Motorcycle specifications Yamaha700 Ténéré Rally 2021 Tracking the trail

The Rally version of the 700 Ténéré is back. Presented as an additional pack in 2019, the term synonymous with epic (or less epic) treks becomes more consequential from 2020. The bike asserts itself with a specific color scheme, then takes on equipment almost identical to that of the previous year. Plumage to match the ramage?

With this bike, Yamaha has returned to the spirit of the trail, with the joy of riding on asphalt or gravel without question. In Rally mode, it's even more believable. The equipment is committed to it, and the presentations are not shy.

The Rally livery for 2020 completely eclipses modern or neo-retro colors, proudly displaying the blue and yellow typical of the great Paris-Dakar era. The Speedblock design returns on the sides. The XT 600s crossing the sand, the 750 Super Ténéré racing to multiple victories, and the impressive prototypes with 4-cylinder FZ engines piloted by Jean-Claude Olivier himself all come back to life.

No mechanical overkill here, but the excellent CP2 twin from the MT-07s. With the Akrapovic muffler that Yam has fitted, it will show a little more grunt, but its more pleasant sound will go hand in hand with improved performance. The appendage lifts the load by 2.3 kilos, adds up to 1.7 kW to the power curve and boosts torque by a further 2.3 Nm.

the seat plays an important role in off-road riding. This is why we've designed a special seat, flatter and 20 mm higher, to give you greater control over your riding and make it easier to switch from sitting to standing. Protective pads on the thighs enhance the riding experience, giving greater control when the bike skids less against the knees.
However, with a seat height of 895 mm, smaller riders will have to make some effort when boarding and stopping.

LED indicators add a touch of fun. The TT grips give more grip to the hands, and the Ténéré 700 Rally's on-board protection efforts make it more of an everyday adventurer. A much stronger, larger and 4 mm thick skid plate is fitted under the engine. The radiator is protected by an aluminum grille, while the chain is encased in a laser-cut casing (also in aluminum).
Some will find that a tubular roll bar to secure the sides would have been a good idea, while others will feel that the skid plate will do the job adequately.

The Yamaha Ténéré 700 Rally comes with a hefty price tag. Almost 12,000 francs for a medium-displacement trail bike! Gone are the days when an XT was cheaper than a CB 500, but the claims are no longer the same.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos