The wait for Yamaha’s Tenere 700 to go on sale, or even for its final specifications to be released, has been an excruciating one for adventure enthusiasts, particularly those with a tuning fork bent.
At EICMA overnight Yamaha have released images of a production ready Tenere 700, and also detailed most of the technical specifications. However, the one spec’ that most people are hanging for, wet weight, is still missing from the documentation.
We do know that the engine will be a 689cc version of Yamaha’s now well established and popular parallel twin CP2 engine as seen in the MT-07 and XSR700.
An 11.5:1 compression ratio suggests that the engine is tuned for a broad spread of torque rather than an all-out hunt for maximum performance, as you would expect with this style of machine. Yamaha have stated that maximum torque is produced at 6500rpm, which is where the MT-07 also makes its peak twist of 68 Nm.
The MT-07 also runs 11.5:1 compression, thus while Yamaha are yet to state the power output of the Tenere 700 it is logical to deduce that it will be almost identical to the 74 horsepower at 9000 rpm power peak of the MT-07.
Yamaha Tenere 700 Video
That’s not a bad thing, why mess with what works, and we know the MT-07 engine works well.
The frame is all-new for Tenere 700. A lightweight double-cradle tubular steel frame forms the backbone of the new machine which rolls on a 1590 mm wheelbase and offers a generous 240 mm of ground clearance.
Of course lots of ground clearance generally also means a relatively tall perch, and the Tenere 700 has aimed to strike a balance with a seat height of 880 mm.
Fully-adjustable 43 mm upside down forks control a spoked 21-inch front rim and offer 210 mm of suspension travel.
The shock absorber appears to have a large reservoir, to help resist fade and maintain consistent damping control, and operates through a 200 mm stroke to the linkage. Preload is adjusted by convenient hand-wheel.
Tyres are 90/90-21 and 150/70-18 Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR.
A pair of 282 mm front discs and a 245 mm rear include a switchable ABS system. Calipers are Brembo.
We know that the MT-7 engine is relatively frugal which means that the 16-litre fuel tank of the Tenere 700 should be good for ranges of between 230 and 300 kilometres, depending on the terrain and your right wrist. Yamaha are claiming a range of 350 km+ from the 16-litre fuel cell.
The tank appears to be slim between the knees and the seat designed to cater for animated riding.
A rally style cockpit, complete with comprehensive LCD screen, promises ergonomics suitable for both sitting and standing riding positions.
Yamaha have also made provisions for the fitment of aftermarket navigation devices or smart-phones.
The stark brace of four LED lights first seen on the prototype seem to be making it across to the production machiine.
The lights are protected by a clear nacelle which then seems to blend in the with a tall, but narrow, windscreen.
The Tenere 700 is expected to arrive in Australian and NZ showrooms late in 2019. The price is yet to be set.
Ducati have announced a host of updates to the Multistrada 950 for 2019, including a six-axis Bosch IMU and Cornering ABS, as well as the addition of Vehicle Hold Control and a hydraulic clutch.
Other updates include a lighter swingarm, lightweight alloy wheels including spoked versions, as well as an updated dash and auto-cancelling indicators, which also make use of the Bosch IMU.
In addition to updates to the standard 950, Ducati have also announced an up-spec Multistrada 950 S which feature’s the brand’s Ducati Skyhook Suspension system, an Up & Down Ducati Quick Shifter, full LED headlight, a 5-inch colour TFT with Hands Free system as standard, Cruise Control and backlit switchgear controls.
2019 Multistrada 950 updates
A host of additions in 2019 offer many of the advantages of the larger Multistrada 1260S, while retaining the 950’s more manageable package.
From a styling viewpoint, the new Multistrada 950 also inherits the side ‘wings’ from its bigger 1260 counterpart, making the front even cleaner and more aerodynamic.
The tubular steel Trellis frame is linked to the new lighter double-sided aluminium swingarm and the 19in front wheel offers ideal handling characteristics, with lighter wheels featured across the 2019 950 models.
Suspension offers a generous 170mm of travel to keep comfort levels high and the 20-litre tank puts plenty of miles between refuelling stops.
The electronics package now includes Bosch Cornering ABS, Ducati Traction Control, Vehicle Hold Control and, on the Multistrada 950 S, semi-active Ducati Skyhook Suspension, Ducati Quick Shift up/down (available as an accessory for the Multistrada 950), Ducati Cornering Lights and Cruise Control.
Both the Multistrada 950 and the Multistrada 950 S can mount the Ducati Multimedia System.
