FIRST LOOK: 2026 TENERE WORLD RAID

Ever since first testing Yamaha’s flagship Tenere 700 model, the World Raid, we’ve liked the thing. Sure, it’s always carried a $5K+ premium over the ‘standard’-model Tenere 700, but the added capabilities offered by its larger fuel capacity, superior suspension spec and premium components have combined to make that price differential money well spent, in our view. Which is exactly why Yamaha hasn’t been compelled to throw upgrades at this machine since it was first released a few years back.

With the recent arrival of the much-upgraded 2025 Tenere 700, however, Yamaha evidently felt it was time to throw a bunch of considered upgrades at the World Raid to retain its flagship status in 2026.

Available in Redline White and Midnight Black colour options, the 2026 Tenere 700 World Raid is expected to arrive in Australia from June, 2026, with a Ride Away price tag of $27,349. Here’s Yamaha’s take on what’s been upgraded on their World Raid machine – first up, the upgrade highlights, followed by a more detailed insight into the specific changes made…

2026 WORLD RAID – UPGRADE HIGHLIGHTS

Upgrades include new premium components and the latest technology:

• Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T), two power modes, six-axis IMU and lean-sensitive traction control, slide control and ABS add flexibility to every ride;
• Upgraded suspension, strong steel frame, new steering damper and ergonomic updates elevate the riding experience and give better feel and control on- and off-road;
• New one-piece seat, reshaped dual tanks and newly designed bodywork enable more freedom of movement while both sitting and standing; and
• Large new TFT dash, redesigned handlebar switches, cruise control and speed limiter add comfort to long-distance rides.

2026 WORLD RAID – UPGRADES IN DETAIL

Always the choice of riders who want to take on the longest, most challenging journeys, the Ténéré 700 World Raid is ready to go further. And in 2026, it returns with exquisite upgrades, new premium components and the latest technology, elevating the Dakar-bred long-distance adventure-tourer to new heights.

POWER & CONTROL
The heart of any bike is its engine, and the one that powers the 2026 Ténéré 700 World Raid is nothing short of legendary. The latest iteration of Yamaha’s widely acclaimed 689cc CP2 twin engine now offers even more linear and useable torque and precise control to make it better suited to adventures both on- and off-road. The engine has been updated to meet the latest Euro5+ emissions regulations, but rather than reducing performance, thanks to the redesigned air intake, this has resulted in an added boost of low-rpm torque for better slow-speed pick-up – particularly useful for low-speed off-road riding. 

To make the best use of the power from the CP2 engine, the Ténéré 700 World Raid does away with throttle cables and adopts the Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T), and with it come two power modes: ‘SPORT’ mode for dynamic power delivery on spirited road rides, and ‘EXPLORER’ for smoother throttle reaction, for negotiating off-road sections or wet surfaces. Riders can switch between the power modes on the go, with closed throttle, using the ‘MODE’ switch on the right handlebar.

No matter how perfectly delivered, power is only useful when it’s controlled, and to make sure that the right amount of power is transferred to the ground at any given time, the Ténéré 700 World Raid is equipped with a 6-axis IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit). It constantly measures the machine’s acceleration and angular velocity in the pitch, roll and yaw directions to determine the forces affecting the bike. This data works in sync with the lean-sensitive Traction Control System (TCS), Slide Control System (SCS) and ABS/Brake Control system of the machine, and helps new or less experienced riders to gain confidence quickly, and experienced riders to get the most out of the machine with control and comfort.

The lean-sensitive TCS and SCS both use data from the IMU to adjust the engine power and control the amount of traction and slide the rider has selected to use. Both systems feature three modes – STREET, OFF-ROAD and OFF – to give riders the option to select the level of system support, and to achieve optimum levels of traction and slide whether riding on- or off-road. The modes can be accessed via the pop-up menu, using the MODE button on the right handle switch.

For ABS/Brake Control, there is a dedicated button to select between ABS modes. When ABS is switched ON, Brake Control can be enabled to provide cornering ABS, while the off-road focused REAR OFF and OFF modes allow either the rear or both wheels to lock for full off-road control. Strong stopping power and excellent braking consistency are achieved with the new steel-braided brakelines that run to the Brembo front callipers biting into the large 282mm brake discs.

Other updates include the new clutch actuation position, which has been moved forward (35° clockwise), and the new clutch cover now allows more room for the rider’s right leg, whether sitting or standing, offering more freedom and flexibility to move on the bike.

