Yamaha Ténéré 700 World Raid 2026 - The End of Purism

For the 2026 model year, Yamaha announces extensive technical upgrades for the Ténéré 700 World Raid. For the first time, an electronic throttle (Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle – YCC-T) is introduced. This includes two riding modes: "Sport" for immediate throttle response and "Explorer" for more precise handling on loose terrain.

According to the manufacturer, the new electronics package also includes lean-angle sensitive electronics and a traction control system (TCS), which can be adjusted via a dedicated button in three levels (on, limited, off). The ABS can also be specifically tailored with three modes: Street, Offroad (active only on the front), or completely deactivated.

The new 6.3-inch TFT color display in portrait orientation offers two display modes ("Explorer" and "Street") and allows smartphone connectivity with the MyRide App.

The new systems are controlled via redesigned handlebar controls with a 5-way joystick operation.

To make power delivery more controllable, the World Raid 2026 is the first Ténéré 700 equipped with a 6-axis IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit). This unit measures pitch, yaw, and roll movements in real-time and provides real-time data to enhance the responsiveness of the lean-angle dependent Traction Control System (TCS), Slide Control System (SCS), and the ABS/braking control.

Both TCS and SCS offer three modes:

• Street
• Offroad
• Off

The ABS can also be adjusted via a dedicated button. When activated, it enables a cornering ABS function, while in Offroad modes, the rear wheel (REAR OFF) or both wheels (OFF) can be allowed to lock.

The front section of the Ténéré 700 World Raid 2026 has been redesigned. The headlight has been integrated into a more striking Yamaha Adventure design. The fairing and handguards have also been visually updated.

According to the press release, the seating position has also been revised: a new, one-piece rally-style seat is designed to offer more freedom of movement. In addition, Yamaha announces a version with a 15 mm lower seat height.

A new clutch cover is said to provide more legroom, according to Yamaha. The handlebars have been slightly repositioned (higher and closer to the rider), and the footpegs are now larger. For longer journeys, a cruise control system is now standard, which can be activated from third gear - another long-awaited addition within the Ténéré lineup.

Further detailed changes include:

• Larger footpegs with improved grip
• Handguards in vehicle color
• Standard cruise control, activatable from third gear
• New indicators and a revised side stand switch

Yamaha describes the Ténéré 700 World Raid 2026 as featuring a new, fully adjustable KYB suspension package, designed to deliver better control and increased comfort under demanding off-road conditions.

At the front, the manufacturer introduces new aluminum triple clamps and an upside-down fork with 46 mm inner tubes (previously 43 mm). Despite the larger dimensions, the overall weight remains unchanged. The Kashima coating is intended to reduce friction and wear. An additional preload adjuster on the top of the fork tubes allows for finer tuning.

The fully adjustable KYB rear shock has also been revised, according to Yamaha. The shock travel has increased by 5 mm to now 106 mm, which, combined with a new linkage system, offers a more progressive spring rate and improved performance on hard hits.

A new aluminum cylinder, a larger reservoir, and the separation of oil and air are designed to ensure consistent damping and thermal stability. The suspension travel remains at 230 mm at the front and 220 mm at the rear, which is 20 mm more than the standard model.

The CP2 twin-cylinder engine with a 689 cc displacement, DOHC, and a 270-degree crankshaft remains intact. For the 2026 model year, Yamaha states it meets the new Euro 5+ emissions standards.

According to the manufacturer, a modified air duct in the intake system is intended to enhance torque delivery in the lower RPM range. No changes to power or torque figures have been specified in the announcement.

While the press release does not specify the ready-to-ride weight, it does indicate a reduction compared to the 220 kg predecessor.

For 2026, Yamaha equips the bike with new braided steel brake lines to ensure more consistent braking performance. The Brembo calipers at the front grip onto two 282 mm brake discs.

The transmission has also been revised: the number of dog gears in gears 1 to 3 has been increased from five to six to allow for smoother gear shifts. In gears 4 to 6, the dog angle has been altered to enhance throttle response.

According to Yamaha, the gear ratio and final drive (46/15) remain unchanged. Optionally, the model can be fitted with a quickshifter for both upshifts and downshifts.

The 23-liter dual tank (an increase of 7 liters compared to the Ténéré 700) remains a core feature of the World Raid, promising a range of around 500 km. The new fuel system, consisting of two side-mounted, interconnected aluminum tanks, is 1.5 kg lighter than the previous model. According to Yamaha, the two separate tanks reduce the impact of fuel movement, enhancing ride behavior and stability.

Yamaha states that the design, featuring a low center of gravity and a central fuel pump, allows for optimal mass distribution and a range of up to 500 km.

The first Yamaha Ténéré 700 World Raid was a purely purist adventure enduro with a focus on analog robustness. It relied on a mechanical throttle system, a simple LCD display, and omitted electronic assistance systems (except for ABS), making it particularly appealing to riders seeking an unfiltered connection with the machine.

Equipped with a 23-liter dual tank, fully adjustable KYB suspension (43 mm fork), robust skid plate, Öhlins steering damper, and Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires, the 2023 version was built for adventures off the beaten path without digital distractions. The suspension, ergonomics, and technology were functional but not comfort-oriented.

According to Yamaha, the Ténéré 700 World Raid 2026 brings numerous structural and technical changes:

• The mechanical throttle has been replaced by Ride-by-Wire (YCC-T), enabling two power modes.
• A new 6.3-inch TFT display replaces the previous LCD, offering connectivity and various layouts.
• Electronic Traction Control (TCS) and a Slide Control System (SCS) have been integrated for the first time, both adjustable in three modes.
• The ABS is now configurable via a button, including complete deactivation.
• The new 6-axis IMU manages lean-angle dependent assistance systems, a first for this model.
• The KYB suspension has also been updated: fork diameter now 46 mm (instead of 43 mm), optimized damping, new rear shock travel (+5 mm), and changed geometry.
• The CP2 engine now meets the Euro 5+ standard; new air routing is said to increase torque in the lower range.

Further updates include ergonomics, clutch operation, gear mechanism, and the integration of a standard cruise control. Overall, Yamaha claims that the Ténéré 700 World Raid 2026 is a technologically more modern adventure bike—without diluting its original concept. The 2023 version focused on reduction and mechanical clarity, while the 2026 model expands on electronics, adaptability, and long-distance comfort. The era of purism is over.

From April 2026, the Tenere World Raid will be available at dealerships in two colors:

• Redline White
• Midnight Black

According to the press release, pricing will also be announced in spring 2026. It is expected to be somewhat higher than the Tenere 700 Rally, which is already priced at 13,699 euros in Austria.