The Yamaha Tenere 700 Raid Prototype gets some serious tweaks in the engine, chassis, and brakes departmentYamaha Motor

Yamaha Tenere 700 Raid Prototype unveiled at 2021 EICMA

The Yamaha Tenere 700 Raid Prototype hints at a spruced up version of the motorcycle with added capabilities

There’s just so many interesting products being showcased at the 2021 EICMA Motor Show, but let’s focus on the Yamaha Tenere 700 Raid Prototype for now. The Japanese bikemaker has unveiled a prototype for an even more rally focused version of the famous Tenere 700, with mechanical bits and accessories from the Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing (GYTR) parts suite. The success of the Tenere in global markets comes down to the fact that it offers a raw experience of adventure biking with next to zero electronic wizardry, coupled with Japanese reliability and great scope for customisation. While this may just be a prototype for now, it seems that Yamaha is keeping its eyes and ears open.

The 48mm USD forks receive an extra 60mm of travelYamaha Motor Europe

The Yamaha Tenere 700 Raid Prototype also gets a larger braking setup than the standard Tenere 700Yamaha Motor Europe

So what exactly is the buzz around the Yamaha Tenere 700 Raid Prototype? Well, the main thing to know is that the Raid Prototype has received some serious tweaks to the engine and suspension. Let’s start with the suspension first. The long-travel adjustable suspension from Kayaba has been tweaked extensively — the 43mm USD forks have been replaced by 48mm USD forks, while the rear monoshock now features a revised linkage. Suspension travel on both ends has gone up by 60mm, with the front and rear travel now measuring 270mm and 260mm respectively.

The braking system has also changed on both ends, with the Raid Prototype receiving a 300mm single-disc setup at the front as opposed to the 282mm dual-disc setup on the standard Tenere. Similarly the rear now features a larger 267mm oversize disc setup over the standard Tenere’s 245mm disc. The front brake master cylinder has also been given an upgrade and Yamaha has equipped the Raid Prototype with racing brake pads.

The Raid Prototype comes with the Akrapovic full-titanium exhaustYamaha Motor Europe

Moving over to the engine, which has also received some extensive upgrades. While Yamaha hasn’t released any power and torque figures, what we do know is that Raid Prototype receives a high performance airbox and a new filter, along with an oversize radiator with two cooling fans. Yamaha has also given it a 48 teeth final drive sprocket, a heavy-duty clutch from Rekluse, a new oil cooler, a new ECU from the GYTR parts bin, and a full-titanium Akrapovic exhaust.

Two fuel tanks in the front and two at the rear to make sure you can really go the extra mileYamaha Motor Europe

Out goes the vertical TFT screen, which is replaced by this rally screenYamaha Motor Europe

Some more important changes in the Yamaha Tenere 700 Raid Prototype — the inclusion of four fuel tanks — two main ones at the front, and two auxiliary units at the rear so you can take on those marathon stages. The Raid Prototype also receives a rally screen instead of the vertical digital instrument cluster seen on the standard Tenere 700, along with navigation system from RNS, a carbonfibre bash plate, and a rally seat.

It could be a long, long time before the Raid Prototype becomes a realityYamaha Motor Europe

The Yamaha Tenere 700 Raid Prototype is certainly an interesting proposition, with a production version possibly making an appearance in the near future. However, in terms of an India launch, it might still be quite a while away considering the fact that we still haven’t gotten the regular Tenere 700 here yet! There is certainly a case for the Tenere 700 to make its way here, but until then we can just wait and watch. Meanwhile, do stay tuned because we will bring you more news from the 2021 EICMA Motor Show.

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