2025 Yamaha Ténéré 700: The Adventure Legend Just Got Smarter

2025 Yamaha Ténéré 700: The Bike We Already Loved, Just Smarter

There aren’t many bikes that leave a lasting impression like the Yamaha Ténéré 700. I never owned one, but after a solid test ride on the previous model, I completely understood the hype. It wasn’t about being the most powerful or the most advanced. It was about balance, simplicity, and the feeling that this bike could take you anywhere.

So when Yamaha announced the updated 2025 version, I was excited but cautious. The original was so well sorted that it felt risky to change too much.

Thankfully, Yamaha seems to have kept its head.

Same Engine, Just More Refined

The 2025 model still runs the tried-and-true 689cc CP2 parallel twin. It makes the same 54 kW and 68 Nm, and that’s just fine. The engine has always been a standout feature, smooth, torquey, and absolutely dependable.

What’s new is the addition of a ride-by-wire throttle, which brings in two selectable riding modes (Street and Explorer) along with traction control. It’s not tech for the sake of tech. It’s the kind of upgrade that adds control without getting in the way.

Improved Suspension for Real-World Riding

One area where the older model could have used some attention was the suspension. It worked well enough, but when loaded with gear or pushed hard off-road, it started to show its limits.

The new Ténéré 700 gets fully adjustable 43 mm forks with 210 mm of travel and an updated rear shock with 200 mm of travel. That should mean more control, especially on rough terrain or when you’re hauling luggage. It’s not a reinvention, just a solid improvement where it counts.

A Better Dash, Not a Gadget Overload

Gone is the old LCD dash. In its place is a 5-inch full-color TFT display with smartphone connectivity and two layout themes. It’s modern, but not overdone. You still get switchable ABS and the ability to turn off traction control completely. That’s the important part.

Yamaha hasn’t lost the plot. It’s still a bike that trusts the rider to make their own decisions.

Familiar Feel, Sharper Look

The new quad-LED headlight setup and refined bodywork give the Ténéré a more aggressive look, but it still feels like the same bike. The silhouette, the stance, the overall vibe—it’s all there.

At 204 kg wet and with a seat height of 875 mm, it remains friendly enough for most riders, without compromising on the rugged feel that made it so popular in the first place.

My Thoughts

The old Ténéré 700 impressed me when I rode it. It felt honest and capable without pretending to be anything it wasn’t. Based on what Yamaha has done for 2025, I think they’ve respected that legacy.

The new version sounds like the same dependable machine, now with a few thoughtful upgrades that make it more versatile, more comfortable, and maybe even more fun.

I’m really looking forward to riding it. I just hope Yamaha can get the price right!

Read more about all the updates to the Tenere 700 here: