The Yamaha Tenere 700 is no doubt making the big boys sweat. But there is no denying its performance is a bit lacking in the segment. Suzuki’s V-Strom 800DE trumps it, and it’s the same with the Tuareg 660. So it only seems fair that Yamaha builds an even bigger underdog with a Ducati DesertX-killing Tenere 900. Although a dream, the wild peeps from Australia-based Purpose Built Moto (PBM) has taken matters into their own hands and created a banger of a custom ADV using the Yamaha MT-09 streetfighter, named the MT09 Rally Raid. They built the Tenere 900 that Yamaha didn’t (yet), and it rocks.
A 2019 Yamaha MT-09 Is Transformed Into A Go-Anywhere ADV
Gets Serious Suspension And Tire Upgrades
Purpose Built Moto has given the MT-09 some serious modifications to transform it into this wicked off-road-ready ADV. The most extensive upgrade is with the suspension setup. The front flaunts the 48 mm WP inverted forks from the KTM 1190 Adventure, whereas the rear gets a more detailed package with a custom-made monoshock from Costanzo Racing Tuned. It is coupled to a new mounting setup for the lower shock mount and a re-engineered central frame brace and top shock mount to help the long-travel custom monoshock work to its full potential.
The off-road-ready formula is completed with dirt-ready wheels and tires. The custom MT-09 Rally Raid rolls on 21-inch front and 18-inch rear Excel rims wrapped with knobby Motoz Tractionator RallZ tires. These tires lean a bit more towards off-roading. So, PBM has designed the wheel mounts in such a way that they can easily be swapped for a road-going 17-inch wheel and tire duo, without disturbing the suspension geometry and riding dynamics.
Notable Custom Features
- KTM-sourced fully-adjustable front suspension
- Custom-built rear monoshock and mounting
- Excel off-road-focused laced wheels and tires (also gets a road-focused 17-inch setup that can be fixed in minutes)
- Custom-built bashplate and engine protection
- Custom rally tower with integrated LED headlamps and instrument cluster mounting bracket
- Custom side fairings
- Rally front fender
A Special Design Takes Things Up A Notch
The Iconic Yamaha Speedblock Design Gets A Twist
The fuel tank is retained from the stock MT-09. But PBM crafted a set of custom aluminum side fairings that blend in beautifully. These are connected to a Tenere 700-specific custom rally tower with integrated stacked LED lights and a yellow-tinted windscreen. A custom bracket is used that mounts the stock LCD and also holds the tall visor in place with additional braces.
Giving it the whole raid vibe is a custom holder atop the instrument cluster to hold a Quad Lock wireless smartphone holder and charger, which also features a vibration dampener. The wide and high handlebar is adorned with aftermarket levers and custom PDM mirrors. The rider triangle has also been adjusted to provide a more relaxed and adaptable posture for both on- and off-road rides. It gets MX-styled pegs.
Visually, this is a drop-dead gorgeous custom bike featuring a blue and yellow paint job. The fuel tank flaunts a distinctive take on the iconic Yamaha Speedblock design and the LED turn signals are integrated into the fairing mounts. Elsewhere, the “Tenere 900” also features aluminum side covers to protect the rider’s legs from engine and exhaust heat. Luggage racks that can be easily added or removed in minutes round things off.
No Major Updates To The Engine
But A Custom Exhaust System Adds More Drama
The CP3 engine on the MT-09 is famed for bringing the best of both worlds (parallel-twin and inline-4) together. It has a meaty low- and mid-range torque that greatly complements the character of this custom ADV. It produces 117 horsepower and 64 pound-feet of torque at 10,000 RPM and 8,500 RPM, respectively. The engine specifications remain unchanged on this custom ADV, but PBM has added a custom exhaust system featuring twin Yoshimura mufflers to spice things up. These are mounted underneath the seat and get custom piping to connect to the stock three-to-one downpipe. It sure sounds glorious.
2019 Yamaha MT-09 Engine Specs For Reference
|
Engine Configuration |
Inline-3; Liquid-Cooled |
|
Engine Displacement |
847 cc |
|
Bore X Stroke |
3.0708 X 2.3267 in. (78.0 X 59.1 mm) |
|
Compression Ratio |
11.5:1 |
|
Power |
117 HP |
|
Torque |
64.53 LB-FT |
|
Transmission |
6-Speed Manual |
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