The Ténéré 700 could be the most important new adventure bike of 2019. It isn’t as advanced, powerful, sexy or sophisticated as the many Japanese super bikes, but it is capable more accessible to the masses. It is desirable and affordable.
Yamaha Ténéré 700 has a launch date for the online ordering system. The first bikes will be delivered to customers in Europe on July 2019 at a special introductory price of €9,299 / £8399 – the normal price will be £8699. The online only price will be available between March 27 and July 31, when the ordering system closes.
No information about an early ordering system has been given for the U.S.A. at this time. Due to differing government regulatory standards and factory production line schedules, the Tenere 700 is scheduled to arrive at U.S. dealerships a year later in the second half of 2020. Europe receives three color options, so far, but Ceramic Ice will be the only color available for the U.S.A. market.
The T7 concept bikes and two years of Ténéré 700 waiting might suggested it started as an MT-07 ‘soft-roader’.
The power in the package comes from the MT-07’s CP2 689cc parallel-twin, wrapped in an all-new chassis, and rolling on proper off-road rim sizes (21-in. front, 18-in. rear). The engine guarantees off-road success with dedicated fuel maps for its new dual-purpose life which means a broad spread of torque, and plenty of power for the road. There’s also gearbox tweaks to suit the new purpose.
Yamaha claims that the combination of good fuel economy and a 16-litre tank capacity will give a real-world 215-mile+ range between fuel stops.
The all-new frame is a tubular steel double cradle, designed just for the Ténéré offers flexibility and finds traction in the rough stuff.
Quad-LED headlamps nestling behind the tall screen presents a new aesthetic face protecting the new all-LCD dash tower that shows speed, rpm, fuel level and range, trips and more. Above this sits a very useful bar for bolting all your navigational needs.
There’s a 43mm inverted fork up front which offers complete damping adjustment and 210mm of travel. The rear has a remote preload-adjustable link-type monoshock providing 200mm of travel for its aluminium swingarm. Brembo brakes with 282mm discs up front, and a 245mm one at the rear is equipped with switchable ABS that can be disabled for off-roading adventures.
• High-torque 689cc four-stroke CP2 parallel twin-cylinder engine
• 72.4 HP (54 kW) @ 9000 rpm
• Adjustable 43mm upside down coil-spring forks with long-travel (210mm)
• Remotely adjustable link-type rear suspension with 200mm of travel
• Compact rally-style cockpit with tapered handlebars
• 452 lbs (205 kg) wet weight
• 21-inch/18-inch lightweight spoked wheels with adventure tires
• Average 358+km (217 mile) fuel range
• Switchable ABS option
• 880mm seat height
Yamaha will release a wide range of Genuine Accessories for the Tenere 700. The line-up will include luggage options and several other items to enable riders to travel further in comfort and convenience. Yamaha will also offer several Rally-oriented items to further sharpen the bike’s off-road capability.
