From the point of view of this consumer, I applaud Yamaha's descision to minimize the electronic$. It makes sense for this kind of bike. The tech that IS on this bike complements it. Balance and rideability over weight and techno gadgetry any day. Great review. I only wish the old style CW magazine (from the 80's up to the 2000's were back on the stands. I hope that statement doesn't let on how old I am. If you are old enough to remember Brad Lackey, Bob Hannah, Kenney Roberts, Eddie Lawson, Fast Freddy Spencer & others... THAT old ! Guess many, but not all, millenials and later only pay homage to the digital gods these days. I miss the CW magazine of the 80's. Nevertheless, again, great review.
As a Moto mech,I would never buy a newer bike full with electronics.I believe that the older bikes were build to last,newer ones are build to be replaced.T7 breaks the mold in this category
@@jft7174 and is great as long as it's switchable.I had it once saving me when I left work 3 in the morning and my brain was out of it.The good with fi is that you don't have to fiddle with it as much as carbs
@@jft7174 Been riding for 47 years. I "didn't need it" until about 6-7 years ago. A deer jumped out in front of me at 80 MPH on a misty day and wet road on my non-ABS GSX-R750. Became a convert. Later it saved my bacon when I hit a deer with the radiator and fuel tank on my 890 ADV-R on a crushed rock logging road while going around a bend and a whole herd jumped out of the brush in the blink of an eye. Kept the bike upright even with about $1,500 in damages to the bike and the deer rolling around on the ground. I wouldn't buy a street bike without it, dual-purpose, OK, but not a street bike. For a pig like the Tenere, I want it. I had a 1290 ADV-R, the 890 ADV-R, and the T7. With tall heavy bikes like this, I want ABS even on dirt.
High exhaust mount Tail guard or baggage mount (covers the exhaust from hits) Theres also a slider you can put on there on the bracket but i dont know for sure it will do the work.@Simon-df2ku
@@tamir8790 ive already done the high exhaust mod but i wouldnt call it a 'slight modification' as it involves replacing the exhaust. The baggage mount works but i didnt want to add unnecessary weight or add an ugly tangle of metal to the back of my bike! Just googled the slider and i think you are right to doubt it, it looks to me like its going to significantly increase the risk of a bent hanger, its basically focusing a direct load onto the weakest part. Yamaha should really have underslung the exhaust with the update, or as a minimum designed the hanger to be 'bolt on'', and while they were at it make the subframe bolt on too. But i guess most folks off-roading wont go beyond gravel roads so for that the exhaust is fine where it is.
@@Simon-df2ku Yeah I understand where you're coming from. I haven't dropped my bike yet and didn't suffer from it. I assume yamaha knows that and will do something with it. But changes like that will take time sadly.
It has to be able to be happy at 60-75 mph, as most folks are never going to do dedicated dirt riding and stretch the legs of this bike off-road. It’s a similar complaint to the WR450 I have owned in the past, no legs on the highway, but great off-road. I wouldn’t ride that thing cross country but I was content around town and LIGHT highway use, but even then it was wrapped out at 80 mph. The T7 is the opposite end of the dichotomy, much better on road manners but it has weight and tech that big you down off-road
And that cp2 is fckng perfect and much more lively than 70bhp would suggest. A dude made one of these around 180kg full of liquids, +85 bhp. Perfect fun bike. Does 200 kph easy, lot of torque, light, narrow, reliable. My god i love these.
I've got the 2020 T7, and honestly, my kids can sell it when i'm dead, unless I manage to kill it first. Oh, and there is one good reason not to have TC and ride modes on a bike like this, because it's not ride by wire but cable EFI.
@@philsc6028ride-by-wire means the butterfly valve that opens and closes to control the amount of air is managed electronically via sensors. There is a sensor that detects how much the rider moves the throttle tube (right hand) and synchronizes it with a sensor that controls the mechanism opening and closing the throttle valves. This is contrary to cable actuated, which means there are physical cables connecting the throttle tube to the butterfly valve that opens and closes the passage of air into the intake. To successfully have electronic features like traction control, it's best to have the air controlled electronically. If not, the rider could just open up the throttle more and render the TC unusable. In conclusion, if turning up and down the volume on TV is like the amount of air you're sending into the engine, ride-by-wire is like doing it with the remote control and cable actuated is like physically standing up to press the volume button on the TV. Having a remote is much more convenient and, perhaps, a better overall user experience, but you also have an additional thing to keep track of, maintain batteries, etc. Even moreso if the only way to do anything on the TV is only through the remote.
Everyone I know with one is like you. Only one they swing is with a africa twin, especially the ones doing more paved road trips and that are not in love with their bank balance. Even gs people have been converted. The triumph ones idem.
As a 2022 T7 owner with abt 49k km on it, i will never trade in for any other bikes except world raid. The T7 is the best in its class, ultra reliable and very very good aftermarket accesories. The bad side is the tube tires....which in my opinion, not critical. Some say they cant pick it up easily, i may suggest visiting ur local gym n start some crossfit training. I did hard offroad, long distance touring with pillion, adventure rides into the unknown, never an issue. Unlike my former GSA and KTMs. In this mad world, the simpler the bike, the more attractive it is......
An “ADV” bike can be anything you want it to be. Ed March has gone all over the world on a C90. People have gone thru Mongolia on the original CB500X. Elspeth Beard was the first woman solo around the world on a BMW R60/6. There’s blokes who’ve done Nepal on Groms, and toured on Vespas - another guy did a RTW on a Scrambler Desert Sled. You don’t have to have “X” bike to prove you’re an “ADV” rider. It’s just bullshit marketing. Just grab whatever you’ve got, and go on an adventure. It doesn’t have to be a 90% super-enduro-off-road-trip to prove you’re a better adventurer with bigger balls than the rest😂
Most bikes can be ridden on most roads and be used for most purposes... Same is with cars... Same is with Computers... Same is with clothing... If you get my point here? Anything can be used for any purpose within it's intended use point. However... Good luck riding through Balkan backroads, Asian, European or American rocky mountain paths, deep mud paths and roads, deep river passes and so forth, on bikes such as a Grom, Vespa, R6, Scrambler, etc... I have just over half a million kilometers of riding experience and the amount of times I had to completely change my course, backtrack, change destinations and even cancel the route and pick a different one... In other words; The amount of places, landscapes, towns, villages and experiences I missed, all because the bike I was riding just either wasn't going to cut it or failed to cut it for the task at hand...
I have a 2023 T7. Absolutely fabulous bike for me. Quick, nimble and surprisingly good on the tar and great on dirt roads and ATV trails.I have had R1s, GXRS, a HD Electra Glide, dirt bikes, a DRZ, etc. This is the best all=around bike I have ever owned. There's plenty enough HP for fun riding. It's versatile, reliable and fun. I put soft luggage on, a taller windscreen, heated grips and ride it into very cold weather, 20F. I commute to work on it daily until the snow and ice arrive. I would rather have tubeless tires but I understand why it isn't sold with that option. It's a simple bike but it doesn't need to be complicated. It doesn't need different maps, it's power is very linear and easy to control.
Another touring bike review that doesn't even mention touring capabilities. No mention of luggage, sub-frame strength, GVWR, ease of maintenance, fuel range, alternator output, etc.
@@MeerkatADV Honda seems to think the 505lb CRF1100 African Twin is a dirt bike and the even bigger CRF1100 African Twin Adventure Sports is an adventure touring bike. I guess that makes the Transalp a girls bike.
Hoping to get an older t7 as it had the most basic setup which I am looking for I don’t need tft screens or options of quickshifters I would use my exc 400 only for I hate riding a single cylinder on the road
Yes. Got the 2022 version and I'm happy. The new dash and phone connectivity that Yamaha puts into this bike since 2023 is nothing that adds value to the bike. They should have given it a better suspension from factory and focus on improving the actual riding experience. The old dash was absolutely fine.
Does the dash make the bike a better riding machine? No. Yamaha should keep this bike simple. No need for phone connectivity. Maybe Yamaha should keep focus on the actual riding experience and give the Tenere a better suspension system instead of pumping it full of useless features that do nothing but adding cost and complexity that the Tenere wasn't made for in the first place.
Just bought a T7 Rally, white with golden rims. I'm sitting in my garage admiring its beauty. I know there are better bikes out there and pricing is quite high, BUT as soon as I get on it I feel like the most awesome rally racer going on big adventures. Thats what I buy bikes for, feelings & dreams.
I have one, love it!! Jumped on my 1988 GSXR1100 after a 3000km ride and thought i need to sell it......riding position is very stressful on body as a comparison......and yes i have ridden that bike 70000km so i know the discomfort 😊
I like the simplicity. A real improvement would be a shortcut back to last used "ride mode" like the Tiger just got. Even if it just turns ABS off without diving into menus.
I do think there’s a lot to be said for good throttle control being the responsibility of the individual. To add to that, I’ve never understood cruise control on a motorcycle either. 🤷♂️
I think it should be able to turn completely off, but in truth if it saves some folks from injury and lowers the bar of entry for new riders I am all in for it. More people on two wheels the better, in addition 90% of T7 owners are rarely going to see dirt the way this bike can handle it, gravel roads on the rare occasion, but hey that doesn’t matter just have fun!
@@lukefarris556 my first off road experience ever was on a T7 in mud, I was scared xD but it was a lot of fun regular dirt roads no problem I wanna get one so I can ride on everything
Good bike but muffler support arm is part of rear subframe which is welded to main frame. dumb design would probably put a shorty can on it if i had one
What makes this bike so great is the lack of tech, no rider aids, its a bike for riders that want to be in full control!!! the market is flooded with rolling computers, so big thanks to yamaha for making this bike for us riders that want a true and raw bike!!!
I'd love to see the TFT display eliminated or offered as an option for those that like a tablets on their bikes. Give me a round speedometer, fuel gauge and cut the price of the bike by $500.
Good review. thanks for the info. Somewhere I have read that suspension on the simple version Tenere is also KYB but without a KYB sticker. Could this be true? anyone knows?
Not sure I agree that most adv in this segment are unwieldy. Tuareg, Trans Alp, KTM 790. Think those are all about same as T7 at 450 lbs. Feel like reviews on this channel have gotten less professional unfortunately.
Well this was good, since 2023 they added BS features making it more expensive than it needs to be. Roll back to 2022 model and if they want to add cost to it, they should upgrade the suspension instead of useless TFT screen and dumbphone connectivitiy. If customers complained about that instead of the suspension, which some did, then they are either stupid or Yamaha is. They can make the Tenere more expensive, but with USEFUL features. Upgraded suspension and an option for tubeless tyres. But the way it turns out, they are starting to add USELESS features. Now the Tenere is more expensive than a Trans Alp. If I would buy an "Adventure Bike" today, it wouldn't be the Tenere anymore. I would definitely turn to the Trans Alp, which is almost 2 grand cheaper now than the Tenere in my location.
Wow I’d like a new bike but at 66yo I struggle to pickup my DR650 at 350lbs, all these mid-weight adventure bikes are in the 450lb range and the T7 is top heavy to boot. Add moto-camping gear and panniers and your over 525lbs, my DR650 weighs less fully loaded than the T7 weighs empty. I’d sure like a more modern bike for the pavement though.. I’m not ruling out the T7 but other bikes carry the weight lower.. and no cruise control is almost a deal breaker!
