Keeping it simple.
At the EDBA earlier this year, we saw a horde of Yamaha T7’s taking on the trails. We actually haven’t ridden one since they were first introduced in SA and – hey presto, the latest model has just arrived. We grabbed the bike from World Of Yamaha and set out on roads and trails around GP.
By Glenn Foley. Pics Deon VDL.
This bike has a few extras like the radiator guard, big bash plate and the chain guard.
For the 2024 model, Yamaha has included a few updates:
ABS has always been there but now has three settings: ABS On, ABS Off, and Rear ABS Off with front ABS staying on.
The system, and other information, is managed through a simple new, vertical, rally-inspired TFT dash that’s a lot more up to date than the old LCD display.
Two screens are available: Street and Explorer.
The ’24 model gets a very simple to navigate TFT display.
Then there’s Yamaha’s Y-Connect app that allows you to connect your smartphone to the bike for phone notifications and to check things like fuel consumption history.
Scrolling through the menu with the handlebar mounted wheel tells you everything you need to know about the bike. There aren’t layers of submenus, power modes, or customisable rider modes to navigate.
Some of us (Read I), do love simplicity, setting the bike up for every type of terrain can often be a bit tedious for me.
The 2024 T7 is just about as simple as it gets in the world of high tech modern motorcycles.
Let’s talk about the bike:
Yamaha will tell you that the T7 is designed as a big enduro and they would be correct. The jewel in the crown is that magic parallel twin engine which first appeared in the FZ 07 and is now found across the MT, and Ténéré 700 platforms in model-specific states of tune. The 689 cc parallel-twin engine delivers smooth, controllable power, making it ideal for highway, city and dirt riding.
The fully adjustable suspension is by KYB, and set up in standard form, it’s equally happy in the dirt and on the tar. You will need to dial it all in if you want to do more extreme off-road stuff.
Brakes are by Brembo, biting on dual 282mm front discs and a single 245mm rear disc. Pirelli Scorpion STR Tyres are mounted onto the anodised 21 and 18” tubed wheels.
We’d fit the quickshifter that’s available from Yamaha.
The Ride:
We understand smaller adventure machines. We also understand why the T7 sells so well around the world. Everything about the bike is simple.
It feels small, narrow, nimble and light and carving your way out of the city centre, onto the freeways and into the suburbs is an everyday pleasure. Far more fun than muscling a big monster through the traffic.
The engine delivers a great range of torquey, revvy, useable power for squirting through and running away from stop streets and the traffic lights that are still operational.
The Parallel twin 689cc engine is the star of the show.
Worried about bigger distances?
The first T7 that we rode took us on a trip from GP all the way out to Tonteldoos and back – and that was a pleasure to ride, more than comfortable, with cruising speeds that are quite a bit faster than the national speed limit. The small screen and rally inspired fairing does offer some protection from the elements and we know that higher screens are available if you want more.
Hit the gravel and once again – life is pretty peachy.
There’s no traction control, but that T7 engines smooth, user friendly nature renders it unnecessary. No seriously, you need to ride it, like we said – it’s the jewel in the T7 crown.
If there is a word that comes to mind when riding the T7 it’s – simple. It makes life easy.
Sitting or standing the bike is comfortable to ride – just like a big enduro bike. And for the mere mortals in this office, it’s more than quick enough.
We would probably spend some time with a suspension guru doing some setup, if you want to do hard enduro, jump like Pol and go racing, you’ll probably need to invest in stronger, stiffer springs.
Out of the box, for a “normal” rider, the bike is really good. It’s a properly practical, comfortable, fun to ride motorcycle.
And – it’s a tried and tested Yamaha, so you know that backup, parts and service should never be an issue.
R225 000
At your Yamaha dealer.
Specifications:
Engine: DOHC, liquid-cooled parallel twin; 8 valves
Displacement: 689cc
Transmission/Final Drive: 6-speed/chain
Fuel System: Electronic fuel injection
Clutch: Wet, multiple disc; cable actuation
Frame: Double cradle steel tube
Front Suspension: 43mm KYB telescopic fork, fully adjustable; 8.3 in. travel
Rear Suspension: Single KYB shock, preload and rebound adjustment; 7.9 in. travel
Front Brake: 4-piston calipers, dual 282mm discs (w/ ABS)
Rear Brake: 1-piston caliper, 245mm disc (w/ ABS)
Wheels, Front/Rear: D.I.D spoked wheels 21/18.
Tyres, Front/Rear: Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR; 90/90-21 / 150/70-18
Wheelbase: 159.5CM
Ground Clearance: 24 CM’s
Seat Height: 87cm’s.
Fuel Capacity: 16 litres
Claimed Wet Weight: 205 KG’s
