Yamaha Ténéré 700 (2019-2022): The Rally-Bred Adventurer That Redefines Versatility
Introduction
The Yamaha Ténéré 700 isn’t just another adventure bike – it’s a declaration of independence. Born from Yamaha’s 40-year Dakar Rally legacy, this 2019-2022 generation strikes a near-mythical balance between desert-slaying capability and real-world usability. After spending days wrestling it through rocky trails and cruising highways, one thing becomes clear: this is the motorcycle equivalent of a Swiss Army knife dipped in rally DNA. Let’s dissect why this twin-cylinder adventurer became the benchmark for mid-weight exploration.
Design & Ergonomics: Form Follows Function
The Ténéré 700’s design screams “rally prototype” while maintaining production bike practicality. The signature quad-LED headlight nacelle (borrowed straight from Yamaha’s Dakar race bikes) isn’t just for show – it throws a daylight-bright beam perfect for night-time trail assaults. The 21-inch front/18-inch rear spoked wheels wrapped in Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires look ready to digest boulders, while the narrow steel double-cradle frame keeps weight centralized at 205 kg (452 lbs) wet.
Standing at the bike reveals its party trick: despite the 875mm (34.4") seat height, the sculpted tank and 740mm-wide handlebars create a natural standing position. Yamaha’s "knee grip zones" on the tank aren’t marketing fluff – during hard off-road sections, they lock your legs in like velcro. The flat seat transitions seamlessly from sitting to standing, though riders under 5'8" might curse Yamaha’s commitment to ground clearance during stoplights.
CP2 Engine: The Beating Heart of Adventure
At its core lies Yamaha’s legendary 689cc CP2 parallel-twin – essentially the MT-07’s hooligan heart with a safari makeover. The 270° crank delivers that signature loping torque (68 Nm / 50.2 lb-ft @ 6500 RPM) that feels more tractor than sportbike. What’s revelatory is how this engine behaves off-road:
- Low-Range Manners: The 11.5:1 compression ratio and fuel mapping let you crawl at 1,350 RPM idle without stalling – crucial for technical climbs
- Mid-Range Punch: 90% of torque arrives by 3,000 RPM, letting you short-shift through rocky terrain
- Fuel Sipping: Averaged 4.3 L/100km (54.7 mpg) during mixed riding, translating to 370 km (230 mi) from the 16L (4.2 gal) tank
The counterbalanced engine’s vibrations are present but never numbing – a pleasant buzz at highway speeds that disappears when you’re wrestling the bars through single-track. The 6-speed box ratios feel telepathic, with 1st gear low enough for log hopping and 6th relaxed at 120 km/h (75 mph).
On-Road vs Off-Road Handling: A Study in Duality
Pavement Performance
Don’t let the knobby tires fool you – the Ténéré carves tarmac with unexpected grace. The 43mm fully adjustable USD fork and linkage-mounted rear shock (with remote preload adjuster) handle weight transitions during aggressive cornering. At 1595mm (62.8") wheelbase, it flicks between lanes with sportbike agility, though the 21-inch front wheel demands deliberate countersteering input.
Dirt Dominance
Switch to dirt and the Ténéré transforms. The 240mm (9.4") ground clearance laughs at rock gardens, while the 211mm/201mm (8.3"/7.9") suspension travel absorbs G-outs that’d bottom lesser bikes. The selectable ABS (disengageable rear) is a godsend – locking the rear wheel for pivot turns becomes second nature. Our test bike’s 15/46 sprocket combo provided stump-pulling torque, though serious off-roaders might opt for a 14T front.
Comfort & Tech: Rally Minimalism
The LCD dash is refreshingly analog in a TFT world – gear position, fuel range, and twin trip meters are glanceable mid-corner. Wind protection from the adjustable screen works up to 130 km/h (80 mph), after which neck muscles get a workout. The real triumph is ergonomic: after 8 hours in the saddle (including 2 hours standing), fatigue never set in – a testament to the tapered bars and peg-seat-bar triangle.
