2024 Yamaha Ténéré 700

It’s human nature to want more, but if Yamaha’s Ténéré 700 has proven anything, it’s that more is not always the answer when it comes to adventure bikes. Compared to the larger, more tech-laden machines that dominate the ADV space, the T7 is intended to be a simple, no-frills weapon for spirited off-road adventuring. This is an enduro bike with some touring capabilities more than it is a touring bike with modest off-road potential.

The Ténéré 700 also highlights the versatility of Yamaha’s 689cc parallel twin, which made 64 hp and 44 lb.-ft. of torque when last strapped to the Cycle World dyno. That engine feels slightly outclassed when used in Yamaha’s road-going MT-07 and YZF-R7 sportbikes, but solid low-end grunt and loads of character make it a perfect platform for off-road use. A direct throttle response and tractable power delivery enable tires to bite firmly into terra firma, plus there’s still plenty of power to lift the front wheel over obstacles. All this renders electronic rider aids more of a nicety than a necessity—a good thing considering the T7 isn’t equipped with traction control, wheelie control, slide control, or any of the other electronic systems you might find on the competition.

For 2024, the ABS system was updated with three settings: ABS On, ABS Off, and Rear ABS Off (front ABS stays on). The system—and other important information—is managed through a rally-inspired 5-inch TFT dash that’s immensely more attractive than the previous generation’s LCD display. Two readout types are available: Street and Explorer. Yamaha’s Y-Connect app allows you to connect your smartphone to the bike for phone notifications and to check things like fuel consumption history. The 2024 model’s wire harness was also updated to easily accept Yamaha’s accessory quickshifter ($199.99).

Other notable hardware includes KYB suspension with 8.3 inches of travel up front and 7.9 inches of travel out back. Brembo front brake calipers are clamped to 282mm brake discs, while Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires are mounted with tubes for easier trailside repairs. The tank measures 4.2 gallons, which is sufficient, but 0.3 to 1.1 gallons smaller than anything else in the class. A benefit here is the bike’s relatively low, 452-pound wet weight.

The bike’s narrow, rally-inspired front fairing and relatively short, nonadjustable windscreen are purposely minimal so that they don’t interfere in out-of-the-seat off-road riding. That equates to less wind protection while cruising down the highway and some helmet buffeting, but Yamaha didn’t really design the T7 for long days on the interstate.

That’s even more apparent when you get the bike into the dirt; the combination of solid chassis and lightweight handling allow you to easily pick your way through technical terrain and carry more speed than a larger adventure bike might. One of the only issues is that ABS settings aren’t sticky, meaning you have to reselect your preferred setting every time you shut the bike off. This is made more frustrating by the fact that front ABS activates early and often in the dirt.

Then again, electronics aren’t the talking point when it comes to the Ténéré 700. This is very much an adventure bike for those who want less—not more.

The 2024 Ténéré 700 is available in Team Yamaha Blue or Shadow Gray color options. There’s no difference in price and no optional upgrades, with both colors coming in at a reasonable $10,799.