The Yamaha Tenere 700 is perfect the way it is. Please stop wishing for things it doesn't need "and things like that". There are other bikes that fit your wants list and "things like that".
Tuareg 660 just puts this thing to shame. Pay a little more and get the goods. Modes. If you dont have them how do you know the bike couldn't be better with them! Its the Emporers New Clothes game here from Yamaha.
No dealer support network for Aprilia means they have nothing on Yamaha. Here in South Africa the Aprilia distributer folded and now all those Aprilia customers cannot even get parts for them, and their second hand values hit rock bottom.
I had a first gen T7 and sold it for a Tuareg 660. Why? Ride modes, cruise control, better suspension, tubeless rims, traction control, and quick up/down shifter option…all for $1500 more than a T7. Come on Yamaha, catch up.
I would pay more to not have some of those things. I don't need ride modes and traction control because I know how to ride a bike and disabling 15 settings every time I start the bike would be infuriating. Tubeless rims are also not great for long distance trips and reliability. Guarantee your suspension is still shit compared to a basic upgraded suspension which is a common and easy task. Cruise control is also possible with an aftermarket module. I've concluded from your comment that you're likely a newer rider who is afraid to work on your bike and don't intend to use it for longer trips. I think it's foolish to assume everyone else has the same needs as you.
But you took a gamble on Aprilia's less than stellar reputation for reliability. I hope that pays off for you, but I would rather bet on the proven reliability of a Japanese designed motorcycle. Having said that, I agree that Yamaha needs to switch to tubeless wheels and upgrade the suspension a bit - the rest of the features you mentioned are "nice to have" features that I'm willing to forego in return for Yamaha quality, especially on a moderately powerful bike where TC really isn't necessary IMHO. Having said all that, I own a 2022 Honda CB500X and my next bike will likely be a Transalp XL750 - it's just such a great value proposition.
They can add these features but please as options and not standard as base model. I don't need TC, CC and rider modes for a 70 HP bike. Keep the cost down for the base model which a lot of people prefer and add all other features as options you can add to the bike. The Tenere is already more expensive than a Trans Alp with 90HP, rider modes...You have to be a Yamaha fanboi to choose the Tenere over the Trans Alp today.
This whole comment screams "I can't ride for shit and need technology to do it for me". I'll give you the tubeless and suspension but the rest is useless. Revalve + respring and the stock suspension is good enough to adventure anywhere on and ride fairly aggressively.
That cheap tablet cluster is horrendous. Looks like you have your phone mounted. Bring back analog RPM gauges and integrate the screen in a less stuck on fashion.
This was a €9000 at launch in 2019. Hasn't changed a bit but it costs €11000. And now what are the big updates? A cheap TFT and an electronic upshifter? Still crap suspension, still heavy, no IMU, same old engine (deigned for entry level bikes), no tubeless tires and rubber brake lines. At €9000 it would be acceptable, someone could argue that the price of a bike should come down overtime, at €11000 it's a scam.
Pros: reliability, engine, looks, sound Cons: Weight distribution (up way too high, pain to pick up), and that is a dealbreaker for me. Also bad suspension, but this is something you can do something about. So a no from me. There are bikes out there that are more fun to ride offroad, with a lot better weight distribution, in about the same weight class.
@@Carado5150 😂😂. Maybe you should watch Johannes Dalen on his offroad trip to the Pyrenees with his T7. A fairly strong guy I would say. See what he has to say when he couldn't pick up his T7. Look, it's a very solid bike, but way too heavy, and with the wrong weight distribution. It just isn't very well designed. Aprilia and KTM have gotten the message about carrying weight down low and the much better handling it gives.
@@occyman We'll see how this sales succes develops once the bikes in the 180kg range with good weight distribution become more readily available. I predict Yamaha will redesign this bike in the next two years. And I predict they will do something about the placement of the fuel tank.
@@eigenaar0191agree to disagree mate and weight distribution on T7 is not an issue at all. If someone can't lift it they simply don't know what they are doing and probably should be going back to road riding. I'd rather T7 than the reliability nightmares of KTM or other Euro PoS. T7 is already a huge global sales success and aimed at the harder core experienced riders, not the fat banker wankers touring on perfectly manicured dirt roads. I wouldn't buy anything else but then again I am a very experienced rider and don't need the gymicks that other brands need to sell to people who don't know what they are doing.
Kawasaki W800. I know it’s in a whole different category, but it’s built quality (fit and finish), gearbox precision, gearbox ratio, exhaust sound, and having center stand are superior to the Tenere. Although it’s a bit heavier than Tenere, because of the shorter seat height, it’s a much more approachable bike. Downsides are stiff handling on curves, and feeling vibration.
@@BlessureK My problem with Tenere 700 was not just the category of the bike; I actually found manufacturing defects on the bike. I should've created a video to show you, but suffice it to give you an example. In the entirely new bike from the factory, the front brake disk touched on the brake caliper arm. This was actually damaging the brake disk and the arm. I had to open the front wheel and the brake caliper, and flatten the caliper arm and holder with a file! Some usability issues: the gearbox was not precise; changing gears was like hammering a stone, and I couldn't easily find the neutral. The MPG number that Yamaha claims were also inaccurate. There were important mistakes in the user manual (typos, wrong numbers!). I can go on, but I think it can give you a picture of what I mean.
