http://crosstrainingenduro.com http://tractionerag.com Our Yamaha Tenere 700 review! There are plenty of rave reviews around for the Yamaha T7. Sometimes they are so positive I doubt if it’s serious review. So I will start with the negatives and end with the positives. The problem is it’s hard to find problems to mention in our Yamaha Tenere 700 review. I couldn’t find any real known issues. Eventually I focused on the engine which is derived from the MT09 road bike. But it was introduced in 2015 and it seems they worked out the problems years ago. This stands in contrast to all the reported issues on the KTM 790 Adventure, arguably the main competitor. Short riders will still find this quite high compared to the Triumph Tiger 800. And yet riders over six feet will feel quite cramped. Although there’s an optional rally seat that sits higher which apparently resolves this. When standing, a lot of taller riders also find the bars too low and add risers, and also roll the bars forward to enlarge the cockpit. If you like to stand, you will want to remove the rubber inserts on the footpegs too. Some more aggressive riders can be a bit disappointed by the lack of real punch from the engine, mentioned in other Yamaha Tenere 700 reviews. The problems with the Yamaha T7 are more around just getting to suit the individual rider. For example, the fixed windscreen means that you will probably get a lot of wind noise once you are taller than around six foot or 182cm. The same with the Yamaha T7 ergonomics. The seat height is 34.4 inches, 83cm. Personally I think this is a matter of taste. Quick take offs will see the front wheel coming up in the first few gears, and it starts singing in the higher revs. And the power delivery is beautiful for offroad riding. Plenty of traction, no surprises, super smooth. Aftermarket specialists claim their ECU remapping can give big power gains, I suspect most owners won’t want this. What do we like? The price! This is where the T7 shines. It’s significantly cheaper than its main competition, which leaves a few thousand dollars to spend on mods that will easily make it the equal of the other bikes. The Suzuki V-strom 650 is cheaper, but it’s really in a different class and lacks the offroad abilities of the T7. What about the weight? Yamaha has done a good job of keeping the weight down for a twin. It’s around the same as the KTM 790, and a bit less then the Triumph Tiger 800. And it’s lighter than the KLR650 single. It’s great to see a twin cylinder that isn’t morbidly obese. Riders report dropping weight with these Yamaha Tenere 700 mods. The Yamaha Tenere 700 handling? On road was great fun! Again, there are occasional complaints about the suspension from aggressive riders in Yamaha T7 reviews. And some suspension tuners are saying owners really need to come in and get their bikes setup correctly. I suspect the vast majority of riders will find it is just fine as is. Many owners just ramp up the springload on the rear and find that’s all they need to do. Aggressive riders may want to get some work done. The Yamaha T7 plush suspension will start to bottom out if you go hard. There were Yamaha Tenere 700 reviews of the early T7 models being snatchy at low revs, and remapping the ECU solved this. There were no problems with the 2021 model. If you are into electronics, all you get is ABS. And it’s just on/off, no adjustments. The T7 will disappoint if you want all the electronic bells and whistles. If you like simplicity, you will love it. For true long distance riding, you may find the Yamaha T7 fuel tank a bit small at 16 Litres / 4.2 US gallons, although good fuel economy helps. It turns so well it was hard to believe it’s a 21 inch front wheel up front. With the right tyres you could easily embarrass a lot of sports bikes. The brakes were a tad soft but of course came into their own offroad, as mentioned in other Yamaha T7 reviews. Also, if you push the Yamaha Tenere 700 hard you will find the limits of the suspension quickly. However, as mentioned the T7 is so cheap you could easily get the suspension sorted and still have cash left over. My Yamaha Tenere 700 review conclusion? I was really hoping to find a pile of things wrong with this bike to counter all the glowing reviews. But for the money, I think it’s a great package and it’s actually made in Japan. Or if in Europe, your T7 is manufactured in France. This contrasts with the KTM 790 now being made in China and a significant number of known issues cropping up for quite a few KTM owners. Do you own one? Ridden one? Keen to hear your thoughts, including any problems encountered or mods you’ve made. Offroad? The T7 actually does feel quite light until you get down to very low speeds. No matter what tricks Pol Tarres can do on a T7, you really start to feel the weight if you get into serious offroad riding.
