EICMA: Yamaha RW700 Explore and RW350 confirmed for Australia

Yamaha has expanded its scooter line-up with the introduction of the RW700 Explore and RW350 at EICMA 2026 in Milan, combining motorcycle-derived technology with scooter practicality and equipment designed for riding on unsealed roads.

Both models have been confirmed for Australia, although pricing and arrival dates have yet to be announced.

The larger RW700 Explore is powered by Yamaha’s 689cc liquid-cooled CP2 parallel-twin engine, shared with models including the MT-07 and Tenere 700. It produces a claimed 51kW (68hp) at 8250rpm and 65Nm of torque at 6500–6750rpm.

Rather than the continuously variable transmission (CVT) typically found in scooters, the RW700 Explore uses a six-speed Yamaha Automated Manual Transmission (Y-AMT), which allows riders to select gears using handlebar-mounted switches or leave the system in fully automatic mode.

The system has been revised for off-road use, with a rubberised clutch damper, revised shift-rod spring settings and redesigned handlebar gearshift switches.

Five Yamaha Ride Control (YRC) modes are available, comprising Street, Sport and Eco for road use, plus Explore and Explore+ for gravel and off-road riding.

A six-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU) supports traction control, slide control, brake control and a back-slip regulator, while rear ABS can be disabled in Gravel mode.

The engine is housed in a high-tensile steel frame, with suspension comprising a 41mm upside-down fork providing 160mm of travel and a rear monoshock with 155mm of travel.

The Explore variant also receives adjustable front preload and rebound damping.

The RW700 Explore runs a 17-inch front and 15-inch rear wheel combination with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tubeless tyres, while braking is handled by twin 298mm front discs and a single 267mm rear disc.

Ground clearance is 170mm, seat height is 810mm and Yamaha quotes a wet weight of 221kg.

Additional equipment includes adjustable footpegs, heated grips, a heated rider’s seat, cruise control, a centrestand and a five-inch TFT display with smartphone connectivity and Garmin navigation.

The RW700 Explore will be the only 700cc variant offered in Australia, with Forest Green, Sage Blue and Midnight Black colour options announced.

The smaller RW350 introduces an all-new 327cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine producing 21.5kW (29hp) at 7000rpm and 31.5Nm at 5750rpm, paired with a CVT.

It also debuts Yamaha Dynamic Ride, a new drivetrain arrangement that mounts the engine directly to the frame while allowing the CVT assembly to pivot independently around the crankshaft.

Yamaha says the arrangement reduces unsprung weight and improves suspension performance.

A 37mm upside-down fork provides 140mm of front wheel travel, while twin rear shock absorbers offer 105mm of travel and seven preload settings.

The RW350 rides on 16-inch front and 14-inch rear wheels fitted with Dunlop D615 tubeless block-pattern tyres and offers 185mm of ground clearance.

Electronic equipment includes YCC-T electronic throttle control, three YRC riding modes – Street, Explore and Eco – traction control and cruise control.

Like the RW700 Explore, it features a five-inch TFT display with smartphone connectivity, Garmin navigation, smart key operation, LED lighting and underseat storage capable of accommodating a full-face helmet, depending on its size.

Four colour options have been announced for the RW350 – Sage Blue, Arashi Sand, Extreme Yellow and Midnight Black. Australian pricing and arrival timing for both models will be announced closer to launch.