Published in: Bikes
Click here to read the "2021 Yamaha Ténéré 700 First Ride Review"
Fast forward to the release of the 2024 model. The ADV community is once again juiced up for the release of the new improved model. Bikes are slowly making their way to dealer floors across the U.S. So, if the T7 has eluded you in the past, it’s time to call your local dealer.
It’s hard to top the 2021 model’s semi-lightweight, well-priced package with minimal electronics and great off-road performance. New for the 2024, the T7 has a 5-inch TFT display with a handlebar-mounted thumb roll for scrolling through settings. Two themes are available for the display: a “Street” style with a classic round-style gauge and an “Expedition” style that’s vertical and easy to read while in the standing position. The second update includes three ABS settings selectable by the handlebar-mounted thumb roll. There’s ABS ON for street riding; OFF-ROAD ABS, which turns OFF the rear ABS and leaves an off-road ABS turned ON for the front; and the last setting is ABS OFF. And just like most ADV models, once ABS is turned OFF, you must manually change it back.
The available Y-Connect app enables smartphone connectivity. Using the TFT as an interface, riders can receive phone calls, alerts, text messages, details on fuel consumption history, last parking location, maintenance interval alerts, and a riding log.
Last but not least, the new model also comes pre-wired for the available quickshifter, which allows you to execute up-shifts without engaging the clutch. I did notice it makes the shifting a little heavier if you are using the clutch. Other than that, it works as well as any of the available quickshifters on the market.
Returning is the super compact CP2 engine featuring a bore and stroke of 80 x 68.6mm with a 11.5:1 compression ratio. It produces a predictable, super-smooth power curve through the entire RPM range. The higher placement of the counter-shaft sprocket plants the power to the ground with tons of traction, making you work on trying to break the rear wheel loose in high-traction terrain. Gearing remains the same with a 15-tooth countershaft sprocket and a 46-tooth rear sprocket. This final gear ratio works great both on and off the tarmac.
We rode a combination of 50/50 dirt to street. Even though this is the combo the Yamaha engineers felt worked best for both applications, I’d like to experiment to see if I can find a better combo that works better off-road. The gearing does, however, settle the revs a little for on-highway blasts. Don’t get me wrong, it works as-is. We did on-road at a decent clip, and the T7 didn’t skip a beat! As far as reliability goes, Ambassador “Long Haul Paul” was in attendance, and his T7 has over 170,000 miles!
The same great chassis with 48 percent front/52 percent rear weight bias returns from the previous model, with a removable lower frame rail for ease of engine maintenance. I was hoping Yamaha would introduce a removable sub-frame, and maybe we’ll see that at some point down the road. Some riders felt the Ténéré was a little top-heavy with the 4.2-gallon fuel tank mounted high in the chassis. I personally did not notice it that much while riding off-road.
The KYB 43mm front forks return with the same 8.26 inches of travel, offering 0–22 clicks of compression and 0–24 clicks of rebound. Out back, the KYB rear shock offers 8 inches of travel with 0–18 clicks of compression and 0–23 clicks of rebound. Pre-load offers a wide range of clicks between 24–0 to balance out any load.
As with the previous model, the suspension is technically set up for a 165 to 175 lb. rider. If you are a heavier or a more aggressive off-road rider, you may want to re-spring the bike accordingly. I would say the suspension is great for more than 90 percent of the market.
Braking remains the same with front Brembo dual 28mm twin-piston calipers mated to 282mm dual front rotors. The 34mm single piston caliper is mated to 245mm wave rotor. Front braking was firm and predictable, while the rear brake felt a little softer than what I remember from the previous model.
Tire and wheels return with the 21-inch front/18-inch rear matted to the Pirelli Scorpion Rally STRs. Although I would have liked to see a more aggressive tire package, the Pirellis worked on everything we threw at them.
What most riders liked about the 2021 model Ténéré 700 was the fact that it was not packed full of electronics that could fail when you are in the middle of nowhere. The 2024 model gets a few updates in that department. The new 5-inch TFT display is a welcome upgrade, in my opinion. It’s super-bright and offers two different themes to fit your mood. It lets you see important data like ABS settings, gear indicator, two trip meters, fuel consumption, and incoming phone calls (via the Y-Connect app). There’s also a 12-volt plug and USB input on the dash for powering up your electronics.
Gone are the big floppy turn signals (which were updated in 2023). The updated T7 now has slim LED units that do not bounce around like Dumbo’s ears while you are ripping down the trails. Impressive LED headlights return to light up and road or trail.
All in all, Yamaha did what they felt riders were looking for, and I feel they hit their mark again with a very capable bike for the masses that’s affordable and easy to live with. What I would love to see is Yamaha coming out with? Let’s say a T5 CP2 that’s lighter and even more affordable. I know it’s a pipe dream, but if you don’t ask, you never know what could have been!
YamahaMotorsports.com
MSRP: $10,799
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Click here to read the "2021 Yamaha Ténéré 700 First Ride Review"
Fast forward to the release of the 2024 model. The ADV community is once again juiced up for the release of the new improved model. Bikes are slowly making their way to dealer floors across the U.S. So, if the T7 has eluded you in the past, it’s time to call your local dealer.
It’s hard to top the 2021 model’s semi-lightweight, well-priced package with minimal electronics and great off-road performance. New for the 2024, the T7 has a 5-inch TFT display with a handlebar-mounted thumb roll for scrolling through settings. Two themes are available for the display: a “Street” style with a classic round-style gauge and an “Expedition” style that’s vertical and easy to read while in the standing position. The second update includes three ABS settings selectable by the handlebar-mounted thumb roll. There’s ABS ON for street riding; OFF-ROAD ABS, which turns OFF the rear ABS and leaves an off-road ABS turned ON for the front; and the last setting is ABS OFF. And just like most ADV models, once ABS is turned OFF, you must manually change it back.
