Yamaha has pulled the wraps off the latest iteration of its popular small off-roader - the Yamaha Ténéré 700 World Raid - as a more practical adventure motorcycle designed to rival an influx of larger-engined models.
Launched in 2019, the Ténéré 700 was conceived to offer the go-anywhere abilities and hard-wearing mechanicals of a dedicated off-road motorcycle, but in a lighter and more compact package than many of its rivals.
It’s an approach that has seen the Ténéré 700 win a loyal and dedicated fan base since, while media reviews have been similarly effusive about its quality and value-for-money, as well as its impressive strengths in the rough stuff.
However, the limitations of its size meant a limited range too with the 16-litre fuel tank of the standard model significantly down on its rivals. Instead of developing a larger engined model though, Yamaha has instead reprofiled the Ténéré 700 to create the World Raid, distinguished by its new 23 litre tank - which is larger than that of the new Ducati DesertX and KTM 890 Adventure.
Moreover, Yamaha has achieved this with some impressive design trickery by fitting a double tank; one positioned in the conventional location and another lower down.
Cleverly, Yamaha has expanded on the size of this by making the tank twin-sided, making the top of the tank actually lower than the smaller tank on the standard Ténéré 700, enabling improved ergonomics and rider comfort. Meanwhile, the other tank has a lower centre of gravity, which improves handling and stability. Yamaha claims the Ténéré 700 World Raid is capable of 500km range.
With the dual tank design reducing its height, Yamaha has integrated a flatter seat for easier switching of rider position, while Yamaha has also incorporated a new 5” colour TFT dashboard connected to the Yamaha MyRide app.
It is designed to alert riders of any potential problems with the bike or on their route, which will no doubt provide extra reassurance for longer distance trips or when riding in unfamiliar territory.
The World Raid also features a unique touch on the TFT dashboard with three different styles of screens available - the analogue ‘Street’ look, conventional ‘Explorer’ style or the more Dakar-inspired ‘Raid’ design.
With long-distance travel at its heart, the Ténéré 700 Word Raid comes with three-mode on-road/off-road ABS, plus special KYB 43mm front forks with 230mm of travel and Öhlins steering damper.
Under the skin, the Ténéré 700 World Raid maintains the same low capacity, high-torque Yamaha 689cc CP2 two-cylinder engine featuring a 270° crankshaft engine in a crossplane concept layout.
The design, meanwhile, remains relatively unchanged from the existing Ténéré 700 with the angular, utilitarian style given an eye-catching colour twist with its blue colourway with yellow inserts in a nod to its Dakar rally raid efforts.
The Yamaha Ténéré 700 Word Raid will go on sale in May 2022, prices are TBA.
2022 Yamaha Ténéré 700 World Raid Key Features and Specs
23 litre capacity dual side-mounted fuel tanks
Flat Rally inspired two-piece seat
5” colour TFT meter with mobile notification connectivity
USB type A
3-mode switchable ABS
High specification 43 mm KYB front forks, 230 mm travel
Öhlins adjustable steering damper
Aluminium piggyback rear shock, 220 mm wheel travel
High windscreen, easy to remove side deflectors and LED flashers
Fully new cockpit area and new front cowling
New larger rider footrests with easy-to-remove rubber inserts
3-piece aluminium engine guard
New aluminium die-cast engine support
New radiator grille
Quad LED headlights, LED taillight
Position adjustable (5 mm) front mudguard
282 mm dual wave front discs, Brembo calipers, ABS
245 mm rear wave disc, Brembo caliper, ABS
High tensile steel tubular backbone/double cradle frame
Gravity cast aluminium swingarm
36-spoke lightweight aluminium wheels
Tapered aluminium handlebars
Pirelli Scorpion Rally tyres, 90/90-21 front, 150/70-18 rear
High-torque EU5 CP2 engine
Air cleaner box with forward facing intake duct
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