Shifting gears is now smoother with transmission updates where the number of convex dogs and concave dogs has been increased from five to six for gears 1 to 3. For gears 4 to 6, the dog angle has been changed for a smoother reaction to throttle opening and closing. The gear ratios and final ratio (46/15) remain unchanged to maintain the bike’s dual-purpose performance and comfort. The Ténéré 700 World Raid is also ready to be fitted with the optional up and down Quickshifter.

BUILT TO GO FURTHER
The 2026 Ténéré 700 World Raid makes long-distance adventures not only possible, but more exhilarating and comfortable too. Revised ergonomics and useful technology help the rider stay in top form on long rides, while the large dual fuel tanks ensure the ride is not cut short.

The key to the World Raid’s ability to keep going is the new fuel tank assembly, which consists of two side-mounted connected aluminium fuel tanks. They are 1.5kg lighter than the previous model, while retaining the total capacity of 23 litres (7 litres more than the Ténéré 700), and providing around 500km of range.

Having two separate tanks reduces the effect of fuel movement, improving handling and stability. The low position of the fuel pump in the left side tank also contributes to a more centralised weight distribution.

The new tanks also contribute to improved rider ergonomics as their outer shapes have been redesigned. The new one-piece rally-style seat with reshaped front connecting with the lowered fuel tank makes it easy to transition from sitting to standing or move from front to rear, offering the rider greater freedom of movement and strengthening the dual-sport nature of the machine.

For added comfort during highway cruising, the 2026 Ténéré 700 World Raid is now equipped with Cruise Control (adjustable in increments of 1km/h and 10km/h from Third gear onwards). There is also a Speed Limiter to make sticking to speed limits effortless.

Adding to the updates, keeping the rider in perfect comfort are the new windscreen and easily removable side deflectors, providing high levels of weather protection to make adventures more enjoyable in any weather.

Whatever the journey, the large footpegs provide high levels of control and grip. The rubber inserts provide extra comfort for long journeys, and they can be removed for increased grip in off-road conditions.

Even darkness won’t stop play. To make riding in poor lighting conditions and during the night-time more enjoyable, the new LED headlight assembly offers excellent lighting performance, in both low and high beam. To make headlight height adjustment easy, it can now be done with just one screw, conveniently accessible under the TFT meter.

ROAD OR OFF-ROAD – YOU DECIDE
Embracing Yamaha’s off-road heritage, the 2026 Ténéré 700 World Raid is ready to take on any terrain, straight out of the box. The dedicated Explorer ride mode and off-road settings for rider aids help you negotiate any surface with confidence, while the upgraded frame and suspension ensure great feel and precise control off-road.

The new fully adjustable KYB suspension package provides better control and comfort in demanding off-road conditions as well as improved performance in absorbing bumps and potholes on the road.

At the front, the new high-grade aluminium triple clamps and USD forks offer optimised rigidity. The forks now feature larger 46mm diameter inner tubes, up from 43mm, but the total weight of the front fork assembly remains the same as before. With Kashima coating, friction and abrasion have been minimised, and revised spring and damping specifications improve shock absorption and tyre contact with the ground, resulting in greater rider comfort and confidence. In extreme riding situations, the risk of the suspension bottoming is also reduced. The new system has a preload adjuster on the top of the fork tubes.

The fully adjustable linked-type KYB Monocross rear suspension has been upgraded too. It now provides improved performance in demanding off-road conditions thanks to the increased shock stroke (+5mm, to 106mm), and a specifically designed arm relay and connecting rod contribute to more progressive suspension. The aluminium cylinder is lightweight and ensures good heat dissipation, while the piggyback reservoir tank offers extra oil capacity to ensure the damper performs well under all conditions.

To optimise performance, oil and air are kept separate to prevent mixing for more consistent damping. The oil chamber is pressurized to prevent negative pressure from bubbles when the shock absorber is extended Wheel travel (230mm front, 220mm rear) is 20mm longer both front and rear than the standard Ténéré 700. The World Raid shares its lightweight steel tube backbone/double cradle frame with the Ténéré 700, which maintains the machine’s low overall weight, as well as achieving optimal strength and rigidity balance for both on- and off-road performance.

The rear subframe is designed as part of the main frame to make it possible to fit accessories such as a top case or lateral aluminium carrier. The muffler bracket and the backstay have been strengthened, and the carrier mounting boss has evolved to a passing-through type to increase its robustness.

The swingarm is made of gravity-cast aluminium to achieve light weight and excellent rigidity balance, giving it outstanding off-road performance. The ground clearance remains 255mm measured at the engine guard, which is 15mm more than the Ténéré 700 offers.

