No Prices on the MT07 Tenere and it hasn't officially been Released. But testing is continuing and Spy shots are on the Internet. Plus Yamaha has confirmed the existing 660 is finishing this Year. I expect the O7 Tenere to be launched in the New Year?
I wanted a DCT but in the Tri Colour or the Rally Red. Honda Refused so now it is a simply a wait to see what arrives first? The New Yamaha MT-07 Tenere (Due early Next Year) or the Africa Twin DCT in a Decent Colour? Time will tell.
Different horses for different courses, I think Ian.
Honda have AT brand/model marketing reasons for the Thai, ( and all country ) markets. We may not all agree, of course
But a red DCT model may come, sometime. The non DCT model will always be preferred for those seeking more technical conditions, as evidenced by the experienced off road rider test reviews to date. A slipper clutch is about as far as technical riders want to go, and it has some advantages, without compromising techniques and traditional riding reflexes. I also ride traditional enduro/trail bikes, now the simple CRF 250L dual sport in Thailand. So switching between the two bikes I can keep the same ' riding head '..
And with simple tweeks to fork oil have a capable enduro which can also handle well enough. front end 21, for rapid blacktop twisties ( potholed ?/
) shopping trips.
The DCT models certainly make it easier for enry level off road riding, as many recent test review riders have observed. It's very clever.
And Mr Honda wants to sell more DCT models and also to widen the riding terrain profile, along with the master rider brand appeal strategy.
The new MT-07 ( probably with a different name ) seems set for launch 2018...some time away.
Certainly it will be the same good value Yamaha price I think - maybe 350K in Thailand.
Many thousands of K's in Maroc Mountains/Desert on XT660's and KTM 450/500 & 690's confirm to me the Yam' is OK but just takes more work, especially on daily 300 to 700 K sections. Trusty Yam' is so reliable ! And that's important, especially solo....and outback.
BUT....I'll ride ANYTHING....ANYWHERE
And the many times I've seen locals on beat up mopeds, with chains falling off, hundreds of miles from anywhere, remind me you can do that..
The new Yam' is not really aimed as a technical competitor for the new AT.
Chalk & Cheese. Closer to the F700GS & TT800 range. Certainly lighter than the AT, but less comfortable on long, fast runs as a consequence.
But it has a great niche and will be an undoubted improvement on the XT660. And great value too.
I think it will sell well in Thailand. A good match for much of the most interesting riding terrain, including Laos/Cambodia.
Certainly I'll aim to ride one when they appear.
Meantime I'm happy with Mr Honda for supplying a non DCT, in red/white/black.
A few strategic blue decals will soon personalise it.
Termi' music in my ears and FREEDOM.
I am reminded here, as I type : " No one size fits all "
Safe and enjoyable riding, whatever your choice !
