2019-2024 Yamaha Ténéré 700: It continues to live up to expectation and offer value

Highlights
- Stripped-back simplicity
- Torquey parallel-twin engine
- Cheaper than the competition
At a glance
Owners' reliability rating: | |
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Annual servicing cost: | £260 |
Power: | 72 bhp |
Seat height: | Tall (34.6 in / 880 mm) |
Weight: | Medium (452 lbs / 205 kg) |
Prices
2019-2024 Yamaha Ténéré 700 overall rating
We were waiting what seemed like a long time for the arrival of the Yamaha Ténéré 700, and it lived right up to expectations during it’s first two day test in Spain back in 2019, and continued to do so when we took it around the MCN250 test route the same year.
Instead of following the standard blueprint that the majority of manufacturers in the adventure bike class were, increasing engine size, weight, and littered with electronics – the Ténéré came at things from a different angle.
Prioritising simplicity and aiming to give the rider a fair chance at handling what is still a heavy bike for off road use, the Yamaha Ténéré 700 was set to be the most manageable bike in its class when the tarmac stopped and dirt began.

Yamaha hit the nail on the head, and because of this it’s often chosen by “purists” who prefer an old school approach when the only riding assist was in the hands, feet, and mind of the adventurous soul onboard. Powered by the Yamaha CP2 engine found in the MT-07 and R7, it has 72bhp and is a fun and engaging ride with an impressive spread of power that works well both on and off-road.
- Related: How to ride a motorbike off-road
From day one it’s clearly been a well thought through project, resulting in a package that is truly useable. The trio of impressive engine, chassis and suspension negate the need for complex electronics and rider aids. Despite the price rise over the years, it’s still competitive and a decent sum cheaper than rivals such as the KTM 890 Adventure (£12,699) and Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin (£13,249).
Yamaha Ténéré 700 at a glance
Reasons to buy:
+ Offers a stripped back riding experience during a time of increasingly complex rider electronics
+ One of the lightest middleweight adventure bikes
+ Possibly the best all rounder for the money
Reasons to avoid:
– Some riders will want more power for road riding
– Off road suspension can get overwhelmed
– Rust prone frame and components don’t maintain their factory finish
During 2019 MCN’s Ben Clarke ran a Yamaha Ténéré 700 as a long-term test bike. Find out how he got on is his full review.
Jump to
- Yamaha Ténéré 700 updated in 2025
- Video review
- Handling, ride quality and brakes
- Engine performance
- Reliability and build quality
- Watch: Yamaha Ténéré long-term test
- Value vs rivals
- Equipment
- K-Tech Yamaha Ténéré 700
Ténéré 700 updated in 2025

Yamaha have updated their Ténéré 700 in 2025 with the most comprehensive set of revisions since it launched. Still recognisable as a Ténéré, the updates are primarily under the skin and focused on enhancing off-road potential and rider usability.
The Ténéré 700 gets new fully adjustable suspension at the front, plus a new rear shock and linkage combination that promises to be an improvement over the outgoing units. The rear shock comes with a remote preload adjuster for easy adjustment.
Yamaha have also slimmed the fuel tank shape and moved it’s position further forwards and lower in the bike. Just these changes on their own should net an improvement in balance and control. New top and bottom yokes are designed to provide additional strength.

Equipped with new 10mm wider footpegs from the Ténéré 700 World Raid and a narrower seat that makes it easier to shift your weight around, the 2025 model also gets an updated body design and rally style headlight that offers enhanced illumination when riding at night.
The proven 689cc parallel twin engine is Euro 5+ and comes with a new shorter intake, widening the spread of power in the mid range. Alongside the new intake, there’s updates to the gearbox for smoother shifting and the inclusion of a YCC-T ride by wire system that facilitates new riding modes – Sport and Explorer.
There’s a new attractive looking 6.3 inch colour TFT dash, mounted vertically, capable of linking to Yamaha’s MyRide smartphone app which integrates phone call management, music, and turn by turn navigation. New switchgear makes operating the dash easier, with multi function auto cancelling indicators and a single USB-C charging port as standard equipment.

