Yamaha unveils T7 Tenere concept

Yamaha has unveiled the T7 Tenere concept based on the MT-07 parallel twin and it’s just the bike the XT660 Tenere should have been.

It’s what Aussies have been crying out for since the KTM 690 Adventure was axed in 2010.

The T7 Tenere was unveiled at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, where Honda unveiled its Africa Twin concept a couple of years ago.

Like the now-popular Africa Twin, this is expected to go into production in the next couple of years.

Can’t come soon enough for Aussies looking for long legs across wide, open outback roads. 

The only drawback could be the lack of long-haul comfort in the hard-looking seat.

Hopefully the aluminium tank is big enough to accommodate at least 400km of range. It certainly looks like it might be.

The T7 Tenere is powered by the MT-07’s lusty 689cc parallel twin engine with 55kW of power.

Since the MT-07 also comes in a LAMS version in Australia, this could also be available in high output or learner power outputs.

The T7 features with interesting four-projector LED headlights, carbon fairing and bash plate, KYB forks and a custom Akrapovic exhaust.

It has a 21-inch front wheel, 18-inch rear, weighs less than 180kg. No more tech specs or details are available.

Yamaha XSR900 Abarth

Yamaha also unveiled a limited-edition Abarth version of the retro XSR900 naked bike.

Abarth is an Italian race custom house and its name is usually associated with cars, although there have been some Yamaha race bikes with the iconic name.

Only 695 will be made and riders will need to register to buy one when they hit the showrooms in April 2017.

The Abarth has the XSR 847cc liquid-cooled three-cylinder engine with traction control and assist/slipper clutch.

It also comes with a full titanium Akrapovic exhaust, carbon front mudguard and pillion seat cover, grey and red paint, and, of course, Abarth logos on the 14-litre tank.