First it was the MT07, then the T7 – and now, Yamaha has slotted that famous CP2 Parallel twin into an adventure scooter.
The RW700 and RW700 Explore (Yes, there are two variants) produce a claimed 68.4bhp at 8250rpm and 48lb.ft of torque at 6750rpm and come equipped with the six-speed Yamaha Automated Manual Transmission (Y-AMT) system that allows riders to shift gears using tabs on the left handlebar switchgear, or to engage a fully automatic setting…
Y-AMT was first seen in 2024 and we’ve just come off a feature on the MT-09. They tell us that the new version of the system is said to have been developed with off-road riding in mind. They tell us that gear changes are smoother thanks to internal revisions including a rubberised clutch damper.
The Ride-by-wire throttle works with a six-axis IMU to unlock rider aids including traction control, slide control, and cornering ABS. There’s also Yamaha Ride Control (or YRC) that lets riders tailor their preferred level of electronic intervention and power, with riding modes and Y-AMT settings divided between ‘Road’ and ‘Gravel’ groupings.
Rear ABS can be switched off in Gravel mode, with cruise control and a speed limiter coming as standard. A large five-inch colour TFT screen offers turn-by-turn navigation via the Garmin StreetCross mobile app.
Road comes with three preset modes. Gravel mode has two settings. Yamaha have also fitted what they call a Back-slip Regulator (BSR) that controls engine torque when the rear wheel locks up.
The RW700 models are separated by their level of trim. Both bikes are fitted with 41mm USD forks that Yamaha says offers 160mm of travel.
The Explore gets front preload and rebound adjustment, a 10-stage adjustable heated rider’s seat and grips, a centre stand, backlit switchgear, and two cool colour schemes.
Both models get a steel double cradle frame, 810mm seat height. The standard bike has a wet weight of 221kg, while the Explore with the additional bits sits at a claimed 224kg.
Both models have a 14-litre fuel tank and they roll on 120/70×17 tubeless front and 160/60×15 tubeless rear tyre.
So – you’ll be tearing along a dirt road in auto in feet-forward step-through scooter mode with a pair of fold-out front foot boards for extra comfort – as well as a set of chunky adventure pegs with removable rubbers.
It’s a scooter right?
Absolutely – so Yamaha has given you an illuminated underseat storage out back, that they say is big enough to store a full-face helmet.
This big scoot comes complete with LED lighting and keyless ignition.
Cool huh!
Let’s see if it comes to SA!
