Traveling in pairs with the Yamaha Tenere 700

The Yamaha Enduro and I spent a solid two weeks on the road. Initially, I rode solo, tackling plenty of gravel and off-road terrain. The latter part of the journey was done in pairs, focusing solely on road riding. I will provide details on both scenarios, but I will not delve into off-road specifics in this report. For those interested in off-road capabilities, I recommend checking out the test video I created, where I share my off-road adventures: [Link to test video].

The journey leads me from Vienna to Venice, with winding detours and less winding highway stages. From Venice, I board a ferry to Metsovo in northern Greece. Accompanied by Gregor, we spend four days in the mountains, enjoying off-road adventures. We then travel north to Tirana in Albania. In the capital, we pick up our friends, seat them on the pillion, and continue our journey as a group of four. After a week of twists, sightseeing, and beach relaxation, we finally arrive in the Croatian city of Split. Our fantastic trip concludes with the motorail train, transporting us and our Yamaha Enduro motorcycles back to Vienna.

In my report on the Yamaha Enduro, I will focus on its performance during long journeys. Let's start with the engine:

The CP2 engine on the Yamaha Tenere 700 is smooth and not bothersome even during extended use. The noise level is pleasant, and the gearbox shifts smoothly and cleanly. The strong torque at low RPMs allows for effortless riding without constant shifting, with 5th gear being suitable for most local terrains, although personally, I often preferred 4th gear. The engine delivers powerfully in the low and mid-range, but lacks performance in the higher rev range. It always brings a smile to my face knowing that the CP2 engine was originally designed for a naked bike and not a touring enduro, yet its characteristics seamlessly fit into this off-road touring machine.

The only minor drawback that has been known for years and can occasionally detract from the riding pleasure is the slightly rough throttle response. Specifically, there is a slight jolt that can be felt throughout the Yamaha Enduro when the throttle is applied. Once this initial jolt is overcome, the power delivery can be finely controlled. However, the first millimeter of throttle input inevitably results in a somewhat abrupt acceleration.

For riders with a delicate touch on the throttle, it is possible to smooth out this initial jerk. Nevertheless, there are certain riding scenarios, such as tight bends encountered in Albania, where it can be challenging to maintain this level of precision. Negotiating these bends smoothly and staying within your lane requires leaning the bike into the turn, which in turn necessitates a contorted upper body position that places the throttle hand at an unconventional angle. In such situations, achieving precise throttle control can be a real challenge, even with the best intentions.

The frame of the Yamaha Enduro impresses with its precise handling. While it may not stand out in its price range, the long suspension travel ensures a comfortable ride over rough terrain. The standard suspension provides stability even when fully loaded, making it easy to maneuver. Adjusting the suspension elements can enhance the overall riding experience, allowing for a smoother ride over bumps.

When riding the Yamaha Enduro on the highway, you'll notice that the wind protection is minimal but still effective. The fairing and windshield help reduce pressure on the upper body, although the shoulders and upper arms are still exposed to the wind. At a height of 184 cm, there may be slight turbulence on the helmet, but it's not bothersome. The aerodynamics are satisfactory, with wind hitting the helmet without being excessively loud. Long highway rides or quick sprints from Metsovo to Tirana are comfortable. Vibrations are only noticeable from 120 kilometers per hour, mainly in the footrests, while the hands remain unaffected. Tingling in the feet is minimal if rubber inserts are used and the feet are positioned correctly on the footrests.

One thing that stands out is the unforgiving firmness of the standard seat on the Yamaha Enduro. This can lead to discomfort in the posterior over time. However, this issue can be alleviated by using Yamaha's own accessories, such as the rally seat, which provides a more premium feel in the long run. Personally, I opted for a solution from my 500cc days - padded cycling shorts. Wearing them from the second day under my textile shorts effectively eliminated any back pain.

I must say, I am quite fond of the riding position on the Yamaha Enduro. It offers an upright and relaxed posture, with a comfortable knee angle. Additionally, you are not positioned too far back from the front, unlike some other models like the new Transalp. This allows for a forward-leaning orientation on the Yamaha, making sporty riding feel more natural.

I didn't have any issues with heat development throughout the entire journey, even though some days were really hot. The only reminder of the constant explosions happening beneath me was a small protective cover on the clutch cable. This small metal part heats up, and you can feel it when you touch it occasionally. Wearing high off-road boots would be helpful in this situation.

