When Yamaha engineers a popular powerplant, it isn’t afraid to repurpose the platform for future models. The CP2 parallel-twin powered the MT-07 for years before Team Blue transplanted the engine into the XSR700, Ténéré 700, and R7. Yamaha took a similar route with the MT-09's CP3 inline-triple, launching the XSR900, Tracer 9 GT, and Niken with the same 890cc mill.

According to French media outlet Moto-Station, Iwata isn’t done leveraging the CP3 engine. Armed with unspecified information, the outlet claims that Yamaha is deep in development of a new Ténéré 900 with the peppy CP3 triple at its core. While Moto-Station didn’t supply patents or trademark filings to back up the speculation, we have to consider Yamaha’s lack of presence in the heavyweight ADV category.

Ténéré 900 Renders - Sand

In 2020, Team Blue discontinued the Super Ténéré in Europe and the U.K. due to Euro 5 emission regulations. The adventure tourer is still available on the North American market, but the XT1200Z’s exit leaves a huge hole in the brand’s lineup. Of course, if Yamaha can plunk the CP3 into an all-new heavy middleweight ADV, it could certainly draw in budget-minded long-distance adventure riders.

Based on the information gathered, the current Ténéré 700 styling, and the new World Raid edition, digital artist Nicolas Petit fashioned a Ténéré 900 rendering. As a heavier ADV, the 900 takes on larger proportions than the T7, but shares similar design elements such as a rally-inspired design, a steel tube frame, and rugged colorways. Unlike the Ténéré 700, though, Petit added a 19-inch front wheel for additional on-road touring capabilities.

Should Yamaha drop the CP3 into a potential T9, the triple-powered adventure bike would likely lose the Super Ténéré’s shaft drive in favor of a chain final drive. The Yamaha would also go up against the heavy-hitters in the heavy middleweight adventure class such as the KTM 890 Adventure and Triumph Tiger 900. Unfortunately, we’ll have to wait for Team Blue to acknowledge the development of a Ténéré 900 before we can confirm these rumors. However, it would come as no surprise to see the CP3 in action yet again.

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