Pol Tarres World Raid GYTR Record

In an awe-inspiring demonstration of skill and determination, Pol Tarres has once again rewritten the record books in the world of motorcycle adventuring. Elevating his legendary status, Tarres, aboard the Yamaha Ténéré World Raid GYTR, has shattered his own altitude record by reaching a breathtaking height of 21,899 feet (6,677 metres) — the highest altitude ever achieved on a twin-cylinder motorcycle. Adding to this monumental achievement, during the reconnaissance phase, Tarres ascended even higher to 22,144 feet (6,756 metres) on a Yamaha YZ450FX, setting an unprecedented record for the highest altitude reached on a single-cylinder motorcycle.

These remarkable feats were accomplished amidst the challenging terrain of Ojos del Salado, the highest volcano on Earth, located in the rugged Andes mountains. This achievement highlights the Yamaha Ténéré’s remarkable capabilities and underscores Tarres’s extraordinary determination and adventurous spirit.

Two years after setting a world record for altitude on a Yamaha Ténéré 700, Tarres embarked on this latest adventure, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on two wheels. Supported by a dedicated team, including project manager Javi Echevarria and a crew from TRECE Racing Society, Tarres’s latest exploits were meticulously planned and executed, showcasing teamwork and the drive to achieve the seemingly impossible.

“Preparing for this challenge was difficult, many said it could not be done,” declared Javi Echevarria, project manager. The effort to surpass the previous record was a clear demonstration of the team’s determination and belief in pushing beyond limits.

Tarres and his team chose Ojos del Salado for its daunting heights and challenging conditions. The volcano’s steep rock inclines, scree slopes, and snow drifts have thwarted many previous record attempts, making Tarres’s success all the more remarkable. Prior to the record-breaking rides, the team spent two weeks acclimatizing to the high altitude, a critical step that helped them cope with the physical demands of their endeavor.

Starting from Refugio Murray at 14,835 feet (4,522 metres), Tarres’s ascent to the record altitude was an intense 50-minute journey, marked by physical and mental challenges that tested the limits of both rider and machine. “Above 6,000 metres everything seems to go super slow, the physical exhaustion is indescribable,” commented Tarres, highlighting the extreme conditions faced during the climb.

To address the challenge of increased fuel consumption at high altitudes experienced in the previous record attempt, the Ténéré was equipped with the GYTR kit, featuring an ECU assembly and extra fuel capacity, ensuring that Tarres could ride longer without needing to refuel. The GYTR parts, including Haan Wheels, a KYB 48mm front fork, and Paioli rear suspension, provided the necessary handling performance for the demanding terrain.

This year’s records are a culmination of Tarres’s daring spirit and Yamaha’s engineering excellence. To share the incredible story behind these achievements, TRECE Racing Society and Yamaha Motor Europe are collaborating on a documentary set to premiere at the end of the year, inviting viewers to experience the journey that led to these extraordinary records.

As Tarres continues to push the boundaries of motorcycle adventuring, his achievements serve as a powerful source of inspiration, proving that with courage, determination, and the right team, the impossible can become possible.