Steve WK Only rode it on the road but it felt very manoeuvrable....and Im only 5’8”..... Most adventure bike tend to feel intimidating by their sheer size but this one felt great.....like riding an enduro bike on the road.....No vibration at all and wind protection felt great aswell...fantastic looking machine in the red and white and Yamaha reliability......I could go on all day....just get one bought👍🏻
The "keyless" BS was really stupid trend started by BMW. I would never trust a bike with that + you still need a key to open the f.ing panniers and you need to place your garage remote somewhere. Basically pointless, posh invention.
Great review. I think we can see the writing on the wall for the Suzuki DR650 and why Kawasaki removed the KLR650 from the segment. For 3000 nicker less than a 790 adventure, this bike is incredible value. Think of the farkling you could do to this bike: seat, GPS, bags, metal handguards, perhaps tuned suspension for off road, and you're still lighter than the KTM. I hope this bike spawns more competition in the 500-700cc ADV bike segment. I am definitely thinking of moving down from a 1000cc adv bike to this sector. Tenere 450 anyone?
The Tenere 700 looks like a great adventure style bike for somebody not wanting to spend too much,only or who does not want to deal with 560lb adventure bike on a off-road ride.
As an ol’fart rider who too often requires a quick dash into the bush to do my business, I absolutely love the the handy Toilet Paper Roll holder strategically placed near the instrument cluster. Like the new Suzuki V-Strom 1050, this feature is long overdue! That said, I have a few questions: How does one fit the the actual toilet paper roll; does it have the usual spring loaded mechanism? And, once the roll is attached, does the end of the roll dangle closer to the rider or closer to the windscreen? Finally, regardless of how you want it to dangle, at speed what prevents the paper from rolling off like a rhythmic gymnastics’ streamer?
@@LTLT900 Always install the roll with paper coming over the top...unless you have a cat. Then it is permissible to install with paper coming underneath.
Andrew D Ha, good one! Actually, I’ve owned two Wee’s (‘09 and ‘12) and ridden the guts out of them from the tundra of Canada to the jungles of South America. I still own a ‘15 DL650XT and, combined, they’ve been used well over 200 000 kilometers - they’re great little bikes. I’ll likely keep my ‘12, but I wanted to add the “new” 1050 to the lot, but I’m disappointed with Suzuki’s efforts this time around - too many other bikes in the genre to choose from. All that said, while I wouldn’t want just a Wee as the only bike in my garage, all things considered, I do believe they are one of the best bikes ever manufactured.
Interested as to how they justify the premium over a road going MT07, yes uprated suspension, but what else? I do like it but think the price is high compared to others in the Yammie range, although cheap in the ADV sector. Your thoughts please @themissendenflyer
I think that this is going to be a massive seller. With the adventure pack you have a mid size option to the traditional big boys adventure bikes. It will be interesting to see whether Honda fight back by making a more focussed NC750X. The current model is still really more of a roadbike. I also like the fact that Yamaha have kept this relatively simple, and also used the well tried CP2 motor.
Interesting review TMF, I suspect the Vstrom 650 is a better touring proposition though with comfier seat, adjustable screen and 20 litre tank. Oh, it’s £2k cheaper also.
I have had 3 of the old xt660 and did the nc500 on one. the only thing I found was after 6 or 7 hours in the seat and at the end of the day when you just wanted that extra bit of power to get you home they were lacking a bit. I have been told the Tenere is also lacking a bit of power ? And it sounds like that when you open it up, Is that the case. I have a tiger 800 and the power on that is fine and often do 300 mile days out. I am thinking of getting one of these as a second bike. But seeing the review I think If I was just having one bike I would go for the tiger 800 over the xt700. And second hand prices for a tiger are cheap.
Remember those breaks are a compromise, too. Off road you don't want to have too much initial bite. Pull a bit harder and they are good. Anybody here irritated by the clutch cover pushing the right foot out a bit? Only sitting down, that is. Standing is fine.
I was hoping you would get the chance for a Tenere 700 review. I've been promised to have mine before Christmas (Australia - 1st batch). I'm hoping it's as good as they say! I suppose I'll find out soon.🤞😁
Looks like a great bike for adventures but seeing i'd use it mostly for commuting in traffic, i think I'd have to get the Honda 500x when i weigh everything up.