Competition: Where the Ténéré 700 Stands Tall
KTM 790 Adventure
- Pros: More tech (cornering ABS, TFT), 20kg lighter
- Cons: Higher maintenance costs, reliability concerns
- Ténéré Edge: Bulletproof CP2 engine, $3K cheaper
Honda Africa Twin CRF1100L
- Pros: DCT option, superior electronics
- Cons: 253kg (558 lbs) curb weight, less agile
- Ténéré Edge: True off-road capability, narrower profile
Suzuki V-Strom 650
- Pros: Lower seat, smoother road manners
- Cons: Cast wheels, less suspension travel
- Ténéré Edge: Rally pedigree, upgrade potential
Maintenance: Keeping the Rally Spirit Alive
Yamaha built the Ténéré 700 for mechanics with dirty fingernails:
- Oil Changes: Every 10,000 km (6,200 mi) with 2.6L of 10W-40 (API SG). Pro tip: Use MOTOPARTS.store’s magnetic drain plug for metal shaving detection
- Chain Care: The 122-link chain needs frequent cleaning off-road. Our Rally Edition test bike benefited from an aftermarket O-ring chain
- Valve Checks: Every 42,000 km (26,000 mi) – half the frequency of some European rivals
- Brake Fluid: DOT4 changes every 2 years prevent ABS module issues
- Upgrade Must-Haves:
- Aluminum skid plate (4mm minimum)
- LED auxiliary lights (the stock LEDs lack depth perception)
- Rally seat cover (prevents sliding during stand-up riding)
Conclusion: The Everyman’s Rally Weapon
The Yamaha Ténéré 700 isn’t about spec sheet wars – it’s about whispering “why not?” when you see a mountain pass veering off-road. It makes experts feel heroic and novices feel competent. While competitors chase electronic gizmos, Yamaha doubled down on mechanical empathy – a bike that communicates through bars and pegs rather than pixels.
For MOTOPARTS.store shoppers, this generation’s simplicity is a blessing. Every component – from the NGK LMAR8A-9 spark plugs to the 43mm USD forks – has been battle-tested across continents. Whether you’re upgrading the suspension for loaded touring or slapping on rally pegs, this Ténéré begs to be personalized. In a world of overcomplicated adventures, sometimes raw capability paired with reliability is the ultimate luxury.
Specifications sheet
| Engine | |
|---|---|
| Stroke: | Four-stroke |
| Max power: | 54 kW | 72.0 hp |
| Max torque: | 68 Nm |
| Fuel system: | Fuel Injection |
| Max power @: | 9000 rpm |
| Displacement: | 689 ccm |
| Max torque @: | 6500 rpm |
| Bore x stroke: | 80.0 x 68.6 mm (3.1 x 2.7 in) |
| Configuration: | Inline |
| Cooling system: | Liquid |
| Compression ratio: | 11.5:1 |
| Number of cylinders: | 2 |
| Valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase: | 1595 mm (62.8 in) |
| Dry weight: | 194 |
| Wet weight: | 205 |
| Seat height: | 874–880 mm (34.4–34.6 in) |
| Overall width: | 915 mm (36.0 in) |
| Overall height: | 1455 mm (57.3 in) |
| Overall length: | 2370 mm (93.3 in) |
| Ground clearance: | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 16 L (4.2 US gal) |
| Drivetrain | |
|---|---|
| Final drive: | chain |
| Chain length: | 122 |
| Transmission: | 6-speed, wet multiplate clutch |
| Rear sprocket: | 46 |
| Front sprocket: | 15 |
| Maintenance | |
|---|---|
| Engine oil: | 10W40 |
| Brake fluid: | DOT 4 |
| Spark plugs: | NGK LMAR8A-9 |
| Spark plug gap: | 0.8–0.9 mm |
| Coolant capacity: | 1.9 |
| Forks oil capacity: | 1.2 |
| Engine oil capacity: | 3.0 |
| Engine oil change interval: | Every 5000 km or 2 years, whichever comes first |
| Valve clearance (intake, cold): | 0.10–0.20 mm |
| Valve clearance check interval: | 24,000 km / 15,000 mi |
| Valve clearance (exhaust, cold): | 0.20–0.30 mm |
| Recommended tire pressure (rear): | 2.5 bar (36 psi) solo, 2.8 bar (41 psi) with passenger |
| Recommended tire pressure (front): | 2.25 bar (33 psi) |
| Chassis and Suspension | |
|---|---|
| Frame: | Steel tube backbone, double cradle |
| Trail: | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Rear tire: | 150/70-18 |
| Front tire: | 90/90-21 |
| Rear brakes: | Single 245 mm disc, 1-piston caliper (selectable ABS) |
| Front brakes: | 2 x 282 mm discs, 2-piston calipers (selectable ABS) |
| Rear suspension: | Link-type monoshock, adjustable preload and rebound damping, 200 mm (7.9 in) travel |
| Front suspension: | 43mm inverted telescopic fork, fully adjustable, 210 mm (8.3 in) travel |
