“T7” New Concept Model from YAMAHA. This Just Might be the Start of a Middle Adventure Generation

11/11/2016
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[Webike News Chief Editor: Kenny Sagawa]

EICMA 2016 (Milan Show, Open for the public from 10th Nov. to 13th Nov.) will be the second international motorcycle show held this year following INTERMOT that was held in September at Cologne this year.

Motorcycle manufactures will be exhibiting concept models and reference models that are scheduled to be released in the near future. This will be a great opportunity to discover up-to-date trend in the motorcycle market.

Keep an Eye on Adventure Models

Recently adventure models are popular around the world. And among them the most popular is the adventure tourer. They have high power engines, solid structures that can withstand heavy luggage weight, magnificently designed to offer high wind protection and feature long stroke suspensions that corresponds to uneven surfaces. The specialty of adventure models is that they can cope with rough roads and highways with comfort.

The latest models are equipped especially with electric devices such as traction control, cornering ABS and electric control suspensions to enhance safety at a tremendously high level. Models equipped with high level equipment equivalent to this are DUCATI, MULTISTRADA 1200 ENDURO, TRIUMPH, TIGER EXPLORER and KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE.

They are super machines equipped with ultimate omnidirectional performance to enable you to “Travel to the Far End of the World”.

Launch of Middle Adventure Models

To obtain these features, adventure models weigh a lot and are expensive as well. They are considered to be oversized for the roads in Japan and for Japanese riders and can be only be used by limited riders in limited conditions.

I was hoping for a more light and compact adventure model when the new AFRICA TWIN just happened to launch in Spring this year.

*CRF1000L Africa Twin

1000cc engine capacity is slightly smaller compared to other models which allows it to have a smart compact body. Due to DCT automatic transmission, the rider is freed from operating clutch and will be able to control the machine easily on paved and unpaved surface.

As I previously informed you, the test ride for the new AFRICAN TWIN was held on a motocross racing course and I was surprised by its (easy to handle) running performance. I also thought at the time that it would be great to have a middle class adventure model with 600cc engine.

XT660 TENERE is Back After 33 Years Absence

Well let’s get back to EICMA 2016. There is an adventure model that might make my wish come true.

The “T7” Concept Model from YAMAHA seems to be a middle class enduro machine with newly designed chassis mounted with MT-07’s parallel 2 cylinder engine.
*T7 concept model

Overseas media have covered there front page with the news of “The Revival of XT660 TENERE After 33 Years!” which shows degree of attention. XT660 was a replica model of the YAMAHA Factory Rally Machine that actively participated in the Paris-Dakar held in the 80’s.

The T7 Crossplane Concept Model is mounted with parallel 2 cylinder unit which is probably the most important aspect of this model. Due to the fact that single cylinder, usually used for enduro models and rally regulations is not used, it may play a roll as an enduro model with exciting specifications or with appropriate specifications an adventure model.

The T7 has 74ps maximum output and 180kg curb weight. It features aluminum tank, KYB suspension and 21/18 inch front/rear large cross spoke wheel, LED headlights and AKRAPOVIC exhaust.

Pictures show that the vehicle is not yet equipped with safety parts so I can’t quote about release schedules at this stage but seemingly it is equipped with high quality MT-07 engine and features a well designed chassis for WR450F and I guess it will be developed for practical use in the near future. I hope it will be mass produced as a street model.

A Cascade of Small Capacity Adventure Models

*BMW G 310 GS

Other manufactures have also revealed new models with small capacity that can be categorized as adventure models such as CRF250RALLY from HONDA, V-Strom 250 from SUZUKI and Versys-X 300 from KAWASAKI.

These models will offer Japanese riders the joy of riding a suitable size and easy to handle machine and will no doubt boost purchase.

250cc class models are global models aimed for Asia. So be sure to keep an eye on “Adventure Models”.