Over at the EICMA moto-show in Milan, Yamaha’s just taken the wraps off a new prototype rally raid-style bike, based off the Tenere 700 adventure machine.
Here’s what we know—Yamaha threw the GYTR parts list at this bike, with factory upgrades including new ECU, Akrapvic race exhaust, high-performance airbox and air filter, oversized radiator, dual cooling fans, Rekluse clutch, new oil cooler and other parts at the engine. The front suspension gets long-travel 48 mm forks, with 270 mm travel, and CNC triple clamps. In back, the new long-travel shock (260 mm travel) also gets a new linkage. There’s a new high-spec 300 mm front brake disc, new brake pads, new front master cylinder and lever, new 267 mm rear disc, stainless brake hoses and some other changes.
Here’s what we don’t know—Where exactly does Yamaha plan to run this thing? The press release implies it’s intended for racing, but currently, World Cross Country Rallies championship riders are on 450 factory bikes, and the Dakar Rally restricts teams to 450 singles. Is there change coming to Dakar, or did Yamaha just build this for enthusiasts, people racing events like the Baja series? Or, will the Raid edition ever actually make production? Stay tuned, this bike may hint at further changes to the world of rally racing.
