IT’S TIME FOR ADVENTURE
Let Yamaha’s £9502 Ténéré 700 expand your horizons this summer
After everything the last 18 months has brought, we could all do with a bit of adventure right now. Although, if the thought of wrestling with a traditional, heavyweight, big capacity adventure model leaves you cold, Yamaha have the answer in the form of the game-changing Ténéré 700.
A smaller adventurer
The Ténéré 700 proves that Yamaha have a different take on adventure from other firms. Instead of going down the road of ever-increasing capacity, power, weight and electronic complexity, the Ténéré boasts 74bhp, 187kg (dry) and – beyond ABS – no electronics. Priced at £9502, it’s also half the price of its more expensive, fully loaded rivals. Powered by the same 689cc 270º crossplane-mimicking motor used to great effect in the MT-07, it feels responsive and free-revving thanks to updated fuel-injection and a lower final gear ratio. Middle-size engine capacity aside, it has all the looks and stature of a true adventure bike, albeit a small one. Seat height is 875mm, with 210mm travel from the fully adjustable KYB 43mm inverted fork and 200mm from the equally adjustable KYB rear shock with remote reservoir. Ground clearance is 240mm, underlining its intent as a go-anywhere adventurer.
On-road confidence
Although looking every inch a rally machine, the Ténéré 700 is a road rider’s delight and inspires confidence from the off. The combination of well-supported suspension and lively motor makes twisty B-road blasting a genuine pleasure. With wide bars and near faultless throttle connection, progress can be brisk. No corner is too tight for the nimble package and there’s plenty of usable torque to pull you out of every curve and fire you towards the next one without the need for constant gear changes. Although the screen isn’t big, wind protection exceeds expectations, and there’s no unpleasant buffeting or turbulence.
Off-road comfort zone
Yamaha have a rich off-road heritage and it’s clear this DNA runs through the Ténéré 700 as soon as you leave the tarmac behind. With switchable ABS and OE Pirelli Scorpion tyres, from the moment you stand up it just feels right. With the rider able to put more weight through the pegs to help it turn, the 700 comes into its own. It’s still a substantial bike but its 48/52 front/rear weight distribution works well, and as a package it’s small enough for the rider to have real impact on its behaviour. In fact, it’s one of the few adventure bikes where you can choose to sit down in corners as it feels like the weight distribution change has a tangible effect, enabling you to turn more accurately – especially on gravel.
‘Yamaha have a fresh take on adventure bikes’