I think this bike went beyond where it should have gone (to expensive) i think a cb500x with usd forks 650 engine and offer wire or cast wheels off the floor. Just keep it small don't make it huge like the 650 verseys or v-strom those bikes are 217kg now what a joke. I love the cb500x but 47hp just is not enough even if it made 60hp like the old cb500 would be better. Lets hope the crf800/850 l is as close to the cb500x as possible. I looked at the transalp but the weight was high, the power was low, the price was high, the forks were conventional, the brakes were weak, and it only had 5 gears and i was always trying to go into 6th.
@@chrisredfield3240 That would probably sell hot cakes but I don't mind the size of the 500cc engine. The benefit is, you can do 500kms on a single tank and from the reviews I've heard whatever way they've tweaked the engine, it feels more powerful than 500cc. Also, less cost to insure etc.
@@michaelcaton9358 I've had a couple of 500's. Got a f800gs now seems about right on the power 1 up it's more than enough. 2 up it's just about ok have had it full throttle 2 up and though oh that's it that's what 85hp looks like.
@@therise7760 I just bought a 2019 500X, it has lots of updates over the previous version. Cracking bike and far more lively than 47bhp had any right to be. 80-100mpg to.
Thank you for the review, would love to know your thoughts from the long term review perspective. I think this is a fantastic motorcycle from VFM standpoint.
TMF you can't review this T7 without taking it off road, it's a dual purpose bike ffs, c'mon! Yes it's not yours but SHIRLEY you can afford the slight mishap with your £££ stream to do a proper review that is realistic of it's capabilities, one that it deserved. Cobbled path & worrying??? c'mon!
@@TheMissendenFlyer I knew & anticipated that would SHIRLEY would be your reply, NOT good enough TMF. It's an OFF ROAD BIKE! Cobbled path lol. Be a man!
Nice to see they got it right after such a very long wait, they need to update and lighten up the 1200 now. I have the Super Tenere and love it but heavy. 👍
I'm always amazed when people say "plenty of range, around 200 miles on a tank"- here in OZ, that won't get you between fuel stations. You need at least 300, I think. My Vstrom 650 does just fine- even then I occasionally carry an extra 5 litres.
Totally agree fellow Ozzie!🤣 It’s a bloody mindset here isn’t it? My S1000R is just under 300, but that includes getting on a bit. But my R1150R is like a bloody super tanker with a range of over 350!😎👍🏼😂
At 15:00 mins I love it when you talked about the 'wet and treacherous grass' (I'd be the same). But then I imagined how Ryan F9 would have planted a foot, spun it 180 and ridden off at speed. Leaving whoever owns the grass cursing away 😂
Great review as always. Has a lot of things going for it and nice to see companies making simple bikes that will age much better while being more reliable. Only disappointment is that it looks cheap. The prototype looked amazing, unfortunately the production version is underwhelming to say the least. Also dual sport bikes should all have tubeless wheels in 2019.
if you are happy changing a flat on a tubeless tyre in the middle of nowhere go for one....me - i dont have the ability to do that, but I can change a flat in a tubed tyre( new tube or a patch ) and use a handpump to blow it up - i dont carry a compressor big enough to seat a tubeless tyre...
@@graantmnz co2 cartriges and a plug, basically the space of 2 wallets (doesn’t need more space than what you need to remove wheels and replace or patch tube(s). With tubless, 5 minutes and your up and running ;). If its 35c + mosquitos, I choose tubeless every single time ;) To repair a tube in ghe middle of nowhere, you’re looking at an hour, unless youve done it hundreds of times. You typically don’t need to seat the tire, because tubless wheels have a safety bead to keep tire in place in case of a puncture. Also someone could even carry a tube in case tire was dammaged beyond repair, just to make it to the next shop.
I though the T7 was £8.995. And the f850gs starts around £9,541. Hardly much "more expensive" also does turning abs off really allow you to spin the wheels up?
Loving mine, had it for 2 and a bit months and thrown everything at it from touring to some pretty gnarly off road, ticks every box. They fly once you get them up to 6.5k rpm, but the power is nice and smooth off road. The simplicity is a breath of fresh air, oh and the offer of a guided tour round Thetford Forest on mine still stands TMF if you fancy it sometime.
