FIRST LOOK: YAMAHA’S 2025 TENERE 700

Back in 2020, when Yamaha first released its all-new, much-anticipated (and aggressively priced) parallel-twin adventure bike, the Tenere 700, a lot of the marketing revolved around the machine’s lack of electronic “gimmicks” – their argument being that this all-new Tenere was so good and so affordable because it came with everything that riders needed, but none of the electronic wizardry that they didn’t need … and that they certainly didn’t want to pay for unnecessarily! And while that messaging seemed to ring true for more experienced adventure riders at the time, it also painted Yamaha into a corner to some extent. How, for instance, would Yami introduce more sophisticated electronic features to the Tenere down the track without it looking like they’d resorted to unnecessary gimmickry – a question that has now become particularly relevant, given the enormous advances in motorcycle electronics over the past five years?

Last week, when Yamaha revealed a significantly updated 2025-model Tenere 700 – including the introduction of new electronic features – we got our answer to that question. Yamaha simply said they’ve delivered on “consumer-driven upgrades for the 2025 Tenere 700”. In other words, Yamaha acknowledged that consumers now recognise the giant leap forward in the sophistication of electronic interventions, and their benefits for both motorcycle safety and the overall riding experience.

That said, Yamaha has been judicious with the electronic upgrades introduced to the 2025 Tenere. The machine gets an all-new YCC-T (Yamaha Chip-Controlled Throttle), which allows two selectable riding mode options (‘Sport’ and ‘Explorer’), and TCS (Traction Control System) functionality. Thankfully, the ABS’s sophistication also steps up – from the previously rudimentary on/off options to the three-mode ABS that’s proved really effective on the up-specced Tenere World Raid model for a couple of years now.

In addition to those electronic advances, the 2025 Tenere also gets a bunch of other changes: such as the upgraded suspension (its component spec and adjustability), one-piece rally-inspired seat, revised ergos (including wider footpegs), new bodywork and headlight, lower centre of gravity (thanks to the lower-mounted 16L fuel tank), some welcome updates to the bar-mounted switchblocks, and an all-new 6.3” TFT dashboard.

So, what impact do these additional (but not gimmicky) features have on the 2025 Tenere 700’s price tag? Not sure, as Yamaha Motor Australia is yet to confirm pricing or availability details.

Meantime, here’s a top-line summary of the 2025 Tenere 700’s upgrades. And for the diehards – or should we say, Tenere tragics – who want to know more, keep reading below for a more in-depth insight into what’s been changed and why…

2025 TENERE 700 UPGRADES – IN SUMMARY

New bodywork and headlight;
High-quality, fully adjustable suspension front and rear;
New 6.3-inch full colour 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 CP2 engine;
New switchgear and turn signals;
New one-piece rally-style seat;
New clutch cover to reduce leg interference;
Larger footrests;
Handguards matching body colour; and
Updated sidestand switch.

The 2025 Tenere 700 will come in three colours: Frozen Titanium, Icon Blue and the heritage colour, Sky Blue. Two more variants (Rally and Low Seat models) have been announced for different territories, but the standard Tenere 700 is the only model arriving in Australia. Pricing and availability details for the 2025 Tenere 700 remain TBC at this stage.