@@PooyanDoozandeh manufacturer defects are definitely unusual for a Japanese bike but can happen. Kind of sounds like it wasn't assembled probably though because that really shouldn't happen. The gearbox on mine is good so not sure what could have happened with yours. I take it you don't come from dirt riding though which is why I think you were disappointed. Because every dirt rider I know who tries one is always blown away by how capable they are off-road once you get over the fear of how big they are. Coming from street bikes it will probably feel unrefined but that's because it's trying to be an adventure bike with a dirt bike spirit. And their simplicity and reliability are why they are wildly popular here in Australia. There are not many bikes people would trust in the Australian outback and the T7 is one of the leaders of that pack.
the stock gearing on the T7 has a small front chainring vs the rest of the CP2s. Makes it a bit better at low speed off-road riding. Some folks swap the 15T for a 16T if they do more high speed riding. Of all the older generation Japanese twins, the CP2 trades top end power for torque a bit more than the competition. It's also where Honda and Suzuki's new designs are probably better for power.
PLEASE YAMAHA, ADD CRUISE CONTROL. That is the only thing preventing me from buying this motorcycle. I want it to be simple, but I want cruise for the highway jaunts traveling to the off-road trails...
How do you keep it simple but add ride by wire? It's antithetical and I'm really sick of cruise control coming out as a needed feature. Get any other bike in the segment.
@@majormassenspektrometer That would be a perfect bike for me if it wasn't for lack of dealerships, spares availability, 12k servicing costs :( ..and perhaps long-term reliability. T7 wins on those scores.
You will get simplicity and reliability all day long with the Tenere 700. I will make a prediction - There won't be a bike with CP2 engine that has Cruise control or traction control ever. No Tenere, no Tracer, no MT, no XSR. Only the more premium bikes with CP3 engine have that. I can imagine Yamaha putting out a Tenere 900 with CP3 engine, that has Cruise control, Traction control etc. That would be like an updated Super Tenere but with smaller engine.
All good points! I had to do some Google-ing as I had heard that the T7 and MT07 were ride-by-wire. They are in fact not... Thanks for the input, best of luck!!
Expensive and basic poor suspension poor screen rock hard seat abs resets whenever you turn it on and off top heavy poor petrol cap tubed rims snatchy throttle very under equipped and under specced all reasons to avoid one 😂
@@kkattrap I’d buy the v strom 800 the Africa twin or the transalp and even the Chinese made ktm 790 over the t7 tbh it’s a poor bike for the uk maybe better in aus America Africa etc
From the point of view of this consumer, I applaud Yamaha's descision to minimize the electronic$. It makes sense for this kind of bike. The tech that IS on this bike complements it. Balance and rideability over weight and techno gadgetry any day. Great review. I only wish the old style CW magazine (from the 80's up to the 2000's were back on the stands. I hope that statement doesn't let on how old I am. If you are old enough to remember Brad Lackey, Bob Hannah, Kenney Roberts, Eddie Lawson, Fast Freddy Spencer & others... THAT old ! Guess many, but not all, millenials and later only pay homage to the digital gods these days. I miss the CW magazine of the 80's. Nevertheless, again, great review.
As a Moto mech,I would never buy a newer bike full with electronics.I believe that the older bikes were build to last,newer ones are build to be replaced.T7 breaks the mold in this category
I’m a millennial. Riding for 12 years , hate rider aides and ABS. Not to fond of EFI either.
@@jft7174 and is great as long as it's switchable.I had it once saving me when I left work 3 in the morning and my brain was out of it.The good with fi is that you don't have to fiddle with it as much as carbs
@@jft7174 Been riding for 47 years. I "didn't need it" until about 6-7 years ago. A deer jumped out in front of me at 80 MPH on a misty day and wet road on my non-ABS GSX-R750. Became a convert. Later it saved my bacon when I hit a deer with the radiator and fuel tank on my 890 ADV-R on a crushed rock logging road while going around a bend and a whole herd jumped out of the brush in the blink of an eye. Kept the bike upright even with about $1,500 in damages to the bike and the deer rolling around on the ground. I wouldn't buy a street bike without it, dual-purpose, OK, but not a street bike. For a pig like the Tenere, I want it. I had a 1290 ADV-R, the 890 ADV-R, and the T7. With tall heavy bikes like this, I want ABS even on dirt.
@@leanit5756oh nice! Glad it helped! I ride light adv and duals sports only now that I have a family. Keeps me honest.
if Yamaha are really targeting this at the off-road crowd then why haven't they addressed the T7's biggest flaw, the exhaust hanger?
not that big of a flaw, can be prevented with slight modification and to actually bend it you're going to need a pretty harsh hit on the exhaust.
@@tamir8790 whats the modification?
High exhaust mount
Tail guard or baggage mount (covers the exhaust from hits)
Theres also a slider you can put on there on the bracket but i dont know for sure it will do the work.@Simon-df2ku
@@tamir8790 ive already done the high exhaust mod but i wouldnt call it a 'slight modification' as it involves replacing the exhaust. The baggage mount works but i didnt want to add unnecessary weight or add an ugly tangle of metal to the back of my bike! Just googled the slider and i think you are right to doubt it, it looks to me like its going to significantly increase the risk of a bent hanger, its basically focusing a direct load onto the weakest part. Yamaha should really have underslung the exhaust with the update, or as a minimum designed the hanger to be 'bolt on'', and while they were at it make the subframe bolt on too. But i guess most folks off-roading wont go beyond gravel roads so for that the exhaust is fine where it is.
@@Simon-df2ku
Yeah I understand where you're coming from.
I haven't dropped my bike yet and didn't suffer from it.
I assume yamaha knows that and will do something with it.
But changes like that will take time sadly.
700 cc bike with 70+ bhp is definitely more than sufficient for more than 90% of people. Bike are getting wayyyy bigger than they should be.
