Ténéré Spirit Experience https://tenere-spirit-experience.com/en/accueil-2025/ Le Rallye Raid en immersion Thu, 09 Jul 2026 07:46:21 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://tenere-spirit-experience.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/cropped-Favicon-Tenere-Spirit-32x32.png Ténéré Spirit Experience https://tenere-spirit-experience.com/en/accueil-2025/ 32 32 Who is Gautier Paulin? From motocross to rally-raid, when talent knows no limits https://tenere-spirit-experience.com/en/who-is-gautier-paulin-from-motocross-to-rally-raid-when-talent-knows-no-limits/ Thu, 09 Jul 2026 07:37:10 +0000 https://tenere-spirit-experience.com/who-is-gautier-paulin-from-motocross-to-rally-raid-when-talent-knows-no-limits/ For nearly twenty years, Gautier Paulin established himself as one of the leading figures in world motocross. MX2 European Champion, […]

L’article Who is Gautier Paulin? From motocross to rally-raid, when talent knows no limits est apparu en premier sur Ténéré Spirit Experience.

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For nearly twenty years, Gautier Paulin established himself as one of the leading figures in world motocross. MX2 European Champion, multiple Grand Prix winner, and five-time consecutive Motocross of Nations winner with Team France, the Frenchman has built one of the most impressive track records of his generation.

But in 2025, he decided to take on a brand-new challenge by joining the Yamaha Ténéré Rally Team, the official Yamaha team competing in rally-raid. Riding the Yamaha Ténéré 700 Rally, Gautier discovered a discipline where speed is no longer enough: you also have to master navigation, race strategy, and mechanical management over several days of competition.

A transition that could have required several seasons of adaptation. Yet, in just a few rallies, Gautier Paulin has already established himself as a promising rider in the discipline.

Gautier Paulin's Achievements

Before discovering rally-raid, Gautier Paulin built an exceptional track record in motocross:

European Champion MX2 (2007)

12 Grand Prix victories

30 heat wins

64 podiums in the World Championship

Five consecutive victories at the Motocross of Nations (2014 to 2018), a record for a French rider

Winning Team Manager of the Motocross of Nations with Team France in 2023

Carta Rally 2025: A Promising Debut

The 2025 Carta Rally marked Gautier Paulin‘s rally-raid debut with the Yamaha Ténéré Rally Team. In his very first participation, the French rider already reached the podium, finishing third overall with the Ténéré 700 Rally.

As the kilometers went by, he progressed rapidly in navigation and reading the roadbook. At the end of the event, he reflected on his learning process:

Gautier Paulin: “This rally was a great experience. We made huge progress with the bike and confirmed all the work done on its reliability. I am very proud of it, as I am of the whole team. I also improved a lot in navigation, especially in my roadbook reading and my ability to find my way in these vast open spaces facing the horizon. Despite the penalty, I learned a lot. I am still a rookie in this discipline, so managing to progress this much at each rally is really motivating. In the end, it was an extremely positive experience.”

More than the result, this statement highlights Gautier Paulin’s mindset. The Frenchman emphasizes his progression above all: understanding the roadbook, learning to navigate wide-open spaces, and continuing to gain experience with every rally.

Africa Eco Race 2026: The Confirmation

A few months later, Gautier Paulin started his first Africa Eco Race on a motorcycle, only his second rally-raid.

Riding the Yamaha Ténéré 700 Rally, he set off on one of the most legendary rally-raids. The event connects Tangier to Dakar, Senegal, crossing Morocco and Mauritania, with over two weeks of racing in extreme conditions.

Despite his lack of experience, Gautier impressed. He won three stages and finished second in the general classification, just 41 seconds behind the winner Kevin Gallas.

A remarkable performance for a first-time participant.

Upon arriving on the shores of the legendary Lac Rose in Dakar, the emotion was immense:

Gautier Paulin: “What an incredible way to finish an exceptional race! Riding along the beach with my teammates was a magical moment, and crossing the finish line at the legendary Lac Rose was a dream I’ve had since childhood, when I watched the first Paris-Dakar rallies with my father. These past two weeks have been extraordinary. The bike was perfect, the team was great, and I met people who will remain friends for life. Finishing in second place is also a huge satisfaction, especially for my very first participation in the Africa Eco Race on a bike. A big thank you to the whole team and to Yamaha for this incredible adventure. I can’t wait to do it again!”

