Mark Holgate
Following the huge success of the Ténéré 700, Yamaha is launching a World Raid edition, with the long distance adventure bike designed to offer a whole new horizon to everyone who has the spirit of adventure in their soul.
Due to arrive in Australian dealerships in the first quarter of 2023, the Ténéré World Raid will be available in Blue and Midnight Black, and is equipped with the model’s most advanced specification to date, including state-of-the-art suspension.
New 23-litre dual side-mounted fuel tanks are designed to bring peace of mind on the longest trips, and eliminate anxiety, thanks to an estimated 500km potential range. The unique twin side-mounted design offers a number of significant advantages too.
By having two separate tanks that are positioned lower, and locating the fuel pump in a lower position in one of the tanks, the bike’s centre of gravity can be kept almost the same as with the existing Ténéré 700, that has a 16-litre tank .
The vehicle mass is further centralised, with an ideal weight distribution between front and rear. An important feature of this new layout is that the highest point on the new twin side-mounted tanks is lower than the top of the tank on the standard Ténéré 700.
This reduces the height difference between the tank and seat to give a much flatter profile for increased rider mobility and easier front/rear weight shifting when riding off road. Fuel movement is also limited, giving benefit, especially while cornering.
As well as the reduced height of the new dual tank design, the Ténéré 700 World Raid also benefits from a 890 mm high seat that gives a much flatter profile for a smoother transition between the seat and tank.
The new 5.0-incn colour TFT screen is linked with the bike’s communication control unit, which talks to the MyRide app, giving connectivity in the form of text messages and incoming call notifications that are displayed on the instrument panel.
Mobile battery status is displayed as soon as a connection is established too. This connectivity and the ability to identify any technical issues that need rectifying, provides added peace of mind and reassurance to adventure riders.
For optimal controllability in varying riding conditions, the new Ténéré 700 World Raid is also equipped with three-mode ABS that can be selected when the bike is stationary, via a specific menu, operated by the right handle switch.
For refined off road handling, the suspension system on the Ténéré 700 World Raid features a number of significant upgrades. Newly designed 43mm KYB front forks give 230mm of wheel travel – 20mm more than the Ténéré 700.
That translates to increased shock absorption potential on rough terrain, with the new forks equipped with a spring preload adjuster, in addition to rebound and compression damping adjusters and air bleeding screw.
For increased durability with reduced internal friction, the longer travel front forks
feature a resilient Kashima coating applied on the outer tube, with a distinctive dark bronze colour, while lightweight internal components are used to minimise weight.
For better controllability – particularly in off road situations – an Öhlins steering damper is fitted as standard. The rear suspension has also been upgraded, and features a revised linkage design with a piggyback type shock absorber with longer stroke.
Under the hood, as it were, Yamaha’s iconic 689 cc liquid-cooled in-line two cylinder engine is the driving force behind the new Ténéré 700 World Raid. It features a 270-degree crankshaft that gives it a characteristic uneven firing sequence.
This ‘cross-plane concept’ CP2 engine is renowned for its strong linear torque output as well as its ultra-responsive and easily controllable performance that makes it so enjoyable and rewarding to ride at all speeds.
Already proven, this engine is one of Yamaha’s most legendary powerplants, with more than 221,000 CP2-engined units sold since introduction. The Ténéré 700 family has a new air cleaner box, specifically designed to handle the extreme off road terrain too.
The airbox has been equipped with a forward-facing intake duct that is designed to prevent ingress of dust and debris thrown up by the rear wheel. For additional wind protection on long distance adventures, the bike is also fitted with a 15mm taller screen.
Easy-to-remove side deflectors, and LED flashers are original equipment. New larger footrests underline a close attention to detail by designers too. The larger surface area gives greater grip for the rider’s boots.
It also prevents mud and sand build up, and the removable rubber inserts improve the boot/peg stability in wet conditions. For increased protection when riding off road, the bike is also fitted with a new three-piece aluminium engine guard.
This helps to prevent accidental damage caused by rocks, stones and any other debris. Likewise, 250mm ground clearance and a new radiator grille ensures the radiator maintains its high levels of cooling efficiency during off road riding.
There’s no confirmation of Australian pricing as yet, but further information is available from your local Yamaha dealer.
This article was first published on Exhaust Notes Australia.
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