Yamaha Bikes

CarBike360 now presents its complete, in-depth review of the Yamaha Tenere 700, a motorcycle widely recognized for its robust adventure capabilities. This detailed examination arrives as riders increasingly look for bikes able to handle both street and demanding off-road conditions. Our review explores the Tenere 700's strong engine and precise handling. Overall build quality, providing a full look at its real-world performance.

It covers how the bike performs on long trips and through challenging trails, giving clear insights on its features and what makes it a key player in the adventure bike market. Riders gain vital facts to grasp the Tenere 700's place in the competitive world of adventure motorcycles.

​Yamaha Tenere 700: A Closer Look at the Adventure Bike

The Yamaha Tenere 700 has established itself as a significant motorcycle in the adventure touring category, known for its mix of off-road capability and on-road performance. Since its initial release, this model has gained a reputation as a dependable and versatile machine, appealing to a wide range of riders, from those who enjoy street riding to serious off-road enthusiasts. The bike draws its design inspiration from rally raid motorcycles, reflecting Yamaha's long history in rally racing.

It aims to offer a balance between price and performance. Purpose in the middleweight adventure market. The Tenere 700 features a design that prioritizes rider control and agility, making it suitable for varied terrain. Its slim body and seat are designed to allow riders to shift their weight easily, whether sitting or standing. The motorcycle comes equipped with a distinctive four-LED headlight assembly, taking cues directly from Yamaha's factory rally bikes.

Engine and Power Details

At the core of the Yamaha Tenere 700 is its 689 cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke, DOHC parallel-twin engine, which is also used in other Yamaha models like the MT-07 and Tracer 700. This engine is known for its strong, linear torque output, offering immediate throttle response and good acceleration, making it a capable performer both on and off the road. 

The engine delivers approximately 72 to 74 horsepower at 9,000 rpm and about 50 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm. It is paired with a six-speed transmission and chain drive. For recent models, such as the 2025 and 2026 versions, the engine has been updated to meet Euro5+ emissions standards, which has also led to improved efficiency and a broader spread of torque. These updates include a new ride-by-wire throttle system, which introduces selectable power modes, typically "Sport" for sharper response and "Explorer" for smoother delivery, especially useful on loose or wet surfaces.

The 689 cc CP2 parallel twin remains at the heart of the machine, now updated to meet the latest Euro5+ emissions standards. The changes have brought improved efficiency and a broader spread of torque throughout the rev range, a characteristic shared by many engines engineered to meet the tighter regulations.

The fuel capacity of the standard Tenere 700 is 16 liters, offering a range of over 350 kilometers between fill-ups. The World Raid variant features larger twin side-mounted aluminum fuel tanks, holding 23 liters, which is about seven liters more than the standard model, providing a range of around 500 km.

Chassis, Suspension, Brakes

The Yamaha Tenere 700 is built on a lightweight double-cradle tubular steel frame, designed to provide a good balance of strength and low weight. This chassis helps the bike achieve responsive handling. The motorcycle has a ground clearance of 9.4 to 9.5 inches (240-241 mm), which is crucial for off-road riding.

The suspension system is a key feature for its adventure capabilities. The standard Tenere 700 comes with a 43 mm KYB inverted fork up front, offering 8.3 inches (210 mm) of travel. A KYB single shock at the rear with 7.9 inches (200 mm) of travel. Recent updates, such as in the 2025 and 2026 models, have brought fully adjustable KYB suspension with improved internals and preload adjustment for the front fork. The rear shock also has remote preload adjustment, allowing riders to fine-tune it for different loads or riding conditions. The updated suspension aims to provide better control and comfort, especially in rough off-road conditions.

Braking duties are handled by dual 282 mm wave-style discs at the front with Brembo calipers and a 245 mm disc at the rear. A significant feature is the selectable ABS, which offers three modes:

• Fully activated ABS on both wheels
• ABS on the front wheel only with the rear ABS off
• ABS fully off on both wheels for specific off-road situations

This flexibility allows riders to choose the level of braking intervention that best suits the terrain. The bikes ride on tough spoked wheels, with a 21-inch wheel at the front and an 18-inch wheel at the rear. These wheels are typically fitted with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires, which are designed for both on-road and off-road use.

Rider Aids and Electronics

While the original Tenere 700 was known for its simplicity and fewer electronic aids compared to some rivals, recent updates have introduced more technology. The 2025 and 2026 models now feature a ride-by-wire throttle system and a full-color 6.3-inch vertical TFT display. This new display can present configurable layouts and offers smartphone connectivity through the Y-Connect app, allowing for functions like phone calls, music, and basic data acquisition. Turn-by-turn navigation.

For models like the 2026 World Raid, the bike gains a 6-axis IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), which enables lean-sensitive rider aids such as Traction Control and Slide Control. ABS/Brake Control. Both traction and slide systems offer "Street," "Off-Road," and "Off" settings. Cruise control is also becoming a standard feature on newer models.

The CP2 parallel twin is now ride-by-wire. That led to more sophisticated rider aids and a new rally-style vertical 6.3-inch TFT display. There are two power modes—Sport and Explore. Traction control is either on or off, while three ABS modes are available—both wheels on or off, plus front-wheel only.

Also Read: Yamaha Tenere 700 Showcased at Bharat Global Mobility Expo 2025

On-Road and Off-Road Experience

The Tenere 700 is designed to perform well in a variety of riding conditions. For on-road use, the bike's engine provides smooth and reliable power, making it suitable for both highway and city riding. Its handling is described as nimble and poised, allowing riders to enjoy twisty roads. Despite its adventure focus, many riders find it to be a fun street bike, capable of freeway travel.

The true strength of the Tenere 700 lies in its off-road capabilities. It comes with features like long-travel suspension and a high-clearance frame. Geometry designed for rough terrain. The bike's wide handlebars, flat seat. Narrow profiles are intended for off-road riding, allowing the rider to stand on the pegs comfortably and maintain control. Its relatively low wet weight of around 452 to 459 pounds (205-208 kg) contributes to its agile feel in dirt. The firmer suspension settings on newer models further enhance its performance on bumps and gravel.

Conclusion

​The Yamaha Tenere 700 is generally praised for its straightforward nature and strong focus on riding rather than complex electronics. Many riders appreciate its reliability and the relatively easy maintenance of its engine. Its ability to perform well both on and off paved roads makes it a popular choice for those seeking a true 50/50 adventure bike. The updates on newer models, while adding more technology like ride-by-wire and advanced rider aids, have aimed to enhance its capabilities without losing its core character of simplicity and ruggedness.