YAMAHA has created a prototype motorcycle from its T7 concept, which was revealed to much admiration last year.
The Ténéré 700 World Raid prototype has been unveiled tonight at Yamaha’s pre-EICMA press conference, bringing the bike one step closer to reality – much to many adventure riders’ delight.
And it appears Yamaha believe the model will reinvent the adventure market, with the manufacturer stating: ‘Featuring the rugged rally-inspired character of the original T7 concept bike, and developed using the information gained from intensive testing of the T7 during 2017, this lightweight adventure bike is unlike anything else on offer in the market place.’
The Dakar-inspired model features a specially developed version of the MT-07’s 689cc 2-cylinder crossplane engine, which boasts a compact design and linear torque delivery.
Yamaha claims the powerful unit will provide strong performance both on road and off, with its low weight and mass centralised layout making for extremely agile handling. The fine-tuned steel chassis, upside down front forks and rear monoshock also promise refined handling.
The prototype wears a custom-made rally-style Akrapovič exhaust and carbon fibre side panels, front fenders and a one-piece rear tail, which reinforce its rugged looks.
A spacious cockpit allows ample room for a rally tower, while a Dakar-esque 4-projector headlight assembly gives the Ténéré 700 World Raid prototype a powerful face.
Yamaha has referred to it as ‘a prototype model which is being used to develop the final specification of the production model,’ suggesting that the real deal isn’t far off.
But first, the model will be put to the ultimate test during 2018, as a group of Yamaha test riders take on a challenging world circumnavigation made up of tough adventure stages, which will ‘enable fans in America, Australia, Africa and Europe to see, feel and hear the future of adventure riding’.
