So, you’re itching for a motorcycle that laughs in the face of potholes, dances through gravel, and can still cruise on the highway without breaking a sweat? Meet the Yamaha Tenere 700—an adventure bike that doesn’t just promise thrills, but delivers them with a raw, honest riding experience. If you’re tired of “adventure-styled” bikes that never leave the pavement, this one’s going to feel like a breath of mountain-fresh air.
Let’s explore what makes the Tenere 700 such a beloved beast among adventure junkies—and whether it’s the right steed for your next big ride.
Pure Adventure DNA: Why the Tenere 700 Is the Real Deal
Adventure bikes have exploded in popularity lately, but not all are created equal. Some are more show than substance. Not the Tenere 700. This bike is built from the ground up to tackle tough terrain, rough roads, and remote trails with confidence.
You might already know that the name “Tenere” comes from the Tenere desert in the Sahara—and this bike lives up to its desert-ready legacy. With rally-inspired design, tall suspension, and a slim, aggressive stance, it screams “Take me off-road!”
And unlike some of its heavier rivals, the Tenere 700 keeps things lean and simple. There are no overly complicated electronics, no ride-by-wire throttles, no endless riding modes—just a solid, mechanical connection between you and the machine. If you’re someone who wants to ride, not program, this is your jam.
Engine & Performance: Smooth Power Meets Rugged Heart
At the core of the Tenere 700 is Yamaha’s proven 689cc parallel-twin engine, the same one found in the MT-07 and XSR700. But here’s the thing—while it shares the heart, the soul is totally different.
This CP2 engine delivers around 72.4 horsepower and 68 Nm of torque, and it’s all about usable, low-to-mid-range grunt. You don’t need to be redlining it to have fun. In fact, it’s happiest chugging along dirt trails or powering up a rocky hill with torque to spare.
It’s buttery-smooth on the road, too. Riding through city traffic? No stress. Cruising at 100 km/h on the highway? It’ll hum along happily, sipping fuel as you rack up the kilometers.
And here’s the kicker: with a 6-speed gearbox and slipper clutch, shifting is precise and confidence-inspiring, even when you’re dancing on the pegs in a muddy forest.
Tenere 700 vs Rivals: What Sets It Apart? (Comparison Table)
Let’s face it—there’s stiff competition in the middleweight ADV segment. So how does the Tenere 700 compare to rivals like the KTM 890 Adventure and Honda Africa Twin 850? Here’s a quick look:
| Feature | Yamaha Tenere 700 | KTM 890 Adventure | Honda Africa Twin 850 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 689cc Parallel-Twin | 889cc Parallel-Twin | 850cc Parallel-Twin |
| Power Output | 72.4 HP | 105 HP | 101 HP |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 100 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Weight (Kerb) | 204 kg | 210 kg | 226 kg |
| Seat Height | 875 mm | 860 mm | 850 mm |
| Electronics | Minimal (ABS only) | Full suite (modes, TC) | Ride modes, IMU, TC |
| Suspension Travel | 210mm (Front) / 200mm (Rear) | 200mm / 200mm | 230mm / 220mm |
| Price (Approx.) | ₹12–13 Lakhs (India) | ₹13.5–14 Lakhs | ₹15–16 Lakhs |
👉 The Tenere 700 may not win a spec-sheet battle, but it punches above its weight with a raw, connected feel. It’s lighter, more manageable, and built for riders who value simplicity over gadgetry.
Design & Ergonomics: Ready for Adventure, Comfortable for Commutes
One look at the Tenere 700 and you’ll feel like packing your bags. Its rally-style front fairing with the twin LED headlights, tall windscreen, and long-travel suspension scream “Let’s hit the dirt!”
But here’s the surprise—it’s not just off-road capable, it’s surprisingly comfortable for everyday use too.
The seat is tall (875mm), sure, but once you’re on it, the upright riding position and narrow waist make it surprisingly manageable—even for shorter riders. The handlebars are wide and placed high, letting you stand and ride with ease off-road, while also giving you plenty of control in city traffic.
The 18-liter fuel tank gives you a solid range of 350+ km depending on your riding style, which is a big deal if you’re planning to explore remote areas without fuel stations every 10 km.
Technology & Features: Minimalism That Makes Sense
If you’re expecting flashy TFT displays and endless riding modes, you might be disappointed. But if you appreciate old-school durability, the Tenere 700 will feel just right.
Here’s what you do get:
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A simple LCD dashboard (easy to read in any light)
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Switchable ABS (you can turn it off for the rear wheel—awesome for dirt riding)
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LED lighting
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Strong aluminium skid plate
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Adjustable suspension
There’s no traction control, no cruise control, and no quick shifter—and that’s intentional. Yamaha built this bike for riders who want to feel the terrain, not let a computer manage it.
This also means fewer electronics to fail, especially on long-distance or remote rides where simplicity is reliability.
On-Road vs Off-Road: The Best of Both Worlds?
What makes the Tenere 700 such a lovable bike is how well it walks the line between a road bike and a dirt machine.
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On the highway, it’s smooth, stable, and surprisingly refined for a tall adventure bike. The windscreen does a decent job, and the engine hums along without fuss.
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Off-road, the light weight and long suspension travel come alive. Whether it’s gravel trails, rocky climbs, or river crossings, the bike feels planted and confidence-inspiring.
You can stand on the pegs and really ride it like a proper dirt bike, unlike some heavier ADVs that feel like elephants on ice.
Is the Yamaha Tenere 700 the Right Adventure Bike for You?
The Tenere 700 isn’t for everyone—and that’s okay. It doesn’t have the bells and whistles of a GS or Multistrada. But if you’re looking for:
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A pure, no-nonsense ADV bike
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Something you can take across mountains, deserts, or daily traffic
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A machine that’s reliable, durable, and rider-focused
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And a platform that’s easy to modify or personalize
Then yes, the Tenere 700 might be your dream bike. It’s one of those rare machines that feels just as at home in Ladakh as it does on your office commute.
Conclusion: Why the Tenere 700 Deserves a Place in Your Garage
In a world of feature-packed, overly complex adventure bikes, the Yamaha Tenere 700 stands tall as a machine that’s built for riders, not just specs. It’s tough, simple, and ridiculously fun—especially if you enjoy exploring off the beaten path.
It won’t babysit you with electronics, but it will reward every input with feedback that feels honest and alive. Whether you’re an off-road enthusiast or a weekend explorer, the Tenere is the kind of bike that encourages you to go farther and dig deeper.