- Related: Check out MCN’s guide to the best sat navs and their alternatives
Carried over from the outgoing model, there’s three-mode switchable ABS which gives the rider the selection of combined front and rear ABS, front ABS only, or ABS off entirely via a dedicated button next to the dash.
Yamaha has also decided on a move that goes against the praised analogue simplicity of the Ténéré 700: traction control is now included. It’s a great feature to have for when the path gets slippery or loose, and Yamaha has rightfully given you the choice to freely turn it on and off.
The frame has undergone a few minor changes to address some weak points on the previous model, namely the exhaust silencer bracket and luggage mounts. They’ve been beefed up to ensure they are robust, plus the side stand switch has also been relocated following owner feedback.

As before the bike comes pre-wired for an optional quickshifter from the genuine accessory list, although we’d have liked to see the wheel spokes changed to stainless steel judging from how quick they are to corrode on the previous model. You can check the reliability and build quality section of this review for more info.
The seat height of the Ténéré 700 is definitely on the taller side at 875mm, so for 2025 Yamaha have also provided a new factory lowered option which has a lower height of 860mm. The suspension travel is reduced 20mm at both ends, but it opens up the Ténéré 700 to riders who may of struggled to find themselves at home on the standard height model.
It may have gained 3kg during it’s 2025 update but with a wet weight of 208kg, it’s still lighter than much of the competition. Now carrying Euro 5+ approval, the Ténéré 700 has cemented itself in Yamaha’s model range for the future. Available in Icon Blue or Frozen Titanium, the Ténéré 700 is now £10,400. When we get a chance to ride it, we’ll review it here on MCN.
Watch: 2019 Yamaha Ténéré video review
Yamaha Ténéré 700 handling, ride quality and brakes
The KYB 43mm upside down forks give 210mm of travel and have compression and rebound damping. At the rear there is a Sachs shock with 200mm travel.
The initial impression from the front is that they are soft, but once into the stroke they are well supported giving good feedback on road. Off road it as that initial softness that inspires confidence and gives good grip.
Brakes are Brembo and they offer good power while retaining excellent feel. The initial squeeze is soft braking power, a trait that shows the off-road focus of the bike where fine control is needed for loose, dusty, low grip trails.

But the power is there and even when riding hard on road it was only necessary to use one finger on the brake. The rear is the same giving good levels of control even when wearing bulky motocross boots.
In fact, it’s worth noting that on the MCN250 in October 2019, we awarded the Ténéré 700 the win when compared with the two other Yamahas on test – the MT-07 and Tracer 700 – as a road bike, completely disregarding its off-road talent.
Yamaha Ténéré 700 engine performance
The 689cc parallel twin motor originally comes from the acclaimed Yamaha MT-07 which was introduced back in 2014. It may only have 72bhp but it delivers everything is has in a fun, easy and engaging way.
There is no vibration through the handlebars and the range of power and torque is impressive allowing you to let the revs drop to as low as 2500rpm and still pull completely cleanly and smoothly.

- Related: Best adventure motorcycle boots
There is more than enough power to make brisk progress on any public highway especially if you rely on the torque (50 ft-lb) and character of the motor and learn to use higher gears than you would initially expect.
The way the power is delivered in conjunction to the chassis and suspension means the bike generates an impressive amount of mechanical grip and in turn gives the rider good feedback as to what the rear wheel is doing.
Yamaha Ténéré 700 reliability and build quality
In this day and age there isn’t much wrong with the quality of Yamahas, although the Ténéré 700 isn’t perfect. Out of the box the engine is rock solid in practically any environment, whether it’s the rainy roads of Norfolk or the dusty dunes of the Atacama desert.
The quality suspension and Brembo brakes do the job admirably and cope to a degree even if ridden a little outside of their comfort zone, displaying no quality issues.

