The Yamaha Ténéré 700 is for some riders the perfect package for on/off road riding. It’s power to weight ratio, features and all around capability make it a perfect mid size adventure style bike…and there’s little to argue against really.
Currently the 700 comes in 3 versions: The Ténéré 700, The Ténéré 700 Rally Edition and The Ténéré 700 World Raid, however in April Yamaha will be launching for the French, Italian and German markets, the Ténéré 700 Extreme Edition and the Ténéré 700 Explore Edition
Essentially the Extreme Edition will have the World Raid KYB suspension fitted to the lighter weight standard 700. It will increase the suspension travel by 20mm. The front now will have 230mm and the rear 220mm. The overall ground clearance will now be 260mm.
Other features see bigger titanium footpegs, radiator guards from aluminium, enduro style front mudguard and a thicker seat bringing the seat height up to 910mm.
The Ténéré 700 Explore Edition however is more for the adventure touring and comfort. More suited to be loaded up with bags, tents and those horrible self heating food bags. The suspension is lowered but it gets a bigger windscreen and the quickshifter is included. Also has pannier mounting brackets for the ‘ally’ cases or soft luggage depending on your pleasure.
The suspension is still KYB but is shortened by 20mm as found on the standard which means that’s 40mm shorter than the World Raid and Extreme Edition. The ground clearance is now down by 15mm to 225mm and the seat height down to 860mm, so much easier to get on and off from and also making it a lot more stable when fully loaded up with bags etc.
It is still unclear whether this will come to the UK or other European countries, let alone the rest of the world, however it is estimated that the Extreme Edition will be an additional 900 euros with the Explore Edition being an additional 800 euros.
These would be a welcome addition for the UK market I have no doubt.