Can a Yamaha Tenere 700 be better than a Dakar Bike?

Film & Edit - Llewelyn Pavey
Music Direction - Lucy Dickinson

---
Le Dakar. It's a part of motorcycling pop culture; iconic, legendary, tough and despite its popularity, enigmatic. The question of what a Dakar bike is like to ride is a conversation every dirt bike rider and KTM 950 owner has had. Those KTM 950 owners, as well as lots of Africa Twin owners like to recycle the story about how similar their bikes are to the Dakar racers they're based on. After all, Dakar does has some semblance of a production rule.

And that is how this video was born. Is a Dakar bike and an Adventure bike comparable, even if you spend a lot of money? Could you finish Dakar on a really well prepared Tenere 700 if the 450 rule didn't exist? If they're not equal, how big is the gap?

Hopeful I've answered the question, can a Yamaha Tenere 700 be better than a Dakar Bike?
---

[bikenavbm]

perhaps a lot of watchers may not like this but as an adventure bike user how fast should we be going on open to all trails, as an exercise or project for competition all the performance may well be interesting or purposefull. As a very tame mainly European ADV rider I am very aware of the pressure our hobby is under, Speed and noise are very much our enemies. I ride very local to you guys above and also Spain etc and the difficulties are increasing eveywhere, current example a motoring passionate Country Italy is in the trail riding news as I am sure you know. We all like to have a bit of fun and wind it on a bit here and there and I am not knocking your feature. My point is for us to continue for as long as possible what we are doing we need to be carefull how we push forward especially for us in Europe. Great Vid, they are getting better and better, and good luck to Simon sure he will have better things to do than read this though.

[DB]

Depends who is on each bike - they'd be equally shit if I were riding them.

[BigRockMoto]

Another amazing and insightful video. Your camera work and production value make the rest of us look bad! While I dream of riding a rally bike, my (lack of) riding skill warrants something more like a KLR650 with a milk crate on the back. Keep at it. Happy New Year.

[mikeisland]

Great video. If only Yamaha would build a production ultralight WR450 based Tenere 500cc. Big tank, big seat, big suspension, big smile.

[playmaker]

You did both bikes justice. Two different tools for two diffrent jobs. But, even to put tenere in this discussion says alot about it.

[JohannesDalen]

This is the gold standard in video making. You really possess the camera/editing skill, riding skill and motorcycle knowledge to be at the very top. I’ve learned so much from your channel, thank you. Happy new years!

[kenwolfe]

Loved this video. Especially the insight about convincing yourself the adv is anywhere close to a purpose built enduro bike. Sometimes I’d like an adventure bike but I have to remind myself it will never be an enduro at more than 100lbs heavier.

[Nickvansant]

Great to see you guys at it and a really great video! I miss the days I spent riding with Off-Road-Skills. Best wishes from Tokyo!

[nickg]

Great video.I have always wondered as wellBack in the 80, s I rode my old tender 600 in the Negev desert, an amazing experience 👍😁

[ryane]

Beautifully filmed and very informative as always. Thank you for showing me what my Tenere is capable of. I cannot wait too see where you take the Tenere next. The professional quality of your presentation is outstanding. Please continue making these films.

[Flan]

REALLY good video. Thank you.
I was sold at 6:13. The rally bike is obviously awesome, Lell's T7 is no slouch though.
Best of luck in the race.

[neildxb]

Great style & production quality, thanks!

[caldeirone]

We do love videos like this! :D And it's great to have you back in Portugal! :D

[ludovitbakic]

Thanks guys for honest video, it's a huge help for beginners

[ferkuzuel]

Great video ! Thanks for sharing, Is so true, as an average rider, the moment I get on a 450lbs and up for an off road ride I can feel all my limitations, but on the other hand when I get on a dual sport 350lbs or less I regain my confidence and I can focus more on sharping up my skills and have fun doing it with a smile on my face

[RidingCorners]

Cool video lads. Nice to see the Algarve trails feature so well. Ride safe and best of luck in The Dakar Sy.

[kennethvernonprivate]

Great film Llewelyn!!! Your productions are off the charts!! great great great...🙏

[bradb]

Stunning video! Production quality off the charts. Awesome! 👍👍

[Niki_Parvanov]

Can't get any more honest and thorough comparison than that!

[TaavP]

Such a scenery in Portugal <3 Really cool video. First time commenting but following for some time now. Maybe it's the dakar magic working ahah