speed box , specific suspension , mass centering , tanks , oil capacity increase , electric beam , etc ... But the performance and reliability equation remained very fine , and we had to recognise , after the Dakar 2021 , that we were at the end of the possible development of this machine .”
Things looked promising in the 2022 edition of Dakar with Frenchman , Adrien Van Beveren taking fourth place overall and Andrew Short in eighth , yet it wasn ’ t enough and after 44 consecutive Dakar ’ s , the BluCru has been pulled .
“ For two years , we have understood that to take a competitive march , we needed a motorcycle , and especially an engine adapted to [ the ] discipline ,” shrugged Seynes suggesting that the commitment wasn ’ t there from Japan , citing that the market for rally bikes is only strong in Europe .
It ’ s believed another deciding factor for Yamaha ’ s head office is that the Dakar continues to only be run in Saudi Arabia despite promises from organisers that this wouldn ’ t be the case and that it would spread into other countries and potential markets . “ It ’ s a shame ,” sighed Seynes . Ironically , Seynes did point out that Yamaha is committed to the continued development and sales of its adventure and rally styled bikes like the Ténéré and the just recently released Raid edition .
“ Yamaha ’ s commitment to Rally Raid events with motorcycles is not over ,” stressed de Seynes . “ Our future engagement must have a closer connection to our customers and their aspirations , developing further the Ténéré 700 potential towards a direction which will enable them to rediscover the more adventurous side of Rallies .”
Could we indeed see a racing version of the Ténéré ? Seynes hinted that the future of the rallyraid program will be announced ‘ in a few months ’. TRAVERSE
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