A Promising Future

In just two rally-raids, Gautier Paulin has already established himself as a promising rider in the discipline. He has several stage wins and two overall podiums, including a remarkable second place during the Africa Eco Race 2026.

Following this performance, the Frenchman took the start of the Carta Rallye 2026, his third rally-raid. Once again, he confirmed his full potential by finishing 3rd in the general classification, behind his teammate Kevin Gallas, who took second place.

A lightning-fast adaptation on the Yamaha Ténéré 700, which testifies to the rider’s adaptability and talent.

After making motocross history, Gautier Paulin is now writing a new chapter of his career with the Yamaha Ténéré Rally Team on the biggest international rally-raids.

L’article Who is Gautier Paulin? From motocross to rally-raid, when talent knows no limits est apparu en premier sur Ténéré Spirit Experience.

]]> Riding the Hard DéfiTour on a Ténéré 700: mission impossible? https://tenere-spirit-experience.com/en/riding-the-hard-defitour-on-a-tenere-700-mission-impossible/ Fri, 29 May 2026 09:50:36 +0000 https://tenere-spirit-experience.com/riding-the-hard-defitour-on-a-tenere-700-mission-impossible/ This year was the 10th edition of the Hard DéfiTour. An anniversary edition inevitably means new challenges. Usually, the Hard […]

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This year was the 10th edition of the Hard DéfiTour. An anniversary edition inevitably means new challenges.

Usually, the Hard DéfiTour takes place over 2 days, and at the end of those two days, only 20% of participants manage to become finishers.

But this year, it wasn’t 2 but 3 days of riding, for a total of nearly 1,200 km. Fortunately, the second day was expected to be more flowing to offset the difficulty of the 3 days.

And a little surprise was waiting for us at the start of that second day: a taped special stage that, after around a hundred riders had gone through, was starting to get very slippery.

What’s the goal of the Hard DéfiTour?

The goal of the Hard DéfiTour is to be a finisher. It’s not a race, but a challenging ride on an enduro-style route to be completed on a trail or maxi-trail bike.

The hardest part is still stringing the obstacles together, which wears riders down as the kilometers add up.

For the lowest numbers, the start is at 7:00 AM. The evening time limit is then set based on the start time—6:00 PM for the first riders. This time limit is at a certain mileage, close to the end of the route. So you need to keep a steady pace to make it through and also validate the last CPs to be officially classed as a finisher.

Taking part in the Hard DéfiTour on a Ténéré 700

For this edition, there were around fifty Yamaha Ténéré 700 on the start line. On our side, we also took part on a Ténéré 700.

The number one enemy in this kind of challenge is potential mechanical issues, especially punctures, which can cost a huge amount of time.

We chose to start with reinforced Haan Wheels rims, an Enduro Medium tire up front with a Michelin M16 mousse tube.

At the rear, we fitted a Michelin Baja tire with an M02 mousse tube.

Many riders also went for a mousse setup, but some ran into problems with split mousse halfway through. ⚠️ So be careful when choosing your mousse.

On our side, we recommend Michelin mousse tubes, because they’re what we use in rally-raid with our riders, and they also offer the best durability.

Next, we definitely recommend carrying a few small tools so you’re ready to do quick repairs out on the trail.

✅ Mission accomplished for our team: Hugo managed to become a finisher of this Hard DéfiTour!
No breakage, no injuries on the Ténéré 700 despite the 1,200 km and the difficulty of the route.

Challenge completed with flying colors!

Need parts or advice to kit out your Ténéré 700? Contact us!

L’article Riding the Hard DéfiTour on a Ténéré 700: mission impossible? est apparu en premier sur Ténéré Spirit Experience.

]]> How to adjust your motorcycle’s steering damper? https://tenere-spirit-experience.com/en/how-to-adjust-your-motorcycles-steering-damper/ Wed, 13 May 2026 09:21:50 +0000 https://tenere-spirit-experience.com/how-to-adjust-your-motorcycles-steering-damper/ Adjusting a steering damper on your bike is primarily about finding the right balance between stability and ease of movement […]

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Adjusting a steering damper on your bike is primarily about finding the right balance between stability and ease of movement of the handlebars. A poor setting can make the bike feel either too “vague” or too stiff to steer.

