Yamaha have unveiled a radical off-road focused concept based on the popular Ténéré 700 that they say "is just the beginning". The Ténéré 700 has been an incredibly successful bike for Yamaha thanks to its combination of engaging engine, decent spec and competitive price. Since it was unveiled some riders have taken the Ténéré 700 to places we doubt Yamaha would have ever envisaged, including Pol Tarrés entry into the notoriously difficult off-road event Red Bull Romaniacs.

Inspired by Tarrés and others escapades, Yamaha have built a more extreme and off-road focused concept that’s been designed to thrive in the place that gave the bike its name. Arguably the biggest gains have come in the suspension department, with both front and rear stock items replaced with units from Kayaba. Not only do these bring increased adjustability they also bring 60mm extra suspension travel at either end, bumping it up to 270mm front and 260mm rear. The forks and shock now sit in custom made yokes and linkage respectively. To cope with the harsh realities of the desert Yamaha have also done some work to the engine including a new airbox and filter, oversized radiator with twin fans and added an oil cooler.

 

Internally there’s a Rekluse heavy duty clutch sat behind a two-piece clutch over while the water pump also gets a new cover. The engine in the prototype is powered by a GYTR ECU and naturally, it’s got a full titanium Akrapovic pipe. The wheels have also not escaped the off-road treatment including a switch to a single disc up front, complimented with a large disc at the rear along with racing pads.

The master cylinders have been switched out, as have the hoses, while the rear rim is now skinnier to fit the standard 140/80 rally rubber. The gearing has been lowered too with a 48-tooth rear sprocket. For the fully rally raid look the bike has also got two fuel tanks front and rear, a rally screen, carbon fibre blash plate, rally seat, a Scotts steering damper and a full complement of navigation gear from RNS.

Yamaha say that the bike will soon be ‘racing for the next horizon’ so we think we’re safe to assume that we’ll see this bike appearing in some rallies in 2022. As to whether there’s a production bike to come from this prototype, only time will tell.