What issues should I expect?
There’s a mixture of corrosion and poor finish related issues when it comes to the Ténéré 700, mainly encountered on the frame, swingarm, wheel spokes, and engine cooling system.
Owners report the paint finish on the frame is not very durable, with surface rust first setting in around the swingarm pivot area. Off road boots are generally quite tall, so the rubbing of boots against the frame can worsen the issue.
Look out for similar rust on the swingarm, close to the rear axle. It’s also often claimed that the paint peels off entirely behind the rear axle blocks, revealing bare aluminium underneath.

Serious off roaders will want to prepare their Ténéré 700 with suspension that is suited to their weight, as a loaded up Ténéré can bottom out over rough terrain which over time can lead to component damage.
Other common issues and their remedies

Weak exhaust silencer bracket
The original fit silencer bracket can bend easily in a tipover, and can eventually break. There’s a variety of home brewed solutions for this, such as fabricating a custom bracket for example. The easiest solution is to fit a high level exhaust so it’s tucked away out of harm’s way, so dropping the bike on the right side will no longer result in the exhaust getting pummelled.
Side stand troubles
When off-roading, the side stand can sometimes swivel out slightly and activate the side stand switch, turning the bike off. You can replace the side stand return spring with a stronger replacement, or bypass the switch entirely as the it’s easily damaged when passing over obstacles close to the underside of the bike. It could leave you stranded as the bike cannot be put into gear if it thinks the side stand is down, so this is a popular modification for those who venture onto the rough stuff.
Corrosion woes
Wheel spokes are the bane of any Ténéré 700 owner who takes their bike out in the rain or mud. They seem destined to corrode no matter their treatment, looking aged on otherwise clean looking bikes. They can be swapped for stainless steel wheel spokes which have shown to be resistant all year round.

Along with the lack of paint durability on the frame and swingarm, the cooling system pipes on the right side of the engine also lose their finish disappointingly quickly. Any stone chips or exposure to salt will turn them a greyish white in short time, visually sticking out and far from the original black finish.

Products like ACF-50 and XCP Rust blocker will do an admirable job of keeping rust at bay, if the finish is already tarnished or fallen away on key areas like the frame or swingarm, they’ll need to be blasted and repainted.
Watch: Yamaha Ténéré long-term test
Yamaha Ténéré 700 value vs rivals
Originally priced at £8399 if ordered before the end of July 2019 or £8699 there after, it was extremely competitively priced in the adventure bike class when it launched.
There were reasons as for why it was cheaper than the competition as Yamaha offered a comparatively stripped back spec, despite this it still offered excellent value for money. They make an excellent used buy now, being an affordable way of picking up a potential globe trotter.

In October 2019 MCN took the Ténéré around the iconic MCN250 test route alongside fellow Yamahas, the MT-07 and the Tracer 700. The Ténéré had the best fuel economy, returning 54.5mpg, and once the 16-litre tank was factored in, also accounting for the highest range of the three, at 191 miles.
Price is a long way from the only thing the Ténéré 700 has going for it, but it’s hard to ignore the latest figures before it was updated for 2025. It’s £2500 cheaper than a KTM 890 Adventure and £2000 cheaper than the cheapest off road Triumph Tiger 900 (the 850 Sport has cast wheels so it doesn’t count).
You do admittedly get a lot less bike with the Yamaha – there’s no traction control, rider modes or clever off-road ABS to be found – but many would argue the Ténéré is better for it.
Quick rival comparison:
– KTM 890 Adventure R: High spec off-road suspension, advanced rider electronics, the “R” model is the one to have for serious trails
– Triumph Tiger 900: A more executive choice for road use and hugely capable off road
– Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin: Brilliant DCT gearbox option, less to manage when off-road
Yamaha Ténéré 700 equipment
Given that the 2024 model (pre 2025 update) was priced at £10,116 (which is just under £4k cheaper than the dirt competent KTM 890 Adventure R), compromises have been made to achieve this price point. While the hardware is high quality, there are no electronic aids on the Ténéré – so no different maps, traction control, quick shifter or auto blipper as standard.
The dash was basic on launch, one colour and hard to read in dust or direct sunlight. Things got better in 2023 when a five-inch TFT dash took its place, but other areas were still unaddressed. The switches on the Ténéré are fairly similar to what Yamaha has been using since the ’90s, but it all works well.

