The three-wheeled Yamaha Niken and the Ducati Diavel 1260 power cruiser have won Best of the Best awards at the prestigious annual Red Dot Design Awards in Germany.
Cessnock’s Potters Brewery was all hands to the pump as 80 Tenere Tragics congregated for the start of their annual ride in honour of the legendary Dakar Rally-bred adventure bike. The five-day adventure ride staged last week took riders and crew through Bathurst, Goulburn, Tumut and Cooma to end at the Alpine Hotel in the NSW Snowy Mountains resort of Thredbo.
2019 Tenere Tragics
Participants were treated to a Yamaha bLU cRU ADV Skills Session with Yamaha legend Stephen Gall staged near Cessnock the day before the run started. 23 Tragics gained riding instruction that was put to good use over the next five days riding a range of Tenere models from original 600s right through to new XTZ1200 Super Teneres.
2019 Tenere Tragics
Factory CDR chief technician and long-time Tenere adventure rider Gary Benn rode up from VIC to his first event with a special XTZ750 twin fitted with many original Dakar Rally bike parts. Yamaha Factory Rally Dakar racer Rod Faggotter, made a special guest appearance to ride with the Tragics on the final two days. Stephen Gall hosted an exclusive Q&A session with Rod at the end of day four at Cooma that offered a unique insight into his recent experience in the 2019 Dakar Rally.
2019 Tenere Tragics
Five first model 1983 XT600ZL Teneres joined the run this year – Dave Bottomley, Neil Asplin, Matt Parker-Charlton, Shane Johnston and organiser Andrew Clubb were the riders of the coveted original model large-tanked singles.
Andrew Clubb
“It’s been another huge week filled with so much Tenere spirit! The run this year included stacks of the best Tenere riding in central and southern NSW and while conditions were mostly dry, storms late on day two near Crookwell and overnight rain before the start of the final day from Cooma made for ground conditions that were absolutely perfect… and put plenty of smiles on the Tragics’ faces. The Tragics are an awesome pack brought together by the legendary Tenere brand that we celebrate all week long on the Tenere Tragics Run. The planning starts now for next year’s tenth anniversary Tragics Run, and you bet the Tragics are pumped that the new Ténéré 700 is coming in December!”
2019 Tenere Tragics
2019 Tenere Tragics Awards
First Registration – Justin Hayden
Last Registration – Angus Dudley
Oldest Rider – Neville Ham (67)
Youngest Rider – Alex Dostal (21)
Most Kilometres to the Event – Francis Smith, rode from Burketown, Queensland Gulf Country, the long way (3000km plus)
Happy Camper – Hayden Brown
Tyre Warmer Award – Dave Readford
Band-Aid Road Rash Award – Keiron Jeffrey
Encouragement Award – Tony De Oliveria, in only his second ever dirt ride on an XTZ750
Super Ténéré he only just purchased via Gumtree, Tony dived in at the deep end for his first Tragics Run … and thought, “What the hell have I done!” after day one. He soldiered on, and despite running out of brakes on day three, sourced new brake pads and carried on to the finish at Thredbo.
Sweeps Recognition Lack of Navigation Award – Wayne Stevens (rode a few hundred ‘bonus’ kilometres over the five days)
Sweeps Recognition Puncture Power Award – Graeme Bensley, Curtis Williams, Dave Wilson, Dave Harrison, Grant Merrick, Mark Pavitt; riding as a pack, they scored six flats through the week, and fixed them all themselves
Spec Savers 20/20 Vision Award – Jerry Young; thought he saw a lost dry bag on the trail… it was a dead wombat
Captain’s Choice 600/660 – Charlie Fearon, XT600Z 3AJ
Captain’s Choice 750 – Gary Benn, XTZ750
Captain’s Choice 660 – Andy Patterson
Captain’s Choice 1200 – Phil Halpin
Tenere Spirit Award – Queenslanders Mike Ruoso, Dave Bottomley, Ken Henderson. All rode the first Tragics Run in 2011, never knew each other, but have now become best mates and team up to get each other through each Tragics Run.
Truly Tragic Award – Dave Wilson, dealer principal at Lithgow Bike Stop, and a proud member of the ‘100% Tragic’ club of ten riders who have ridden all nine Tragics Runs. Dave is always willing to leap in and help his Tragic brothers and oozes the Tenere spirit.
I think it is fair to say Aussie adventure enthusiasts are quietly impressed at today’s news that Yamaha are launching the all-new Ténéré 700 at $15,499 +ORC.
Yamaha Ténéré 700
That means that Yamaha’s long awaited, and my, how we have waited, 689 cc parallel-twin adventure bike should be on the road for around 17k.
Yamaha Tenere 700
We are going to have to wait a bit longer though as the release date is still almost nine-months away, with Yamaha indicating that Australian deliveries of the machine are not expected until December, 2019.
