2019 Yamaha Tenere 700

The wait for Yamaha’s Tenere 700 to go on sale, or even for its final specifications to be released, has been an excruciating one for adventure enthusiasts, particularly those with a tuning fork bent.

At EICMA overnight Yamaha have released images of a production ready Tenere 700, and also detailed most of the technical specifications. However, the one spec’ that most people are hanging for, wet weight, is still missing from the documentation.

We do know that the engine will be a 689cc version of Yamaha’s now well established and popular parallel twin CP2 engine as seen in the MT-07 and XSR700.

An 11.5:1 compression ratio suggests that the engine is tuned for a broad spread of torque rather than an all-out hunt for maximum performance, as you would expect with this style of machine. Yamaha have stated that maximum torque is produced at 6500rpm, which is where the MT-07 also makes its peak twist of 68 Nm.

The MT-07 also runs 11.5:1 compression, thus while Yamaha are yet to state the power output of the Tenere 700 it is logical to deduce that it will be almost identical to the 74 horsepower at 9000 rpm power peak of the MT-07.

Yamaha Tenere 700 Video

That’s not a bad thing, why mess with what works, and we know the MT-07 engine works well.

The frame is all-new for Tenere 700. A lightweight double-cradle tubular steel frame forms the backbone of the new machine which rolls on a 1590 mm wheelbase and offers a generous 240 mm of ground clearance.

Of course lots of ground clearance generally also means a relatively tall perch, and the Tenere 700 has aimed to strike a balance with a seat height of 880 mm.

Fully-adjustable 43 mm upside down forks control a spoked 21-inch front rim and offer 210 mm of suspension travel.

The shock absorber appears to have a large reservoir, to help resist fade and maintain consistent damping control, and operates through a 200 mm stroke to the linkage. Preload is adjusted by convenient hand-wheel.

Tyres are 90/90-21 and 150/70-18 Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR.

A pair of 282 mm front discs and a 245 mm rear include a switchable ABS system. Calipers are Brembo.

We know that the MT-7 engine is relatively frugal which means that the 16-litre fuel tank of the Tenere 700 should be good for ranges of between 230 and 300 kilometres, depending on the terrain and your right wrist. Yamaha are claiming a range of 350 km+ from the 16-litre fuel cell.

The tank appears to be slim between the knees and the seat designed to cater for animated riding.

A rally style cockpit, complete with comprehensive LCD screen, promises ergonomics suitable for both sitting and standing riding positions.

Yamaha have also made provisions for the fitment of aftermarket navigation devices or smart-phones.

The stark brace of four LED lights first seen on the prototype seem to be making it across to the production machiine.

The lights are protected by a clear nacelle which then seems to blend in the with a tall, but narrow, windscreen.

The Tenere 700 is expected to arrive in Australian and NZ showrooms late in 2019. The 700 Tenere price is yet to be set.

• Engine – 689cc, 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, 270-degree parallel twin
• Bore x Stroke – 80 x 68.6 mm
• Compression Ratio – 11.5:1
• Lubrication – Wet sump
• Clutch – Wet, multi-plate
• Induction – EFI, 4-valves per cylinder, DOHC
• Gearbox – Six speed
• Drive – Chain
• Frame – Double cradle, steel tube chassis
• Forks – 43mm, adjustable, inverted – 210 mm travel
• Shock – Single shock, adjustable, 200 mm travel
• Brakes – Twin 282 mm (F), 245 mm (R) (Switchable ABS)
• Tyres – 90/90-21 (F), 150/70-18 (R)
• L x W x H – 2365 x 915 x 1455 mm
• Seat Height – 880 mm
• Wheelbase – 1590 mm
• Minimum Ground Clearance – 240 mm
• Wet Weight – TBA
• Fuel Tank – 16 Litres
• RRP – TBA
• Available – Late 2019
• Colours – Ceramic Ice, Competition White and Power Black