Yamaha to Compete in Ténéré 700 World Raid at Africa Eco Race

Yamaha is back in the headlines in the world of racing, this time with the new middleweight adventure bike taking centre stage, following the unveiling of a higher-spec Ténéré 700 World Raid production model and the unexpected announcement of their factory team’s exit from Dakar after 44 years of competition.

With the new Ténéré 700 World Raid machine, the Japanese company has indicated that it would be stepping up from its WR450 enduro race motorcycles to rally racing. The production model will be available soon. The race-focused rally bike will compete in the Africa Eco Race, a 12-stage rally that will run from Monaco to Dakar, Senegal, from October 15 to October 30, 2022.

Yamaha wants to “prove the exceptional DNA of the new Ténéré World Raid, as well as prepare an extensive customer programme that aims to support the racing spirit of Ténéré customers participating in national activities all the way up to international long distance Rally Raid events,” according to the company. This is a fantastic chance for Yamaha to show off the Ténéré World Raid model, as well as for aficionados who will be able to purchase the production variant of this bike shortly.

Manuel Lucchese, an experienced Rally Raid rider and Project Manager of the Ténéré 700 prototype on which the “World Raid” model is based, will lead the Rebel X Sports Ténéré World Raid Team, which will represent Yamaha in the AER. The new T7 will be piloted by Alessandro Botturi, a seasoned Dakar racer who has won both of the event’s previous rounds. He’ll be joined by Spanish trials champion Pol Tarres, who you may recognise for his otherworldly abilities on two-wheeled motorcycles, specifically the Ténéré 700—a bike that’s proving to be one of the greatest all-around ADVs on the market.

The race-ready Ténéré 700 World Raid will be outfitted with lots of Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing (GYTR) gear, including a larger fuel tank and KYB suspension, to better withstand the high demands of the harsh terrain. The Yamaha Ténéré World Raid Team will compete in the Tunisian Desert Challenge, which comprises eight stages and spans 2,700 kilometres, from April 21 to 29. The Tunisian Desert Challenge is a crucial phase in the training of the bikes and riders for the Africa Eco Race, which will take place later this year.