Best Adventure Touring: 2020 bikesales Bike of the Year Awards

The 2020 bikesales Bike of the Year (BOTY) Awards recognise excellence across 11 separate motorcycle categories.

And here's how it will work. After a massive five-day test through-north-east Victoria in late November – utilising the stunning roads around the picturesque Victorian township of Bright – we'll whittle our category winners down to one outright bikesales Bike of the Year winner, to be announced on Friday, December 18.

Let's begin the 2020 BOTY process by announcing the Yamaha Ténéré 700 as the winner of our Adventure Touring category.

Yamaha's provided some excellent BOTY candidates since the inception of the awards in 2016, but overall victory has been elusive in the face of fierce opposition.

In 2020, that could all change for the Japanese giant thanks to the Italian-designed and French-built Ténéré 700.

The machine has, without a hint of hyperbole, promptly become a phenomenal success story for the marque, adding another chapter to the storied history of the famed 'Ténéré' moniker.

The machine's level of adoration isn't based on headline-grabbing specifications or brute horsepower, but instead the professional, no-fuss, predictable and confidence-inspiring way it goes about its business.

And that amounts to a brilliant and capable platform, which was made abundantly clear during the Australian press launch in November 2019, and then reaffirmed when we pitched it up against KTM's 790 Adventure in a mini-middleweight adventure comparison.

So what's the special formula? Well, don't go looking for 'secret herbs and spices' on the $17,299 (ride away) Ténéré 700 because you'll be left nonplussed. Instead, it's bigger than the sum of its parts, starting with the bulletproof and low-on-vibes parallel-twin engine (73hp/68Nm) that produces a broad spread of torque but is also chirpy enough to have a lot of fun.

In the absence of traction control, especially in the dirt, those numbers are spot on. It's no powerhouse, but it's not docile either. Great job.

The steel frame and KYB suspension combine to offer enjoyment in both on- and off-road settings – something which can't be said for many adventure machines. It's still a fine line, though, but the Ténéré 700 soaks up a decent amount of punishment in dirt and it's a cinch to flick around on the tarmac with ample Brembo-supplied stopping power. Impossibly enjoyable, too, which is why we unintentionally scythed straight past our lunch stop on the Aussie launch...

However, the chain-driven bike's off-road DNA is obvious with not only the 21-inch front wheel but also the motocross-style seat (height is a rangy 870mm), rally-style screen, long-travel suspension (210mm front/200mm rear) and ample ground clearance (240mm). The one and only example of pilot-metered electronic support is the button on the vertical LCD dash to deactivate the anti-lock braking – another nod to its dirt pedigree.

Standing on the pegs is easy thanks to the high bars and taut bodywork, and it's a bike that you can churn out the hours on, even with that narrow seat. The only major inhibitor to endless wanderlust is the 16-litre fuel tank, which isn't voluminous in adventure terms.

What is eye-catching, though, is that price at $17,299 ride away – a cracking number for a platform that makes 'bread-and-butter' riders feel good, and more than satisfies those wanting a little more.

Adventure bikes already have a 50 per cent strike rate in claiming BOTY glory, so let's see if the Ténéré 700 can increase that average in 2020. Congratulations, Yamaha.

Related reading:
2020 Bikesales Bike of the Year Awards
2019 Bikesales Bike of the Year Awards: in summary
2018 Bikesales Bike of the Year Awards: in summary
2017 Bikesales Bike of the Year Awards: in summary
2016 Bikesales Bike of the Year Awards

KTM's single-cylinder 390 Adventure ($8995 ride away) has added a long-awaited learner-approved wing to its adventure 'Travel' line-up.

In a similar vein to machines that have already hit the market in the sub-500 adventure category, the 158kg KTM 390 Adventure – which has styling cues based on the award-winning 790 Adventure and the firm's 450 Rally machine – takes light off-road riding in its stride, though it's simply not engineered for pushing the envelope.

Instead, return to the tarmac and enjoy its light and manageable weight and super-agile handling, an engine with an aggressive segment-leading edge, and a comfortable riding position.

A TFT screen and switchable anti-lock braking and traction control are also included in this pearler of a learner-friendly commuting and exploring package.