Yes, the long-awaited Ténéré 700, or T7 for short, will be coming to America…but be prepared to wait just a while longer. As of now, Yamaha is saying we won’t see it here until the second half of 2020, as a 2021 model.
Here’s what we learned about this new adventure bike during Yamaha’s presentation at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan today:
The T7 will be powered by the 689cc CP2 parallel twin used in the FZ/MT-07. Exactly what changes have been made to increase its off-road-ability are scarce at this early juncture, but Yamaha does say that it will produce maximum torque at 6,500 rpm (the same as the MT-07), its final transmission ratios are “optimized for both road and off-road,” and it will have model-specific fuel injection settings.
This engine is housed in a new tubular steel double-cradle frame, and the T7 sports a 62.6-inch wheelbase and almost 9.5 inches of ground clearance. A fully adjustable USD 43mm fork offers up 8.3 inches of travel, while the remote preload-adjustable rear has 7.9 inches.
Wheels are spoked, 21 inches at the front and 18 at the rear. Dual 282mm front brake discs and a 245mm rear feature switchable ABS for off-road use.
A 4.2-gallon gas tank, designed with a narrow rear to facilitate standing and gripping with the knees, should deliver a claimed 217-mile range. The seat is long and flat, again aiding in the rider’s ability to move around when riding off-road.
Wrapping up the T7’s design are a rally-style fairing and windscreen, a multi-function LCD with two tripmeters, gear indicator, fuel level, range, and average and instant consumption data, and plastic hand guards.
The 2021 Ténéré will be available in a Ceramic Ice color scheme, with MSRP and exact availability TBD.
Check out Rider’s Guide to New/Updated Street Motorcycles for 2019
How munch does it weigh in pounds?
I have been waiting for years for a mid SIZE ADV bike. I am 70 and really don’t want to wait any longer. It looks a lot better than a KLR and I have had two of them and three Versys. Speed it up Yamaha.
Why waste my breath? The motor has been around for 4+ years… Yamaha has been teasing us for 2+ years. KTM will deliver spring of 2019, if they build enough they will saturate the market. By the time Yamaha gets here few that don’t already have a KTM will still want a mid-size ADV bike, and Yamaha will wonder why it doesn’t sell that many.
I bought my 2008 KLR because BMW delayed the 800GS entry to the US.
I bought my 2015 Tiger 800XCx because Honda delayed the AT.
I will likely by a KTM 790 Adventure because Yamaha has delayed the T7.
And like Buz, I am not getting any younger.