Buying a used Yamaha Ténéré 700

Yamaha’s relatively simple and well-targeted Ténéré 700 became an instant top-seller from its late 2019 launch for the 2020 model year, injecting some welcome excitement into the sub-1000cc adventure tourer class. Today, it represents a compelling package as a used motorcycle.

Yamaha’s history with the Ténéré name goes all the way back to 1983, with the release of the XT600Z (factory code 34L). It was essentially a beefed-up XT550 with a 30-litre fuel tank, built as a tribute to the bike Frenchman Cyril Neveu took to victory in the 1979 and 1980 Paris-Dakar Rally.

Since that time, we’ve seen the name assigned to a long string of singles, culminating in the XT660Z. Plus, the Super Ténéré moniker was attached to the XTZ750 and eventually 1200 twins.

As for the 700 twin, it was announced as the T7 concept at the EICMA international motorcycle show in 2018 and was originally pencilled in for a 2019 launch. Yamaha’s lead time turned out to be longer than expected, with the local launch finally taking place in early 2020.

By this time the company had already teased the new model by an early version of the machine on a world publicity tour, in the hands of star riders. It began in Australia, in the capable hands of local Dakar campaigner Rodney Faggotter.

The whole philosophy of the Ténéré was to keep things simple, to which end it had switchable ABS and an LCD instrument display – that was about it for electronic gizmos. Yamaha project leader Takushiro Shiraishi (who had previously worked on the XT660 and WR250R) commented at the local launch of the bike that “true off-road riders prefer the simplicity”.

What you had was a package wrapped around the willing and bulletproof 698cc parallel-twin out of the MT-07, in this form claiming a healthy 72hp (53kW) at 9000rpm. Max torque of 68Nm was in easy reach at a comparatively low 6800rpm.

The plot ran on 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels held together by a double-cradle steel frame. Suspension was decent-spec KYB on both ends, with 210mm travel up front and 200 rear. Braking was discs by Brembo.

How much? That lot was priced at $17,149 on the road – low enough, as it turned out, to convince a lot of people to open their wallets.

The basic version of the Yamaha Ténéré 700 has so far remained largely unchanged, with the addition of some extra colour schemes and a move up to a TFT display with connectivity. The base price for a new one is now $20,349 on the road.

Yamaha released an upgraded Rally version of the Ténéré in Europe for the 2023 model year, in late 2022, but this variant skipped the local market. Upgrades included more sophisticated ABS with a third mode, a quickshifter, smartphone connectivity and LED indicators.

Instead, our market waited for the World Raid version to arrive a little later in 2023. It included all the goodies from the Rally, plus a taller screen, Öhlins steering damper, upgraded KYB suspension at both ends with an extra 20mm of travel and, perhaps most importantly, a 23L fuel tank – up from 16L. That was priced at $25,499 on the road.

Talk to anyone with broad experience of adventure touring motorcycles and they’ll generally admit that while the ‘big boys’ of the class – 1000cc-plus – are the glamour end of the showroom, it’s the 800cc-and-lower midrange that is the sweet spot for most of us.

That’s because you get a motorcycle which is far lighter, more nimble, with plenty of power. Oh, it’s usually a lot cheaper to buy and it feels a whole lot less likely to end in tears if you venture off-road.

Yamaha’s Ténéré appeared to hit a sweet spot from day one. It was applauded for its slim build and compact overall dimensions, while still having plentiful ground clearance.

Engine performance was never an issue, with predictable throttle response and good mid-range urge.

On-road performance proved to be better than expected, with nimble handling being a highlight.

Off-road performance was generally rated as good, though really hard chargers could find its limits. The Rally Raid version goes some way to meeting those higher standards.

As standard, the base-model bike has little in the way of bush-bashing protection, but this is easily dealt with via Yamaha’s own accessory catalogue.

As you might expect for a machine of this nature, it has a narrow and relatively high seat – fine for the intended purpose, if you can manage the 880mm saddle height. Yamaha has a lower saddle, plus a lowering kit in the form of a different rear shock linkage.

In addition, there are a number of aftermarket suppliers (Touratech and Corbin) out there willing to sell you alternative seats more suited to long road trips.

By far the best news for the would-be home mechanic is the CP2 engine has an enviable reputation for reliability, while service demands are modest.

Oil and filter changes are due every 10,000km, though we’d be tempted to halve the oil change intervals for hard-used examples. The filter is a spin-on cartridge and the whole task is reasonably owner-friendly. Spark plugs are also due for a check at 10,000km, and replacement every 20,000.

Note the fuel-injection synchronisation is listed for checking every 10,000km, though we’ve heard that once it’s done at first service (1000km) it generally doesn’t need revisiting. Put it on the checklist if the bike starts losing its sparkle. Otherwise, we’d be tempted to leave it until a major service.

Valve adjustment for the eight-valve head is by shim, which we’d give to a workshop, and is due every 40,000km. Yamaha pioneered these ultra-long intervals and we’d be comfortable sticking with the advised limits.

Air filter replacement intervals are 40,000km but consider shortening that if the machine is ridden with long-term exposure to dusty environments.

Given the relatively rough use some of these bikes will experience, you might look closely at the service schedule for the chassis, which is readily available online.

The Ténéré had a recall in 2022 for some bikes, where there was a question mark over the spec of the front brake caliper bolts that could lead to failure. If you have any doubts, check with Yamaha or your dealer.

The popularity of the Ténéré means that supply in the used market is plentiful. At the moment, the starting price seems to be around $14,000 to $15,000 for a decent example.

Expect to pay considerably more for the Word Raid version. Owners are asking a big premium for these, to the extent we’d seriously consider scratching up the extra cash and buying a new one.

Checklist

• Given the relatively modest servicing needs for this model, we’d be ensuring the all-important first service was done, and then make your own judgements from there.

• Pay particular attention to the chassis and running gear, all of which can cop some fairly extreme use and can add significantly to your costs when it comes to getting the bike into decent shape.

• We’d be wary of any aftermarket performance mods such as air filters and exhausts, unless the owner can demonstrate they’ve been fitted professionally with the aid of proper tuning gear.

• The plastics and some of the metal finishes such as wheel spokes are vulnerable to wear and tear, so pay attention to them.

On the positive side, a machine that’s been kept close to stock and has a decent service history should be trouble-free.

We’ll leave the final word to the bikesales reviewer back in early 2020: “The Ténéré 700 is right up there in terms of appeal and simply a magic little machine to ride.”

For

• Light and nimble
• Good performance
• Bulletproof

Against

• Tall and narrow seat
• Suspension one step back from premium
• Finish can be vulnerable

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 72hp (53kW) at 9000rpm
Claimed maximum torque: 68Nm at 6500rpm

TRANSMISSION
Type: Six speed
Clutch: Wet multi disc
Final drive: Chain

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame: Doubled cradle steel tube
Front suspension: KYB 43mm upside-down telescopic forks, fully adjustable, 210mm travel
Rear suspension: KYB monoshock, fully adjustable, 200mm travel
Front brakes: 282mm wave discs with Brembo four-piston calipers
Rear brake: 245mm wave disc with Brembo caliper
Wheels: Spoked alloy, 21-inch front, 18-inch rear
Tyres: Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR; 90/90-21 front, 150/70-18 rear

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Claimed wet weight: 206kg
Seat height: 880mm
Wheelbase: 1590mm
Rake: 27 degrees
Fuel capacity: 16 litres

OTHER STUFF
Price: $20,349 ride away
Colours: Icon Blue, Tech Camo, or Heritage White