Yamaha goes hard core with the Ténéré 700 Raid Prototype. Detail changes to suspension, cooling and a full complement of rally equipment is included. Not for sale to the public at the moment, but will that change?

Yamaha Gets Hardcore with the Ténéré 700 Raid Prototype

When Yamaha unveiled the Ténéré 700, little could they realise how successful it would be or how extreme the paces it would be put through by its owners. It seems that the concept - that of a lightweight adventure bike with Enduro capabilities - was one that struck a chord with off-road riders around the world.

It was a toss-up between Yamaha and outside firms as to who would come up with a more hardcore version of the Ténéré 700 and, on the evidence of this prototype shown at EICMA, Yamaha has got there first.

As you would expect, it's much more off-road focussed than the standard model. The suspension is the area that has received most attention: front and rear is now equipped with Kayaba forks and shock respectively. They offer more adjustability and 60mm more travel, giving 270mm front and 260mm rear. Custom made yokes and linkages are used.

In anticipation of hot climates where the bike might be ridden, an oversize radiator with twin fans is fitted alongside an oil cooler. A heavy duty Rekluse automatic clutch is fitted as is a full titanium exhaust system from Akrapovic.

To save on unsprung weight, a single disc is used on the front wheel while a large rear disc is used on a skinnier rear rim, used to be able to fit 140/80 tyre. The rear sprocket is larger, lowering the overall gearing.

Twin fuel tanks - one at the front and one at the back - are fitted, along with a rally screen, carbon fibre blash plate, rally seat, a Scotts steering damper and a full complement of navigation gear from RNS.

While the bike will certainly be used for competition, perhaps as soon as 2022, there's no indication yet as to whether a production version will go on sale to the public. If the likes of KTM are anything to go by, then Yamaha would be scoring an own-goal by not offering it for sale to the public. KTM has proven there's a demand for hardcore enduro bikes, regardless of the price.