#crosstrainingadventure #yamahat7review #yamahatenere700
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CORRECTION: Press releases from KTM initially said production of some models in China would begin from June 2020 (example here: https://bit.ly/37t2znu ). However, an industry insider has just informed me this still hasn't happened as of Aug 2021, due to delays caused by Covid and other factors. Production is anticipated at a later date but there were details.
ENGINE DERIVED FROM MT07 OR MT09? We said it was derived from the MT09 in the video. Technically the MT09 does appear to have come out one or two years earlier than the MT09 so it could be argued the MT09 was the first design. But obviously the T7 engine is almost identical to the MT07.
WEIGHT REDUCTION TIPS: Good suggestions here. https://www.advrider.com/f/threads/lightweight-tenere-700-build.1647519/
TENERE MODS, FURTHER KNOWN ISSUES/VIEWER COMMENTS: Exhaust can be bent and then gouge the swingarm, some owners fit spacers.
Also the exhaust mount is part of the frame, so in a fall you can actually bend part of the frame.
Like the gnarly stuff? Look at aftermarket exhausts that aren't so exposed when you drop the bike.
The 18" rear rim size only allows a narrow choice of 150/80 tyres. A 17" rim or narrower rim would have worked better.
ABS switches on by default after turning ignition back on (at least the Aussie models do).
The stock rear brake pads wear out fast. Replace with sintered pads. Read this thread: https://www.tenere700.net/topic/979-wear-brake-pads/
I only found taller riders commenting about the windscreen noise/turbulence, but shorter riders report this too.
Two viewers said the clutch cover sticks out more than it should and hits the shinguard of their boots.
HANDY MOD: Make the 2 piece seat removable without using the supplied allen key. Remove the pillion seat with the ign key, remove rider seat with supplied allen key. Invert the aluminium top hat bushes and refit bolts. Throw the allen key in the bin, it will never be needed again for seat removal.
THINKING OF BUYING A T7? I encourage you to read through the comments! A signficant number of owners said it's a great bike but they are selling because it's simply too heavy (and occasionally too tall) for them. It's a very capable bike, but you may find you are better off looking at lighter single cylinder models.
KTM 790/890 VERSUS THE TENERE: One or two KTM owners don't like my comments. I suspect the T7 will suit the majority of riders better. Why? It is far cheaper, more reliable, and is made in Japan… not China as future KTM models will be. However, if you are an experienced aggressive rider you have up to AUD$4000 to upgrade the T7. I'm thinking $1000 on suspension, $1000 for power mods (exhaust and ECU). And then if you want a quick shift or other stuff you've still got a fair bit of cash to play with. But yes, some riders will prefer the KTM already set up with that stuff and won't mind where the bike is manufactured. It's all different horses for courses.
IS THE KTM 790 MADE IN CHINA? Some KTM owners are getting annoyed with my statement about this model now being made in China. KTM press releases indicated production of the 790 (and some other models) would begin in their Chinese factory between June and Sept 2020. And the new 750 will be too. But yes, older models were made in Austria, and I'm sure some on the showroom floor at the moment there might still be the older Austrian built ones. If KTM publicly states manufacturing never moved to China, I will issue a correction.
https://www.motorbeam.com/ktm-adventure-790-duke-790-to-be-made-in-china/
https://www.morebikes.co.uk/news/64758/ktm-joins-forces-with-cfmoto-and-shifts-part-of-production-to-china/
https://www.bikesales.com.au/editorial/details/ktm-developing-750-adventure-with-cfmoto-126081/
https://amcn.com.au/editorial/austrian-company-ktm-has-joined-forces-with-chinese-motorcycle-manufacturer-cfmoto/
Finally bought one today. :). Took forever tell get my money together. It’s freezing here so I only rode for an hour. 🙁
Update for me at least. FYI Id consider myself an intermediate skill level rider. Ive had mine for several months. Bought it used with a lot of mods. ABS removed, tail tidy, camel dash support, acerbis skid plate, stiffer springs front and rear, mivc dakar exhaust, and put some barkbusters on
Took this to the adventure bike gathering in Vernon BC. I really got to test this bike and for me it reaches unicorn status. Fun and capable on highway, fun as hell on logging roads (rougher the better), and a blast on 2 track. I am in love with the bike in almost every aspect. Its surprisingly capable offroad. The only thing i feel like i noticed that is a niggle (very minor) is the drive whiplash when shifting. A consequence of the high driveshaft that gives the antisquat.
