While the launch of any new Yamaha is enough to pique any motorcycle enthusiast’s interest, even by its high standards the Yamaha Tenere 700 has been a huge success for the brand… so much so that the range could be about to expand.
Looking to capitalise on the buzz of the Tenere 700, which has won plaudits from media for its versatility, excellent value and go-anywhere ability, Fabrizio Corsi – Yamaha’s Product Communications Manager – has hinted that if there is enough public demand then a small displacement variant could be in the pipeline.
Speaking to Motorciclismo, Corsi says Yamaha are looking at ways to broaden the scope of small-to-mid displacement offering, a segment that is growing as buyers look for lighter and better value alternatives today.
This is especially true in Europe, where mainland manufacturers like BMW and KTM are cited by Corsi as examples of models that have generated buzz, such as the respective G 130 GS and the 390 Adventure.
“It’s hard to talk about future models. Yamaha presented the 700, it already had the 1200 in its range, it’s clear we are attentive to what the market will want. Recently, products like BMW and KTM have arrived that have attracted attention in this segment, it is obvious that is there is a demand from our customers we will be ready to satisfy it.
“Almost all brands are present in these segments now. KTM with Duke was the first to open the naked 125 market, but slowly everyone is arriving. The same goes for the 300, where some manufacturers have ventured into small displacements for the first time ever. Basically, there is not just one reference competitor, we deal with everyone.”
How likely is a Yamaha Tenere 300?
From a practical standpoint, there is absolutely the potential for a small displacement Tenere, drawing on the platform of the MT-03 and R3 running gear that already exists.
What Corsi intimates is whether there is a market appetite for a small displacement, go-anywhere Japanese machine, but given the Yamaha Tenere 700 already doing a fantastic job for the company in the sales charts on the mainland, the incentive is seemingly there to increase the range.
It would also be a boost for the Tenere nameplate and give it a solid footing across the market in much the same way Adventure or GS have done for KTM and BMW.