I wouldn't concider anything bigger than this as practical off road. 1200+ bikes are highway cruisers
It has to be able to be happy at 60-75 mph, as most folks are never going to do dedicated dirt riding and stretch the legs of this bike off-road. It’s a similar complaint to the WR450 I have owned in the past, no legs on the highway, but great off-road. I wouldn’t ride that thing cross country but I was content around town and LIGHT highway use, but even then it was wrapped out at 80 mph. The T7 is the opposite end of the dichotomy, much better on road manners but it has weight and tech that big you down off-road
$4,299 for a 2024 base model KLR 650 here in san diego. i like the yamaha, but.
And that cp2 is fckng perfect and much more lively than 70bhp would suggest.
A dude made one of these around 180kg full of liquids, +85 bhp. Perfect fun bike. Does 200 kph easy, lot of torque, light, narrow, reliable. My god i love these.
@@Dane-o7qKLR has half the horsepower. And fugly
I've got the 2020 T7, and honestly, my kids can sell it when i'm dead, unless I manage to kill it first.
Oh, and there is one good reason not to have TC and ride modes on a bike like this, because it's not ride by wire but cable EFI.
Can you explain to a novice like me what you mean by this?
@@philsc6028ride-by-wire means the butterfly valve that opens and closes to control the amount of air is managed electronically via sensors. There is a sensor that detects how much the rider moves the throttle tube (right hand) and synchronizes it with a sensor that controls the mechanism opening and closing the throttle valves.
This is contrary to cable actuated, which means there are physical cables connecting the throttle tube to the butterfly valve that opens and closes the passage of air into the intake.
To successfully have electronic features like traction control, it's best to have the air controlled electronically. If not, the rider could just open up the throttle more and render the TC unusable.
In conclusion, if turning up and down the volume on TV is like the amount of air you're sending into the engine, ride-by-wire is like doing it with the remote control and cable actuated is like physically standing up to press the volume button on the TV. Having a remote is much more convenient and, perhaps, a better overall user experience, but you also have an additional thing to keep track of, maintain batteries, etc. Even moreso if the only way to do anything on the TV is only through the remote.
traction controll can perfectly work with cable throttle as well, ride modes obvs not
Everyone I know with one is like you. Only one they swing is with a africa twin, especially the ones doing more paved road trips and that are not in love with their bank balance. Even gs people have been converted. The triumph ones idem.
As a 2022 T7 owner with abt 49k km on it, i will never trade in for any other bikes except world raid.
The T7 is the best in its class, ultra reliable and very very good aftermarket accesories. The bad side is the tube tires....which in my opinion, not critical.
Some say they cant pick it up easily, i may suggest visiting ur local gym n start some crossfit training.
I did hard offroad, long distance touring with pillion, adventure rides into the unknown, never an issue. Unlike my former GSA and KTMs.
In this mad world, the simpler the bike, the more attractive it is......
@jerricklim996 Hey man, how was the comfort for the pillion on long touring?
An “ADV” bike can be anything you want it to be. Ed March has gone all over the world on a C90. People have gone thru Mongolia on the original CB500X. Elspeth Beard was the first woman solo around the world on a BMW R60/6. There’s blokes who’ve done Nepal on Groms, and toured on Vespas - another guy did a RTW on a Scrambler Desert Sled. You don’t have to have “X” bike to prove you’re an “ADV” rider. It’s just bullshit marketing. Just grab whatever you’ve got, and go on an adventure. It doesn’t have to be a 90% super-enduro-off-road-trip to prove you’re a better adventurer with bigger balls than the rest😂
But I like to show off lol
Most bikes can be ridden on most roads and be used for most purposes... Same is with cars... Same is with Computers... Same is with clothing... If you get my point here? Anything can be used for any purpose within it's intended use point. However... Good luck riding through Balkan backroads, Asian, European or American rocky mountain paths, deep mud paths and roads, deep river passes and so forth, on bikes such as a Grom, Vespa, R6, Scrambler, etc... I have just over half a million kilometers of riding experience and the amount of times I had to completely change my course, backtrack, change destinations and even cancel the route and pick a different one... In other words; The amount of places, landscapes, towns, villages and experiences I missed, all because the bike I was riding just either wasn't going to cut it or failed to cut it for the task at hand...
I have a 2023 T7. Absolutely fabulous bike for me. Quick, nimble and surprisingly good on the tar and great on dirt roads and ATV trails.I have had R1s, GXRS, a HD Electra Glide, dirt bikes, a DRZ, etc. This is the best all=around bike I have ever owned. There's plenty enough HP for fun riding. It's versatile, reliable and fun. I put soft luggage on, a taller windscreen, heated grips and ride it into very cold weather, 20F. I commute to work on it daily until the snow and ice arrive. I would rather have tubeless tires but I understand why it isn't sold with that option. It's a simple bike but it doesn't need to be complicated. It doesn't need different maps, it's power is very linear and easy to control.
Another touring bike review that doesn't even mention touring capabilities.
No mention of luggage, sub-frame strength, GVWR, ease of maintenance, fuel range, alternator output, etc.
There are plenty of reviews out there. Go look them up. He was talking about the new upgrades for 2024.
@@cameronrussell9362 Those are owner reviews. For some strange reason the professional reviewers won't touch these subjects with a 10 foot pole.
Not a touring bike. Get a Transalp.
@@MeerkatADV Honda seems to think the 505lb CRF1100 African Twin is a dirt bike and the even bigger CRF1100 African Twin Adventure Sports is an adventure touring bike. I guess that makes the Transalp a girls bike.
@JayBee-cr8jm sounds like more of a you problem.
Ugh, i hate ipad displays. Give me an analog tach and a small display for the "smart stuff". Less is more.
They had before the 2023 model. Now they have that nice TFT screen and almost 2 grand price incline without making the bike better.
