Yamaha Ténéré 700 (2019-current) - Review & Buying Guide

Yamaha hold their Ténéré name in very high esteem and so when they decided to use it in 2019, it was never going to be stuck on a bike with little to no genuine off-road ability. Enter the all-new Ténéré 700, or as most people call it, the T7. While the T7’s engine is effectively the same parallel twin (CP2) as used in the MT-07, Tracer 7 and XSR700, Yamaha didn’t just lazily use the same chassis, oh no, they gave the Ténéré a dedicated set-up with an eye very much on off-road riding. A bike you can genuinely load up and take on a proper adventure (or even a global exploration), the Ténéré 700 makes for a fantastic middleweight adventure bike that can be submerged in mud at the weekends during some proper green lane action and then jet washed clean for weekday commuting. With used bikes now approaching the £6000 mark, the Ténéré 700 is a very tempting option for anyone who likes their adventure riding to include something other than tarmac.

Yamaha Ténéré 700 (2019-current) - Price

Initially costing £9147, the Ténéré 700 tends to hold its value and even very well used examples (over 20,000 miles) go for just over £6000. Ideally, look to pay around £6500-£7000 for an early model and you will get one with mid-teen mileages with £7000-£7500 getting one with less than 10,000 on its clocks. As the bike was only updated once (2024), you can buy on condition rather than age. Just remember that there have been a few versions of the Ténéré since it was launched and if you are looking at covering serious miles, the big-tank World Raid (launched in 2022) with its 23-litre fuel capacity (up from 16 litres) and uprated suspension may be worth considering. It’s heavier and not as nimble off-road but it can cover around 300 miles between fill-ups. Used prices start at £7500.

Yamaha Ténéré 700 (2019-current) - Engine & Performance

There is no need to introduce the Yamaha CP2 engine, it is a thoroughly tried and tested unit that has more than proven its worth and reliability over the years. In the Ténéré, Yamaha decided not to mess with this formula and it is effectively identical to the MT-07’s motor however it does run altered final ratios for more low-end punch. Where the MT runs 16/43 gearing, the T7 has 15/46, reducing its top-end and slightly shifting the revs up the range at motorways speed. It’s not a drastic change, and the CP2 is more than smooth enough to ensure it doesn’t feel revvy at 70mph, but if you do lots of tarmac miles and little off-road, you can always change it back with a new front sprocket for minimal outlay.

A delightful engine, the CP2 can feel a touch basic when compared to some more advanced middleweight adventure bikes as it hasn’t got a ride-by-wire throttle so you don’t get cruise control, power modes or even traction control but in many ways this all adds to the Ténéré’s charm. It is pleasingly basic (and arguably more reliable as a result) and the throttle connection is so beautifully smooth it is very assured when the going gets tricky underfoot – or knobbly tyre as the case may be. So what do you need to be wary of when buying use? To be honest, not a lot...

Aside from the 24,000-mile valve-clearance service, which will set you back around £600, the CP2 is bulletproof. Off-road use tends to put a bit of extra strain on the clutch, so check for any signs of slipping, and also give the bottom of the motor a good inspection for any damage (there is a skid-plate a standard) caused by hard landings. Corrosion and flaking paint can be a bit of an issue if the front area of the motor isn’t cleaned regularly and always check the condition of the radiator. If it is dented or has obvious stone damage, be cautious as a new unit from Yamaha costs a fairly hefty £418. Overall, however, aside from the occasional hot starting issues (most reckon the charcoal canister is the issue, there is a removal kit you can buy for £25 and lots of online how-to guides to help) all is good.

Yamaha Ténéré 700 (2019-current) Handling & Suspension

The Ténéré has a completely unique chassis that is seriously beefed-up when compared to the MT-07’s unit for off-road use. Not only that, it gains fully-adjustable 43mm inverted forks (with 210mm of travel) and a fully-adjustable shock with a remote preload adjuster (with 200mm of travel) as well as off-road sized spoke wheels with a 21in front and 18in rear. The only issue with this is that the extra ground clearance gives the Ténéré quite a high seat height of 880mm, which is fairly tall even for an adventure bike and the seat isn’t adjustable in its height (there are lower options).

