Rugged and ready for some serious off-roading, the Yamaha Ténéré by Deus Ex Machina has all that you need to tackle the everyday urban jungle. And a few sand dunes on the weekend. Because this custom Ténéré is more than a good-looking paint job - the original can be had in any colour you like so long as it’s Yamaha’s Tech Kamo, basically black with some accents - on an already formidable machine.
And to be clear, the basic Yamaha Ténéré is far from an urban sloth. Stripped-back simplicity is designed for anywhere, anytime adventures. Parallel twin 689 cc engine is good for 72 bhp, which combined with a low - 187 kg - kerb weight, gives more than ample torque and top end performance. Six-speed gearbox means there’s always the right ratio, whether for going up that hill, navigating the traffic to the supermarket or the challenge of the wet motorway home. So let’s get to work.
And here's what Deus Ex Machina, rugged clothing purveyors to the cognescenti, have imagined for this lucky example. The Yamaha Ténéré is named after the Ténéré desert stage in the original Dakar Rally, dominated in its early years by Yamaha. Deus Ex Machina have taken that as inspiration for a bike designed to echo those early 1980s pioneers. Bulky fuel tank dominates the picture, so that you won’t be lost for petrol in the Sahara. But there’s more to it than that.
Yamaha Ténéré by Deus Ex Machina: All the trimmings
Rally kit includes added protection for radiator and chain, prominent sump guard is a beefed up version of the original. Hand grips are by Acerbis, suppliers to the professionals. Added travel to front suspension is by Andreani, with Ohlins doing duty at the rear. Camal Studio undertook the 3D modelling to realise single-piece side bodywork, seat and rear mudguard, all in fibreglass to save weight.
Knobbly tyres add nothing to ride, but you’ll be wanting them where you’re going: they’re Karoo Extremes by Metzeler. And you might have just noticed the non-standard exhaust which is, like so many other elements of this build, designed to add nothing but lightness. Constructed from titanium - but of course - it also adds what Deus Ex Machina describe as "a soft racing sound”. To our ears we suspect this will be music.
Unlike their clothing and accessory lines, we don’t think Deus Ex Machina have any plans to sell this delectable beast, though they say “a kit may be available on request” for the body parts at least. No price on that as yet. So best to take the first step and put a call in to the good people at Yamaha and place your order for a factory Ténéré, which as we’ve said is one formidable machine. At £10,806.00, it’s a smart bet on a great bike, with a conversion kit for that trip to Niger’s Ténéré region to come. We’ll be at the first oasis, sipping a cocktail.
Next up: 10 Of the best off-road motorcycles.
