As it stands, the motorcycle industry as a whole is in something of a slump, with the exception of one segment. Adventure bikes continue to capture the imagination and, as a result, are getting the lion’s share of manufacturers’ development budget. For the past decade or so, we have been treated to one excellent new bike after another, and this year is no exception.
The only difference we are starting to see is that manufacturers are starting to build upon the foundations already set. So, fewer all-new motorcycles and more refreshed models with additional features and improved components. This is not a bad thing at all, because one of the best just got even better.
A Fiercely Contested Segment
At present, the middleweight adventure bike market is only growing. These bikes all offer a balance between touring capability and off-road capability. Each bike offers a different balance between these two usually mutually exclusive characteristics. The Aprilia Tuareg Rally 660 offers an excellent all-round package, adding a few nice-to-have off-road features to the already very good base model.
If you want something a little more exploration-oriented, the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE Adventure offers a more comprehensive touring package, but neither nails the balance quite like the bike in question.
This V-Strom Might Be the Most Underrated Suzuki Midweight ADV Bike Today
The Suzuki V-Strom 800 makes you question the need for larger, more powerful, and expensive ADVs
The Yamaha Tenere 700 World Raid Is The Most Balanced Choice In 2026
Starting MSRP: $12,999
When it first came out, the Tenere 700 set the benchmark for what a middleweight adventure bike should be. Since then, other manufacturers have caught up, and in some cases overtaken Yamaha. The latest Tenere 700 World Raid addresses pretty much every perceived weakness that the more affordable base model has. It also doesn’t cost that much more when you take into account what has been added, and in this configuration, it offers an incredible balance between affordability, off-road performance, and touring capability.
The Perfect ADV Motorcycle That Can Commute, Tour, And Explore Is The Yamaha Tenere
This impressive middleweight adventure bike offers incredible versatility
The Tenere 700 World Raid Has The Proven CP2
Power: 72 Horsepower
Every so often, a manufacturer will capture lightning in a bottle. It will usually be in the form of a particularly special motorcycle, like the Ducati 916, for example. Yamaha didn’t just do it with one motorcycle, but with a platform that can be used for several different motorcycles. Comparing the CP2 to a 916 might make some purists balk, but it is the “916” for the average Joe. It is able to balance an element of fun with real-world practicality in a way that is pretty hard to beat. Excellent mid-range performance is almost a given in this segment, but it is its ability to put a smile on your face every time you twist your wrist that is rare.
Ultimate Peace Of Mind
So far, CP2 has had precious few issues, and anything that has cropped up has quickly been resolved. It is currently the most reliable motorcycle engine in production, which is saying something, because most modern engines are mechanically reliable. This year, Yamaha is also adding more electronics to the platform, and all the bikes, bar the more simplified XSR700, have switched over to a ride-by-wire throttle.
2024 Yamaha XSR700: Buyer’s Guide, Pricing And Specs
Yamaha offers the XSR700 as a tasteful retro themed alternative to the MT-07.
The Tenere 700 World Raid Gets An IMU
One of the criticisms leveled at the original Tenere 700 was a glaring lack of features compared to the competition. Yamaha has since added a few modern touches to the base model, but the addition of an IMU is by some margin the biggest update. It allows for features like cornering ABS – ABS remains switchable – lean sensitive traction control, and Yamaha’s slide control feature, which will help you to kick out the rear wheel with confidence.
All this is complemented by ride modes, cruise control, and a TFT dash, which does its best rally raid road book interpretation. All the features we have grown accustomed to getting on more expensive bikes. The only thing missing in action is a quickshifter. Although it is wired for one, it is only an accessory. While some riders have grown to love having one, it is not expressly necessary on an adventure bike, least of which is a middleweight, which is more off-road oriented. The only downside to all these added features is the weight penalty. The World Raid is almost 30 pounds heavier than the base model.
How The Yamaha Tenere Offers The Perfect Blend Of On-Road And Off-Road Riding
Slim, fast, and built to brawl on any surface, the Ténéré 700 blends street smarts with serious off-road grit
Fully Adjustable KYB Suspension Makes All The Difference
While the original bike was heavily criticized for being undersprung, that was resolved a couple of years ago already. The higher-spec fully adjustable KYB suspension is an upgrade that many riders would otherwise pay thousands of dollars for. The added tech and bigger gas tank are great, but this is why you would buy the World Raid over the base model. Firstly, we have a 16-way adjustable steering damper, which will help both on and off-road if you hit a bump a little harder than planned. Then, up front, we have fully adjustable forks, and at the rear, we have a new fully adjustable linkage-type monoshock.
Over the years, it has been in production, Yamaha has been quick to update the Tenere 700 platform, protecting the Golden Goose at all costs. While other manufacturers answer the ADV question with several different options, Yamaha gives us just one. When the one is this well-balanced, it is pretty easy to see why. This is a bike that will appeal to a broad spectrum of riders. Anyone looking for something more capable off-road will likely get offered one of the dual-sport bikes or a full-on trail bike. Anyone looking for something bigger will simply get offered a touring bike. If you want a Yamaha ADV, this is it!
Chassis, Suspension, And Weight Specifications
|
Chassis |
Tubular steel |
|
Front Suspension |
46mm inverted fork, fully-adjustable (9.1-in travel) |
|
Rear Suspension |
Single shock, adjustable preload with remote adjuster, and rebound damping (8.7-in travel) |
|
Weight |
485 lbs |
Source: Yamaha