Yamaha XTZ-700 Tenere - When will they build this?

[crispiegee1]

As much as I like the FJ-09, I'd really like a bike capable of 55-60 mpg like the FZ-07 and BMW F800GS. It's too bad that the BMW is so damn expensive and doesn't have Yamaha reliability.

So an ideal bike for me would be an XTZ-700: Parallel twin that runs on regular gas. Light. Fun. Affordable.

•   Frame using AHSS or other high strength, lightweight steel
•   5 gallons of fuel capacity
•   21/18 front-rear tires with spoked wheels
•   500 watt externally excited alternator to accommodate auxiliary lights and heated gear
•   Pannier mounts that accommodate the Super Tenere side cases
•   Adjustable USD forks
•   Supportive seat that is long enough to comfortably fit a passenger (could also be used to tie down additional luggage)

Am I missing anything?

[Sport-Touring]

[garry]

The rumored new Honda Africa Twin may end up being very close to that spec. The prototype shown this fall looks promising.

[crispiegee1]

Definitely intriguing, though Honda's pricing is typically a lot higher than I can afford.

I'm still hoping for Yamaha FZ-07 style value, which would hopefully put this in the $10-11k range with bags, as opposed to $12-15 for the Triumph-BMW-Honda type stuff.

[crispiegee1]

I like all the features of the Honda, with the exception of the expensive dual-clutch, semi-auto gearbox.

And with the Versys 650 coming in at $8599, I would love to see the Yamaha split the difference: Offer serious off-road bona fides, without placing it out of reach of people who want a step up from a KLR or Suzuki DR650.

[mugwump58]

 

[jeepinbanditrider]

They already kind of make what you are looking for though it's a big single instead of a twin.  

http://www.yamaha-motor.eu/eu/products/motorcycles/adventure/xt660z.aspx

Wonder why this never made it to the US to compete with the likes of the F800, DL650, ect.  

[crispiegee1]

They already kind of make what you are looking for though it's a big single instead of a twin.  

http://www.yamaha-motor.eu/eu/products/motorcycles/adventure/xt660z.aspx

Wonder why this never made it to the US to compete with the likes of the F800, DL650, ect.  

I wasn't going to mention this, but since you brought up the 660, I will share a conversation I had:

About three months ago, I spoke to the Vice President of Yamaha USA (he actually called my cell phone after I left a message on his voice mail - very nice fellow) and he explained (to the best of my recollection) that the old 660 would need additional development to pass upcoming US emissions. The fact that it is actually built in Italy also makes the labor costs high, meaning it wouldn't be price competitive once it got here.

For my part, I emphatically stressed my desire to see a 700 Tenere twin. Of course, he couldn't comment on future models, but he said they are looking at many possible uses for the 700cc twin and assured me that he would forward my comments to the product development team. Having made my point and not wanting to overstate the case, the conversation moved on to his favorite restaurant in my town. It wasn't my intention to hog so much of his time, but we spoke for about 30 minutes.

So while we are not really any closer to the answer to this question, it feels good to take your case to a big corporation and feel like they actually give a damn what you think. I'm not so loyal to Yamaha that I wouldn't consider another brand, but I'd really like to see them build it because I know it will be well engineered, reliable and - most likely - fairly priced.

[motrhead]

..still waiting.   Seriously, I see Guzzi has a *very expensive* Scrambler kit (made by someone else) available for the V7. Maybe Yamaha should look into that to test the waters. I could be sorely tempted by a scrambler version of the FZ-07 if a mini-Tenere is not forthcoming.

[AxysPro800]

I am waiting for the rumored Tenere 700 (maybe they will bump displacement up to a 750 which I would like).  Regarding the Honda Africa Twin, I spent 4 hours on one last week.  It was the DCT model.  It is a nice bike but it is too heavy for what I want.  At 525 lbs., it is a full 100 lbs. more than what I hope the rumored Tenere 700 will come in at (maybe even less if we are lucky).  The Honda is a sweet bike on pavement but the weight is noticeable in the dirt.  The DCT is also nice when commuting, etc. but I don't like it when the pavement ends.  I am more interested in making the decisions about gear selection, etc. in those conditions.  The traction control was annoying as well.    

[HipGnosis]

I think you'll be waiting a long time for a 5 gallon tank on a 700...

How far off is the Ducati Scrambler from what you want?

[FJRider]

http://www.cycleworld.com/yamaha-t7-tenere-concept-might-be-our-favorite-bike-at-eicma

[motrhead]

This will do me just fine!

[garry]

I really like that bike. Let's hope it hits the market in 2018.

[bubba zanetti]

Definitely following this Tenere development.