Big crowds flocked to check out Yamaha’s new Ténéré 700 adventure bike as the bike appeared in a series of presentations around the country.  The Trans Tasman Ténéré Tour stopped at eight major Australian cities, from Mackay to Perth.

Around 100 potential customers rocked up at each presentation eager to get their first look at the new mid-capacity adventure model due for local release in December.

The booked-out evenings were hosted by Yamaha Motor Australia’s Chris Dobie, who was joined by Yamaha legends Stephen Gall and Rodney Faggotter, Ténéré Tragics organiser Andrew Clubb and the team from Ride ADV.

The presentations walked guests through the development history and specifications of the new Ténéré 700 with a reminder of the rich and successful heritage of the Ténéré model. Three immaculately restored Ténéré heritage models were also on show to highlight the 30-year evolution of the Dakar inspired model – which began with the air-cooled single cylinder XT600ZL in 1983.

The trio of new Ténéré 700 models featured an Australianised Ceramic Ice version fitted with an optional Rally Seat, Akrapovič exhaust and knobby tyres; a heritage-inspired Competition White model with an optional low seat and lowering link, and the full-fruit Tech Black was fitted with many of the touring accessories required by the serious horizon chaser.

In addition to Ténérés new and old, Rodney Faggotter’s factory WR450F Dakar bike was also on display. The laconic Queenslander made a guest appearance at selected venues and entertained the crowds with his dry wit and stories about his experiences as a Yamaha Factory Dakar Rally rider tackling the world’s toughest motorcycle event.

Yamaha dealers from around the country attended the events to further their knowledge of the new model and acquaint themselves with the vast array of genuine accessories, including the new range of Yamaha technical wear, and the soon-to-be-released Ténéré 700 hoodie and t-shirt.

With Australian pricing set at $15,499 + ORC, dealers were busy taking orders, with the first shipment of bikes expected to be accounted for before they land on Australian soil.

The Trans Tasman Ténéré Tour now heads to New Zealand to continue the roadshow in Auckland (Fri 16 August), Wellington (Sun 18 August) and Christchurch (Wed 21 August). Tickets are free, but numbers are limited. To secure a place, register at the Yamaha New Zealand web page www.yamaha-motor.co.nz

H-D

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