On the road, despite its off-road focus, the Ténéré is more than capable and while you need to be slightly cautious about really pushing the front end due to its skinny tyre (the Pirelli Scorpion Rally tyres are incredibly impressive on the road), you can certainly have lots of fun. If the suspension is pitching a bit too much for you there is lots of adjustability to dial out much of the movement (Yamaha also sell Öhlins kit) and despite their slightly budget-look, the two-piston sliding calipers have more than enough bite. Pleasingly, the ABS can be turned off to the rear (but not the front) and the updated 2024-onwards bike has three levels of ABS intervention.

Off-road the Ténéré is completely at home. More than happy to be aimed at some seriously rough stuff, its chassis and suspension is very impressive in dealing with the demands of rugged trails and with a bit of extra crash protection and more dedicated tyres, you can properly disappear into the wilderness. Unlike the MT-07’s rather budget items, the Ténéré’s uprated KYM suspension is pretty good out of the box (aftermarket kit will make it handle even better but isn’t totally necessary) and should the worst happen, the Yamaha is quite robust. Although when buying used you do need to be cautious...

Lots of owners have had issues with the Ténéré’s wheels with rusty or badly corroded spokes a common irritation, so check them well, especially where water collects around the point they meet the wheel. The plastics can also be quite brittle, so look for cracked lugs, and also ensure the bars aren’t bent. Oddly, some owners complain the dash/light can wobble, which is weird, and there are complaints about rust on the frame and front of the tank. Always inspect the bike well, especially in areas where water can become trapped such as under the seat, and look for stone chips as once the paint has been damaged, rust will start to take hold. While a lot of Ténérés are taken off-road, an equally large number are only used for road riding. If you have no off-road interest, look for one that hasn’t been off-road, however those who are looking at trail riding might be best searching out one that has seen some action as it will probably have extras such as bark-busters, crash protection and even uprated suspension already fitted. Also, if it has a few dings (generally the exhaust) the price will be lower and you won’t be as precious about taking it up a dirty path or two! 

Comfort & Economy

The Ténéré’s riding position is fairly relaxed and the screen does offer a decent level of wind protection however the seat is quite firm, meaning a comfort cover is best used for long journeys. In terms of economy, around the 60mpg area is certainly achievable, giving a range of just over 200 miles. That’s more than enough. If you want to go further, a taller screen and maybe less off-road targeted tyres are worth investing in to reduce road noise.

Yamaha Ténéré 700 (2019-current) Equipment

The Ténéré is left a bit lacking in terms of tech as you only get disengagable ABS. There is no option of cruise control, traction control or even a quickshifter, although this was added as a plug-and-play option in the 2024 update. The upgraded bike also has a TFT dash with connectivity, which the older model lacks, as well as three-stage ABS.

If you want to add extras, lots of owners go for crash protection as well as panniers, all of which is either available from Yamaha or one of many aftermarket firms. A centre stand is a good option (although it can get in the way for off-road use) and so are heated grips and if you are a little short, there is a low seat height option.

Yamaha sell two complete kits for the Ténéré, the Explorer and Rally packs, with the Explorer pack the more practical option as it includes crash bars, a centre stand and aluminium panniers while the Rally is targeted at hardcore riders and includes more off-road options such as extra crash protection, an Akrapovic silencer and a rally seat.

In general, most Ténérés come with some extra crash protection fitted, luggage (often just a top box) is common and so are louder pipes.

Yamaha Ténéré 700 (2019-current) Rivals

Most Ténéré owners have a genuine interest in off-road riding, so its rivals are the more off-road targeted models.

Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro (2020-2023)| Approx Price: £8000-£10,000

Read more

Power/Torque

94bhp / 64lb-ft

Weight

201kg

BMW F850GS (2018-2023) | Approx Price: £6000-£11,000

Read more

Power/Torque

94bhp / 68lb-ft

Weight

229kg

KTM 890 Adventure R (2021-2022) | Approx Price: £9000-£11,000

Read more

Power/Torque

101bhp / 68lb-ft

Weight

196kg

Yamaha Ténéré 700 (2019-current) Verdict

If you are after a bike that can see off motorway miles yet is still more than happy to take on a trail or two, the Ténéré is a great option. Unlike heavy and cumbersome big-capacity adventure bikes, the Ténéré is manageable off-road and its parallel-twin motor has a lovely balance of low-down grunt and a smooth throttle action, helping it search out grip. If you want to do a tour (solo) and also explore some harder to reach areas, it is the ideal companion and feels like a proper adventure bike rather than a tourer made to look a bit more rugged.

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Yamaha Ténéré 700 (2019-current) - Technical Specification