The 937cc twin-cylinder Testastretta 11° engine in its current iteration puts out 111 horsepower (83 kW) at 9000rpm and 96 Nm of torque at 7750rpm. It is equipped with a self-servo wet slipper clutch that now requires less on-lever effort thanks to the new hydraulic control system.
Maintenance intervals are set at 15,000 km or 12 months, with valve play inspection every 30,000 km offering good value servicing intervals.
The Multistrada 950 is available in Ducati Red while the Multistrada 950 S comes in Ducati Red and Glossy Grey.
Closely associated with the F4 RC Superbike, which has proven its potential battling for the top positions in the World Superbike Championship, MV Agusta are set to release the MV Agusta Brutale 1000 Serie Oro.
This incredible new nakedbike has 208 hp at 13,450 rpm and 115.5 Nm of torque. With the dedicated racing kit, consisting of an engineered SC-Project titanium exhaust system and dedicated ECU, the maximum power is increased to exceptional value of 212 hp (156 kW) at 13,600 rpm.
MV Agusta Brutale 1000 Serie Oro Video
While remaining loyal to the traditional transverse four-cylinder layout and continuing with the decision to employ radial valve positioning in the combustion chamber along with a central timing chain, unique technical characteristics employed only by MV Agusta, the engineers have revolutionised the original design, leaving only a few castings untouched in the process.
The titanium radial valves now slide through new sintered valve guides and open up into an entirely redesigned and CNC machined combustion chamber. Camshaft timing has been revamped, with the phasing updated on both the intake and the exhaust sides.
The pistons use new low friction Asso compression rings to improve performance and efficiency, while the crankshaft was redesigned from scratch and rebalanced to reduce to a minimum the vibrations and resulting parasitic power losses at the high rpm.
In addition to the new pistons rings and the new lubrication circuit also applied to the revamped primary drive and transmission, which employ gears precisely designed to reduce friction and noise.
These technical advancements translate into perceived quality by the rider with a noted mechanical noise reduction, a quiet engine that is incredibly responsive. Also contributing to the overall noise reduction, reaching limits lower than those required by current regulations, are the new clutch and phonic wheel covers which are then encased in carbon fiber to further attenuate noise.
To reach the extraordinary power of 208 hp, the airbox has been entirely reengineered. The careful study of the intake ducts and the use of special resonators allowed the TSS system (variable height ducts) to be removed, thereby reducing the overall weight of the engine by 1 kg while still obtaining an even fuller and more linear power curve.
A double injector system – one near the throttle body and the other above the intake duct – provides extremely precise injected fuel management in order to optimise high performance and emissions reduction at any rpm.
The 4-1-4 exhaust layout was deemed the best for this type of engine and firing order. The presence of the electronic exhaust valve is useful not only to comply with regulations, but also proves to be fundamental for managing the counter-pressure in the exhaust system to improve engine torque.
In collaboration with Eldor, MV Agusta has developed a new ECU dedicated to the Brutale 1000 Serie Oro four-cylinder. Managed by a full multimap Ride-by-Wire system and regulated by an IMU inertial platform, the Brutale’s riding dynamics are comparable to that of a true Superbike.
The inertial platform manages both the traction control (which can be adjusted to 8 levels or deactivated) and the anti-wheelie system which provides two options: active or inactive. Completing the electronics package are the Launch Control and EAS 2.0 Up&Down electronic gearbox systems, active both in up and downshifting.
While the F4 RC was the starting point for developing the engine in the all-new Brutale, MV Agusta’s heritage is evident in the chassis architecture. Pioneers of the “composite chassis structure” with steel trellis connected to aluminium side plates, MV Agusta has maintained this engineering concept – also applied to the new Moto2 bike ready to compete in 2019 – but evolves it significantly on the Brutale 1000 Serie Oro.
A single-sided swingarm, 1432 mm wheelbase, and the electronically adjustable Öhlins fork, fastened to steering triple clamps that have been redesigned and engineered from scratch for the all-new Brutale 1000 Serie Oro.
The Öhlins TTX36 shock absorber and the steering damper are also managed by a dedicated electronic ECU.
An aerodynamics study aimed at improving downforce and high-speed stability is clearly visible with the spoilers applied beside the radiator, markedly improving the load on the front wheel at high speed. The downforce effect begins to contribute significantly at speeds over 200 km/h improving stability and acceleration. All of this without hindering handling, which has always been a strong point of MV Agusta naked sports bikes.