Understanding the steering damper principle:

A steering damper acts on the speed of the handlebar movement:

  • Low speed: slow handlebar movements (corners, changes of direction)
  • High speed: rapid movements (headshake, impacts, cambers, sand, etc.)

Baseline setting (starting point)

If you don’t know where to start:
– Set the adjustment to the middle of the range
– Do a test run in normal conditions
– Then adjust gradually

Adjusting based on feel
➕ Too much headshake / instability at high speed
→ Slightly increase the high-speed setting (more stability during acceleration and on fast tracks)

➕ Steering feels too heavy / bike “resists”
→ Decrease the low-speed setting (the bike becomes more agile and easier to tip into corners)

➕ Bike too twitchy at high speeds
→ Increase the high speed damping

➕ Bike difficult to place in tight corners
→ Reduce the low speed damping

⚠️ Common mistakes to avoid when adjusting your steering damper

Never change everything at once:

  • 1 to 2 clicks max at a time
  • Test in the same conditions
  • Note your settings if possible
  • Too stiff = fatigue + bike refusing to turn
  • Too soft = instability and headshake
  • Adjusting “by chance” without a real test

Which steering damper for the Ténéré 700?

Our bikes are equipped with a steering damper: the SCOTT GYTR.

➡️ More stability at high speed
➡️ Better control in rough terrain
➡️ Reduction of unwanted handlebar movements
➡️ More comfort and confidence off-road

The GYTR Scott Steering Damper improves stability in fast and technical sections, while maintaining precise and natural steering.

A piece of equipment we particularly appreciate in rallies and on long days on the track.

Our suspension tuner for the Ténéré 700? OTS FACTORY

OTS Factory is the specialist in suspension tuning and optimization for motorcycle. For over 20 years, OTS Factory has provided its expertise to demanding riders, both in competition and for leisure.

Thanks to expertise recognized at the highest level, we offer professional fork and shock preparation services to improve performance, comfort, and riding precision.
At the head of the workshop, Fabien “Fedex” Vinel, an experienced head mechanic, guarantees a quality service tailored to each rider’s needs.

It is Fabien who handles the suspension tuning of our Ténéré 700s for our riders: Gautier Paulin, Alessandro Botturi, Kevin Gallas, and Pol Tarrés.

L’article How to adjust your motorcycle’s steering damper? est apparu en premier sur Ténéré Spirit Experience.

]]> Ride to Dakar, Senegal, by motorcycle: the African adventure in Raid mode https://tenere-spirit-experience.com/en/ride-to-dakar-senegal-by-motorcycle-the-african-adventure-in-raid-mode/ Wed, 06 May 2026 08:31:34 +0000 https://tenere-spirit-experience.com/ride-to-dakar-senegal-by-motorcycle-the-african-adventure-in-raid-mode/ Riding the legendary tracks of the old “Paris-Dakar” leading to Senegal remains the ultimate goal for any trail bike enthusiast. […]

L’article Ride to Dakar, Senegal, by motorcycle: the African adventure in Raid mode est apparu en premier sur Ténéré Spirit Experience.

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Riding the legendary tracks of the old “Paris-Dakar” leading to Senegal remains the ultimate goal for any trail bike enthusiast. Crossing Morocco, traversing the vast expanses of Mauritania, and finally reaching Lake Retba in Dakar (Senegal) represents over 6,000 km of freedom.

Every year, we accompany enthusiasts to this legendary destination. For the 2027 edition, we invite you to join the adventure via the Africa Eco Race, with a completely redesigned “Raid” formula for those who want adventure without the pressure of the stopwatch.

