Middle adventure tourers have suddenly become more lively with the debut of Honda's XL750 Transalp and Suzuki's VStrom 800DE at the Milan show that opened on November 8. The Ténéré 700, which is ahead of the pack, cannot rest on its laurels, but new developments are likely to be seen in Japan as well.
Sonoauto Yamaha colors would be a collector's item.
Launched in Japan in 2020, the Tenere 700 has been enthusiastically received by core fans for its simple equipment and unparalleled off-road riding performance. Yamaha will have the next surprise for the fans who love its attitude of taking the ride even if the foot grounding is disadvantageous.
That is the Japan release of the Ténéré 700 Rally Edition, which has been available in Europe since 2020. The 2022 model has been replaced by a red strobe Heritage White but is likely to be released in Sky Blue, reminiscent of Sonauto Yamaha's Paris-Dakar Rally glory and the TX600 Ténéré.
The Ténéré 700 Rally Edition to be released in Europe will feature not only a special heritage color, but also a 20mm taller exclusive rally seat, 4mm thick aluminum skid plates, and an Akrapovic slip-on exhaust system, but it is unclear to what extent this will be replicated in Japan.
Yamaha has already displayed the Japanese version of the Ténéré 700 Rally Edition Editor's Temporary Name at events around Japan, and research seems to be well underway. The motorcycle on display is not expected to be completely equal to the European version, as the rally seat has not been adopted.
The expected arrival date is early 2023, so we will first wait for Yamaha's announcement.
YAMAHA 2021 Ténéré 700 Rallye Edition European version. The blue body with black strobes is the heritage color.
It boasts luxurious equipment, but the Japanese version's equipment is unknown.
YAMAHA 1983 XT600 Ténéré. A commemorative model evolved from the XT500, which won the Paris-Dakar Rally twice in a row in 1979 and 1981 and was named after the African desert place Ténéré.
The Ténéré 700 Rally Edition runs alongside the XT500 when France-based Sonauto Yamaha competes in the Paris-Dakar Rally. The worldview that the company is aiming for is clearly shown.
Yamaha is displaying a concept vehicle with a blue exterior, which Rally Edition adopted for the Suzuka 8-Hours endurance race in August and Motorcycle Day 2022 in October.
The Ténéré 700, which measures 875mm in its normal form, is not equipped with a high seat, as expected, but the exhibited motorcycle was equipped with equipment similar to the European Rally Edition. What about the production version?
Main Specifications of the 2022 Ténéré 700 in Japan (reference)
Overall Length x Overall Width x Overall Height: 2370 x 905 x 1455 mm
Wheelbase: 1595mm
Seat height: 875mm
Weight: 205 kg
Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke, in-line 2-cylinder, DOHC 4-valve, 688cc
Maximum output: 73 PS at 9000 rpm
Maximum torque:6.9 kg-m at 6500 rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 16 liters
Transmission: 6-speed return
Brakes: F=W disc, R=disc
Tires: F=90/90-21, R=150/70R18
Price: (approx.) 9175 USD