind deflectors, fog lamps, graphics and carbon side panels.
No word yet from Yamaha Motor Australia on arrival or pricing.
