Could Yamaha Be Working On A 300cc Tenere?

Let’s get one thing straight: Yamaha has neither confirmed nor denied the possibility of a Tenere 300. In an interview with Motociclismo, Fabrizio Corsi, the Products Communication Manager for Yamaha Italy, said that bikes like the BMW G 310 GS and KTM 390 Adventure have revived an interest in the sub-500cc adventure motorcycle and if there is enough customer demand for a Tenere 300, Yamaha will be ready to satisfy it. 

So, is there a possibility of a Tenere 300? Given Yamaha’s penchant for making the best of its 300cc powertrain (R3, MT-03 and XSR 300) with a diverse lineup, we would bet on the former.  

So while it is merely speculation at this point, we would like to have the Tenere 300 to be more hardcore than the BMW G 310 GS and KTM 390 Adventure, which feel like more tourers with long-travel suspension than off-roaders. Imagine a more sophisticated Royal Enfield Himalayan or even a scaled-down Yamaha Tenere 700. Maybe Yamaha could use a bodywork similar to the Tenere 700 for the Tenere 300. 

The 321cc liquid-cooled parallel twin motor currently seen on the 2020 MT-03 delivers 41.4PS and 29.6Nm and has an extra cylinder advantage over the BMW and KTM. In terms of underpinnings, we would love to see the Tenere 300 have a similar suspension setup as the Tenere 300. This includes adjustable long-travel suspension and 21-inch front/18-inch rear wheels. 

While the Yamaha is far off (if ever) from being built and even further from setting foot in India, we do have an eclectic collection of sub-500cc adventure motorcycles already in the country. It includes the Hero XPulse 200, Royal Enfield Himalayan, KTM 390 Adventure and the soon to be updated BMW G 310 GS. 

*- Yamaha Tenere 700 image used for representation