Mexico’s Baja 1000 desert race is not an excursion for the faint-hearted. Teams of drivers and riders tackle 850+ miles of unforgiving terrain, with competitors drawn from across the planet. At Portuguese motorcycle modifiers Holy Moly they’re keen for you to take part - so they’ve come up with a bolt-on kit aimed at Yamaha’s already supremely capable Ténéré 700. The Holy Moly Baja Kit is more than just for show down at the local pub. It turns the Yamaha into a real desert racer, even if you go no further than a sand dune on the south coast of England rather than all the way to Mexico.
Yamaha aren’t reticent in bigging up the abilities of their standard Ténéré 700, describing it as "a motorcycle capable of taking on any terrain you throw at it” which embodies "the very spirit of life on two wheels and the sense of adventure within us all”. Sounds like our kind of bike. What Francisco Menezes and his team at Holy Moly have come up with is a kit of parts that transforms the Ténéré 700 into a custom machine, ready for your desert adventure.
Holy Moly are quick to point out that there’s no drilling, cutting or rewiring involved. Standard fairing at the front is dispensed with to make way for twin headlamps supported by sturdy protective tubing with high end LED lighting to spot those tricky dunes on the darkest of nights. Fitting is by a laser cut bracket. Yamaha’s digital dash set up now has a new home in a custom padded mounting behind the handlebars. Protective side cladding is by R-Tech. Underneath, there's a custom radiator guard to stave off attacks by errant stones.
Retro flavour
All important aesthetics come courtesy of the highly-regarded Sergio Almeida at WKND Customs and comprise livery and decals to be added to the basic Ténéré 700. To the rear, a new muffler set-up is an uncompromising addition, allowing the 73 bhp engine to exercise its power to the maximum available. All of Yamaha’s standard off-road kit remains, left wisely unaltered by Holy Moly. Elevated adjustable suspension means a commanding riding position, while large spoked wheels give maximum ground clearance. For proper off-roading you might be standing as much as sitting and this machine allows for that.
Naturally you’ll be wanting to give your Baja kit-equipped Yamaha its run on the Baja 1000, still held in November each year. You’ll not only look the part but be well equipped for all that this legendarily tough race can throw at you. First thing: get your order in to the good people at Holy Moly for the kit on your Yamaha, since they’re only making 30 and each is bespoke. You’ll need a used 2024 Ténéré 700, which will cost around £10,000. Add the Baja kit: a further £1,944. Fitting and protective head and body gear up to you. Tequilas at the finish? On us.
