After much anticipation, the 700 Tenere finally arrived for 2019 and has sold solidly across the country. Almost six years later, the bike gets its first real updates.
A big deal for many is the fact that Yamaha’s designers have moved the 16-litre fuel tank forward and down to create more balance and reduce any top-heavy feel. There’s a new seat design, they say “for greater movement around the bike”, and up front you’ll find small changes to the bodywork and LED lighting.
In the cockpit, tech upgrades include a 6.3in colour TFT dash, which sits vertically like a rally book. You’ll also find a USB charging port and the option of two different data displays with a new switchgear.
New yokes – a forged aluminium lower clamp and cast aluminium upper provides more strength.
The suspension also sees a change with fully adjustable upside down 43mm forks with 210mm of front travel. The lower seat version (860mm, down from 875mm) gets slightly less travel at 190mm.
The Rear shock is also new with a new progressive linkage increasing the stroke and keeping 200mm of wheel travel. There’s also a remote adjuster for easier changes. Nice!
Ground clearance sits at a 240mm.
The Parallel twin motor is still housed in a double cradle tubular steel frame, that has a strengthened exhaust silencer bracket, and luggage rack.
The engine has also been updated and now runs on ride by wire throttle that allows for more riding modes. Sport or Explorer, with Explorer mode less aggressive.
The engine has a shorter air intake duct that they say “Helps with a broader torque curve.”
Other bits include new gearbox internals for smoother shifting, and a new clutch cover that is narrower.
Wider footpegs, as seen on the World Raid edition (Not available in SA) are now standard.
Coming soon!
