ADVENTURE motorcycle fans have a new retro option for taking to the trails this year, as Yamaha launches the new 2023 Yamaha Ténéré 700 World Rally edition.

The striking-looking bike will be instantly recognisable to rally fans of a certain age, as it is inspired by the bike ridden by off-road racing legend Stéphane Peterhansel during the 1993 Dakar Rally. Peterhansel would land six outright Dakar victories for the Japanese brand, sealing the Ténéré name in the record books and launching hundreds of thousands of riders into daydreams of exploring far-flung lands on two wheels.

To honour this legacy, Yamaha’s latest Ténéré sits at the very top of the factory’s adventure motorcycle range, featuring the best kit, trickiest suspension, and most helpful accessories the firm could lay its hands on.

2023 Yamaha Ténéré 700 World Rally

The first point of note on the new bike is obviously the new metallic paint featuring retro-inspired graphics across the side of the fuel tank. Dig a little deeper though and there is a fair bit going on with the rest of the bike. To start with, the machine wears the 23-litre dual fuel tanks, meaning less time spent filling up and more time hurtling through the scenery. Another standout addition is the KYB 43mm forks which are fully adjustable and offer a hefty 230mm of travel. The rear shock is also upgraded over the stock Ténéré 700s, with a piggyback item providing 220mm of travel. To add some poise for rough riding at high speeds, Yamaha has included an Ohlins steering damper with 18 clicks of adjustment and a revised flat rally 2-piece seat.

Electronics on the new bike comprise a new full-colour 5” TFT screen. The system has switchable styles, allowing digital, analogue or roadbook style and Bluetooth connectivity is included so you can hook up to the Yamaha MyRide app. The ABS on the bike is also switchable, with three intervention levels. Level 1 is full ABS to both wheels, 2 is ABS to the front wheel only and 3 is no ABS to either the front or rear wheels.

The final piece to Yamaha’s latest adventure bike is the addition of a tasty-looking Akrapovi? slip-on muffler to really finish off the rear end of the bike.

2023 Yamaha Ténéré 700 World Rally Highlights

• Heritage Yamaha Rally Racing colours

• Lightweight Akrapovi? slip-on muffler

• 23-litre capacity dual side-mounted fuel tanks

• High specification 43 mm KYB front forks, 230 mm travel

• Öhlins adjustable steering damper

• Aluminium piggyback rear shock, long 220mm travel

• Dedicated 2-piece flat rally seat

• 5-inch colour TFT meter with smartphone connectivity and 3 themes

• 3-mode switchable ABS

• Dedicated World Rally side grip pads2022 Yamaha Ténéré 700 World Raid review