Another great reveiw TMF, I bought the very same bike as your demo a few weeks ago..Love it ,have had BMW's for the past 20 years and sold my 1200GSA a few months back..its a capable bike and keeps up with bigger bikes just fine...
Good review, but from other reviews I think what sets this bike apart is it's off road ability. This is where the bike seems to shine, a proper dual purpose bike. Maybe an off road adventure on the Tenere in the future... 😉?
I get the reason for the high price based on the market fad towards adventure bikes but when a Tenere 700 is $12,399.00 and a Tracer 900 - $11,999.00, people are gullible. One in 1000 of 700s will ever be ridden offroad. It's like pickup trucks in North America used as daily drivers and never towing or having anything in the bed.
Love this channel. So this isn't directed at the channel. But 4:50: I need to make an important comment about this bike, as it relates to every new adventure bike and street bike on the road today. Ahhh! 40 mph in 6th gear, and "no complaints." We have to stop doing this. Pretending that 6th gear is designed to drive at 40mph, and then giving glowing praise to the manufacturer for giving people a horribly short gear ratio in 6th gear. I don't know anyone who wants to cruise down the highway at 40mph. Why then is every modern, extremely high horsepower, high torque bike, geared to cruise comfortably at 40 or 50mph in top gear? As motorcycle reviewers, it's important to actually consider real world conditions. For many people in America, they will spend months riding every single day to work on the Interstate freeway at 70 mph to 80 mph. As far as I can tell, most riding in the world involves flat level roads, at high speed, for at least part of the journey. Even off road, high sustained speed is normal on long dirt roads. The question is this: What is the point of having a super high torque, high performance engine, if they are never going to give people an overdrive gear? Motorcycle 6th gear ratios have not changed at all since 1978. And that is NOT progress. The engines have doubled in power and torque. But the gear ratios remain the same! This seems critically important, and I think it's the job of the good reviewers and good riders to notice these details. -End rant!😀
Yep.. 700 to 800cc twins are the sweet spot! Nobody needs anything bigger, except for bragging rights. Did 3500 miles round Europe on my F800R, two up, and it was perfect... cruising at the speed limit, and returning 60mpg!
My 250L was stolen back in October. I’ve always leaned towards the dual sport more than any other bike however I have a thing for adv bikes as well. I think this bike falls right in the middle. I don’t even think I could call it a full adv bike. It’s more like a super dual. As much as I loved my L I think the T7 is it’s perfect replacement considering my bias towards off roading and still wanting to commute to work. Thank you for your review I was looking forward to it
Bib reflects on the truly incredible choice of motorcycles available to the bikers of today and wonders how he ever thought a Honda CX500 was THE 'must have' machine....then again he still thinks his current car, a 1996 Peugoet 106 diesel is pretty decent....
I think I'd go for one of these over the KTM 790 -- not as much power but there's a lot to be said for simplicity of features and tech in this kind of bike, not to mention the better price point. I'm a KTM owner (690 Enduro), but would be happy to shift over to the Yamaha. It's not the kind of bike I would worry about getting a few knocks. Thanks for the review -- I know full well you only do road riding but that's also a really important part of the decision, and I really enjoy your impressions!
Currently going through all the mid-weight adventure bikes and looking for just the right one. An old high school pal and I may be teaming up to each purchase one and take on some world travel, on paved and unpaved roads. I'll forward this very informative video over to him in Colorado from here in Atlanta and see what develops. You did exactly the type of post I had hoped to find. So "Thank You" and be safe out there.
Owned the last 660 Tenere - took me all around Europe. 44,000 trouble-free miles (2 × bulbs and 3 x cush-drive rubbers). When I get bored of my current street bike, this is the next one to go into garage. No-nonsence back to basics, take you anywhere machine. With 2 cylinders it will be that much more comfy and flexible to ride. Nice review - thanks.
I used to ride a Transalp 700 for years till someone decided to run me over 🤨. Been thinking of hopping in the saddle again and you’ve defo turned my eye towards the tenere.
Enjoyed the ride ty tmf Yet another everyday commuter me thinks. Wouldn't want the scaffolding, but would a Topbox. But it looks like Yamaha don't want you to have one, only floppy panniers? Your cellphone camera didn't like looking at full frontal LEDs but did recover 😯 Awesome offroad capability. Cynisism is the lowest form of wit, did I hear?
Like the reviews thanks, but all these mid range adventure bikes get good reviews. Would be interesting to get one that picks out the differences between them in terms of strengths V weaknesses as that helps to prioritise for those who are looking to choose one. For me things like tubeless tyres or long distance comfort make quite a difference to which of the likely bikes I would choose. I’d it possible to do a vid looking at the differences between these bikes? Thanks
The bar that you can put your GPS on Not like the Africa twin is it? Eventually, it it breaks the welding points Or have they put it on properly? This bike is nice I like it because it’s different I’ve not even seen one on the road Where i live I am seriously thinking of getting it I will definitely more off-road tires on It would be a beast off road about the right power Not too heavy definitely get some crash protection
Thank you for reviewing the Ténéré 700. Pleasantly surprised to learn that you could almost flat-foot this seemingly tall bike. I am about your height, so that is an important consideration. Keep it for the long-termer if you could. Cheers!
Nicely done TMF. I like the simplicity, no rider modes etc, for me that's all a needless faff. Yamaha need to step up on some things though, braided brake lines and better quality, better feeling plastics. The lugging about test you do would be interesting with laden panniers, is that something you could consider for the future? Thanks again, top notch.
Thanks for the love *TheMissendenFlyer.* *_Here is the video I saw_* that talks about the "falling" "crashing" of the new Yamaha T700: "Yamaha Tenere T700 UK to Africa Long Distance Review" ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-RQ5sd-Tm5zk.html *Note:* at minute 21:41 in that video he talks about our issue. The *new* 2020 Yamaha T700 is problematical because it is brand new. We do not know it's issues yet. The 1st & 2nd year of production will tell us all. Again, it seems like a good basic bike.
Ive been looking at the 700 Tenere for some time. Seeking a machine that can handle my need for acceptable road performance, good trail ability and overall simplicity at a reasonable price. With all that in mind, I have bought a Royal Enfield Himalayan. Job done .
Darn and blast !! it's gorgeous! You are killing me i just got over my 35 year obsession with adventure bikes got me a tourer and a sports tourer and now you're making me all dual purposey feeling again..its even got no gadgets bar the obligatory abs which you can switch off !!! ahhhhhhh....stop it now .....well i know what i'll be buying in ten years time .. thanks TMF a great review as always.👍🏻☮❤
LOL Overpriced? How? What other bike has similar or better capabilities for ten thousand dollars? I thought about building another DR650 or even a more modern CB500x for TAT or cross country, but by the time I mod them to be decent on and offroad I'll be spending between 10-12k for a bike that still won't strike as well a balance as this new model....just my 2 cents...
Thanks for another fair review. The bike is very disappointing to me. It has no more spec than an 2005 1200GS ( which weighs199kg dry) and is only a few pounds lighter. You are stuck with luggage scaffolding for the odd run round (unlike the GS) but doesn't look so easy for slipping on a (vario) pannier to go shopping. The low centre of gravity of the boxer engine tends to cancel out the perceived weight advantage of the modern "middkewights" No shaft drive, no comfy seat for a passenger all for the sake of a few pounds. And a 2005 GS is half the price, even if it doesn't come with a warranty. Would make a good adventure bike for those who have the money, want a new machine, and who are happy to travel solo all the time though.
Think the GS1200 boxer engine will get stuck in a deep rut when green laning and wouldn't come close on ground clearance for riding over logs and rocks.
@@mcba i think new bike prices are fair if they were too high they would never sell. If you buy anything used you can't go wrong unless you pay to much you should always get your money back.
Would you recommend it for a new licence holder that currently has a Honda CRF250L? (I’m about 5’8”) On paper it’s only about 50k heavier and 5cm higher on the seat compared to my CRF. But it looks much bigger.
Good review as ever TMF, the Tenere 700 is as you said a great all round bike. I hate the term commuter bike, but actually it's a compliment about useability and reliability. And the MT07 engine is one of the most reliable trouble free engines out there. A DNA filter, exhaust and a sprinkling of accessories of your choice and and it will be a brilliant bike!! Cheers Steve
I had a 2008 660 Tenere as my first big bike. Took it down to Morocco days after getting it and it didn't skip a beat. Taught me a thing or two about riding as well!
