Based upon the 2022 Yamaha Ténéré 700, the build embodies Overland Expo’s vision of the ultimate overland motorcycle.
- A stock 2022 Yamaha Ténéré 700 was modified to exemplify Overland Expo’s vision of the Ultimate Overland Motorcycle, including components from 12 show exhibitors and brand partners.
- Debuting at Overland Expo West 2022, the adventure motorcycle will appear at all four Overland Expo events throughout the year and tackle iconic trails throughout the U.S. along the way.
- At the end of the show season, the Yamaha will be auctioned off on Bring a Trailer with 100% of proceeds going to the Overland Expo Foundation charity.
Overland Expo reveals its Ultimate Overland Motorcycle 2022 at Overland Expo West. Exclusively utilizing parts and expertise from Overland Expo exhibitors, the motorcycle embodies Overland Expo’s vision of the ultimate overland motorcycle.
“For our second Ultimate Build, we decided to go smaller and lighter. Utilizing the latest in adventure motorcycle gear and components, we created an adventure motorcycle designed to tackle off-road challenges and comfortably cruise the highway,” said Overland Expo Motorcycle Community Director Eva Rupert. “We built this incredible Yamaha to inspire overlanders to get geared up and out on their own moto-based adventures.”
Based upon the first-ever 2022 Yamaha Ténéré 700, the Ultimate Overland Motorcycle 2022 build brings together the latest parts and components from 12 Overland Expo exhibitors and partners.
“We’re excited that the Ténéré 700 was selected for this year’s Ultimate Overland Motorcycle Build,“ said Derek Brooks, Yamaha Motorcycle Product Line Manager. “Already a class leader in its segment, we’re thrilled at how the Overland Expo team has taken the Tenere 700 to the next level and created the Ultimate Overland Motorcycle.”
About the Build
The 2022 Yamaha Ténéré 700 was selected as the base motorcycle for its combination of power, simplicity, and reliability. The Ténéré’s 689-cubic-centimeter, fuel-injected, liquid-cooled, dual overhead-cam (DOHC) inline twin-cylinder engine delivers smooth power in a compact, fuel-efficient package known for its reliability. With anti-lock brake system (ABS) as the only electronic rider aid and slim ergonomics, the Ténéré allows maximum agility off-road, easy maintenance, and plenty of on-road comfort paired with exceptional handling.
The Ultimate Overland Motorcycle rides on Bridgestone Battlax ADVENTURECROSS AX41 tires. This 40% on-road, 60% off-road tire features proprietary tread pattern design, compound, and high-cross sectional area making the Ténéré ready for all manner of adventures.
The stock suspension on the Ultimate Overland Motorcycle Build was replaced with TracTive X-TREME long travel components and adds 25 millimeters of travel to the already-capable Ténéré. The drop-in TracTive fork cartridge kit features 35mm fork cartridge pistons to allow highest flow under the most demanding conditions. The rear shock includes reinforced seal heads to prevent leaks when the going gets rough. The shock’s forged aluminum, hard anodized shock cylinders allow for optimal strength and heat dissipation, and the three-way damping circuits allow for easy adjustments for rebound, high and low speed compression, and preload.
Protecting the Ténéré from the rigors of off-road wear is the Ultimate ADV Combo from Outback Motortek. This set includes a full set of lower and upper crash bars along with a 4.0mm-thick aluminum skid plate for protecting the T7 from potential off-road damage. Additionally, the Outback Motortek side pannier frames are coupled with a rear luggage rack and passenger grab handle. The ADV Combo is frame-mounted and features reinforced connection brackets for the crash bars, allowing the overall weight of the products to be kept low and the protection high.
We turned to AltRider to enhance the Ténéré’s dual-sport capabilities, beginning with a high fender kit to remove the tendency for mud and debris to become trapped between the front wheel and stock fender. The AltRider fender kit includes upgraded stainless steel brake lines which increase the feel and stopping power by eliminating the swell of rubber lines. In removing the rear fender and replacing it with the AltRider Tail Tidy, we prevent unnecessary damage in the event of a crash.
To further protect the Ténéré off-road, the AltRider radiator guard is formed out of laser-cut 14-gauge aluminum and prevents debris from entering the radiator, without restricting the airflow. A water pump guard, machined out of a single piece of billet aluminum for rigidity, adds robust protection to the water pump plastic housing and the junction between the coolant pump.