Yamaha Ténéré 700
The CP2 engine is now well proven in the XSR700 and Yamaha’s extremely popular MT-07. From the first time I rode an MT-07, almost five-years ago, the first thing that went through my mind was wow, how good would this engine be in an adventure bike? I can’t wait to see just how good!
Yamaha Ténéré 700
Producing maximum torque of 68 Nm at 6500 rpm in Tenere guise, and 72 horsepower at 9000 rpm, Yamaha claim that this engine offers the ideal balance of performance and controllability. While a 16-litre fuel cell should give the Tenere a touring range approaching 300 kilometres.
Yamaha have failed to put a claimed weight in the technical specifications they have provided us (bottom of page), but overseas sources suggest the Tenere 700 will tip the scales at 205 kg wet, for the European specification model.
Yamaha Continue…
Yamaha Ténéré 700
During the development of the Ténéré 700 one of the key goals was to achieve a slim,
agile and light feeling chassis that would be equally suited to both road and off road
riding. To satisfy these requirements Yamaha’s designers have developed an all-new
light-weight double-cradle tubular steel frame that combines a low weight with
immense strength, making it ideally suited a variety of riding conditions.
Yamaha Ténéré 700
Featuring a compact 1590 mm wheelbase and a slim body, this rugged chassis delivers
responsive handling characteristics, and with 240 mm of ground clearance the Ténéré
700 is designed to tackle the roughest terrain.
Yamaha Ténéré 700
The ability to shift your body weight forwards and rearwards to suit the terrain ahead
is crucial when you want to maintain full control in off road riding situations, and so
the Ténéré 700 is equipped with a flat 880 mm high seat and slim body that allows
maximum rider agility. The compact bodywork and narrow fuel tank also enable you
to grip the tank with the knees whether sitting or standing, giving added confidence
and control in every situation.
Yamaha Ténéré 700
The new Ténéré 700 is equipped with a distinctive looking headlight assembly that is a
direct spin off from Yamaha’s latest factory rally bikes and the T7 concept machine. A
total of four LED headlights project powerful beams of light that can light up the
darkest wilderness. Stacked in a 2 + 2 layout and protected by a clear nacelle – and
with two LED position lights at the base – this strong face gives a purposeful look that
matches this new adventure bike’s imposing character.
Yamaha Ténéré 700
When you’re riding in the dirt you need the best possible suspension systems, and the
Ténéré 700’s long travel forks are undeniable evidence that this is a serious adventure
bike with class-leading off road capabilities. The flex resistant 43 mm forks stay in
shape over the most extreme terrain to give precision steering and smooth
suspension action – and with 210mm of suspension travel, this high specification front
end enables you to attack the most challenging off road terrain with confidence.
Yamaha Ténéré 700
Offering full damping adjustment, these rally-specification front forks ensure high
levels of comfort with lightweight handling performance when you’re on the road,
making the Ténéré 700 one of the most capable and enjoyable long distance tourers.
Yamaha Ténéré 700
The Ténéré 700 is equipped with a rally-bred link-type rear suspension system that gives smooth and progressive action for maximum riding comfort and enhanced levels of
control. Featuring a lightweight aluminium swingarm for low unsprung weight, this high specification rear end offers 200 mm of travel which, like the front suspension system, is designed to be able to handle the most severe off road riding conditions as well as giving
a comfortable ride on the road. Another significant feature is the remote adjuster that lets you fine tune the preload settings while you’re on the go, making it quick and easy to dial in the shock to suit the riding conditions.
Yamaha Tenere 700
The compact rally screen and nose fairing give you excellent protection from the wind while maintaining the slim and lightweight character of the bike, and the competition type tapered handlebars give a relaxed riding position, whether you’re seated or standing.
Just like the high specification front and rear suspension, the 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoked rims clearly demonstrate that this bike is built for serious off road riding.
With their ability to efficiently absorb the continuous impacts experienced when riding in rough terrain, these lightweight wheels give you optimum handling performance and control. Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres are a popular choice with Australian ADV riders and fitted as original equipment.
Yamaha Tenere 700
Throughout the development of this new generation adventure bike, Yamaha’s key
goal was to ensure that the Ténéré 700 would deliver class leading off road
performance together with outstanding on road abilities and offer a genuine long
range potential. The slim design of the fuel tank belies its 16-litre capacity, and
narrow rear section offers plenty of rider mobility and excellent knee grip. Whether
you’re sitting down or standing up, the compact dimensions of this long-range fuel
tank enable you to shift your weight around effortlessly – and thanks to the excellent
economy of the twin-cylinder engine, 16-litres of fuel will give a potential riding range
of over 350km which gives the new Ténéré 700 a high level of year-round all-terrain
versatility.