Great review as usual, have to say bikes nowadays have too many rider aids so the fact the Tenere is as you say, is a good honest bike appeals to me but it's an ugly bugger. The looks just don't do it for me.
Should be test riding a Tenere 700 in the new year. I like the riding position of the adventure style bikes but not sure if I would enjoy one long term.
Love the review, second one I have watched gushing over the friendliness and good value. Can I ask when complaining about a new bikes brakes could you consider the number of miles its been ridden. Less than 500 means neither front or rear is really scrubbed in. It would add to the accuracy of the comments. Just asking, not criticizing.
Cracking bike, I used to own the Honda NC750X. Would be interested to see you do a comparison on these two. They are both at the good price range Andy, as opposed to the BMW and KTM which are both a bit rich.
Lea Natale I agree with the economy on the NC, 81mpg I regularly got from mine on the commute between Bristol and Brize Norton. I still think it needs a bigger fuel tank. 14 litres is next to nothing and I found myself constantly stopping to fuel up.
Yep, the NC750X is a good bike - I, also, have one. I don't think this is the bike to compare it to, though. I think the Yamaha MT07 Tracer is the one I'd like to see the NC compared to.
@Lea Natale Yup, I agree. Not sure what the weight and performance of the Vstrom is. the Tracer has very favourable weight and performance figures. I'll check out the Vstrom figures. I do like the Tenere, though, for its off road capability - it does seem the best all rounder, especially for the price.
@Lea Natale I'm sure you will, too. I've got an RE Himalayan, which I'm learning to ride off road ( when I can find somewhere off road that you're allowed to ride on ) The NC is a good on road, frugal bike. I went to Wales on it this year and because most of the riding was around the 50-65mph speed, I averaged 92mpg for the 3 day trip ( no motorways ) - and had a good time. The new Tenere appeals to me as it seems to have a pretty good on and off road performance, and is fairly light. A lot lighter, and cheaper than most of its opposition. Happy and safe riding to you.
@@jerryjb You can, but costs will add up. Set of new wheels is at least 1.5k euro, more like 2 + new set of break disk so you are not risking ruining the threads when you switch them to often (1k). Not to mention that doing some suspension work on this bike is recommended, even more if you are a heavier guy and you end up spending 3-5k EUR more.... why not get something that has this in the first place ?
Fancied the Honda AT, decided the 900 Trumpet was better, now I've seen this. Less is probably better. Daily commute of 92 miles on A-roads and can't decide...and it's all your fault ! Only thing I will say is that the GS ain't worth the money for what I need. Only my opinion of course. That said, it'll be the '97 300 Defender 90 (aaargh, four wheels I hear you cry !) in winter cos there's just no stopping the old girl, just wish the heater got warm before I reached my destination.
I do like review on bikes, but this one you has missed the point. The Tenere is aimed at adventure riders and off- roader's, No much mentioned about its off road ability's this is why this bike was built. Although I was looking for a cheap all rounder, unfortunately after a test ride I found the seat to be uncomfortable after 1 hour's ride and the front fork dive on braking not good. For the price its pretty good but not for me. So I have decided on a BMW 850GS Adventure.
KTM790 adv was cheaper, I paid Eur9250 new, larger gas tank lower placed, more power 95hp, lower and light. Ride by wire, gps on screen, so in the end a good alternative.
Interesting see you almost flat foot - most reviewers have commented on how tall the seat is - has yours definitely not been lowered? I see there is lots on mods on this, maybe they lowered it too? Curious to know what your inside leg length is.
Yamaha needs to hire a UX designer. The screen looks like a graphing calculator from the early 90s. It has all the necessary information, but the presentation is godawful.
I am still turning around the circule to find out which of the following bikes would be most suitable for an adventure trip along the Silk Route: Honda CB500X, Suzuki V-Strom 650 Adventure or this Yamaha Tenere 700. Each of these has got pros and cons...Hard to tell... Anybody with particularly feelings on this ? Thanks in advance.
Judging from your picture the lightest ! Picking up a bike twice a day on average for months may get to be a bit of a burden . Best of luck with your journey , bit jealous here .
