The Yamaha Ténéré 700 has been an extremely popular motorcycle since it first arrived in 2019. Five years on, it’s time for what Yamaha calls “a new generation of Ténéré 700” and the brand knows it can’t afford to mess with success. For 2025 it looks like Yamaha has made several notable improvements to both the standard and higher-spec Rally model, without breaking anything in the process. Moreover, along with the updates comes a new T7 variant for shorter riders. Let’s take a look.

The updated Ténéré 700 maintains a similar overall appearance to what we’ve grown accustomed to. Look closely, though, and the updates become apparent. The four-LED headlight design remains, but the new headlight features rectangular lenses, just like the test mule we spotted in June. The design seems more coherent than the previous one, which looked like four separate lights behind a clear lens. The fuel tank holds the same 4.2 gallons but sits lower and farther forward than before, keeping the weight lower and giving the rider more room to maneuver. The seat is now one single piece rather than two, but remains long and narrow, again so the rider can move around easily. New turn signals and hand guards add to the new look as well. Two colors will be available, Icon Blue and Frozen Titanium.

Yamaha has added a new lowered version of the T700 as well. Many adventure bikes are introducing lowered versions these days, such as the Kawasaki KLR650S and Honda CRF300LS, to make them more accessible to smaller riders. Yamaha accomplishes this with a lower seat and lowered suspension front and rear. This results in a seat height of 860 mm rather than the standard model’s 875 mm, which is unchanged from the previous generation. The main benefit of a version lowered by the factory rather than by aftermarket parts is that the manufacturer can ensure that the lower version still performs to their requirements, while parts that riders install themselves could potentially ruin the ride and performance.

Also updated from previous Ténéré 700 editions is the air intake duct, which is now shorter and contributes to a fatter torque curve lower in the rev range, a particular benefit when riding off road.  This engine is now compliant with Euro 5+ emission standards.

As suspected, the suspension for the new model has been revised. The new inverted forks are now fully adjustable, with flex-resistant 43 mm tubes and 210 mm of travel (190 mm for the lowered version), providing 240 mm of ground clearance (225 mm for the lowered version). Previously the T7 fork had rebound and compression damping but no preload adjustment. 

Out back, a completely new linkage design and shock absorber increase the suspension stroke while maintaining the previous model’s 200 mm of suspension travel, with a reduction to 180 mm on the lowered version. As before the shock is fully adjustable with a separate piggyback reservoir tank and remote preload adjuster but now you can make changes on the fly without tools, while an oversized rubber bump stop provides additional cushion to soften bottoming. The frame has also been strengthened, including a stronger muffler bracket and reinforcement to the luggage rack mounting points and backstay. Based on customer feedback, the side stand switch has also been redesigned and relocated. 

Even the T7’s 690cc engine receives an update, most notably the adoption of the YCC-T (Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle) which in turn facilitates switchable throttle maps for the first time on the CP2 platform. Two different throttle maps, Sport and Explorer, are available and switchable with a button near the throttle. What may interest riders more than an electronic throttle, however, is the three ABS modes and the ability to shut off traction control. It is now possible to select ABS on both wheels, on the rear wheel only, or to disable ABS entirely using a button on the dash rather than going through a detailed menu. A long press on the dedicated ABS button will turn off both systems regardless of which mode the bike is currently in.

Other refinements include revised gearbox internals for a smoother gear shift. The number of convex dogs and concave dogs in the gears has been increased from five to six between first and third gears, to reduce shocks, while the dog angle has been modified on gears four through to six, reducing lash when coming on and off the throttle. 

One improvement that current T700 riders may appreciate is that the clutch actuation point has been moved 35 degrees forward and given a protective cover with a smooth, minimized shape. This ensures that these parts do not contact the rider’s leg in sitting or standing positions, which was an issue for some with the current model. New footpegs are 10 mm wider than the previous model, contributing to comfort and control.

2025 Tenere 700 Highlights

• New bodywork and headlight in striking Yamaha Adventure design 
• Revised fully-adjustable suspension front and rear 
• New 6.3″ full color TFT screen with smartphone connectivity 
• YCC-T electronic throttle with dual riding modes 
• Switchable ABS and TCS via a dedicated button 
• Latest version 690cc, two-cylinder, four-valve, DOHC, liquid-cooled, EU5+ CP2 engine 
• New switchgear and turn signals 
• New one-piece rally-style seat 
• Low variant available with 15mm lower seat height 
• New clutch cover to reduce leg interference 
• Larger footrests 
• Handguards matching body color 
• Updated side stand switch

The 2025 also receives a new 6.3-inch full-color TFT touchscreen display. It uses a vertical format, similar to modern smartphones and classic rally raid road books. Two distinctive dashboard themes are available, presenting information to riders in whichever format they prefer. Full smartphone integration is available, enabling control over music, communication, and navigation through Yamaha’s MyRide app. A new USB-C port helps keep your phone charged while on the road or trail.

The updated Ténéré 700 is now listed on Yamaha’s website with a starting price of $10,999, just $200 more than last year’s version. That’s a lot of improvements for not very much money. If you’re currently in the market for a new Ténéré 700, it may be worth waiting for the 2025 model to arrive at dealers.

New Ténéré 700 Rally

While the standard model benefits tremendously from all these improvements, the new Ténéré 700 Rally adds even more, taking the T700 to a whole new level. 

Stronger KYB front forks offer an increased stroke from 210 mm to 230 mm. A similar upgrade in the back increases the Rally’s ground clearance from 240 mm to 255 mm. Titanium foot pegs are even larger than the already enlarged standard ones and weigh 228 grams less. There are no rubber inserts, and the pegs are heavily serrated to make better contact with the rider’s boots, providing more control over difficult terrain. 

The Rally also includes a 4 mm aluminum engine guard as standard equipment, as well as a high front fender more appropriate for a serious off-road machine. The one-piece seat is another part unique to the Rally version, raising the rider to a 910 mm ride height and providing a more upright riding position to make it easier for the rider to move around on the bike. Thicker than the standard saddle and with a plush dual-material finish featuring an embossed Rally logo, the Ténéré 700 Rally offers extra comfort when seated.

The Rally version will come in its own unique color, Sky Blue, inspired by Yamaha’s Dakar bikes from the 1980s. Finally, the Ténéré 700 Rally adds a third ‘Raid’ dashboard theme to the TFT display. This mode displays information in a format resembling a rally raid roadbook, emphasizing the information most useful when riding in the wilderness rather than what you need for street riding. 

2025 Tenere 700 Rally Highlights (in addition to std version)

• Taller KYB suspension front and rear 
• Heritage livery paying homage to classic Ténéré models 
• Off-road style high front fender 
• Heavy duty skid plate constructed from 4mm aluminum 
• Lightweight titanium footrests 
• Additional Raid TFT Theme 
• Dedicated rally seat 

Unfortunately, while visible on Yamaha’s UK website, the Ténéré 700 Rally variant does not currently appear on the North American website. It’s an impressive package, and we hope it eventually finds its way to this side of the pond.

2025 Tenere 700 Specs

2025 Tenere 700 Rally Specs

Photos by Alessio Barbanti

Author: Justin Hughes

Justin has been an automotive and motorcycle journalist for the past 10 years. After learning to ride on a series of Suzuki GSs, he took up touring on a Honda Silverwing and PC800 before turning his attention to off-road adventures. His racing experience is mainly with cars, although he did do a track day once on a KLR650. He has traveled with his cat, Lister, to 44 states in his “moto-glamping” camper van, Smokey Da Van, with his V-Strom 650 in tow.