Africa Eco Race 2027: Two formulas for a motorcycle trip

The organization offers two ways to experience the adventure, and we are here to support you in both cases:

  • RAID TRAVEL: For those who want to discover motorcycling in Africa with peace of mind. It is a supervised and secure format, ideal for enjoying the scenery without worrying about pure navigation.
  • RAID EVOLUTION: For those who want to challenge themselves. You follow the pace of the competitors (briefings, schedules) but without a ranking, with validation via waypoints.
Register for the 2027 edition

The route to Dakar: Morocco, Mauritania, and Senegal by motorcycle:

Crossing West Africa requires meticulous route preparation. Here is a glimpse of the experience based on our 2026 edition:

📍Morocco: between peaks and fast tracks

Starting from Tangier, the journey often begins with the crossing of the Atlas Mountains.
Morocco sometimes holds major surprises: in 2026, in Bousaid, we were greeted by snow! This surreal setting forced the organization to cancel the stage, and we completed the connection by road, offering unforgettable white panoramas. Heading down towards Tagounite and Assa, the scenery changes radically: you leave the frozen peaks for a dry heat. But make no mistake: once the sun sets, the desert becomes freezing again 🥶​. A high-performance sleeping bag is your best ally for nights under canvas. As for the riding, the Moroccan tracks are a pure delight, alternating between fast-rolling sections and more technical passages.

📍Mauritania: the wild immensity

After the Khnifiss stage, we reach Dakhla for a well-deserved rest day (for the riders at least!). This is the time to prepare for the entry into Mauritania towards Chami and Aidzidine. Here, the scenery changes radically: sand becomes omnipresent and the heat rises, even in February.

📍​​Arrival in Senegal via Ouad Naga

Entering Senegal by motorcycle completely changes the game: vegetation appears, villages are denser, and the hospitality of the locals is legendary. On the 2026 edition, the loop stage in Mpal allowed us to savor the African atmosphere before the final flourish on the beach at Lake Retba.
Register for the 2027 edition

Preparing your motorcycle for an African raid:

For this type of motorcycle trip, preparation is the key to enjoyment. For our Africa Eco Race participants, we offer two solutions based on the Yamaha Ténéré 700:

Recommended technical preparation

If you are bringing your own motorcycle, it must go through our workshop for a full check-up and the installation of navigation equipment. We strongly recommend our Comfort Pack:

  • Suspension: 48 mm forks and GYTR shock absorber.
  • Wheels: Reinforced rims for mounting with Bib Mousse (essential to avoid punctures).
  • Protection: Air pre-filter to protect the engine from fine sand.

Turnkey Rental and Assistance

Don’t have a prepared bike? You can rent a fully equipped Ténéré from our fleet. Additionally, with our Assistance Pack, you can forget about mechanics in the evening at the bivouac. Our teams take care of everything so you can focus on your riding and recovery.

Why join us with our assistance pack?

Participating in such an adventure requires logistics. By joining our structure, you benefit from our turnkey mechanical assistance. While our technicians take care of your machine in the evening at the bivouac, you can focus on your recovery, the stage debriefing, and sharing experiences with other team members.

Registration for the 2027 edition opens on May 15. Don’t miss the opportunity to follow in the tracks of legends!

L’article Ride to Dakar, Senegal, by motorcycle: the African adventure in Raid mode est apparu en premier sur Ténéré Spirit Experience.

]]> Open Trail: The Course to Get Started in Off-Road Motorcycling https://tenere-spirit-experience.com/en/open-trail-the-course-to-get-started-in-off-road-motorcycling/ Tue, 05 May 2026 15:04:30 +0000 https://tenere-spirit-experience.com/open-trail-the-course-to-get-started-in-off-road-motorcycling/ Open Trail is a unique off-road training day, organized by Mutuelle des Motards. The objective is simple: allow every motorcyclist […]

L’article Open Trail: The Course to Get Started in Off-Road Motorcycling est apparu en premier sur Ténéré Spirit Experience.

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Open Trail is a unique off-road training day, organized by Mutuelle des Motards. The objective is simple: allow every motorcyclist to learn off-road riding safely, supervised by professional instructors. Whether you’re a pure road rider or a budding adventurer, it’s the perfect opportunity to take the plunge.

Discover Off-Road at Your Own Pace

To ensure everyone can learn at their own pace, skill-level groups are created. This allows instructors to adapt exercises according to each participant’s experience.

The entire morning is dedicated to technique: learning to get started, begin, and progress through practical workshops. You’ll discover sensations different from road riding, which is extremely beneficial for gaining responsiveness and better handling everyday hazards.

Is My Motorcycle Suitable for Getting Started in Off-Road?

