Yamaha’s rally raid Tenere

Words and images courtesy Yamaha

In the early 1980s, Yamaha launched a bike to start a whole new movement in motorcycling…

With its big tank, rugged engine and versatile chassis, the original XT600 Ténéré made long-distance adventures a reality. This was achievable for anyone with the desire to discover new landscapes and different ways of life!

Developed by Jean-Claude Olivier from the XT500 enduro bike Cyril Neveu rode to victory in the first two Paris-Dakar rallies in 1979 and 1980, the XT600 Ténéré single-cylinder machine would change the world. It came to symbolise the “spirit of adventure” of Yamaha.

The bike was genuinely revolutionary and boasted a 600cc engine, a big 30-litre fuel tank, and the first front disc brake on a Yamaha off-road model. Additionally, it featured a bell-crank Monocross suspension and an aluminium swingarm.

While the XT600 was a landmark machine, it was the arrival of the more powerful production twin-cylinder XTZ750 Super Ténéré in 1989 that was significant.

The factory YZE750T race version at the Dakar in 1990 signified the beginning of Yamaha’s golden era in Rally.

In 1991, Stéphane Peterhansel rode the YZE750T to the first of his six motorbike Paris-Dakar titles. Yamaha secured a podium lockout for the first time.

This bike would be developed into the factory YZE850T in 1992 and, later, the production XTZ850R & XTZ850TRX. As a result, Yamaha dominated the Paris-Dakar during the 1990s, winning six of the next seven races.

Peterhansel cemented his legacy by storming to victory in 1992, 1993, 1995, 1997, and 1998. Meanwhile, Edi Orioli secured the crown in 1996, all on factory YZE850Ts.

The know-how and technology Yamaha gained in its Paris-Dakar Rally challenge were later applied to the XT660Z Ténéré and XT1200Z Super Ténéré models. These models eventually established the Ténéré brand name of Yamaha machines.

Ténéré in the Tuareg languages of North Africa means ‘desert’. The Ténéré Yamaha Rally Team will continue the name’s legacy by competing on a twin-cylinder bike. It is based upon the GYTR-kitted Ténéré 700 World Rally.

This special edition is the latest long-distance adventure motorcycle from Yamaha.

It has the power to change the way you explore our planet.

Not only does it feature the iconic factory colourway raced to victory at the Dakar in 1993 by Peterhansel – but its high specification includes a lightweight Akrapovi? slip-on muffler, as well as special long-travel forks. It also includes wheels and a flat rally seat finished in black.

This premium adventure bike is the most sophisticated model in the Yamaha Adventure range.

With its 23-litre dual fuel tanks, famous big-torque 690cc CP2 engine, best-in-class KYB suspension, and connected TFT meter, the Ténéré 700 World Rally is ready for any adventure.

Plus, now the technology developed while taking on some of the toughest races in the world is available directly to you. This is made possible via three exclusive GYTR tuning kits created in conjunction with the Ténéré Yamaha Rally Team. These kits combine to produce the ultimate off-road Ténéré.

PERFORMANCE KIT

The Performance Kit has been developed for easy installation and features a GYTR rally seat and footrest set!

While a full titanium exhaust system from Akrapovi?, a GYTR air filter kit and a GYTR ECU maximise both power and torque for ultimate performance.

HANDLING KIT

The Handling Kit further elevates the Ténéré’s handling and off-road stability with race-developed 48mm KYB front forks. This features a new GYTR triple clamp for installation and a Paoili shock absorber. Both are optimised for rally conditions.

A Scott Performance steering damper refines steering control, while GYTR rally-spec wheels reduce the bike’s overall weight.

To complete the kit, performance is boosted through a new braking system, a larger radiator featuring a special GYTR radiator guard, and a separate oil cooler.

RALLY KIT

The Rally Kit is the ultimate package for adventure riders aiming to push the limits. It incorporates large-capacity fuel tanks at the front, a transparent window for easy fuel checks, and race filler caps for rapid refuelling.

A GYTR handlebar kit comes with a quick-action throttle assembly, hand guards, and brackets to allow personal navigation equipment usage.

Additionally, this kit boasts a race-spec headlight tower to increase visibility in the dark, a new polycarbonate screen, a GYTR carbon fibre skid plate and a sticker kit. These align your Ténéré with the race machines ridden by Pol Tarrés and Alessandro Botturi.

No other Adventure bike comes close to matching the pure racing heritage of the legendary Yamaha Ténéré.

Not only did it enable a whole new breed of moto adventurers to live their dreams – but it also inspired many riders to compete in the world’s toughest Rally events…

For more Racing News, head to SuperBike Magazine – Racing Category !