Rally racer! Yamaha release GYTR kits for the Ténéré 700

Yamaha have launched a series of performance kits for their popular Ténéré 700 – and they’ve been drawn directly from the factory rally racing programme. 

The GYTR (Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing) Ténéré 700 World Raid Performance Kits follow similar GYTR performance kits for bikes ranging from the Yamaha R7 and R1 superbike, to the YZ125 motocrosser. 

Three kits are available, each designed to turn the twin into ‘a true competition motorcycle with higher engine performance and a chassis tuned to deliver true rally capabilities.’ Or you can combine all three ‘to create the ultimate Ténéré 700 World Raid’. The Performance kit comprises a GYTR rally seat and footrest set, high performance GYTR ECU, billet clutch cover, Akrapovic full titanium exhaust and air filter kit. 

The Handling kit replaces the stock wheels and suspension with race-specification Haan wheels using Excel rims, race-developed, longer stroke, 48mm KYB forks plus billet triple clamps, a fully adjustable steering damper plus fully adjustable Paioli shock. 

While the Rally kit takes things further still with large-capacity fuel tanks, rally handlebars and screen, allowing the fitment of road book instruments, performance headlights and all the components required for competitive rally raids. 

Kits are available via dealers. No prices have been released. 

GYTR Ténéré 700 hinted at by Yamaha bosses

Originally published 30 September 2022 by Dan Sutherland

Yamaha Europe’s product management lead for racing has hinted that the firm are working on factory bolt-on rally-raiding extras for their Ténéré 700 range as part of their GYTR programme.

Standing for Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing, the scheme already allows on-track and motocross enthusiasts to install performance orientated parts, bodywork, and electronics.

Speaking to MCN at the recent launch of firm’s track-only R1 GYTR, Yamaha’s Leon Oosterhof said: “It could be interesting. We are looking into if that could be an option.”

MCN put the question to Oosterhof on the basis that last year’s Ténéré 700 World Raid concept, revealed at the 2021 EICMA show and later spawning a production bike, was littered with all-terrain extras, a rally navigation tower and a bespoke camo paint job displaying the letters ‘GYTR’.

“That bike had a lot of interest, so that was very motivational for us,” he said. “Sometimes you make a concept and then show it and see how the market reacts and if there’s enough curiosity and interest. We are looking into whether that could be an option.

“In off-road, we are also active with the GYTR programme. So, in motocross we are almost as active as we are in our R series. We have chassis parts and engine parts – both used by the factory teams. Products derived from those teams are then brought to customers.”