World Rally edition Yamaha Ténéré celebrates Dakar wins

The Ténéré was first introduced in 1983 and thanks to Yamaha’s strong performances at the epic rally, which included winning the first ever edition in 1979 with the XT500 before Peterhansel would go on to claim a total of six victories with Yamaha between 1991 and 1998, has become a mainstay at the top of the adventure bike sector.

The World Rally will pay tribute to the Dakar successes and previous Ténéré models, with none more obvious than the factory colour scheme reminiscent of that which adorned Peterhansel’s Dakar-winning bike in 1993. There’s more than just a lick of paint that sets the World Rally apart from the rest of the Ténéré range, including long-travel KYB suspension and lightweight Akrapovič slip-on muffler. 23-litre dual fuel tanks, as debuted on the World Raid, help increase the range, while a revised flat two-piece improves rider comfort.

Öhlins steering dampers, with 18 clicks of adjustment, offers improved handling across rugged terrain as well as an aluminium piggyback rear shock, providing 220mm of travel. A 5-inch colour TFT screen comes with three switchable styles, including digital, analogue and roadbook, while smartphone connectivity allows utilisation of the Yamaha MyRide App. Finally, ABS is available in three levels – adjustable to provide ABS to both wheels, the front wheel only or no ABS to either wheels.

The rest of the bike is no different to what you’d find on the World Raid edition, launched last year. The Ténéré 700 World Rally model jumps in right at the top of the range, and comes with a price tag of £13,000 and will be available from mid-June. Other models in the range are the £11,910 World Raid, the £11,410 Rally edition and the standard Ténéré 700, which starts at £10,110.