The available Y-Connect app enables smartphone connectivity. Using the TFT as an interface, riders can receive phone calls, alerts, text messages, details on fuel consumption history, last parking location, maintenance interval alerts, and a riding log.
Last but not least, the new model also comes pre-wired for the available quickshifter, which allows you to execute up-shifts without engaging the clutch. I did notice it makes the shifting a little heavier if you are using the clutch. Other than that, it works as well as any of the available quickshifters on the market.
• Engine/Performance
Returning is the super compact CP2 engine featuring a bore and stroke of 80 x 68.6mm with a 11.5:1 compression ratio. It produces a predictable, super-smooth power curve through the entire RPM range. The higher placement of the counter-shaft sprocket plants the power to the ground with tons of traction, making you work on trying to break the rear wheel loose in high-traction terrain. Gearing remains the same with a 15-tooth countershaft sprocket and a 46-tooth rear sprocket. This final gear ratio works great both on and off the tarmac.
We rode a combination of 50/50 dirt to street. Even though this is the combo the Yamaha engineers felt worked best for both applications, I’d like to experiment to see if I can find a better combo that works better off-road. The gearing does, however, settle the revs a little for on-highway blasts. Don’t get me wrong, it works as-is. We did on-road at a decent clip, and the T7 didn’t skip a beat! As far as reliability goes, Ambassador “Long Haul Paul” was in attendance, and his T7 has over 170,000 miles!
• Chassis
The same great chassis with 48 percent front/52 percent rear weight bias returns from the previous model, with a removable lower frame rail for ease of engine maintenance. I was hoping Yamaha would introduce a removable sub-frame, and maybe we’ll see that at some point down the road. Some riders felt the Ténéré was a little top-heavy with the 4.2-gallon fuel tank mounted high in the chassis. I personally did not notice it that much while riding off-road.
• Suspension and Handling
The KYB 43mm front forks return with the same 8.26 inches of travel, offering 0–22 clicks of compression and 0–24 clicks of rebound. Out back, the KYB rear shock offers 8 inches of travel with 0–18 clicks of compression and 0–23 clicks of rebound. Pre-load offers a wide range of clicks between 24–0 to balance out any load.
As with the previous model, the suspension is technically set up for a 165 to 175 lb. rider. If you are a heavier or a more aggressive off-road rider, you may want to re-spring the bike accordingly. I would say the suspension is great for more than 90 percent of the market.
Braking remains the same with front Brembo dual 28mm twin-piston calipers mated to 282mm dual front rotors. The 34mm single piston caliper is mated to 245mm wave rotor. Front braking was firm and predictable, while the rear brake felt a little softer than what I remember from the previous model.
Tire and wheels return with the 21-inch front/18-inch rear matted to the Pirelli Scorpion Rally STRs. Although I would have liked to see a more aggressive tire package, the Pirellis worked on everything we threw at them.
• Electronics
What most riders liked about the 2021 model Ténéré 700 was the fact that it was not packed full of electronics that could fail when you are in the middle of nowhere. The 2024 model gets a few updates in that department. The new 5-inch TFT display is a welcome upgrade, in my opinion. It’s super-bright and offers two different themes to fit your mood. It lets you see important data like ABS settings, gear indicator, two trip meters, fuel consumption, and incoming phone calls (via the Y-Connect app). There’s also a 12-volt plug and USB input on the dash for powering up your electronics.
Gone are the big floppy turn signals (which were updated in 2023). The updated T7 now has slim LED units that do not bounce around like Dumbo’s ears while you are ripping down the trails. Impressive LED headlights return to light up and road or trail.
All in all, Yamaha did what they felt riders were looking for, and I feel they hit their mark again with a very capable bike for the masses that’s affordable and easy to live with. What I would love to see is Yamaha coming out with? Let’s say a T5 CP2 that’s lighter and even more affordable. I know it’s a pipe dream, but if you don’t ask, you never know what could have been!
YamahaMotorsports.com
MSRP: $10,799
PROS:
- 5-inch TFT display
- Switchable ABS
- Smooth and Torquey engine
- 24K ‘til first valve adjustment
- Seat height of 34.4 inches
CONS:
- No red and white for 2024
- Non-adjustable windscreen
- Waffle grips
• Specifications
| Engine Type: | 689cc liquid-cooled DOHC 4-stroke 8 valves |
| Bore & Stroke: | 80.0mm x 68.6mm |
| Compression Ratio: | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Delivery: | Fuel injection |
| Transmission: | 6-speed |
| Final Drive: | Chain |
| Suspension/Front: | KYB 43 mm inverted fork, fully adjustable with 8.3 inches of travel |
| Suspension/Rear: | KYB single shock fully adjustable preload and rebound with 7.9 inches of travel |
| Brakes/Front: | Dual 282 mm hydraulic disc with selectable ABS |
| Brakes/Rear: | 245 mm hydraulic disc with selectable ABS |
| Tires/Front: | 90/90R21 Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR |
| Tires/Rear: | 150/70R18 Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR |
| LxWxH: | 93.3 x 35.6 x 57.3 inches |
| Seat Height: | 34.4 inches |
| Wheelbase: | 62.8 inches |
| Rake: | 27 degrees |
| Trail: | 4.1 inches |
| Max Ground Clearance: | 9.4 inches |
| Fuel Capacity: | 4.2 U.S. gallons |
| Wet Weight: | 452 lb. |
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