Yamaha is symphonie of riding
Hoping to get an older t7 as it had the most basic setup which I am looking for I don’t need tft screens or options of quickshifters I would use my exc 400 only for I hate riding a single cylinder on the road
Yes. Got the 2022 version and I'm happy. The new dash and phone connectivity that Yamaha puts into this bike since 2023 is nothing that adds value to the bike. They should have given it a better suspension from factory and focus on improving the actual riding experience. The old dash was absolutely fine.
Does the dash make the bike a better riding machine? No.
Yamaha should keep this bike simple. No need for phone connectivity. Maybe Yamaha should keep focus on the actual riding experience and give the Tenere a better suspension system instead of pumping it full of useless features that do nothing but adding cost and complexity that the Tenere wasn't made for in the first place.
Just bought a T7 Rally, white with golden rims. I'm sitting in my garage admiring its beauty. I know there are better bikes out there and pricing is quite high, BUT as soon as I get on it I feel like the most awesome rally racer going on big adventures. Thats what I buy bikes for, feelings & dreams.
I have one, love it!! Jumped on my 1988 GSXR1100 after a 3000km ride and thought i need to sell it......riding position is very stressful on body as a comparison......and yes i have ridden that bike 70000km so i know the discomfort 😊
please don’t encourage them to put electronic mambo jumbo 🤢on this motorcycle. It’s the only one without it.🙏🇨🇦
Exactly! Protect one of the last simple bikes we have
Love seeing content made in my backyard. Especially the shots out south main divide rd. That’s my goto ride destination.
I like the simplicity. A real improvement would be a shortcut back to last used "ride mode" like the Tiger just got. Even if it just turns ABS off without diving into menus.
It doesn’t need TC, throttle and clutch control is enough
Ride modes and traction control on a motorcycle is a bit cringe. People should really learn to ride before getting more bike than they can handle.
I do think there’s a lot to be said for good throttle control being the responsibility of the individual. To add to that, I’ve never understood cruise control on a motorcycle either. 🤷♂️
I think it should be able to turn completely off, but in truth if it saves some folks from injury and lowers the bar of entry for new riders I am all in for it. More people on two wheels the better, in addition 90% of T7 owners are rarely going to see dirt the way this bike can handle it, gravel roads on the rare occasion, but hey that doesn’t matter just have fun!
@@lukefarris556 my first off road experience ever was on a T7 in mud, I was scared xD but it was a lot of fun regular dirt roads no problem I wanna get one so I can ride on everything
A modern Superbike would be unrideable without electronics but for a low power machine like this they aren’t needed
Mo simple is mo bettah....
Mi want 😟😟.
too bad they already added useless features to the 2023 model. Now the Tenere is already more expensive than the Trans Alp...
No improvement on that toturous seat? or to the well known exhaust hanger issue? and why isnt it a high level exhaust?
Good bike but muffler support arm is part of rear subframe which is welded to main frame. dumb design would probably put a shorty can on it if i had one
This guy is off the mark. Constantly comparing it to bikes outside of it's class.
What makes this bike so great is the lack of tech, no rider aids, its a bike for riders that want to be in full control!!! the market is flooded with rolling computers, so big thanks to yamaha for making this bike for us riders that want a true and raw bike!!!
You dont ride a sports bike off road & riding a duelsport on the highway is painfully uncomfortable. This is the untimate compromise of duel purpose 👍
This is my thinking as well.
Would like to see a group test containing as many of the middle weights as possible as the segment is getting very competitive now
i´m comfy at 60mph on the highway with my 250cc dual sport. do you think i mind t7´s highway characteristics? not really
I am fine on my dr650 also. My friend rides his honda 300l on the highway frequently.
Still the sexiest ADV in my opinion. I hope to get one someday.
Would you rather a bigger displacement for better touring or small displacement for more nimbleness?
One thing that it should have from the factory - memory for the ABS mode. There is an aftermarket solution however.
What's the aftermarket solution?
I took the fuse out on mine.
@@JohnSmith-ef8nr LSK electronics makes a dongle with memory. I believe the ones for pre TFT models are shipping sometime in April.
@@keenanmoi
Looks really good, I'll buy one when it's available.
Tenere 700 is lovely, it will never let me down on a trip 🙂
I'd love to see the TFT display eliminated or offered as an option for those that like a tablets on their bikes. Give me a round speedometer, fuel gauge and cut the price of the bike by $500.
Good review. thanks for the info. Somewhere I have read that suspension on the simple version Tenere is also KYB but without a KYB sticker. Could this be true? anyone knows?
The Spartan of adventure bikes oh and the engine is a gem all the power you need really and it is less to insure.
As simple as possible, cleary no tft display
I'm still waiting for the t700r like the old xt660r
or how about a TT700, that would be great!
If you want to keep it simple don't have a huge TFT display, just do analog gauges with a small display for basics info.
Not sure I agree that most adv in this segment are unwieldy. Tuareg, Trans Alp, KTM 790. Think those are all about same as T7 at 450 lbs. Feel like reviews on this channel have gotten less professional unfortunately.
but all of them are at least 20% more expensive
Could it use TC, maybe yes.
But only if you can shut it on and off when needed or not needed.
If you feel this bike needs traction control, maybe you are ready for a hoveround
Go buy a goldwing
The T7 definitely does not need TC.
Well this was good, since 2023 they added BS features making it more expensive than it needs to be. Roll back to 2022 model and if they want to add cost to it, they should upgrade the suspension instead of useless TFT screen and dumbphone connectivitiy. If customers complained about that instead of the suspension, which some did, then they are either stupid or Yamaha is.