This is the great strength of Open Trail: you participate with your own motorcycle. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a competition machine. The event is designed for trail-type and adventure motorcycles in road configuration:

Registered motorcycle (with valid insurance).

Standard equipment: Lighting, turn signals, and mirrors.

Dual-sport or trail tires: No need for “extreme” or specific knobby tires.

No special preparation is necessary. Your everyday motorcycle is perfectly suited for learning to master your machine’s reactions.

Register for an Open Trail

On the Agenda: Technique and Fun

An Open Trail day takes place in two parts:

Morning: Training with technical workshops (riding position, braking, balance).

Afternoon: Off-road ride and trail exploration.

This is the time to put the morning’s lessons into practice! We head out for a 1- to 2-hour ride. The pace depends on each group, but the goal remains enjoyment. Each group is supervised by an instructor and a “sweep rider” to ensure everyone’s safety.

Why Take a Trail Introduction Course?

Many participants come to gain confidence before embarking on a motorcycle trip or to dare venture onto the TET (Trans Euro Trail). It’s also an excellent way to get to know your motorcycle better in all weather conditions.


Good to know: Open Trail is open to everyone. You don’t need to be insured with Mutuelle des Motards to register.

Open Trail 2026 Calendar:

Register for an Open Trail

L’article Open Trail: The Course to Get Started in Off-Road Motorcycling est apparu en premier sur Ténéré Spirit Experience.

]]> Can the Yamaha Ténéré 700 compete with Dakar machines? https://tenere-spirit-experience.com/en/ Sat, 25 Apr 2026 14:39:11 +0000 https://tenere-spirit-experience.com/?p=21494 This week, we were back at the Carta Rallye 2026, alongside Gautier Paulin, Alessandro Botturi and Kevin Gallas, reigning winner […]

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This week, we were back at the Carta Rallye 2026, alongside Gautier Paulin, Alessandro Botturi and Kevin Gallas, reigning winner of the Africa Eco Race 2026.

The Carta Rallye: a turning point for our riders

The Carta Rallye 2026 is a symbolic event for our riders. It was during this race that Gautier Paulin and Kevin Gallas made their rally-raid debut last year. A formative experience that launched them into a world as demanding as it is thrilling.

This 2026 edition featured a strong line-up, with factory teams used to the Dakar Rally in attendance, such as the Sherco Factory Rally Team, notably running 450 cc bikes.

Goals: Ténéré 700 performance and reliability

After the Africa Eco Race, the goal of the Carta Rallye is twofold:

  • improve the reliability of the Yamaha Ténéré 700 in extreme conditions
  • enable riders to hone their navigation skills

Carta Rallye 2026 results

Day 1:

  • Alessandro Botturi: 3rd
  • Kevin Gallas: 4th
  • Gautier Paulin: 5th

Day 2:

  • Gautier Paulin: 1st
  • Kevin Gallas: 5th
  • Alessandro Botturi: 8th (penalty for missed WP)

Day 3:

  • Kevin Gallas: 1st
  • Gautier Paulin: 4th
  • Alessandro Botturi: 5th

Day 4:

  • Gautier Paulin: 1st
  • Kevin Gallas: 3rd
  • Alessandro Botturi: 4th

👉 Three consecutive stage wins for our riders!

Day 5:

  • Kevin Gallas: 2nd
  • Alessandro Botturi: 4th
  • Gautier Paulin: 5th

Day 6:

  • Gautier Paulin: 3rd
  • Kevin Gallas: 5th
  • Alessandro Botturi: 6th

Day 7:

  • Gautier Paulin: 4th
  • Alessandro Botturi: 5th
  • Kevin Gallas: 6th

Overall standings after 2,300 km of racing

After 7 stages and more than 2,300 km:

  • Kevin Gallas: 2nd place
  • Gautier Paulin: 3rd place
  • Alessandro Botturi: 5th place

Kevin Gallas finished behind Sherco Factory Rally Team rider Lorenzo Santolino.

A Ténéré 700 at rally-raid level
These results confirm the rally-raid potential of the Yamaha Ténéré 700. Up against machines close to those of the Dakar, the bike proves its toughness and competitiveness, driven by riders who keep progressing.

What’s next?
After this great week of racing, it’s time for adventure: the Desert Tour recce will begin.
Next stop: the Addax Rally in October.

