The adventure bike market has been buzzing lately, and for good reason. Yamaha has just taken a serious leap forward with the GYTR Ténéré 700, a purpose-built machine developed through its high-performance division—Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing (GYTR).
This is not your average dual-sport motorcycle. This is a rally-ready, off-road-devouring beast fine-tuned for riders who demand the very best in performance, endurance, and agility.
If you’re looking to elevate your adventure riding to true Dakar-level extremes, the Yamaha GYTR Ténéré 700 could be your ultimate weapon.
What Is the GYTR Ténéré 700?
The GYTR Ténéré 700 is not an entirely new motorcycle but rather a highly refined, race-oriented kit designed to transform Yamaha’s popular Ténéré 700 into a professional-grade rally bike. This upgrade isn’t just cosmetic—it’s mechanical, ergonomic, and performance-focused from top to bottom.
Every component is engineered for competitive off-road use, drawing on years of Yamaha rally heritage and technical experience.
Key Features of the GYTR Kit
Let’s dive into the standout upgrades that make this machine so exciting for serious adventurers:
1. Expanded Fuel Capacity
One of the most notable changes is the increase in fuel range. With twin front tanks and a rear-mounted auxiliary tank, the bike now holds a staggering 37.6 liters of fuel. For anyone riding remote routes or tackling long stages in rally events, that’s a game-changer. You get the range without needing to strap on jerry cans or stop frequently for refueling.
2. Professional-Grade Suspension
Suspension can make or break an off-road ride, and Yamaha has spared no expense here. The GYTR kit includes 48mm KYB closed-cartridge front forks offering 270mm of travel—perfect for rough, unpredictable terrain. In the rear, a Paioli shock absorber provides 300mm of movement, ensuring maximum comfort and stability even on the most brutal rally stages.
This system is designed to soak up punishing impacts, keeping the bike balanced and responsive while minimizing fatigue on long rides.
3. Braking Overhaul for Weight Savings
Rather than using twin front discs, Yamaha has opted for a single oversized rotor, coupled with a high-performance racing master cylinder. This change reduces unsprung weight, making the bike more agile while maintaining strong braking performance.
The result? An overall weight saving of 8 kilograms (18 pounds) compared to the base Ténéré 700—a big deal for technical riding.
4. Ergonomic Refinements for Long Rides
Riders will immediately notice the ergonomic upgrades:
- High, wide handlebars for better leverage and comfort.
- Wider foot pegs that provide more control and reduce fatigue.
- A custom rally seat that’s not only thicker but also flatter, ideal for quick weight shifts in technical terrain.
- A full rally tower built to house navigation equipment and accessories used in actual rally races.
Everything is designed for day-long comfort, stability, and control in tough environments.
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A True Rally Cockpit
The cockpit of the GYTR Ténéré 700 has been transformed into a professional navigation hub. The rally tower includes mounts for roadbooks, navigation gear, and digital screens—essential for serious rally competition. It’s functional, rugged, and optimized for quick glances while riding at high speeds through challenging terrain.
This isn’t just a tech upgrade; it’s a nod to Yamaha’s rally DNA.
Built for the Hardcore Rider
Make no mistake—this isn’t a beginner’s motorcycle. The GYTR Ténéré 700 is made for riders who push boundaries, those who want to explore the unknown without hesitation.
With a long-travel suspension, increased fuel capacity, and refined ergonomics, it’s built for:
- Desert crossings
- Mountain expeditions
- Forest trails
- Rally competitions
- Hardcore overlanding trips
It’s as comfortable bombing through open terrain as it is navigating technical sections that would leave most bikes struggling.
Not Street Legal—And That’s the Point
It’s important to note that the GYTR version is not street-legal in many regions. This kit is intended for off-road and closed-course competition use only. That said, it serves as a platform for adventure riders to customize their Ténéré for specific needs—whether that’s rally racing, long-distance off-roading, or technical trail riding.
If you’re craving a bike that performs like a rally race machine, this is as close as you’ll get without entering the Dakar Rally yourself.
What Does This Mean for Adventure Riders?
The arrival of the GYTR kit signals Yamaha’s commitment to its adventure riding community. With more riders pushing the limits of what’s possible, there’s been a growing demand for bikes that can take serious abuse while offering performance, reliability, and comfort.
The GYTR Ténéré 700 answers that call, acting as both a blueprint and an inspiration for DIY builders and pro racers alike.
Customization and Upgrade Potential
The beauty of the GYTR Ténéré 700 lies in its modularity. Riders can pick and choose elements of the kit, tailoring their build to suit their budget and specific riding style.
Want just the suspension and brakes? No problem. Need the full tank setup for long-distance riding? That’s available too. This flexibility means you can build the ultimate adventure machine without compromising on features you actually need.
The Yamaha Legacy Behind the GYTR Name
GYTR—Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing—isn’t just a branding exercise. It’s the same division responsible for supporting Yamaha’s professional race efforts around the world. From motocross to rally raid, GYTR knows what it takes to build machines that win championships.
When Yamaha applies this knowledge to its adventure lineup, the results are nothing short of extraordinary.
GYTR Ténéré 700 vs. Standard Ténéré 700: Key Differences
| Feature | Standard Ténéré 700 | GYTR Ténéré 700 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Capacity | 16 liters | 37.6 liters |
| Suspension | Standard KYB | KYB 48mm Closed Cartridge |
| Brakes | Dual Disc Front | Single Oversized Disc |
| Weight | ~204 kg | ~186 kg |
| Rally Tower | Not included | Included |
| Seat | Standard dual seat | Rally-style padded seat |
| Off-Road Focus | Moderate adventure use | Full rally-level performance |
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
If you’re a serious adventure rider or someone eyeing competitive rally events, the Yamaha GYTR Ténéré 700 is in a class of its own. This isn’t just a bike—it’s a platform designed to empower riders to push further, ride harder, and explore deeper than ever before.
Whether you’re prepping for a rally, building the ultimate off-road tourer, or simply want the best performance package Yamaha has to offer, the GYTR kit transforms the capable Ténéré 700 into a true off-road titan.
