The Yamaha Ténéré 700. It’ s been six years since the release of this model( after about two years of pre-release teasers), so it’ s not quite long in the tooth, and with over 70,000 units sold in Europe alone, it’ s showing no signs of buyer fatigue, it’ s not outstayed its welcome. But a refresh could do no harm. Or rather it could – when you’ ve got a successful formula you want to be mighty careful as to how you mess with the recipe. Maybe that’ s why this 2025 model still comes with the same 72hp of the original, same motor, same chassis, give or take a detail modification.
Changes were necessary, though. Euro 5 + brought new emissions restrictions and with competitor brands padding out this‘ middleweight’ segment with some pretty attractive alternatives( when was 200kg ever‘ middle’?), the Ténéré was due more than a few tweaks to maintain its lead in the category( it was number one in Europe with a 23 % share in 2024). So, Yamaha has responded by focusing on four key areas for refinement: enhanced trail capability, refresh of the styling, modernise the equipment and redefine the lineup. Given the Ténéré lineup in 2024 extended to six variants, maybe we could call that last point‘ rationalise the lineup’.
KIWI RIDER 69