Renowned Japanese two-wheeler manufacturer Yamaha showcased its Tenere 700 Raid Prototype at the 2021 EICMA show in Milan, Italy. Unveiled as the more hardcore version of the successful Tenere 700, the Prototype featured an Akrapovic exhaust system. Additionally, the Tenere 700 Raid Prototype also features rally-style map rollers, special engine covers, uprated suspension, and new brakes. Meanwhile, recently leaked patents showcase that Yamaha has finally decided to put the Tenere 700 Raid Prototype into production.
The leaked patent filings for the production version of the Tenere 700 Raid showcase the powertrain and the basic underpinnings. This proves that the production version of the bike will closely resemble the regular Tenere 700 and not the radical Prototype version. According to the leaked patents, the production version will feature a larger fuel tank, a wider body, and twin fillers. Additionally, the production version is likely to feature new bodywork panels along with protruding crash bars behind the radiator shroud.
It is unclear whether the crash bars are rigidly mounted to the chassis or whether they are cosmetic add-ons. However, if it’s the former, then the crash bars can help protect the fuel tank, radiator, and bodywork from damage. The headlight from the patents seems to be from the regular Tenere 700 but with new wind deflectors and windscreen.
The patents also showcase a new instrumentation panel behind the windscreen, which may end up being a portrait-mounted TFT unit. Along with changes to the seat that allows for a more hardcore off-road riding position, the patents showcase skinnier stock tyres. It’s hard to discern the powertrain details from the patents since the Prototype showcased a 689cc, two-cylinder, cross-plane concept engine.
Yamaha has not revealed any details regarding the time of production or the expected launch date for the upcoming motorcycle. However, the leaked patents suggest that Yamaha will unveil the production-ready Tenere 700 Raid by the end of 2022. It is unlikely that Yamaha will introduce the new bike in India as it has not introduced the regular Tenere 700. Once on sale, the Tenere 700 Raid will rival the likes of the Kawasaki Versys 650 and Suzuki V-Strom 650.
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