The Yamaha Enduro now features a USB socket and a clear TFT display in the cockpit. Unfortunately, unlike the previous generation, there is no longer a button to deactivate ABS. Instead, there is now a button to activate it, which seems rather pointless since the ABS is automatically reactivated every time the ignition is turned off. This means that you have to navigate through the menu using the somewhat cumbersome selection dial whenever you want to lock your wheels. This may seem like a minor issue, but it can become quite frustrating in the long run, especially because the small selector wheel can be difficult to operate. When wearing thin off-road gloves, the pressure on the wheel can even be uncomfortable. However, this was only noticeable when riding off-road. During the road portion with a passenger, the ABS was constantly active, sparing my thumb from any further discomfort.

When it came to selecting my luggage solution, maximizing storage space was a key priority for me. Since our off-road adventures typically originated from a fixed location, I opted for permanent side cases. These could be conveniently left at the hotel while we explored the Greek wilderness. Gregor kindly carried the necessary tools in soft bags on his Tenere. Given my preference for SW-Motech bags in my personal life, it was a natural choice to equip my side cases and top case with them. The new DUSC cases met my requirements, particularly for their comfort. Additionally, I appreciated their aesthetic appeal, as they complemented the appearance of the Tenere without overshadowing it, in my opinion. These cases are comfortable due to their ample storage capacity for both my partner and me. Furthermore, they are fully waterproof and slightly lighter, making them easier to transport. The durable hard plastic exterior gives off a sturdy impression, which could prove beneficial in the event of any off-road mishaps.

I personally fitted the racks and cases to the Yamaha Tenere, so I can confirm that the installation is straightforward. I have tested the waterproofing extensively, and it passed with flying colors. The locking and unlocking mechanism for the cases is also very convenient. They can be easily detached and carried to the hotel room thanks to the handles. I highly recommend the DUSC cases for both road and off-road adventures!

The Yamaha Enduro I tested came equipped with the Bridgestone AX41 tires, which are a 50/50 tire choice. Personally, I have always been a fan of Bridgestone tires, so I was pleased with this selection. Compared to the standard Pirelli Scorpion STR tires, which are more road-oriented with an 80/20 or even 90/10 ratio, the AX41 tires definitely provide a different feel on and off-road. Luckily, my initial choice of the AX41 tires turned out to be a good one, as they performed well during the test ride.

The Yamaha Enduro is responsive to the first steering input, requiring a bit of pressure on the handlebars to lean into corners, which is typical for a 50/50 tire. However, it provides a stable and confident feel in corners, showcasing impressive road performance for off-road treads. Riding through long bends feels incredibly smooth and controlled, almost like being on rails.

Off-road performance was exceptional, with the AX41 tire offering ample traction and responsive lateral control on loose surfaces. Despite the laws of physics, some rolling noise is inevitable at speeds of 60-70 kilometers per hour, but I found it to be a reassuring sound that adds to the off-road experience. Additionally, the AX41 tire seems to handle variations in air pressure well, maintaining its confidence-inspiring feel both on and off the road.

In conclusion, the Yamaha Enduro equipped with the AX41 tire proves to be a highly recommended choice for riders looking for a reliable and versatile off-road experience.

At the end of my review, I would like to share how the Yamaha Enduro feels when carrying two riders. How did both the rider and passenger feel during the journey?

When staying in the comfortable touring mode, the Yamaha Enduro performs well with two people. The space provided was sufficient for both of us. However, it is essential for the passenger to wear padded cycling shorts, as the seat is quite hard. On the other hand, we both appreciate the smooth and continuous shape. With separate seats and a significant height difference between rider and passenger, we often encounter the issue of an uncomfortable gap between us. I tend to sit towards the front and am relatively slim, which sometimes leaves a gap behind me where my girlfriend can feel uncomfortable. We both prefer to sit close together, and the design of the seat on the Yamaha Enduro allows for this. My girlfriend sits beside me, but thanks to my position, she is well-protected from the wind.

The potent engine down below ensures a relaxed overtaking experience, surprising for a 73 hp bike. However, pushing the Tenere to higher speeds reveals its limitations. Riding two-up in "Knocking on Heaven's Door" mode is not advisable.

The chassis, though, remains stable even with a passenger. The real constraint lies in the brakes, struggling to handle the extra weight. Braking solo is manageable with proper lever use, but with a passenger, caution is key to avoid overwhelming the system.

Quick stops may catch you off guard, taking longer than expected. Best to avoid such scenarios and forgo aggressive riding with a passenger. The top-heavy nature of the Tenere becomes more apparent with added weight, affecting cornering ability due to less front-end grip.

If you prefer a smoother ride and don't mind a softer suspension, the Tenere can accommodate two comfortably. Ample space and decent comfort make it suitable for dual riders. My partner and I both enjoyed the experience.

I was also impressed by the Yamaha Enduro's fuel efficiency. Throughout the entire journey, it averaged 4.7 liters per 100 km, which is a very respectable figure.