READ MORE: Ultimate Overland Motorcycle 2022
To tune the rider ergonomics, the Ultimate Overland Motorcycle has 30mm AltRider Block Handlebar Risers and Adventure II footpegs to provide a wide and stable platform to increase bike control and rider comfort. Additionally, the AltRider clutch extension lightens the clutch pull and increases the friction zone of the clutch, leading to more control and modulation throughout the stroke of the clutch. The DualControl Brake System is composed of a riser and enlarger plate to enhance control and reaction time while riding.
RUBY lights illuminate the Ténéré’s adventures. Using billet aluminum for their light housings and a specially tuned set of optics, RUBY delivers durability and crystal clear lighting without dark spots in the rider’s field of vision. For the rearview mirrors, the Ténéré features Doubletake Mirrors, the toughest adventure mirrors with housing guaranteed against breakage forever.
Also on the handlebars, RAM Mounts hold the Ténéré’s riders’ accessories, including the ZOLEO satellite communicator. Built on the interchangeable ball and socket system, RAM incorporates non-slip functionality as well as shock and vibration damping. The spring-loaded RAM Quick-Grip holder provides a secure fit for a variety of large phones without the need for a rubber tether.
To carry all of the camping essentials for long-distance adventure travel, the Ténéré is equipped with Backcountry Panniers and a Backcountry 30L Duffel from Mosko Moto. The bags feature extremely durable construction and heavy-duty materials that stand up to the rigors of adventure travel. The Backcountry Panniers incorporate a quick-mount wedge system that makes it easy to take the panniers off the bike, and a proprietary ‘Speed-Pin’ latch, ensuring the mounting system is engaged while riding.
To keep essentials close at hand, the Mosko Moto Nomax with Navigator Cell Phone Pocket sits atop the Ténéré’s tank. With a 2.0-liter hydration reservoir and ample storage, it unclips from the bike easily and transforms into a fully functional backpack. Inspired by the Overland Expo event and mirroring the Woodland colorway of the Mosko Moto luggage is a topographic map-themed wrap to accent the Ténéré. The wrap was designed by Taco Moto who specializes in parts and accessories for dual sport and light adventure motorcycles.
A Mosko Moto Fatty Tool Roll is paired with a comprehensive and compact tool set from SBVTools. Complete with Torx bits, Hex bits, combination wrenches, ratchets, and more, the SBVTools kit has everything the rider needs for trailside repairs. A COMBAR Pro Titanium camp tool combines age-old tools with cutting-edge technology for chopping, hammering, and sawing.
Official Partners & Gear
- ACLIM8 — Camp Tool
- AltRider — Ergonomics and Protection
- Bridgestone Americas — Tires
- Doubletake Mirror — Mirrors
- Mosko Moto — Luggage
- Outback Motortek — Crash Protection
- RAM Mounts — Accessory Mounts
- RUBY Moto — Lighting
- SBVTools — Tool Kit
- Taco Moto — Graphics
- TracTive Suspension — Suspension
- ZOLEO — Satellite Communicator
The Ultimate Overland Motorcycle 2022 will make its in-person debut at 11 a.m. MDT at Overland Expo West in Flagstaff, Arizona. It will appear at all four Overland Expo events in 2022, including the first-ever Pacific Northwest show in Redmond, Oregon, Mountain West in Loveland, Colorado, and East in Arrington, Virginia.
Throughout the year, the Ultimate Overland Motorcycle will be ridden by Overland Expo staff, brand partners, and members of the media along some of the U.S.’s most iconic trails, including the Wyoming Backcountry Discovery Route, 300 Road, and the Colorado Backcountry Discovery Route. Overland Expo will document its travels on The Compass editorial hub and social media channels.
At the conclusion of the show season, the Ultimate Overland Motorcycle will be auctioned off on Bring a Trailer with 100% of the proceeds going to the Overland Expo Foundation.
Readers can find details about the build and follow along with its travels on social media using the hashtag #ultimatemoto2022
For more information on the event series, visit overlandexpo.com and follow Overland Expo and #overlandexpo on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook.