Yamaha Ténéré 700
Another example of how the new Ténéré 700 has been developed using rally-bred
technology can be seen with the compact rally style instruments. Located centrally
behind the screen for great visibility, this lightweight instrument panel displays a wide
range of information that can be absorbed without having to take your eyes off the
road or track. The multi-function LCD display features comprehensive information
including gear position, fuel level, two trip meters and estimated fuel range, as well as
average and instant fuel consumption and more.
The cockpit is designed to accommodate the fitment of aftermarket navigation devices,
enabling you to add extra equipment to suit your own requirements, including GPS, road
book readers and smart phones.
Yamaha Ténéré 700
The braking system consists of dual 282 mm wave front discs and a 245 mm wave rear disc that gives high levels of stopping power with plenty of feel at all speeds on the highway or in the dirt. When you’re riding off road you have the option to temporarily disable the ABS whenever required by activating the kill switch while stationary. With the ABS turned off you can take full manual control, and in particular you can choose to lock the rear wheel deliberately in certain situations – such as very tight turns or on steep descents.
Yamaha has developed a full range of genuine accessories to create your own Ténéré
700 including aluminium side cases and top box, a lower seat, suspension lowering kit,
high screen, bar risers, rack, full Akropovic exhasut system and grip heaters.
A new Yamaha apprenticeship program is providing a unique opportunity for a passionate motorcycle enthusiast, with Yamaha Motor Australia seeking a passionate motorcycle enthusiast looking to establish a successful career in an industry they love.
The recent podium result by SunCity Yamaha technician Darren Stout at the 2018 World Motorcycle Technician Grand Prix, strengthened Yamaha Motor Australia’s resolve to set a solid foundation to build the company’s future.
Yamaha Motor Australia Apprenticeship Program
The opportunity within Yamaha Motor Australia is a first step towards a rewarding career with the Yamaha family, and the new initiative is seeking a future Technician Grand Prix champion with an apprenticeship opportunity for a motorcycle technician.
The successful applicant will be mentored by our industry-leading technicians at the Yamaha Motor Australia head office located in Sydney’s Western Suburbs. Practical experience working for dealers within the Yamaha network will be complemented by an exciting opportunity to spin spanners for Yamaha’s factory race teams.
Yamaha’s 2019 YZF-R1
Nathan Ellery – External Training Coordinator
“Yamaha Motor Australia is focused on fueling the professional development of our next generation. We will start by providing an opportunity for an aspiring motorcycle technician to be our first apprentice. We love motorcycles and aim to create a career path for a “bLU Future” within Yamaha Motor Australia.”
Passion is Yamaha’s ethos, and by offering this unique entry-level opportunity Yamaha Motor Australia is looking to ignite the passion in a youngster who knows that a ticket to a MotoGP and WSBK factory team starts with mastering the basics in the workshop.
Yamaha Motor Australia Apprenticeship Program
Anyone who feels they have the right stuff to join the Yamaha Motor Australia team is invited to view the complete job description at https://yma.bike/career (link).
Yamaha Motor Australia have welcomed the arrival of the 2019 model of their XV250, a machine which has ushered countless new riders into motorcycling. The 2019 Yamaha XV250 arrives in silver and will be priced at a RRP of $6,799 RRP + ORC.
2019 Yamaha V-Star 250 – Metallic Silver
Yamaha boast the XV250 offers an easy-riding nature and low seat height.
Yamaha’s bullet-proof air-cooled 249cc V-twin engine features a long 66 mm piston stroke for more torque low in the rev-range, and smooth roll-on power.
2019 Yamaha V-Star 250 – Metallic Silver
Designed tough enough to handle the mishaps dished out by learning riders, the XV250 is also forgiving enough to encourage them to continue and improve.
Based on the larger-capacity XVS range, the classic cruiser look features a riser-mounted flat handlebar, low 685 mm seat height, forward controls, dual exhausts, 18-inch (front) and 15-inch (rear) wheels and lashings of shiny chrome, an integral part of any cruiser.
2019 Yamaha V-Star 250 – Metallic Silver
Visit your local Yamaha Motor dealer today to organise a test ride or to check the XV250 and Yamaha LAMS range out in person.
Yamaha’s Sports Heritage XSR900 is now available in new retro-inspired colour schemes for 2019, with Garage Metal and Vintage Blue joining the line-up.
Yamaha’s XSR900 arrives in Garage Metal in 2019
Inspired by Yamaha’s iconic 1970s models, the XSR900 has become a highly popular choice in Yamaha’s sport-heritage range since its release in 2017. Based on the MT-09 Maximum Torque model, the XSR900 is heritage by nature but modern by design.
Styling cues linking the XSR900 to its forefathers include aluminium tank covers, front and rear aluminium fenders, hand-polished aluminium details, stitched seat, circular instrument clock, circular tail light and retro-style headlight with aluminium stay.