I dont think I can sell this bike and Im a bike whore that seems to have a new one every year lol.
Just managed to demo ride one and im in love. What a bike! Looking at the dark web to see who eants to buy a kidney right now!
I don't get the good value point anymore or ever over say $16000 range. For the 20K plus another $3K for suspension and rack the T700 is really expensive in my mind? I could be convinced otherwise. Currently you can buy brand new, old stock '22 Ktm 790 adventure R in Australia for $19500 or the new suzuki DE800 for $18600 which I've ridden on road and was pretty impressed. I I'll ride a 22' Tenere this week just to compare. If the reliability of the 790r didn't worry me, I would've grab one last week – way better looking IMO and that suspension would be fine – so it works out a lot cheaper to get into the dirt on the "higher spec'ed" adventure R.
If you can get your hands on the Suzuki De800 to test… I would love to see your review. I think it will be a popular all-rounder if such a bike exists.
even the small-ish fuel tank can easily be upgraded for about 350$ US. loooove my Tenere. my kids say its my third (and possibly favorite) child hehe
I own a Ktm 690 enduro r and it’s been a lot of fun both on and off-road but I have been thinking about switching to the T7 because I’d like to explore trails that are further away and let’s face it the 690 is by no means a highway cruiser. Not looking forward to the extra 100lbs though but everything’s a compromise I guess
Just sat on a Brand new '23 blue T7 today at the dealer just sitting there all alone its mine for the taking im just not sure. I have a WR450 for the dirt and a Concours 14 for the street looking to consolidate and just maybe get 1 for both but being OCD I couldnt put that brand spanking new T7 in the dirt to get all scratched up and if I lay it down I will literally just die,😢😅..Sure I could just use ot for the street but would just keep the Concours for that….Hmmmmmm
I’d hate to do all the modifications on a new t7, when it’s much easier for me to keep dialing in my DR650. If money wasn’t an option, I’d gladly take one.
I own a t7. It’s capable offroad but abit on the heavy side. Crash bars adds alot of weight. I use it mainly on gravel roads which it is brilliant for.
The T7 didn't do it for me. I've had like 40-some bikes, and the T7 ranks as second shortest ownership experience. I think what you are coming from makes a big difference. My past couple bikes were a KTM 950 (loved!) and 1090 Adventure. Compared to those, the T7 is a huge downgrade in power and suspension, which I didn't fully prepare myself for. I realistically ride 80/20, so having a bike that is engaging and fun to ride on the road is very important to me. The T7 can barely power wheelie in first gear, which to me is an indicator on the fun meter. Beyond that the suspension and brakes are only adequate, and the cheap construction leaves a bike that has literally no garage appeal, for me. If these bike truly sold for MSRP, then all could be forgiven, but with markup in the 13k area, that puts it close to the KTM 890. The entire time I owned the T7, every time I rode it, I was thinking about what I could have had instead. I ride motorcycles for fun and excitement, so I'm willing to trade reliability for that. In the end I sold the T7 for more than I paid for it and bought an 890 R. OMG, the riding experience is night and day! The 890 effortlessly wheelies and is way easier to handle than the T7 when turning around, etc. We'll see if my ownership experience sours as time wears on….
Mt07 mate
Pick mine up in 4 days, can’t wait 😊
I own a new 22 model. It's flawless . What a brilliant bike .
