TRAVERSE Issue 29 - April 2022 | Page 79

TRAVERSE 79
dark bronze colour , while lightweight fork internal components are used in order to minimise weight , despite the longer stroke .
For better controllability – particularly in off road riding situations – an Öhlins steering damper is fitted as standard equipment . Mounting position is close to the top triple clamp , allowing the rider to quickly adjust the unit to his preferred levels of feel and feedback on a variety of terrain , thanks to 18 different damping settings .
The rear suspension has also been upgraded to match the new front forks , and features a revised linkage design with a piggyback type shock absorber with longer stroke . The rear suspension ’ s damping characteristics , spring rate and linkage ratios have all been optimised in order to give a comfortable ride on the road together with the ability to take some hard hits during off road exploration .
For consistent damping performance the new shock features an aluminium body for good heat dissipation , while the separate piggyback type oil reservoir prevents cavitation – and like the forks , the new shock gives 20mm more wheel travel , and is fully adjustable for spring preload , as well as compression and rebound damping .
A new rubber bumper has been introduced as well to increase performance on energy absorption in case of bottoming .
Yamaha ’ s iconic 689 cc liquid-cooled in-line twocylinder engine is the driving force behind the new Ténéré 700 World Raid . Featuring a 270 ° crankshaft that gives it a characteristic uneven firing sequence , this
‘ crossplane concept ’ CP2 engine is renowned for its strong linear torque output as well as its ultraresponsive and easily-controllable performance that makes it so enjoyable and rewarding to ride at all speeds . Compact dimensions and low weight make the CP2 unit ideal for the demands and requirements of adventure riding – and with a linear torque delivery providing plenty of low to mid-range pulling power , this rugged , reliable and economical engine is particularly suited to the varied on and off road terrain typically encountered by adventure riders . Already proven with the best-selling Ténéré 700 , this engine is one of Yamaha ’ s most legendary powerplants , with more than 221,000 CP2-engined units sold since introduction .
The Ténéré 700 family has a new air cleaner box , specifically designed to handle the extreme off road terrain that this long distance adventure bike is built for . The Ténéré airbox has been equipped with a forwardfacing intake duct that is designed to prevent ingress of dust and debris thrown up by the rear wheel .
Higher windscreen , easy-to-remove side deflectors , LED flashers and front cowling .
For additional wind protection on long distance adventures the bike is fitted with a 15 mm taller screen with easy-to-remove side deflectors , and LED flashers are original equipment .
The front panels surrounding the radiator and the interior panel around cockpit area are manufactured from tough fibre glass composite material . These are designed to be able to handle rugged off road riding . Yamaha ’ s designers have developed the Ténéré 700 World Raid to the highest specification without compromise . New larger footrests underline this close attention to detail . The larger surface area gives greater grip for the rider ’ s boots , and also reduces pressure on the soles when riding on extreme terrain . A larger surface area also prevents mud and sand build up , and the removable rubber inserts improve the boot / peg stability in wet conditions .
By removing the rubbers inserts , the footpegs become rally-race oriented components , in terms of look and performance .
For increased protection when riding off road , the bike is fitted with a new three-piece aluminium engine guard that helps to prevent accidental damage caused by rocks , stones and any other debris . Thanks to new suspensions with longer stroke , ground clearance is 250 mm .
To ensure that the radiator maintains its high levels of cooling efficiency during off road riding , a new radiator grille is fitted . Featuring vertical louvres like Yamaha ’ s off road competition models , this new grille is designed to protect the radiator from debris thrown up by the front wheel .
TRAVERSE 79