For best performance both on- and off-road, the spoked aluminium wheels remain the same size as before, with a 21-inch wheel at the front and an 18-inch wheel at the rear. To match the dual purpose, they run the Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres with perfect 50/50 road/off-road behaviour, providing high levels of grip on both dry and wet roads, strong agility and good stability at higher speeds, traction in off-road situations and reduced road noise. The tyre sizes remain 90/90 for the front and 150/70 for the rear.

The new 16-step adjustable steering damper provides a wide range of feel and feedback to the rider, with the option to dial up damping for more support in off-road riding. The impact of riding in ruts, bouncing over potholes or experiencing strong side winds is transmitted to the handlebars more gently, resulting in better rider comfort and confidence, and reduced fatigue on long adventure trips.

Following the lead of the 2025 Ténéré 700, the sidestand switch has been redesigned and repositioned.

ERGOS & AESTHETICS
Styling has been updated with a more refined, solid and quality-focused look, while maintaining the unmistakable overall Ténéré design character.

The new lines of the one-piece rally seat and redesigned tough side protectors are functional, resulting in good ergonomics and freedom of rider movement as well as a strong modern rally silhouette.

Adding to the iconic Ténéré image, the revised LED headlight assembly maintains the four-beam design but now features rectangular low-/high-beam LED units of 54mm x 24mm linked by an aluminium structure, injecting the bike with a fresh, mature and contemporary look. In keeping with the functional design ethos, it offers excellent forward illumination with increased surrounding lighting.

The cockpit area receives a significant update, and most evident is the new 6.3-inch full-colour TFT display. This premium display is vertically positioned to offer best visibility for the rider whether sitting or standing. The display offers three theme options – STREET, EXPLORER and RAID – focusing on specific information to best suit different riding styles and environments.

Key information is displayed in all themes, including speed, engine rpm, fuel level, average fuel consumption, gearshift indicator, coolant temperature, ambient temperature, ODO, trip meter and time.

With analogue elements, the STREET theme is the closest to the classic Ténéré look. The EXPLORER theme is crafted for off-road riding with all the essential information accessible at a single glance in a refined and modern dynamic digital style, blending aesthetic appeal with practical functionality for an enhanced and intuitive riding experience. The RAID theme includes two large trip meters in a roadbook-inspired design. With the Joystick button, trip meter corrections can be made quickly – for instance, when doing a road-book event.

MY26 Ténéré 700 World Raid connects with your phone, making calls, messages, emails and music available to select through the left handlebar switches, and visible on the TFT screen.

The free Yamaha MyRide app is the key link between your bike and phone. It also enables Google-powered turn-by-turn navigation on the bike’s TFT display.

The new handlebar switches introduced on the 2025 Ténéré 700 are adopted for intuitive and easy operation. The ergonomic switches enable the rider to easily and effortlessly use the controls and make adjustments to the bike on the go. The MODE button on the right opens the menu to change the settings directly on the display using the five-way joystick on the left. Next to the joystick is the Return/Home button and behind it the cruise control/speed limiter. Indicators feature three-flash signalling and auto-cancellation.

To help keep your phone and other electronic accessories charged even on longer journeys, a USB-C port is conveniently located on the right side of the cockpit, protected by a waterproof cap.

COLOURS, AVAILABILITY & PRICE
The colour options for the 2026 Ténéré 700 World Raid are Redline White and Midnight Black. The model is expected to arrive in Australia from June, 2026, priced $27,349 includug GST (ride away). 

YAMAHA GENUINE ACCESSORIES
Over 60 genuine accessories make it easy to personalise your Ténéré 700 World Raid for any specific usage and preference. While a large number of accessories designed for the 2025 Ténéré 700 and previous World Raid also fit the 2026 model, there are also newly developed model-specific accessories for the 2026 World Raid, such as the front guard, skidplate, radiator guard, side grip pads, lowering kit (low seat and link), panel guard and fog light bracket.

MyRide App: Yamaha’s free MyRide app gives Ténéré 700 World Raid riders the chance to get more enjoyment and information out of every ride. Available for iOS and Android devices, it tracks and stores every route covered, and enables users to create their own story and add pictures which can be shared on social media. MyRide also allows users to review all riding statistics including total distance, elevation, top speed, average speed, acceleration and lean angle to compare with fellow riders.

For Ténéré 700 World Raid, MyRide is also the app that enables connectivity so riders can view incoming call and message notifications on the dashboard, as well as the turn-by-turn navigation.