Any questions? Contact us!

L’article Can the Yamaha Ténéré 700 compete with Dakar machines? est apparu en premier sur Ténéré Spirit Experience.

]]> Yamaha and the Ténéré Spirit Experience are back for the Carta Rallye 2026’s 10th edition https://tenere-spirit-experience.com/en/ Tue, 14 Apr 2026 11:27:24 +0000 https://tenere-spirit-experience.com/?p=21459 After a first participation last year in the Carta Rallye with our riders and our Yamaha Ténéré 700, we are […]

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After a first participation last year in the Carta Rallye with our riders and our Yamaha Ténéré 700, we are back for the 10th edition.
The objective, as always, goes beyond performance: it is primarily about training, for improvements, both for our Ténéré 700 and for our riders.

Carta Rallye Key Information:

📆 Date: April 17 to 24, 2026
📍 Starting location: Agadir
🏁 Number of stages: 7
📏 Total distance: 2,300 km

MORE INFORMATION

The Carta Rallye is the ideal amateur rally-raid, both in terms of navigation challenge with a roadbook, and its unique course. Each year, the level of competition rises, making the challenge more interesting to compete against great riders and teams, a perfect playground to test the Yamaha Ténéré 700 in real competition conditions.

The Carta Rallye consists of 7 stages. This year, the race starts from Agadir, from Plage Blanche, with a stage in the dunes of Erg Cheggaga, to finish in Mhamid. Approximately 2,300 km for this edition, across the most demanding Moroccan tracks.

Our riders in the racing category with the Ténéré 700

This year, we will participate with 3 great riders in our team. All will start on the Yamaha Ténéré 700 Rally, the most advanced version of the Ténéré 700 for competition, equipped with GYTR (Yamaha Genuine Technology Racing) parts developed directly in rally-raid.

Our 2 official Yamaha Racing riders: Italian rider Alessandro Botturi and French rider Gautier Paulin, as well as our German (TSE) rider Kevin Gallas, winner of the Africa Eco Race 2026.

Last year, the Carta Rallye was Kevin Gallas’s first rally-raid. After only three rally-raids, including two overall victories in the Addax Rally and the Africa Eco Race, Kevin is already establishing himself as a serious contender, capable of competing with our official riders on the Ténéré 700 Rally.

Two other riders in the Racing category will join our official riders. Morgan Bernoux, also known as Captain Morgaine, after a first experience in the Africa Eco Race in the Raid category, is embarking on a year of challenges. At the Carta Rallye, he takes on the challenge of the Racing category on the Yamaha Ténéré 700, as part of his preparation for the Africa Eco Race in racing.

Finally, Alix Guenier joins our riders in the Racing category for a first African rally with our team, also on a Ténéré 700 GYTR.

The adventure within the Carta Rallye in the Raid category

This year, we’re heading for adventure with the Raid category. 7 riders will be part of the adventure on the Yamaha Ténéré 700 WR, with the goal of benefiting from our assistance package to fully enjoy a raid in Morocco with roadbook navigation.

The Raiders ride the Yamaha Ténéré 700 WR, equipped with a GYTR comfort kit including GYTR fork and shock absorber, GYTR rims, all fitted with bib mousses and a Twin Air pre-filter; a reliable and proven setup to tackle the Moroccan tracks with confidence.

Our assistance package allows each rider to set off with peace of mind: qualified mechanics, spare parts, preparation of the Ténéré 700s between stages and personalized support throughout the rally. An ideal formula to discover rally-raid with complete serenity.

The riders in the Raid category for this edition:

  • Thomas Bardou
  • Maximilien Berger
  • Franck Coudert
  • Yann Duprey
  • Guilhem Fenot
  • Lucas Robert
  • Pascal Robert

Yann Duprey, after the Carta Rallye 2025 alongside us in the Racing category, then the Africa Eco Race, will accompany our Raiders for this edition.

Technical and administrative checks on April 17, race start on April 18.

L’article Yamaha and the Ténéré Spirit Experience are back for the Carta Rallye 2026’s 10th edition est apparu en premier sur Ténéré Spirit Experience.

