Yamaha has promoted the fact that you can travel around the world with the Ténéré 700, even where they have never heard of asphalt, from day 1, by racing with it (and successfully) and a sophisticated marketing strategy. In the hands of FMX rider Jérémy Rouanet, Yamaha has gone one step further, with the world’s first ever backflip with a prepared Ténéré 700.
When you look at the photos and the YouTube video it seems very simple, but according to Yamaha it was quite a challenge. Compared to the bikes used in FMX Freestyle motocross, the Ténéré 700 is large, bulky and heavy, almost double in size. It is therefore not surprising that no one had ever done this stunt before.
However, experienced rider Jérémy Rouanet took up the challenge. In the workshop of the Ténéré Yamaha Rally Team, the Ténéré 700 was extensively modified with an arsenal of GYTR accessories and an Akrapovič exhaust system, after which the mission was completed after just a few weeks of training.
The machine with which Rouanet performed the stunt was based on the Ténéré 700 Rally Edition, on which the following GYTR accessories were mounted:
– Titanium footpegs
– Clutch cover
– Air filter box
– Air filter kit
– ECU Stage 1
– Triple clamp kit
– KYB 48 mm upside down front fork
– Akrapovič exhaust system
– Decal kit
In addition to the parts from the GYTR catalog, a TracTive rear shock, KYTE wheels and Michelin Desert tires were mounted. However, all that still wasn’t enough to pull off the stunt attempt. The seat padding was cut out an inch and a half, the sides of the fairing were opened up, the electronics grouped under the seat to save space and create extra support on the frame for the maneuver.
Finally, all unnecessary parts were removed, such as the mirrors, indicators, license plate holder, pillion footrests, the side stand plus circuit breaker and the ABS control unit. Finally, a light lithium battery (2-3 kg) was mounted. Needless to say, the bike was far from street legal.
Jérémy Rouanet, born in Narbonne, is a former professional FMX rider: he retired from his professional career in 2019, at the age of 39, almost 20 years after he started it.
At 17, he was the youngest European rider to perform a long somersault of more than 25 meters and has numerous participations in the Red Bull international freestyle shows to his name. He is also a regular competitor in the Minerve FMX with his YZ250.
– Thanks for information from Motorfreaks.