They can make the Tenere more expensive, but with USEFUL features. Upgraded suspension and an option for tubeless tyres. But the way it turns out, they are starting to add USELESS features. Now the Tenere is more expensive than a Trans Alp. If I would buy an "Adventure Bike" today, it wouldn't be the Tenere anymore. I would definitely turn to the Trans Alp, which is almost 2 grand cheaper now than the Tenere in my location.
How tall is bro? He makes the T7 look small.
how tall are you?
Wow I’d like a new bike but at 66yo I struggle to pickup my DR650 at 350lbs, all these mid-weight adventure bikes are in the 450lb range and the T7 is top heavy to boot. Add moto-camping gear and panniers and your over 525lbs, my DR650 weighs less fully loaded than the T7 weighs empty. I’d sure like a more modern bike for the pavement though.. I’m not ruling out the T7 but other bikes carry the weight lower.. and no cruise control is almost a deal breaker!
The Mighty DR for the win.. I just wish they sold it here in Philippines
The dr650 is excellent! I rode the nebdr on mine. It never let me down.
I wonder if the new abs selection is better or worse. I want the least technology possible.
Why didn't you mention the quickshift?
Did you even watch the video, or are you mentally ill?
I'll take mine with a 19" front wheel, thanks.
Think you’ll find they are 689cc 👍🏻
The Yamaha Tenere 700 is perfect the way it is. Please stop wishing for things it doesn't need "and things like that". There are other bikes that fit your wants list and "things like that".
The lack of electronic bullcrap ("rider aids") is one of the main reasons why the people that love these bikes, do. This bike needs none of that!
Love yamaha tenere700
Tuareg 660 just puts this thing to shame. Pay a little more and get the goods. Modes. If you dont have them how do you know the bike couldn't be better with them! Its the Emporers New Clothes game here from Yamaha.
No dealer support network for Aprilia means they have nothing on Yamaha. Here in South Africa the Aprilia distributer folded and now all those Aprilia customers cannot even get parts for them, and their second hand values hit rock bottom.
Not more nimble and lighter, the price only become bigger ... the old new T7😂
It comes with best suspension. Just wish it came with pillow for a seat
Why does this cost $2600 more than an MT07? Are spoked wheels and crappy suspension really that expensive?
Yes, yes they are.
Mt07 suspension is even crappier. And they are veeeeery basic and even more stripped down.
Come on with the tubeless wheels and I'll park one in my garage!
I had a first gen T7 and sold it for a Tuareg 660. Why? Ride modes, cruise control, better suspension, tubeless rims, traction control, and quick up/down shifter option…all for $1500 more than a T7. Come on Yamaha, catch up.
I would pay more to not have some of those things. I don't need ride modes and traction control because I know how to ride a bike and disabling 15 settings every time I start the bike would be infuriating. Tubeless rims are also not great for long distance trips and reliability. Guarantee your suspension is still shit compared to a basic upgraded suspension which is a common and easy task. Cruise control is also possible with an aftermarket module.
I've concluded from your comment that you're likely a newer rider who is afraid to work on your bike and don't intend to use it for longer trips. I think it's foolish to assume everyone else has the same needs as you.
But you took a gamble on Aprilia's less than stellar reputation for reliability. I hope that pays off for you, but I would rather bet on the proven reliability of a Japanese designed motorcycle.
Having said that, I agree that Yamaha needs to switch to tubeless wheels and upgrade the suspension a bit - the rest of the features you mentioned are "nice to have" features that I'm willing to forego in return for Yamaha quality, especially on a moderately powerful bike where TC really isn't necessary IMHO.
Having said all that, I own a 2022 Honda CB500X and my next bike will likely be a Transalp XL750 - it's just such a great value proposition.
They can add these features but please as options and not standard as base model. I don't need TC, CC and rider modes for a 70 HP bike. Keep the cost down for the base model which a lot of people prefer and add all other features as options you can add to the bike. The Tenere is already more expensive than a Trans Alp with 90HP, rider modes...You have to be a Yamaha fanboi to choose the Tenere over the Trans Alp today.
This whole comment screams "I can't ride for shit and need technology to do it for me". I'll give you the tubeless and suspension but the rest is useless. Revalve + respring and the stock suspension is good enough to adventure anywhere on and ride fairly aggressively.
Then came the oil leak...
f#CK sakes, if the're are aiming for more off-road bias, then put a High pipe on it! no need for that other gimmicky rubbish.
Good job, God bless..
That cheap tablet cluster is horrendous. Looks like you have your phone mounted. Bring back analog RPM gauges and integrate the screen in a less stuck on fashion.
Dashboards are for beginner riders. No one that's been riding for years cares about a dashboard except for the gas gauge.
This was a €9000 at launch in 2019. Hasn't changed a bit but it costs €11000. And now what are the big updates? A cheap TFT and an electronic upshifter? Still crap suspension, still heavy, no IMU, same old engine (deigned for entry level bikes), no tubeless tires and rubber brake lines.
At €9000 it would be acceptable, someone could argue that the price of a bike should come down overtime, at €11000 it's a scam.
Pros: reliability, engine, looks, sound
Cons: Weight distribution (up way too high, pain to pick up), and that is a dealbreaker for me. Also bad suspension, but this is something you can do something about.
So a no from me. There are bikes out there that are more fun to ride offroad, with a lot better weight distribution, in about the same weight class.
Probably a lack of core and leg strength and a sign you should focus on weight training.
@@Carado5150 😂😂. Maybe you should watch Johannes Dalen on his offroad trip to the Pyrenees with his T7. A fairly strong guy I would say. See what he has to say when he couldn't pick up his T7. Look, it's a very solid bike, but way too heavy, and with the wrong weight distribution. It just isn't very well designed. Aprilia and KTM have gotten the message about carrying weight down low and the much better handling it gives.