]]> Where to ride off-road motorcycles in Montpellier / Occitanie? https://tenere-spirit-experience.com/en/ Mon, 23 Mar 2026 16:34:27 +0000 https://tenere-spirit-experience.com/?p=21213 Where to ride an off-road motorcycle? That’s the big question everyone asks us. The trail bike is the ideal motorcycle […]

L’article Where to ride off-road motorcycles in Montpellier / Occitanie? est apparu en premier sur Ténéré Spirit Experience.

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Where to ride an off-road motorcycle? That’s the big question everyone asks us.

The trail bike is the ideal motorcycle for versatility: a bit of adventure, road, trails… But in France, not all trails are freely accessible. So you can’t ride wherever you want without risking penalties.

So it’s better to be well accompanied or know the terrain well.

MORE INFORMATION

Riding trail bikes in Hérault: a supervised solution

We have therefore opened a Ténéré Center in Bouzigues, which allows off-road rides in Hérault.

The goal? To get together for a day to ride together, in an organized, safe environment suitable for everyone.

Off-road motorcycle rides departing from Bouzigues

Departing from Bouzigues, this off-road motorcycle ride crosses the plains of Hérault before reaching the foothills of the causses in the hinterland.

A varied route, ideal for trail enthusiasts and maxi-trail riders looking to ride safely while enjoying a challenging yet accessible route.

MORE INFORMATION
  • Approximately 200 km
  • 70% off-road
  • Elevation gain: 2,671 m

Departure: 9:00 AM (welcome 8:15 AM – briefing 8:45 AM)

A ride accessible to all levels

These off-road rides in Hérault are open to all levels.
The routes don’t present any major difficulties, but offer enough technical challenge to have fun off-road.

Whether you ride a Yamaha Ténéré, a trail bike, maxi-trail, or scrambler equipped with suitable tires, these rides are the perfect opportunity to discover the southern trails in an organized and friendly setting.

MORE INFORMATION

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]]> Ténéré Camp 2026 in Morocco? Desert Tour, the Ténéré raid https://tenere-spirit-experience.com/en/tenere-camp-2026-in-morocco-desert-tour-the-tenere-raid/ Mon, 23 Mar 2026 16:12:31 +0000 https://tenere-spirit-experience.com/?p=21204 Do you know the Ténéré Camp? An event reserved for Ténéré owners, usually over 3 days, featuring riding, activities, challenges […]

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Do you know the Ténéré Camp? An event reserved for Ténéré owners, usually over 3 days, featuring riding, activities, challenges and time to connect around adventure.
This year, we’ll meet up in Morocco for the Desert Tour: the spirit of a Ténéré Camp, but this time in Morocco.

Key Desert Tour info:

📆 Date: November 17–21, 2026
📍 Start location: Morocco
🏁 Number of stages: 4
📏 Distance: 1,000 km
💰 Price: €2,500
🔁 Format: cloverleaf, bivouac at Xaluca

MORE INFORMATION

The spirit of a Ténéré Camp, in Morocco

A raid for Ténéré 700 riders, and more broadly for any type of Ténéré. 4 days of riding, with 3 categories, so everyone can ride at their own pace and find enough challenge to improve.

GPX category: a category with a GPX track, mostly off-road, ideal for discovering the Moroccan desert without too much complexity.

Roadbook Discovery category : ideal for discovering roadbook navigation. You navigate using the roadbook and have the option of using GPS for support. You are free to check it, but it’s there if you’re ever in doubt.

Roadbook Challenge category : roadbook navigation only, featuring classic desert challenges. Wadis, fesh-fesh, some dunes… and optional, more challenging sections.

A raid with Yamaha riders?

All accompanied by our riders and ambassadors to keep you well supported and advised: Gautier Paulin, Alessandro Botturi, Kevin Gallas, Jordi Arcarons… and maybe some surprise guests.

A goal for this Ténéré raid? Win the mini-challenges to be on your category’s podium at the end. No speed on this raid, but consistency, with challenges that will put your skills to the test.

MORE INFORMATION

A comfortable raid at Xaluca

A fully comfortable raid, because our bivouac base will be at Xaluca, a hotel in Erfoud, where you can unwind after a day of riding: pool, sauna, massage, or even a gym for those who still have energy.

Our advice for this raid?

If you wish to participate with your own Ténéré, an equipment list will be provided after you register. The goal is to ensure you are in the best possible conditions to participate.

