New Ténéré 700 revealed
Yamaha has increased the specification of the Ténéré 700 with the introduction of YCC-T electronic throttle, riding modes and upgraded suspension. But the design team has been careful not to add technology for technology’s sake. Electronic aids increase the rider’s engagement with the motorcycle, while never becoming overwhelming or unnecessary, while adjustments to meet the rider’s personal needs or road conditions are always simple to make and effective in delivery.
Latest adventure design
Inspired by Yamaha’s rally raid bikes past and present, the 2025 Ténéré 700 sports an all-new look combined with ergonomics developed to be more effective for both road and off-road riding.
The fuel tank has been moved forward, with great consideration taken to balance size with optimal ergonomics. The top of the 16-litre tank now sits lower down than the one found on the previous generation model and these changes contribute to a more balanced weight distribution and better all-round handling.
A new one-piece rally inspired seat is both long and narrow and now offers greater freedom of movement while riding.
A new headlamp design features four individual LED light units stacked in an aluminium structure, in the style of Yamaha’s contemporary rally racers, with the ‘Y’ shaped mount giving a distinctively fresh look. New colour-matched handguards not only confirm the Ténéré 700’s off-road credentials but have the practical benefits of giving the rider protection from the elements.
New race-bred adjustable front suspension
The front forks are now fully adjustable with 15mm of preload easily accessed through the adjuster on top of each fork leg.
Compression and rebound damping characteristics can be fine-tuned by turning screws at either end of the forks, as per the existing model.
These new race-developed inverted forks are designed to take on even the most hostile terrain, with flex-resistant 43mm tubes and 210mm of front wheel travel contributing to an impressive 240mm of ground clearance.
Yamaha’s design team has also developed new yokes, with a forged aluminium lower clamp and cast aluminium crown combining to deliver added strength while contributing to a very light and natural feeling motorcycle.
Rally developed rear suspension unit
Revised rear suspension features plush action and an easy access remote adjuster. Designed to offer a smooth and stable ride on road and off the beaten track, the new set-up pairs a completely new rear linkage design with a revised rear shock absorber, which offers easy adjustability for preload, compression and rebound damping.
Developed as a result of feedback from Yamaha’s rally raid programme, the new progressive linkage increases suspension stroke while maintaining the same 200mm wheel travel as the previous Ténéré 700.
The main body of the sophisticated rear shock absorber is made from aluminium due to superior heat dissipation. This combines with a separate piggyback reservoir tank, which keeps the oil cool and is pressurised to prevent air bubbles forming when the shock absorber is fully extended. The remote adjuster has been designed to allow for changes to be made quickly and without any tools, while an oversized rubber bump stop provides additional cushioning in extreme conditions.
The result is a rear suspension set-up which provides outstanding rider feedback and consistent performance no matter how gruelling the conditions.
Premium dashboard and switchgear elevate the riding experience
The new Ténéré 700 debuts a premium 6.3in full-colour TFT dashboard with outstanding style and functionality.
Vertically stacked in a design inspired by rally raid roadbooks, the screen offers simple smartphone connectivity to unlock a host of features including the seamless integration of phone calls and messages, as well as music and turn-by-turn navigation through the MyRide app. These features can be controlled using the left-hand switchgear, meaning the rider is able to take control without having to stop or even take their hands off the handlebars.
To facilitate seamless integration with the user’s smartphone, the motorcycle comes with a USB-C charging point as standard. The outlet is protected by a waterproof cap and is conveniently situated at the right-hand side of the cockpit, ensuring mobile devices remain fully charged on even the longest journeys.
The attention to detail doesn’t end there. Riders can choose from two distinctive dashboard themes. Street theme displays the information in a classic style, with the screen dominated with a digital visualisation of an analogue tachometer, while the Explorer theme is more modern and dynamic, designed to be easy to read while riding off-road, which is achieved by positioning the key information front and centre in the rider’s view.
Whichever theme is selected, the new 6.3in TFT display allows the rider to clearly check road speed, rpm and navigation, while other features include fuel gauge, average fuel consumption, ambient temperature and a gearshift indicator.
Complementing the new TFT readout are new switchgear cubes, which offer more functionality than those found on the previous generation Ténéré 700 and make scrolling through the many functions easy and intuitive. Ergonomically designed for easy operation, flexible printed circuits are used to allow each switch to handle more functions through the use of a five-direction joystick. Additionally, the turn signals have been upgraded, with new features added to the left hand switchgear: three-flash signalling or continuous indicators with auto-cancelling.
Updated CP2 engine with YCC-T
Yamaha’s critically acclaimed 690cc parallel-twin engine receives an update for the new Ténéré 700, most notably the adoption of the YCC-T (Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle) which in turn facilitates switchable throttle maps for the first time on the CP2 platform.
The introduction of YCC-T now gives riders the option of two selectable maps with different characteristics, Sport and Explorer, with the latter offering a softer power delivery. Switching modes is easy, simply by pressing a button on the right-hand switchgear, and gives the rider the throttle connection they prefer.
Also updated from previous Ténéré 700 editions is the air intake duct, which is now shorter and contributes to a fatter torque curve lower in the rev range, a particular benefit when riding off road.
A number of other mechanical updates have been introduced, all focused on improving the rider/machine connection. The clutch actuation position has been moved forward (35° clockwise), and a protector cover with a smooth, minimised shape has been added. These updates ensure that the clutch actuation point, and protector cover do not interfere with the rider's leg, whether in a sitting or standing posture, giving more space for the rider to move around.
Other refinements include revised gearbox internals for a smoother gear shift. The number of convex dogs and concave dogs in the gears has been increased from five to six between first and third gears, to reduce shocks, while the dog angle has been modified on gears four through to six, reducing lash when coming on and off the throttle. The changes all add up to a more refined and capable motorcycle designed to be even more in tune with its rider.