It’s a massive sales success so evidence is nobody cares what you think
@@occyman We'll see how this sales succes develops once the bikes in the 180kg range with good weight distribution become more readily available. I predict Yamaha will redesign this bike in the next two years. And I predict they will do something about the placement of the fuel tank.
@@eigenaar0191agree to disagree mate and weight distribution on T7 is not an issue at all. If someone can't lift it they simply don't know what they are doing and probably should be going back to road riding. I'd rather T7 than the reliability nightmares of KTM or other Euro PoS. T7 is already a huge global sales success and aimed at the harder core experienced riders, not the fat banker wankers touring on perfectly manicured dirt roads. I wouldn't buy anything else but then again I am a very experienced rider and don't need the gymicks that other brands need to sell to people who don't know what they are doing.
Top heavy
Owned it for 6 months, didn’t like it, sold it.
What did you buy instead?
Kawasaki W800. I know it’s in a whole different category, but it’s built quality (fit and finish), gearbox precision, gearbox ratio, exhaust sound, and having center stand are superior to the Tenere. Although it’s a bit heavier than Tenere, because of the shorter seat height, it’s a much more approachable bike. Downsides are stiff handling on curves, and feeling vibration.
@@PooyanDoozandeh well if you buy the entirely wrong kind of bike then yeah chances are you're not going to like it
@@BlessureK My problem with Tenere 700 was not just the category of the bike; I actually found manufacturing defects on the bike. I should've created a video to show you, but suffice it to give you an example. In the entirely new bike from the factory, the front brake disk touched on the brake caliper arm. This was actually damaging the brake disk and the arm. I had to open the front wheel and the brake caliper, and flatten the caliper arm and holder with a file! Some usability issues: the gearbox was not precise; changing gears was like hammering a stone, and I couldn't easily find the neutral. The MPG number that Yamaha claims were also inaccurate. There were important mistakes in the user manual (typos, wrong numbers!). I can go on, but I think it can give you a picture of what I mean.
@@PooyanDoozandeh manufacturer defects are definitely unusual for a Japanese bike but can happen. Kind of sounds like it wasn't assembled probably though because that really shouldn't happen. The gearbox on mine is good so not sure what could have happened with yours. I take it you don't come from dirt riding though which is why I think you were disappointed. Because every dirt rider I know who tries one is always blown away by how capable they are off-road once you get over the fear of how big they are. Coming from street bikes it will probably feel unrefined but that's because it's trying to be an adventure bike with a dirt bike spirit. And their simplicity and reliability are why they are wildly popular here in Australia. There are not many bikes people would trust in the Australian outback and the T7 is one of the leaders of that pack.
cant take your rereview seriously if you pronounce tenere like that clearly not an offroad rider and just a dude reading a spec sheet
A 700 twin underwhelming at higher speeds ??
😂
the stock gearing on the T7 has a small front chainring vs the rest of the CP2s. Makes it a bit better at low speed off-road riding. Some folks swap the 15T for a 16T if they do more high speed riding. Of all the older generation Japanese twins, the CP2 trades top end power for torque a bit more than the competition. It's also where Honda and Suzuki's new designs are probably better for power.
The display is so bad it’s keeping me from buying this bike I otherwise love :( . It’s just uglyyyy
why not tc because its crap
You aren't the sharpest knife in the drawer now are you? Lol
Lost me in the first 30 seconds. Why should I believe anything you say about the bike when you can't even pronounce the name right?
Its pronounced Tenaddy anyway.
Agree 100 on that brother.
The selection wheel on this is garbage way to go Yamaha
Nahs it's dog...KTM 1090R all day ....
I own both an 1190R and T7. The T7 destroys the KTM off road. The KTM is an animal for gravel roads and touring.
@@rlovell383 Not over here you definitely wouldn't... maybe on your sidestand.
@@Crust2013 Is English your first language?
@@rlovell383 Awl nasty wee fella.anyway the T7 is horrible .
Pol Tarres module scrapes in.
PLEASE YAMAHA, ADD CRUISE CONTROL. That is the only thing preventing me from buying this motorcycle. I want it to be simple, but I want cruise for the highway jaunts traveling to the off-road trails...
Then buy tuareg 660.
How do you keep it simple but add ride by wire? It's antithetical and I'm really sick of cruise control coming out as a needed feature. Get any other bike in the segment.
@@majormassenspektrometer That would be a perfect bike for me if it wasn't for lack of dealerships, spares availability, 12k servicing costs :( ..and perhaps long-term reliability. T7 wins on those scores.
You will get simplicity and reliability all day long with the Tenere 700.
I will make a prediction - There won't be a bike with CP2 engine that has Cruise control or traction control ever. No Tenere, no Tracer, no MT, no XSR. Only the more premium bikes with CP3 engine have that. I can imagine Yamaha putting out a Tenere 900 with CP3 engine, that has Cruise control, Traction control etc. That would be like an updated Super Tenere but with smaller engine.
All good points! I had to do some Google-ing as I had heard that the T7 and MT07 were ride-by-wire. They are in fact not... Thanks for the input, best of luck!!
No, because it doesn't have a shaft drive.
Expensive and basic poor suspension poor screen rock hard seat abs resets whenever you turn it on and off top heavy poor petrol cap tubed rims snatchy throttle very under equipped and under specced all reasons to avoid one 😂
You'll wait for the Tenere 900 SP?
@@kkattrap I’d buy the v strom 800 the Africa twin or the transalp and even the Chinese made ktm 790 over the t7 tbh it’s a poor bike for the uk maybe better in aus America Africa etc
@@DucatiDale I was making a cheeky reply based on your MT09SP username