The suspension is soft and underdamped so heavier riders in particular might want to consider a tougher spring on the rear shock at least or potentially a more involved suspension upgrade. Read below to see how MCN’s Ben Clarke fared on a K-Tech upgraded Ténéré 700 with improved suspension.
K-Tech Yamaha Ténéré 700

Riding this very special Yamaha Ténéré 700 as re-worked by British suspension gurus K-Tech is like watching the digital remaster of an old film. Indiana Jones still outruns that big rock, cracks his whip and complains about snakes but the experience is brighter, richer and clearer. In the same way, the K-Tech T7 is still unmistakably a Ténéré – it’s just that bit better.
Just like with the film, the difference is more pronounced when you go back to the original version, the one you didn’t used to think there was anything wrong with. While each upgrade is an improvement in its own right – and can be felt individually – the overall effect is something a little bit more special. So, what has changed in order to achieve this?
The biggest gripe for many Ténéré 700 owners is with the suspension and, as K-Tech are a suspension brand, this is where they started. New piston kits have been fitted in the fork and shock to vastly improve damping and they’ve been filled with higher-quality suspension oil.

The settling effect on the bike is incredible and eliminates the pogoing sensation you get with the stock equipment. The parts for this upgrade cost just over £400.
Next, K-Tech turned to another UK firm, Dynojet, to address the fuelling. The parallel-twin CP2 engine can surge a little when you initially tap the throttle and also judders under load at low revs (a common situation when you are riding off road).
These rough edges were taken care of using Dynojet’s Power Vision module to flash the ECU (costing £439). The result is a smoother but also more immediate throttle response and power delivery that pulls without hesitation from almost no revs at all.

If you’ve been keeping up with MCN’s updates on our long-term test Ténéré, you’ll know that I’ve been searching for the perfect rubber for the type of riding I do (mostly on road but occasional muddy green lanes).
I’ve been to both ends of the tyre spectrum and not found the ideal middle ground… until now. The K-Tech T7 is fitted with Bridgestone Battlax AX41 tyres and they’ve handled everything from wet mud to Tarmac brilliantly. Expect to pay around £315 for a pair of these beauties.
Don’t get me wrong, I love the standard Ténéré, just as I love the old, grainy version of Raiders of the Lost Ark. All the K-Tech version does is show just how good the bike is capable of being with a few nips and tucks. A great example is that while taking pictures for this feature, our photographer asked me to spin the rear through some mud for an arty shot.

