While Filipino adventure seekers anxiously await the arrival of the new Yamaha Tenere 700 initially scheduled to arrive on our shores in August, the Japanese manufacturer has been quick to come up with an even hotter-looking version of this Dakar-inspired machine.
Meet the new Yamaha Tenere 700 Rally Edition. It features a special yellow and blue color scheme to pay homage to Team Blue’s race bikes that successfully competed in the grueling Dakar Rally back in the ’80s.
The large, signature Yamaha black-and-white speed block decals proudly displayed on the front side panels reinforce the motorcycle company’s historic accomplishments in the field of off-road endurance races. The gold-laced rims separate this off-road capable enduro from the standard variants.
What’s more, the beauty of the Rally Edition is more than skin-deep. Compared with its regular stablemates, it features better specs and performance parts not only to make it more agile and maneuverable in extreme conditions, but also to ensure rider comfort and safety. Right at the top of the list is the slip-on Akrapovic exhaust with carbon heat shields. This is fitted to the 689cc CP2 liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine, contributing to its rich, throaty exhaust note.
There are special grip pads where the rider would usually squeeze the tank with his knees and thighs when accelerating. The bike also comes with an exclusive one-piece rally seat, a 4mm aluminum skid plate, a chain guard and radiator protector, and off-road handlebar grips.
The first batch of Tenere 700 Rally Edition units is already on its way to Europe, while the US market will get the standard variant in July. We can only hope the delivery of our units happens on schedule. Cross your fingers.