Thanks for the candid review. Need a T7 vs. Bush Pig for hard enduro bake-off video soon. 😂
yamaha, a WR350R/400R please
Owned a 790 Adventure for 3 years, great bike. Now ha e a T7. The T7 power delivery and gearing definately makes it superior for trail use. Nice review.
Not my type of bike. I prefer the old 70's trailbikes. XT500, DR500,XL500/600.
Test rode one today! Very tempted
Great bike , “sorted out engine problems year ago”. hear that KTM ? sorting problems in-house before releasing to the public rather than letting the public be your Research Dept via warranty claims.
It’s bullet proof. If I lived anywhere but the USA and could have only one bike, this would be it. This is the bike to take around the world. This is the single bike that does well enough, the most.
Mine is very capable off road. It could have a little more hit on the bottom end, to get the front end in the air. Front suspension is a tad soft on road. It's almost perfect.
Nuh yo all got paid by Yamaha haha
I throughly enjoyed my 150 mile test loop. Agree with everything you’ve said. it’s probably the only adventure bike I’d buy because it does so well at everything I’d need it to do that I couldn’t justify spending more money on a European brand to do potentially the same things on or less.. If that makes sense.
But In My T7 Facebook group, I see riders buying it for $15,000 US dollars out the door at some dealers and waiting 11 months to do so…but it is 2022 now so…there’s that but a most guys are getting them for $12.5 – $13.5 out the door. A little high but not that bad I guess.
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sorry the t7 engine is derived from the mt07 engine not the mt09 engine
No cruze control no way.
Good video, you looks very much updated, need some info where these bmw and honda, guys making there motorcycle ? I heard in China also is it true?
Thanks
wanna….
If love to see a comparison between a DR 650 and the T7.
Can a well sorted DR compete? (It's a helluvah bike)
No used ones for sale in California
Ya you nailed it Barry. The bike overall is a gem. I picked one up early in 2020. I’ve gotten rid of a few items, monstrous tail light cluster, added some protection from CAMEL adv and more aggressive tires. I’m actually riding it more than my Beta;)
My crf 250 l is more fun on twisties, better off-road and builds character on the highway 🤭
I tried the T7 – found it uninspiring on road (coming from a VFR 800) and to heavy to have fun off-road.
Thanks for all the tasty content on the channel 😋
Haven't see review over most expensive part to order on this also parts you crash on a daily… Maintenance and overtime parts that would need a check…
£10000 is not cheap its bloody expensive just most other bikes are even worse
Coming from a husky 701 have found the Yamaha T7 to be much more to my liking. I am a 50/50 dirt/road guy and am continually surprised how little dirt capability is lost and how fantastic T7 is on road compared to 701. Not to mention Husky used oil from the day I purchased and motor sounds like it's coming apart every time you start it. T7 is not a great single track bike but neither is 701 however power delivery is so dang good on T7 that it makes up for the huge weight differences in most instances. Have done the ECU/ exhaust / and air box. 7500 miles and still can't wipe smile off my face. Highly recommend!
1.30 into the video doing 137kph in a 60kph zone. Great riding
i need a T7 i am in love !
Thanks for video
I did add more foam in stock seat, for long distances riding stock seat was to hard
I own one 2021, I was amongst the first to get one in Québec. I love this bike, it replaced my 2017 XT1200SE. When I feel like riding more agressive in gnarly trails, I ride my 2019 WR450F.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1WP_HNZ3GI … lets learn to ride properly mate before we "review" the king of offroad motorcycles Tenere 700 !
Had mine for 6 months and 8,000 miles. It won't fit when you first get it. I had to spend money on uprated rear spring, mirror extensions, 20mm lowering dog bones, larger screens (main plus 2 x sides). I will need to put risers on the handlebar at some point and Bark busters are also on the list. The main problem i have is picking it up, it is top heavy and narrow, i havn't found the techinique yet. But for me it is perfect – no knee pain, good seat, great visibility and quick off the lights. Narrow for filtering and getting to the lights, 65mpg which gives me 200 mile range. Additional stuff is an oem centre stand, givi top box, crash bars and rear rack, led side lights and oem heated grips. So its more a road bike for me.