- Related: The best off-road motorcycle tyres
Try as I might, the combination of improved fuelling, the rear shock sitting where it should in the stroke and the Bridgestone rear tyre meant that however much throttle I gave it the bike just gripped and accelerated through without drama.
So, why would you spend £970 plus labour over and above the cost of the T7 instead of just buying a KTM 890 Adventure, which is better equipped, in the first place? Well, one of the Yamaha’s selling points is that it is basic.
It offers a stripped-back riding experience you don’t often get with modern bikes and the upgrades K-tech have chosen do nothing to dilute that. Sure, the KTM is better equipped with lean-sensitive ABS, riding modes and a TFT dash, it is actually a very different animal to the Yamaha and I would argue, no better for it.
Specs |
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Engine size | 689cc |
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Engine type | Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, 4V, parallel twin |
Frame type | Steel backbone, double cradle |
Fuel capacity | 16 litres |
Seat height | 880mm |
Bike weight | 205kg |
Front suspension | KYB 43mm upside down, 210mm travel |
Rear suspension | Sachs rear monoshock, 200mm travel |
Front brake | 282mm twin-disc |
Rear brake | Single 245mm disc |
Front tyre size | 90/90 x 21 |
Rear tyre size | 150/70 x 18 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
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Average fuel consumption | - |
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Annual road tax | £117 |
Annual service cost | £260 |
New price | - |
Used price | £7,200 - £11,000 |
Insurance group |
10 of 17 How much to insure? |
Warranty term | 2 |
Top speed & performance |
|
Max power | 72 bhp |
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Max torque | 50 ft-lb |
Top speed | - |
1/4 mile acceleration | - |
Tank range | - |
Model history & versions
Model history
- The Ténéré 700 was a new model in 2019, and has roots than can traced all the way back to the 1976 Yamaha XT500 enduro bike.
- The first Yamaha to carry the Ténéré badge was the 1983 XT600Z, followed by the XT750 Super Ténéré and the XTZ660 Ténéré
- 2019: Ténéré 700 launched, priced at £8699
- 2023: Ténéré 700 updated with new colour 5 inch colour TFT display, 3-way switchable ABS, quad LED headlights as standard, quickshifter now available as an option
- 2025: Redesigned looks, new front and rear suspension, updated CP2 engine with shorter intake, now with ride by wire throttle, riding modes, revised gear ratios, low profile clutch cover, new seat optimised for ease of movement, updates to the frame, now £10,400
Other versions
- 2020: Ténéré 700 Rally launched - Received quad LED headlights on launch with improved visibility. Equipped with an array of additions over the base model: a heavy-duty skid plate, radiator guard, high rally seat, larger 23 litre fuel capacity, fully adjustable long travel KYB suspension, updated off road ergonomics, high rally front mudguard, Yamaha heritage colour scheme, and an Akrapovič silencer, 2025 model is £11,400.
- 2022: Ténéré 700 World Raid launched - Equipped with fully adjustable long travel KYB suspension, three piece skid plate, two piece rally seat, 23 litre fuel capacity, adjustable Öhlins steering damper, also receiving quad LED headlights and 5-inch TFT dash display on launch, 2025 model is £11,916
- 2023: Ténéré 700 World Rally launched - Yamaha rally racing colour scheme, 23 litre fuel capacity, 2 piece rally seat, lightweight Akrapovič silencer, adjustable Öhlins steering damper, 2025 model is £13,216
- 2024: Ténéré 700 Extreme launched - Equipped with fully adjustable long travel KYB suspension, high rally seat, radiator guard, titanium off road footpegs, gold anodised wheels, high enduro front mudguard, 2025 model is £10,906
- 2024: Ténéré 700 Explore launched - Revised 190mm travel KYB forks, lower seat height, increased wind protection, soft and hard rear cases available, quickshifter, 2025 model is £10,806
MCN Long term test reports