The braking system is, as always, state-of-the-art with the new Brembo Stylema calipers that grip 320 mm diameter floating discs. Electronic ABS management is entrusted to the Bosch 9.1 ABS system, the most compact and lightweight on the market.
The Brutale 1000 Serie Oro comes standard with tyre pressure sensors and a Gold Racing chain.
Carbon-fibre rims treated with a special transparent red paint contribute to reducing unsprung mass and inertia to a minimum. Carbon-fibre is the protagonist of the entire superstructure, including the tail fairing covering. The presence of an anodised red copper wire in the carbon weave gives it unique visual impact and also contributes to improving the rigidity of the structure.
The lithium battery was a must, as well as many CNC machined components. The result is a total declared kerb weight of 184 kg.
The headlight is Full LED and can rely on Cornering Lights, controlled by the inertial platform and able to illuminate turns based on the lean angle, all beneficial for safe riding. For the first time on a bike, the internal part of the headlight unit is coloured and forms an “X” shape that the steering base also takes on. The equipment includes front and rear Daylight Running Lights which make the bike clearly visible, even in daylight.
All of the vital engine and electronics functions are displayed on the 5-inch colour TFT dashboard with 800 x 480 pixel resolution. The riders smartphone can be connected via Bluetooth to the dashboard to manage incoming calls, texts and music. The purpose of its particular arrangement above the fuel tank – which is fitted with a locking cap made from billet – is to make the front end even more compact and aggressive.
The exclusive connotation of the all-new Brutale 1000 Serie Oro is emphasised by the 300-unit limited edition and a dedicated kit made up of the titanium exhaust and dedicated mapping.
Alongside the new Panigale V4 R, Ducati also announced the new Hypermotard 950, which will be available both in a standard and a more up-spec 950 SP edition.
Updates include revised ergonomics and chassis, an updated powerplant, extensive electronics and of course the special SP edition includes Ohlins suspension, forged Marchesini wheels, unique graphics, and the DQS system as standard.
2019 Hypermotard 950 features
937 cc Ducati Testastretta 11° engine
114 hp at 9000rpm
80% of peak torque (9.8 kgm) available at 3000 rpm
Twin under-seat silencers
Trellis frame with tapered tubing
Rear Trellis sub-frame
45 mm Marzocchi forks, fully adjustable, 170 mm of wheel travel
Adjustable Sachs shock absorber, 150 mm of wheel travel
Cast aluminium wheels with three Y-spokes
Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tyres
Brake and hydraulic clutch with radial pumps and separate fluid reservoirs
Colour TFT instrumentation
Latest-generation electronics package – 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (6D IMU)
Bosch Cornering ABS EVO with Slide by Brake function
Ducati Traction Control EVO (DTC EVO)
Ducati Wheelie Control EVO (DWC EVO)
Riding Modes (Sport, Touring and Urban)
Daytime Running Light (DRL)
Front and rear LED auto-off indicators
Fuel tank capacity 14.5 litres
Kerb weight 200 kg (-4 kg vs previous model)
937cc Testastretta 11° engine
The heart of the new Hypermotard 950 is a revised 937cc Testastretta 11° twin with greater pulling power and new electronics to ensure smoother control. With 114 hp at 9000 rpm and a torque of 9.8 kgm – of which 80 per cent is available at 3000 rpm.
Improved performance stems from new pistons with a high 13.3:1 compression ratio (as opposed to 12.6:1 on the previous version), new exhaust cam profiles and a new exhaust system with under-seat silencers.
New 53 mm throttle bodies feeds the fuel to the Testastretta 11° while a new engine control unit and Ride-by-Wire throttle help manage the power delivery.
Both the Hypermotard 950 and the SP version also benefit from new, lighter clutch and alternator covers, a lighter gear shift drum, an aluminium (rather than steel) chain tensioner and magnesium cam covers.
The self-servo wet slipper clutch can now be operated with less on-lever effort thanks to the new hydraulic control system. The 937 cc Ducati Testastretta twin cylinder engine also has lengthy maintenance intervals: oil changes are required every 15,000 km while a Desmo Service is needed every 30,000 km.
Updated ergonomics & chassis
A revised riding position maximises control, thanks to wider handlebars, slimmer sides and a new seat that smooths movement during riding and ensures feet can be placed firmly on the ground thanks to an inner leg curve measurement that is now 53 mm shorter, with an 870 mm seat height on the standard version.
