These Yamaha Thirst Traps Are Getting Out Of Hand Ft. Tenere 700 Rally GYTR

Yamaha has developed a love-hate relationship with enthusiasts in our country. On one side, they launch motorcycles like the R15 and R3 which are fantastic, but then keep us waiting for a proper upgrade in the form of the R7 or the R1. And while all other brands are realising the potential and launching their mid-capacity adventure motorcycles in the country like the KTM 890 Adventure R, Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE and the Honda Transalp, Yamaha just keeps on showing the Tenere at the Auto Expos to “gauge reactions”. Basically, showing you what they have, letting you get close but not letting you have it. Thirst trap 101. 

But this time around, things are getting out of hand. The latest avatar of the Tenere is the Rally GYTR. GYTR means Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing, which is basically a catalogue of performance focused parts that can be purchased to kit out their bikes. So what you see in the pictures, yes, that can be installed on your Tenere. 

This particular kitted out Tenere is based on the 2025 Tenere 700 Rally, and is currently participating in the 2025 Carta Rallye Morocco and showing a strong result. It is a bespoke version of the Stage 3 GYTR kit. If this is too extreme for you, you can pick a Stage 1 or a Stage 2 as well. The details are as follows. 

Stage 1

• Lightweight race exhaust system from Akrapovic with titanium end cap

• GYTR ECU and air filter kit with new ignition and fuel mapping

• Titanium GYTR footrest Set

Stage 2 with World Raid Handling Kit

• Race-developed 48 mm KYB closed cartridge forks with an increased stroke of 270mm

• Weight reduction with the GYTR rally wheels are with machined aluminium hubs. 

• Brembo brake calipers and bigger 300mm disc at the front, with a 267mm rear disc mated to the stock caliper

• Bigger radiator and separate oil cooler, as well as all the hoses and brackets required for installation

• The GYTR high front fender gives that authentic 'Dakar' look

Stage 3

• Nylon fuel tanks with a transparent 'window' to allow for a quick and easy visual check

• Race filler caps to allow for rapid refuelling and auxiliary tanks fitted to the rear of the motorcycle increasing the overall fuel capacity to 37.6 litres

• The GYTR handlebar kit with quick-action throttle assembly, hand guards and brackets to assemble the navigation equipment

• GYTR Rally Seat increases seat height by 25mm that can be customized by cutting the foam

Even stock, the Tenere might be the perfect Yamaha for India. Its capability off-road is unparalleled, and on Indian roads, it could prove to be the ideal adventure tourer. The 689cc parallel-twin shared with the MT-07 produces 73.4PS and 68Nm. 

Dear Yamaha, while looking at its pictures, shamelessly zooming into the dual-fuel tanks and watching Tenere reels on endless loops has gotten us all hooked, maybe it's finally time to bring the bike to India or the true enthusiast just might miss the call of the blue for the massive variety of ADVs already flooding the market.