MCN Fleet Yamaha Ténéré 700 long-term test round-up
I’ve spent the strangest year of my life as custodian of the Yamaha Ténéré 700 and some of the best bits of it were spent in the saddle. Here’s how the last 12 months unfolded. Previous MCN Fleet Ténéré 700 updates Update 1: Trans European Trail beckons for the Yamaha Ténéré 700 Update 2: Yama…
Owners' reviews for the YAMAHA TENERE 700 (2019 - 2024)
14 owners have reviewed their YAMAHA TENERE 700 (2019 - 2024) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your YAMAHA TENERE 700 (2019 - 2024)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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Overall rating: | |
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Ride quality & brakes: | |
Engine: | |
Reliability & build quality: | |
Value vs rivals: | |
Equipment: | |
Annual servicing cost: | £260 |
Year: 2021
Annual servicing cost: £200
I found the bike to be compromised for road work and I rarely took advantage of its off-road potential
Buzzy vibes through the handlebars at highway speeds
Very basic display, no cruise control
Year: 2022
The Tenere 700 does everything I want to do on it exceptionally well,it is sensible priced for such a great all round motorcycle,the fuel economy is very good and it has been totally reliable.
Needs to be cleaned regularly to maintain a good finish
Year: 2020
.
Version: Rally
Year: 2022
Best features, consumption and overall capabilities after upgrades. Worst features, cheap spokes rusted after 2 months. Suspension is scandalous.
Cheap brake pads need to be changed from new.
ABS switch off is great. Suspension upgrade is a must. Again, spokes are rusting after 2 months. Brake pads need upgrading.
Version: Standard
Year: 2020
Ehxaust is part of the frame, it could be better constructed.
Year: 2020
Annual servicing cost: £50
It's ok...
It's ok....
It's ok...
It's ok..
I do my own.
Buy suspension. Ditch the standard tyres.
Buying experience: Dealer. £11k it's the rally version.
Version: Rally
Year: 2022
Annual servicing cost: £300
A fantastic all rounder. But really this is a bigger bike capable on the roads but with its feet firmly in the dirt. I've been a KTM owner most of my life but got fed up with the poor dealer backup in the UK and the high service/part costs. Switched to Yamaha and I am loving it. It's made a mediocre off road rider feel god like at times - that's how good this this 200kg+ bike is on the dirt. It's an absolute riot on the tarmac as well. Think of it as a cross between a Yamaha WR450 and a KTM 950 Supermoto - that's how capable this bike is in the right hands. So much fun and excellent on fuel as well. The only gripe would be the poor design of the exhaust hanger that bends easily if you drop it. But that would never stop me buying this bike. Fantastic.
The best do it all bike I've ever owned in 22 ye
Smooth, controllable power. Great low down off the bottom. Doesn't have the grunt of the bigger V twins but never a problem and no lag like you find on a 1200 V from low. You just have to plan those tight 60mph overtakes a little more than on a big bike.
6 months and 5k of 50/50 off road/on road in and no issues so far, fingers crossed!
Service prices from Yamaha main dealers slightly higher than I would of expected but not bad. Once out of warranty oil changes, etc are easily done by yourself or local shop.
Equipment is basic but really think do you actually need all the assists/gadgets on modern day bikes. I for one don't, less to go wrong.
Buying experience: £300 under book price. Excellent customer service from
Year: 2021
Annual servicing cost: £500
After a years on the 1200 this thing is like a dirt bike. Easy to ride and goes where I point it.
Easy to ride and I'm good for a couple hours.
Strong torquey motor.
Its a Yamaha! Build quality is always at the top, No issues, with our dry mile high climate we don't experience corrosion.Fueling stays clean even over 14,000"
Tyres, oil changes
I'm happy with the Pirelli SRT that it came with, I felt the suspension needed some work and have Ohlins front and rear,
Buying experience: I preordered through Yamaha USA and they assigned a dealer who charged suggested retail with no additional dealer mark up. refreshing considering how rare these ended up being. 10K USD
Version: Rally Edition
Year: 2021
This bike pits a smile on my face as soon as I open the garage door. Looks fantastic and has the ability way beyond my skill set
Only gripe is non adjustable levers
100% reliable and well constructed. My only gripe is the bobbing/movement of the front light and dash. Well noted on owner forums … weird issue and slightly disconcerting as you can give other road users the impression you’ve flashed at them! Not good approaching a t junction. I can’t believe it’s not a recall level problem to be honest.
The rally options are superb ie grips, sump guard etcCould do with proper hand guards as standard.. ie Barkbusters
Buying experience: Dealer, price as per advertised. They took longer than usual to process bike through workshop and salesman could have avoided the delay. But overall friendly and open service, workshop guys were superb.
Year: 2020
A great well designed and made motorcycle which can be used for trail riding or two up day rides.The engine is exceptionally punchy and sips fuel a brilliant all round motorcycle.