The seat on the new Hypermotard 950 is flat and long with a slightly raised passenger zone for greater comfort. On the SP version, instead, the flatness is more motard style to ensure even better longitudinal movement during riding. Again with an eye to maximising control, the handlebar tips are opened up by 7-degrees.
A new steel Trellis frame with tapered tubing, reduces weight by one kilogram compared to the previous model. With 25° of rake, 104 mm of trail and a 30 mm offset, control is claimed to be safe and stable but without compromising the characteristic agility of the bike.
A generous steering lock of 70° assists handling, while the 1493 mm wheelbase (1498 mm on the SP version) maximises high speed stability. A 14.5L fuel tank gives the Hypermotard 950 reasonable range. The Hypermotard 950 features a single-sided aluminium swingarm.
Tapered aluminium handlebars mount radial pumps with separate front brake and clutch fluid reservoirs (a hydraulic clutch replaces the previous cable-operated one); while the design and interface of the colour TFT display take their cue from the panel on the Panigale V4.
Brake and clutch lever-handlebar gaps are adjustable. Passenger foot pegs are removable. The seat features a passenger grip strap which can be hidden when not in use. The Hypermotard 950 also has an under-seat USB socket.
Suspenders & stoppers
The Hypermotard 950 mounts new, fully adjustable 45 mm Marzocchi forks with aluminium fork bodies/tubes which give a wheel travel of 170mm. This set-up is half a kilo lighter than the unit mounted on the previous version.
The rear of the 950 is suspended by an adjustable Sachs shock with a wheel travel of 150 mm.
Front braking is managed by a pair of Brembo M4.32 4-piston radial monobloc calipers, actuated by the radial brake pump and 5-position adjustable lever. Front discs have a diameter of 320 mm and aluminium flanges (saving a total of 600 grams), while the rear sports a single 245 mm disc gripped by a Brembo caliper.
Hypermotard styling
The Ducati Hypermotard is characterised by the beak, which is joined by a compact headlight with Daytime Running Light (DRL).
The design of the Hypermotard 950 includes twin under-seat tailpipes and a minimalist structure, ensuring features like the rear Trellis sub-frame – are kept in clear view.
An overall weight saving of 4 kg (the engine alone accounts for a 1.5 kg saving) has been made compared to the previous model.
Weight savings have been achieved thanks to the new frame made up of tubes of varying diameter, new rims, brake discs with aluminium flanges and lightweight Marzocchi forks with aluminium fork bodies/tubes.
The light, compact headlight assembly features a Daytime Running Light (DRL), while at the rear, a LED strip acts as both tail light and stop light. Auto-off LED indicators have been incorporated into the hand guards to keep the lines of the Hypermotard 950 clean.
Extensive electronics
Performance is kept under control by the modern electronics which uses a Bosch 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (6D IMU) to detect the bike’s roll, yaw and pitch angles instantly.
The Hypermotard 950 electronics package includes Bosch Cornering ABS with the Slide by Brake function (with setting 1), Ducati Traction Control EVO (DTC EVO), Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO and Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up and Down EVO (as standard on the 950 SP version and available as an accessory on the 950).
Ride Modes
The performance-oriented Sport Riding Mode settings – suited to sports-style riding on both track or twisting roads – unleash the full 114 hp of the twin-cylinder Ducati engine. DTC is set to level 3, DWC to level 3 and ABS to level 2.
Touring Riding Mode is ideal for inner city hops or out-of-town runs or simply for those who prefer a fluid riding style. It still uses the full 114 hp of the Ducati twin-cylinder engine but delivers it more gently thanks to more safety-oriented electronic settings. That why DTC is set to level 4, DWC to level 5 and ABS to level 3.
Urban Riding Mode is intended for daily around-town use or when road conditions offer little grip. This Mode limits the power of the twin-cylinder Testasretta to 75hp and all electronic settings are dialled towards maximum safety. DTC is set to level 6, DWC to level 6 and ABS to level 3.
Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO
The DTC EVO on the Hypermotard 950 is based on an algorithm that ensures faster, more precise intervention. The DTC EVO interfaces with the Bosch Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), constantly measuring the lean angle and using it to accurately calculate the degree of intervention needed to ensure suitable rear wheelspin (according to the DTC EVO level setting).
Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO
The Hypermotard 950 is also equipped with the latest version of Ducati Wheelie Control EVO (DWC EVO). Using the data feed from the Bosch 6D IMU, this system keeps wheelies in check while maximising acceleration and safety. DWC EVO provides more accurate wheelie readings; offering more precise control to ensure the bike responds faster to rider input.
