New spy photos provide the first view of an all-new Yamaha middleweight adventure bike based on the FZ-07 (known as the MT-07 in Europe) naked bike. Yamaha made their intent clear to build several different bikes with the FZ-07 platform when it first introduced the model in 2014 — Now we are finally seeing this become a reality.

Spy photos captured outside Yamaha’s Italian test facility reveal a middleweight Tenere with a clear off-road focus, sporting a 21″ front and 18″ rear wheels along with a stout aluminum skid plate for trail protection. The frame, bodywork, forks all appear to be different from the FZ-07 with only the engine being carried over. There is also a robust subframe visible in the photos, useful for carrying hard luggage.

The FZ-07’s 698cc parallel-twin engine mated to a 6-speed transmission is unlikely to be changed before going to production. With 75 horsepower and 50 lb-ft. of torque, the powerplant provides adequate power for long-distance highway travel and more than enough pep for off-road duties. The lively motor also uses a 270° Crossplane crank that gives it a pleasing sound similar to a V-Twin.

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The new Tenere 700 will most likely replace the single-cylinder XT660Z Tenere and if naming conventions remain consistent, the bike would be given the model name XT700Z Tenere. The XT660Z Tenere is expected to be discontinued due to Euro4 emissions requirements starting in January of 2017.

Based on the spec sheet of the FZ-07, the new Yamaha middleweight would offer 28 more horsepower, a 6-speed instead of 5-speed and a smoother twin-cylinder engine. With a wet wet of 397 pounds (180 kg), the FZ-07 offers a relatively light platform to build and adventure bike around. Even if the Tenere 700 gains 35 pounds in adventure trim, it should still undercut the XT660Z in weight by some 40 pounds.

We also expect the new Tenere 700 to be competitively priced like other Yamaha models. With a smooth parallel-twin engine, touring equipment, lighter weight and reasonable price tag, this new Tenere 700 should be serious competition in the middleweight adventure bike category. Think of it as a lighter and more affordable BMW F800GS with Japanese reliability and lower cost of maintenance. Yamaha’s new Tenere 700 prototype adds to the growing list of off-road focused middleweight adventure bikes appearing on the market, including the SWM SuperDual 600 and AJP PR7 600.

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While the new model looks nearly complete in the spy shots, there are still some parts missing like the rear bodywork. Further development will be necessary and we expect the new Yamaha XT700Z Tenere to be launched sometime in 2017.
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Author: Rob Dabney

Rob Dabney started a lifelong obsession with motorcycles at the age of 15 when he purchased his first bike – a 1982 Honda MB5. Through his 20’s and 30’s he competed in off-road desert races, including the Baja 250, 500 and 1000. Eventually, his proclivity for exploration led him to dual sport and adventure riding. Rob’s never-ending quest to discover what’s around the next bend has taken him on Adventures in Latin America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and throughout the American West. As a moto journalist, he enjoys inspiring others to seek adventure across horizons both near and far.