In the ever-evolving world of adventure motorcycles, the 2024 Yamaha Ténéré 700 continues to carve its own path—one that’s rugged, minimalist, and unapologetically focused on the ride. While many ADV bikes chase complexity with tech-laden dashboards and endless rider aids, the Ténéré 700 sticks to its roots: a lightweight, capable machine built to explore the unknown.
🏍️ Built for the Backcountry
At the heart of the Ténéré 700 is Yamaha’s proven 689cc liquid-cooled, inline twin-cylinder engine, derived from the MT-07. It delivers around 74 horsepower at 9,000 rpm and 50 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm. This powerplant is known for its tractable delivery, making it ideal for off-road riding where control and responsiveness matter more than outright speed.
The engine’s character is lively yet manageable, with enough grunt to lift the front wheel over obstacles and cruise comfortably on highways. It’s paired with a slick 6-speed gearbox and a wet, multi-plate clutch that offers smooth engagement whether you’re navigating rocky trails or city traffic.
🛠️ Suspension and Handling
The Ténéré 700’s suspension setup is purpose-built for adventure. Up front, a 43mm inverted fork offers 8.3 inches of travel, while the rear monoshock provides 7.9 inches. Both ends are adjustable, allowing riders to fine-tune for terrain and load. The steel tube backbone frame is robust yet lightweight, contributing to the bike’s agile handling.
With a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel wrapped in Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires, the Ténéré 700 is ready to tackle sand, gravel, mud, and pavement. Brembo brakes with selectable ABS (including a new rear-only ABS mode for 2024) provide confident stopping power without compromising off-road control.
🧠 Tech That Stays Out of the Way
Yamaha’s “less is more” philosophy shines in the Ténéré 700’s electronics. Unlike many competitors, the T7 avoids excessive rider aids. There’s no traction control, wheelie control, or cornering ABS—just a direct connection between rider and machine. For 2024, Yamaha added a 5-inch vertical TFT display with two modes: Street and Explorer. It’s a welcome upgrade from the previous monochrome LCD and includes smartphone connectivity via the Y-Connect app.
The new display is intuitive and rally-inspired, offering essential information at a glance without overwhelming the rider. A scroll wheel on the right switchgear makes navigating menus and adjusting ABS settings easy, even with gloves on.
🧳 Adventure-Ready Ergonomics
The Ténéré 700’s ergonomics are tailored for long days in the saddle. With a seat height of 874mm (34.4 inches), it offers excellent visibility and control, though shorter riders may find it a stretch. The upright riding position, wide handlebars, and narrow tank make it comfortable for both seated and standing riding.
Weighing in at just 452 pounds wet, the T7 is lighter than most bikes in its class, making it easier to handle in technical terrain. The 4.2-gallon fuel tank offers decent range, though it’s slightly smaller than some competitors. Still, the trade-off is a slimmer profile and lower weight—ideal for off-road agility.
🎨 Style and Substance
The 2024 model is available in rugged Shadow Gray, with rally-inspired graphics and a minimalist fairing that nods to Dakar heritage. Spoked wheels and high fenders complete the adventure-ready look. It’s a bike that looks just as good covered in dust as it does parked outside a café.
🏁 Final Thoughts
The 2024 Yamaha Ténéré 700 isn’t trying to be everything—it’s trying to be excellent at one thing: adventure. It’s a bike for riders who value simplicity, reliability, and capability. Whether you’re tackling backcountry trails, exploring remote mountain passes, or commuting through urban chaos, the T7 delivers a ride that’s engaging, dependable, and deeply satisfying.
For those who believe the best adventures happen off the beaten path, the Ténéré 700 is more than a motorcycle—it’s a passport to freedom.