TRAVERSE Issue 09 - December 2018 | Page 69

THE COVERS ARE OFF ... YAMAHA TÉNÉRÉ 700 The covers have finally been lifted from the long-awaited yamaha Ténéré 700. Revealed at the 2018 eicma motorcycle show in milan, italy, yamaha are hopeful that the 689cc machine will re-establish yamaha at the top of the adventure market. The “slim, compact” body is designed to be something that provides maximum confidence to the rider on both dirt and tarmac. It gives the rider the ability to shift body weight to wherever it’s needed along the flat 880mm high seat. In fact, the Ténéré is more akin to a full enduro bike than an adventure tourer. The 689cc parallel twin is said to be second to none, with useable power and torque providing instant response and acceleration. Yamaha say the Ténéré 700 has great fuel economy that allows the rider to travel great distance between fuel stops. Yamaha have sat the engine within a double cradle frame that is not only narrow, but light weight and rigid. They say it is one of the best handling bikes of its type. Perhaps due to the rather compact 1590mm wheelbase. A 240mm ground clearance lets the rider take on most obstacles. The Ténéré 700 has the look of a racer, a direct link to the yamaha factory racing machines. It’s an imposing look and suits the overall styling of the bike. Behind the four headlights and the rally style screen sits a cockpit that too looks like it has been taken straight from a rac- ing machine. The rider looks straight at a view that would be home on any dakar machine. Front and rear suspension is fully adjustable with the rear preload able to be adjusted on the fly to maximise the perfect setting for comfort or adventure. Combined with the front suspension yamaha say they have a bike that is the TRAVERSE 69