For example, for the Roadbook Challenge category: you must of course have a tablet or a roadbook reader so you can read the roadbook.

As for tires, we recommend mousse bibs + medium enduro tires, or heavy-duty inner tubes with tires suited to the desert.

A pre-filter to protect the engine from sand…

All of this, as well as rider gear, will be specified in our equipment list.

Sign up for the Desert Tour

L’article Ténéré Camp 2026 in Morocco? Desert Tour, the Ténéré raid est apparu en premier sur Ténéré Spirit Experience.

]]> Kevin Gallas winner of Africa Eco Race 2026: Yamaha’s crowning achievement https://tenere-spirit-experience.com/en/kevin-gallas-winner-of-africa-eco-race-2026-yamahas-crowning-achievement/ Fri, 13 Feb 2026 16:42:37 +0000 https://tenere-spirit-experience.com/?p=20942 Intense is the word to describe these two weeks of competition in the Africa Eco Race. Two weeks where the […]

L’article Kevin Gallas winner of Africa Eco Race 2026: Yamaha’s crowning achievement est apparu en premier sur Ténéré Spirit Experience.

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Intense is the word to describe these two weeks of competition in the Africa Eco Race. Two weeks where the suspense was absolute until the final release.

The Africa Eco Race 2026 got off to a great start with a victory for Alessandro Botturi and a third-place finish for Kevin Gallas as early as the second stage (Stage 1 having been cancelled). This sets the tone: our Ténéré 700 riders are right in the mix, even against the many 450cc bikes entered this year.

The turning point of the race for Yamaha...

Kevin Gallas finished second on Stage 3, but on Stage 4, a technical problem struck Alessandro Botturi. He lost an hour, which dashed his chances of victory… However, all is not lost! Thanks to a true team strategy, Alessandro Botturi will do everything he can to support our young riders.

Kevin Gallas, consistent in his performance, won the 5th stage. The 6th stage was won by Gautier Paulin, with Alessandro Botturi taking second place. On the 7th stage, it was another victory for Kevin Gallas. Nothing seems to stop him, not even the dunes of Mauritania, and this is only his 3rd rally-raid!

Then Gautier Paulin won the 8th stage, followed by the 10th… In the overall standings, only 1 min 25 s now separate Gautier Paulin and Kevin Gallas, with a comfortable 22-minute lead over third place, held by Lepan’s KTM 450.

The finale at Lac Rose

In the Africa Eco Race, although there are 12 stages, only 11 count toward the overall standings. It is Stage 11 that seals the winner’s fate, with Stage 12 only serving for the start from the beach of the legendary Lac Rose and the finish at the podium.

A Stage 11 where everyone held their breath… and in the end, Kevin Gallas won with just a 41-second lead over Gautier Paulin!

A historic result for Yamaha

Not only did Yamaha win the Africa Eco Race on the Ténéré 700, but it also took second place on the podium! An incredible performance from our riders and machines.

The team’s success didn’t stop there:
5 Ténérés in the top 7 overall.
A clean sweep of the podium in the Over 650cc category: Kevin Gallas, Gautier Paulin, and Mike Wiedemann.

The Ténéré Spirit Experience riders, Mike Wiedemann and António Maio, delivered solid performances. Wiedemann secured three stage podiums to finish 4th overall, while Maio added two podiums and finished 6th.

LEARN MORE About the Africa Eco Race

The dominance of the Ténéré 700

In total, the Ténéré bikes claimed 6 stage wins and added 11 more podium finishes. Stage 10, one of the most demanding of the rally, saw Ténérés take all of the top 5 spots.

Finally, 7 machines finished in the top 9 of the Over 650cc category, including Nicolas Charlier (8th) and Bertrand Gavard (9th).

The Africa Eco Race 2026 will be remembered as an edition dominated by the Ténéré Yamaha Rally Team and its adventure twin-cylinder, victorious in one of the most demanding rally-raids in the world.

Next up: The team will be back in action at the Carta Rallye in Morocco, from April 18 to 24, 2026.

L’article Kevin Gallas winner of Africa Eco Race 2026: Yamaha’s crowning achievement est apparu en premier sur Ténéré Spirit Experience.

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