2019 Yamaha XSR900
Power is provided by the high torque 847cc CP3 triple-cylinder engine producing 84.6kW and 87.5Nm of torque, featuring three levels of adjustable traction control (TCS), D-Mode selectable engine maps, and an assist and slipper (AS) clutch.
Suspension is a 41mm USD (upside down) fork adjustable for rebound damping, while at the rear the Monocross linked-type suspension offers preload and rebound damping adjustment. The lightweight aluminium Diamond frame features an externally mounted swingarm to provide a short (1440mm) wheelbase. The narrower foot peg position provides a more comfortable ride.
2019 Yamaha XSR900
The riding position of the XSR900 is more upright than its sporty MT-09 brethren, but still boasts agile handling and impressive torque delivery.
2019 Yamaha XSR900 in Vintage Blue
2019 Yamaha XSR900 features
Two new heritage colours; Garage Metal and Vintage Blue
Modern technology wrapped in retro-inspired styling
Electronics include adjustable traction control and D-MODE engine maps
High torque 847cc triple-cylinder CP3 engine
Compact and lightweight Diamond frame and swingarm
Light and agile handling characteristics
Comfortable upright riding position
Adjustable suspension with 41mm USD fork and monoshock rear
Aluminium fender and 14-litre fuel tank with aluminium covers
Multi-function retro circular instrument clock with bright LCD display
2019 Yamaha XSR900 in Vintage Blue
The 2019 Yamaha XSR900 is now available at Yamaha dealers priced $12,999 RRP inc GST (+ORC), in Garage Metal and Vintage Blue. For more information see your local Yamaha dealer or the Yamaha Motor Australia website – www.yamaha-motor.com.au.
2019 Yamaha XSR900
Genuine Yamaha Accessories also allow owners to build on the look of their XSR900 with personalised touches and are designed to give enhanced performance, functionality and style. The range of components for Yamaha’s Sport Heritage range includes titanium exhausts and slip-on mufflers, billet levers and rearset footpegs, engine protectors, and more.
Yamaha Motor Australia has issued two recalls for their R3 and a recall for their MT-03 (above) for issues such as radiator leaks and gear shift problems.
In the radiator recall, some 4408 YZF-R3A bikes made from 2015-2018 have “insufficient hose material curing at manufacturing” that may lead to cracking in the radiator coolant hose.
The official notice, issued through the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, says the cracking may result in coolant leakage.
“This increases the risk of accident and may cause serious injury to the rider and other road users,” it says.
The gear-shift recall affects 2380 YZF-R3A (2015-16) and 534 MT-03LA (2016) bikes.
“Due to a defective shift mechanism torsion spring, riders may not be able to select the desired gear,” the notice says.
Even though manufacturers and importers contact owners when a recall is issued, the bike may have been sold privately to a rider unknown to the company.
Therefore, Motorbike Writer publishes all motorcycle recalls as a service to all riders.
If you believe there is an endemic problem with your bike that should be recalled, contact the ACCC on 1300 302 502.
To check whether your motorcycle has been recalled, click on these sites:
A Honda Neowing leaning three-wheeler looks likely to be coming soon, possibly as a replacement for the ageing Goldwing.
Honda has now applied for a patent for the power steering of its Neowing leaning three-wheel concept (pictured above) unveiled at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show.
If it does go into production, Honda would be following the bike tracks of the Yamaha Niken leaning three-wheeler.
And why not? The Niken has scored some sales success in Europe.
Leaning three-wheeler scooters have been around for about a decade, but Yamaha is the first with a big-capacity three-wheeler.
Yamaha Niken
We’ve ridden several leaning three-wheel scooters and they are great fun.
The advantages are more front-end grip, better handling and increased braking performance.
However, the disadvantages are extra weight and price.
The Niken is based on the triple-cylinder MT-09 which sells for $12,299 (plus on-road costs) up to $15,499 for the Tracer model and $16,999 for the Tracer GT.
Niken starts at $21,999 with a GT model coming in March 2019. That’s about a third more expensive!
Niken
Powerful Neowing
While Yamaha’s three-wheeler is powered by an 847cc triple, Honda’s Neowing could be a lot more powerful.
The concept featured a four-cylinder horizontally-opposed engine with electric motors in each wheel.
However, the patent drawings for the electric power steering do not show the engine, only the complex steering system.
Neowing patent drawings (Image: Morebikes.co.uk)
They also don’t show any electric motors in the front wheels.
But it would need to be powered by a hefty engine to cope with the extra weight and power requirements of the steering system.
Yamaha’s Niken is marketed as a sport tourer.
The Neowing could be more of a tourer, perhaps to take over from the ageing Goldwing with its six-cylinder boxer powerplant.
Some might say these leaning three-wheelers are not strictly motorcycles.
But if they provide the same thrill as a motorcycle, yet with more grip, then who cares!