Hypermotard 950 SP
For those who want a bike with even higher performance there’s the Hypermotard 950 SP. With dedicated graphics giving it an even sportier look, the SP version features a flat seat, increased-travel Öhlins suspension (+15 mm at the front and +25 mm at the rear) that increases the lean angle (+3°), Marchesini forged wheels and Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up and Down EVO.
The Hypermotard 950 SP mounts lightweight forged Marchesini wheels with three Y-spokes that have a cross-section of 3.5’’ at the front and 5.5’’ at the rear. The SP mounts Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tyres, 120/70 ZR7 at the front and 180/55 ZR177 at the rear.
Suspension as mentioned features fully adjustable 48mm Öhlins fork (185mm travel) while a fully adjustable Öhlins shock gives a rear wheel travel of 175mm.
Ducati Quick Shift up/down (DQS) EVO
The DQS EVO with up/down function, developed as an accessory for the Hypermotard 950 (as standard on the SP version), uses lean angle data to maximise bike stability when shifting gears on bends. In addition to minimising shift times, the DQS EVO allows clutchless down-changes, making hard braking more effective than ever.
2019 Hypermotard 950 SP features
SP colour scheme with red frame and black wheel rims
Fully adjustable 48 mm Öhlins fork, with 185 mm of wheel travel
Fully adjustable Öhlins shock absorber with 175 mm of wheel travel
Forged Marchesini wheels with three Y-spokes
Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up and Down EVO
Flat seat
Carbon fibre components: front mudguard, belt covers
Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tyres
Inner leg curve 1,980 mm (-53 mm vs previous model)
Seat height 890 mm
Lean angle 47°
Kerb weight 198 kg (-3 kg vs previous model)
Multimedia ready
The Hypermotard 950 can mount the Ducati Multimedia System (DMS). This lets riders connect the bike to a smartphone and manage key multimedia functions (incoming calls, text messaging, music) via switchgears, and display the relative information on the TFT instrument panel.
998c Desmosedici Stradale R 234hp at 15,500 rpm – 193kg
Ducati have unveiled the headline act of the new 2019 model line-up at EICMA, with the Panigale V4 R breaking cover.
This is the machine designed to take on World Superbike and that will also likely hit the racetracks of Australia in the hands of Ducati legend Troy Bayliss.
Josh Brookes will also be lighting up the tracks of British Superbike in 2019 onboard this new Desmo demon.
For this road registrable homogolation special the Desmosedici Stradale 1103cc engine of the regular Panigale V4 is downsized to a 998cc version. This is to comply with race regulations and is tuned to a higher state of competition readiness.
A host of lighter internal engine components reduce weight by 2kg to bring the Panigale V4R down to 193kg wet.
Greater air intake efficiency also allows for more rapid engine rev-up, with a higher rpm ceiling along with peak power being moved 2250rpm higher than on the 1103cc V4.
A staggering 221hp is on offer at 15,250rpm, while a full-racing Ducati Performance exhaust by Akrapovič boosts power to 234hp at 15,500rpm.
Alongside the race specific engine, and modified suspension set-up the 2019 V4 R also boasts a new fairing designed by Ducati Corse in collaboration with the Ducati Style Centre, further improving aerodynamic efficiency.
Particularly notable is the inclusion of the aerofoil appendages that stem from the MotoGP prototypes, with carbon-fibre construction for increased stability, with Ducati claiming they further help reduce the reliance on electronic controls, while also aiding rider confidence.
Claudio Domenicali introduced Ducati’s most powerful factory motorcycle, with the brand boasting this new machine as a road-legal WSBK category competition bike, which will constitute the technical foundation for the official Ducati Superbikes that will compete in the World Championship from the 2019 season.
Claudio Domenicali – CEO of Ducati Motor Holding
“Ducati has achieved a striking degree of maturity. It is a global flag bearer of some of the best aspects of Made in Italy excellence. Based on core values of Style, Sophistication and Performance, our company now offers a range as broad as it is state-of-the-art. This year sees the first major overhaul of the entire Scrambler range since its inception, plus a complete renewal of the Diavel and Hypermotard, two bikes that are firm favourites with Ducatisti. Today, safety and rider-friendliness have hit new heights, yet the brand’s sporting soul is as evident as it has ever been. The Panigale V4 R, in fact, is the most powerful factory motorcycle ever built by Ducati. We’re also delighted with our online presence, an area that has enjoyed excellent growth, thus confirming the extraordinary appeal of the entire Ducati product range.”