Great all round motorcycle comfortable one or two up and two hour stints are not uncomfortable.
Totally reliable
Great looking dash with all the info you need
Year: 2020
Good bike, but not that great as everybody hype about it... Best Japanese Adventure bike, but dont expect same quality and performance as KTM or Husqvarna. On the road is civilized and fun (slightly underpowered compared to KTMs) but if you want to go fast offroad you will have to spend serious money on suspension and protection...
Excellent on the road, but go offroad if you weight more than 75 kilo's and suspenssion will bottom out very often. Brakes are good. Not sharpests, but good.
Lacking power compared to KTM, but very smooth and has lot of low down power and torque. Very smooth and sophisticated compared to savage KTM's. Not much happening on high revs end, but this smoothness making up for it. Engine is the best thing on this bike.
Within three months and only 1500 miles spokes are corroding and needs changing under warranty. Matt paint is good to look at, but for offorad bike it is a nightmare, as you won't polish out any scratches. Paint will go shiny and patchy. Ferring material is not Enduro type - just your normal road bike ferrings that will crack easy during any offroad misshaps.
Cheap to buy stock, but add cost of crashbars (as ferrinng elements made out of regular road bike material, not enduro type) and new springs for suspension. First service also not cheaper than with KTM (Freestyle Yamaha).
It's cheap bike and you can tell... suspension for fast offroad is very poor, bike is not designed with any crash protection in mind (like KTM's or even Tenere 660), material used for ferring is same as on road bike, it's brittle and will crack very quick. Not flexible enduro type ferring... and when you need one you will hae to order stickers separatelly and it will be expenssive.
Year: 2019
Amazing all round bike.
Quite firm suspension for an off-road bike. Makes it great fun on the twisted. Handles very well. Front brakes are not the best on road but that’s a compromise for off-roading.
One of the best features. Enough power, spins up quickly and very smooth.
Very reliable. However the finish on the spokes is ruined after a few hundred miles and at 6k miles has rust on the front of the tank.
Cheap to service and 65+mpg.
Basic but all the better for it. Nothing to go wrong.
Buying experience: Dealer. No problems. £7995.
Year: 2019
Having owned two XT660Zs previously and ridden them extensively, including Moroccan deserts and north American wildernesses, the new 'XT' is a revelation. I waited three years for this bike and whilst it is still early days I have been impressed. The engine, riding position, steering and simplicity made it the perfect adventure tool. Get one, and get new life!
Great all-rounder. Apart from a few short jaunts out I've only had one 500 mile journey on the bike and one decent off-road experience. The bike shone during both these experiences. Comfortable cruising on the hard stuff, great fun on the twisties and soooo comfortable and confident on the pegs. I have a 95mm rear spring fitted (I intend to carry luggage) up from 70Nm. When carrying a pillion the bike was rock solid.
The engine is a peach! Flexible, responsive, smooth and sufficiently powerful.
Too early to give a truly informed comment but no issues so far. My bike has been given the ACF50 treatment and a neoprene sock fitted over the heavier rear spring to reduce corrosion risk.
Too early to say, given the bike has only had the one oil change. Given the simplicity of the bike I expect to do all the servicing myself, and I don't expect this to be involved. This is one of the reasons I go for 'simple' bikes. Its a big plus in my eyes.
I may be in the minority here, but I like 'minimal'. I want a motorbike to ride, not a mobile computer game. Perhaps I'm as simple as the bike but for me this style of bike is what motorcycling is all about. The equipment changes I would make are, 1.Fit a DIN socket, rather than a cigarette socket. Better still, fit a DIN socket (or two) and a USB socket. 2. Fit a 4mm sump guard as standard (one that protects the water pump and lower rear linkages)
Buying experience: I managed to get a bike at the pre-order price after the end of July when another customer decided they didn't want it, so no complaints here!
Year: 2019
Easy forgiving ride, for an adventure bike it handles surprisingly well on road, and instills confidence. Tall seat height means good visibility, and road presence. Nice, not too Powerful engine, but gets to motorway speeds without problems.
Good amount of brake progression, not to sharp, not up to sports bikes, but that's not what this is about. Good comfort, but quite tall in the saddle, any one with less than a 31 Inc inside leg may struggle, untill you get used to it .
Nippy, gets along the road at a good pace , and keeps up with bigger more powerful bikes on the Twisties.
Typicall Yamaha build quality, and well thought out ergonomics.
Got just what you need, no frills or bells, but that means less to go wrong, and do people really use every rider aid that some much more expensive bikes come with?
Buying experience: Bought from dealer £8495 paid as advertised , which included full tank of fuel and delivery to my door.