Ryan Nitzen | November 23, 2021
As more and more new bikes get announced at this year’s EICMA, one that really caught our eye is the 2022 Yamaha Tenere 700 Raid Prototype. Before you get your hopes up, yes, this bike is still a prototype, but it does look strikingly similar to a hopped-up Tenere 700.
The Yamaha Tenere 700 is a solid contender in the middle-weight adventure bike market. It is definitely more of an off-road-focused model, comparable to the KTM 890, Honda’s Africa Twin, and so on. This is by far one of the fastest-growing segments in the industry, so no surprise to see big blue playing around with a spruced-up version of an already popular machine.
The Raid prototype looks to be outfitted with about every part from the GYTR accessories catalog. A full titanium Akrapovič exhaust system, oil cooler, oversized brakes, and race-ready suspension are just the tip of the iceberg on the spec sheet. Photos also show a large dash with full road-book navigation display. In short, the bike looks like Yamaha said “Hmm, if we were to race the Dakar on a Tenere, what would we throw at it?”. This purpose-built machine is still just a prototype but it definitely makes us wonder what the future of adventure riding, or racing, could bring.
Engine
GYTR ECU
Full Akrapovič titanium race exhaust
High performance airbox and filter
48 teeth final drive sprocket
Oversize radiator
Dual cooling fans
New water pump cover
New oil cooler
Rekluse heavy duty clutch
Two-piece clutch cover
Suspension
48 mm long travel front forks – 10.6 inch
CNC triple clamps
New long travel rear shock – 10.2 inch
New rear suspension linkage
Brakes
300mm front disc
Racing brake pads
Upgraded front brake master cylinder
Oversize 267 mm rear disc
Steel braided front and rear brake lines
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