Yamaha Tenere 700
The Yamaha Tenere 700 has a top speed of 170 km/h (estimated; Yamaha does not officially publish a figure), produces 72 hp and weighs 204 kg. Motoryk rates it 8.5/10.
The Yamaha Ténéré 700 was introduced as a concept in 2016 and launched for production in 2019, drawing inspiration from Yamaha's legendary XT500 and XTZ750 Super Ténéré rally heritage. It was developed partly in response to strong public demand after the concept's reveal, and was notably tested in the Dakar Rally by Yamaha's official team. It quickly became one of the most celebrated mid-weight adventure bikes for its lightweight chassis, reliable CP2 parallel-twin engine, and genuine off-road capability at an accessible price point.
72 hp
Power
68 Nm
Torque
204 kg
Weight
170 km/h (estimated; Yamaha does not officially publish a figure)
Top Speed
4.5–5.5 L/100km (approximately 18–22 km/L real-world average)
Fuel
Faired
Body
Video Review
What Buyers Should Know
Proven Engine Reliability
The T7 uses a detuned version of the MT-07's CP2 parallel-twin engine, which has logged millions of miles worldwide with very few reported failures. It's considered one of the most dependable adventure bike powerplants in its class.
Watch the Rear Subframe
Early models (2019-2021) had reports of rear subframe cracking under heavy luggage loads or aggressive riding. Inspect welds carefully on used bikes and consider a reinforcement kit if you plan to carry panniers regularly.
Strong Resale Value
The Ténéré 700 holds its value exceptionally well due to high demand and limited availability in many markets. Used examples often sell close to or even above MSRP, making it a smart long-term investment.
Generations & Specs by Year
Launch model with 689cc CP2 engine, tubular steel frame, 21/18 wheels, 16L tank, minimal electronics.
"The analogue adventure bike purists actually wanted."
After 18,000 km across two continents, the T7 still surprises me with how honest it is — the CP2 engine pulls hard from 4,000 rpm, the 21-inch front wheel tracks dirt roads with real confidence, and that tubular steel frame just communicates everything the ground is doing. It's not a luxury tourer; the wind protection is basically nonexistent above 130 km/h, your wrists know it on a six-hour day, and the stock seat is genuinely punishing past 200 km. But Yamaha stripped out the electronic nannying and gave you a real motorcycle instead of a committee decision, and that trade-off is absolutely worth it for the right rider.
Pros
Cons
Updated TFT display, revised ergonomics, new colorways, improved suspension tuning, added ride modes and traction control.
"Still the benchmark mid-weight adventure bike, now sharper."
After six months and 8,000 km across tarmac, gravel, and some genuinely sketchy mountain tracks, the Gen 2 Ténéré feels like Yamaha actually listened. The suspension retuning is the real story — it no longer pogos on washboard dirt or crashes through sharp-edged potholes the way the early bikes did, and the traction control is unobtrusive enough that I mostly leave it on off-road, which is saying something. The new TFT is a genuine upgrade: readable in direct Moroccan sunlight and the ride mode switching is intuitive mid-ride. My gripes are real though — 204 kg is honest weight for a 690, the tank range pushes you to about 350 km before reserve anxiety kicks in, and the seat is still a punishment device after hour three.
Pros
Cons
Used Buyer Review
"The adventure bike that actually delivers on its promises."
$7,500-$10,500 usedThe Ténéré 700 is genuinely one of the best used buys in adventure riding right now. That CP2 parallel-twin is bulletproof — owners are regularly hitting 40,000+ miles without major drama, which is exactly what you want to hear before handing over your cash. Check the chain and sprockets first, because some owners clearly never looked at them twice, and inspect the bash plate for serious impacts that might have kissed the sump. Used examples almost always come with aftermarket luggage, skid plates, and higher screens, which is honestly a bonus since factory equipment is pretty spartan. The suspension is competent rather than exceptional — if the previous owner did any serious off-road work, get the forks inspected for bent stanchions. It happens more than dealers admit. At current used prices, you're getting a bike that punches well above its weight. It's no GS, but it doesn't need to be. Light, flickable, and with real off-road capability — this is the adventure bike that actually gets used as one.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Yamaha Tenere 700 — owned, ridden, recommended.
Common Problems
🔥 2 CRITICALTest cold start, listen for fuel pump prime
Inspect welds around rear subframe visually
Listen for uneven idle or surging at low RPM
Bounce test, check for oil leaks on shock body
✅Pre-Purchase Checklist
Generally solid, minor issues on early units
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Yamaha Tenere 700
Yamaha Tenere 700 World Raid
Ktm 790 Adventure
Ktm 890 Adventure
Husqvarna Norden 901
Yamaha Tenere 700 Rally
Compare Yamaha Tenere 700 Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Yamaha Tenere 700 vs Yamaha Tenere 700 World Raid
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Yamaha Tenere 700 vs Ktm 790 Adventure
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Yamaha Tenere 700 vs Ktm 890 Adventure
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Yamaha Tenere 700 vs Husqvarna Norden 901
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Yamaha Tenere 700 vs Yamaha Tenere 700 Rally
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
More Yamaha Tenere 700 Guides
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Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Yamaha Tenere 700? +
Fuel pump failure causing stalling or no-start: Test cold start, listen for fuel pump prime (serious) | Cracked or leaking subframe on early models: Inspect welds around rear subframe visually (serious) | Throttle body sync causing rough idle: Listen for uneven idle or surging at low RPM (moderate)
Is the Yamaha Tenere 700 a good motorcycle? +
The adventure bike that actually delivers on its promises. Rating: 8.5/10. Best for: Riders wanting real adventure without GS money. Avoid if: You prioritize highway comfort over off-road ability.
What is the horsepower of the Yamaha Tenere 700? +
The Yamaha Tenere 700 produces 72 hp @ 9,000 rpm, with 68 Nm @ 6,500 rpm of torque. Top speed: 170 km/h (estimated; Yamaha does not officially publish a figure).
Is the Yamaha Tenere 700 good for beginners? +
Not really — the Yamaha Tenere 700 is better for experienced riders. Riders wanting real adventure without GS money Avoid if: You prioritize highway comfort over off-road ability
Is the Yamaha Tenere 700 reliable? +
Owners report 2 critical issues to watch for on the Yamaha Tenere 700, notably: Fuel pump failure causing stalling or no-start (Test cold start, listen for fuel pump prime). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Yamaha Tenere 700 good for daily use? +
Riders wanting real adventure without GS money Fuel: 4.5–5.5 L/100km (approximately 18–22 km/L real-world average).
How fast is the Yamaha Tenere 700? +
The Yamaha Tenere 700 reaches a top speed of 170 km/h (estimated; Yamaha does not officially publish a figure), producing 72 hp at 204 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Yamaha Tenere 700? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Yamaha Tenere 700, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/yamaha/tenere-700/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
