Yamaha Tenere 700 2025: Ultimate Off-Road Test

The 2025 Yamaha Tenere 700 has already caused a stir at its world premiere in the desert and in the big on-road shootout of mid-range adventure bikes. But now the real challenge begins: at the 2025 1000PS Off-Road Test Days, the revamped T7 is taken into the mud under variable conditions that push both rider and machine to their limits. At the Red Stag grounds, hobby enduro enthusiasts and pro racers converge, all on the same tiresthe Conti TKC 80to compare the handling of mid-range enduros. It's not just about paper specs here; it's about how the bike performs in real off-road conditions.

Nestled in the forest beneath a dense canopy, the Red Stag Enduro Grounds is an off-road playground like no other. It offers everything an enduro enthusiast's heart desires: gravel, deep forest floor, winding trails, tight passages, and even technically demanding climbs. Especially in mixed weather, it becomes evident how serious Yamaha and 1000PS are about their rigorous testing. This is no sterile test area, but a place where bikes are tested under real conditionswith mud, rocks, roots, and everything that constitutes a true enduro challenge. Those who succeed here truly earn the "adventure-ready" badge. For the test crew, including Busty Wolter, Mex, and McGregor, it's the perfect spot to push the Yamaha Tenere 700 2025 to its limits.

The Yamaha Tenere 700 is likely a familiar name to any enduro enthusiast, having almost single-handedly revived the off-road-focused adventure bike segment since its debut in 2019. It's been extensively tested by various media, influencers, and adventurers alike. The 2025 test of the Tenere is particularly exciting, as it has undergone a major overhaul and, for the first time, features enhanced electronics, including ride-by-wire throttle and traction control. You can find all the technical specifications below, and I've detailed all the new features in the first Yamaha Tenere 700 test in Morocco.

At this year's Off-Road Test Days, 1000PS is banking on a true classic: the Continental TKC 80. Celebrating an impressive milestone in 202540 years of service in expeditions and journeys around the globethis tire remains a staple. While the rubber compound has been updated over the decades, the core construction and iconic block pattern have remained largely unchangeda testament to its timeless design that still holds up today. The TKC 80 offers precisely what counts off-road: robust grip, strong traction on loose surfaces, and excellent self-cleaning in muddy sections. Particularly in the rougher areas of Red Stag, this tire truly shines. Our test crew quickly agreed: the TKC 80 remains a reliable companion when venturing into the wild, earning its spot as the standard tire for the Off-Road Test Days.

The engine of the Yamaha Ténéré 700 is celebrated by many riders as a true all-rounderespecially in off-road scenarios. In 2025, this powerplant continues to be a reliable partner for enduro beginners and those who prefer a relaxed ride over brute force in the dirt. The updated CP2 parallel-twin, initially developed for the MT-07, truly shines when taken off the beaten path. With ample torque in the low rev range, it delivers traction and control. What's particularly impressive is how effortlessly it tackles challenging trails. Even on steeper climbs or root-laden inclines, it maintains its pulling power. Riders praise the engine's "tractor-like" behavior in the best sensedependable, energy-efficient, and never overwhelming.

The Yamaha Ténéré 700 2025 offers two riding modes: "Sport" and "Explore". These settings significantly alter the engine's responsiveness, allowing riders to tailor their experience to the terrain and their personal riding style. The Sport mode is more direct, delivering precise throttle bursts, making it ideal for sudden maneuvers needed to overcome obstacles or adapt to changing surfaces. The Explore mode, on the other hand, is noticeably more laid-back, providing gentle throttle response that results in a smoother ride, offering more reserves for long days or uncertain passages. With the switch to ride-by-wire, the responsiveness of the CP2 engine's throttle has been refinedpreviously abrupt throttle transitions with cable control are now smoothed out. However, the Ténéré in Sport mode no longer responds quite as sharply as before. Whether this is bothersome is a matter of personal preference.

There are some criticisms regarding the gearbox: the third gear, in particular, tended to be prone to notching and occasionally required firm engagement. While this behavior improved over the course of the test, it was noticeable during short stints or frequent rider changes. Those who regularly switch between different motorcycles or are new to riding should allow for some acclimatization. Overall, the shifting remains a minor drawback in an otherwise refined and proven engine package.

The electronics of the Yamaha Ténéré 700 have been significantly enhanced for the 2025 model year, yet they remain intentionally functional and understatedespecially in off-road contexts. In the dirt, this setup offers a well-executed balance between support and control. The traction control is either fully active or turned off, which the test crew did not consider a disadvantage. Thanks to the well-modulated power delivery of the CP2 engine, even with traction control disabled, riders can play with traction preciselyeven those less experienced in off-road riding.

A particularly positive highlight is that the ABS can now be fully deactivated without losing the setting when the engine is turned off. Previously, the system would reset when the kill switch was used, which was a practical annoyanceespecially during stops or restarts in the middle of a trail. Now, traction control and ABS are only reset when the ignition is cycled, and a longer press on the ABS button in the cockpit automatically returns the system to the last used off-road settings.

From the perspective of sport-oriented riders, the Ténéré also proves to be flexible: the ability to fully deactivate traction control and ABS allows for deliberate lock-up maneuvers and controlled slides in tight cornersexactly what ambitious off-road enthusiasts are looking for. Yet, the machine remains manageable, the engine is well-controlled, and traction control is exactly where it belongswith the rider at the throttle.

There were, however, criticisms regarding the equipment for everyday and on-road use. Despite the electronics update, a cruise control option is still missinga notable omission, especially in German-speaking regions where many riders face long road stretches to reach legal off-road tracks. Additionally, the newly available quickshifter with blipper functiona first in the Ténéré's accessory lineupwas not installed on the test bike, meaning its effectiveness and practicality in off-road conditions remain to be assessed. Testing with this feature would be desirable for future comparisons.

For the 2025 model year, Yamaha has further developed the Ténéré 700's suspensionnot a complete redesign, but with a significant advancement: for the first time, the front preload is adjustable. This makes the standard Ténéré's suspension fully adjustable, greatly enhancing adaptability for different rider types and terrain. This move was expressly welcomed by the test riders, especially considering the Ténéré's high status in the mid-range adventure bike category.

In practice, the revised suspension displayed a dual character: at higher speeds, such as on fast-paced waves or rough terrain, the front fork showed good progression and ample reserves. The handling remained stable and inspired confidenceeven during sporty riding. However, the performance was less convincing at lower speeds over technical sections. Particularly on small, rapid bumps like washboard sections, the response showed weaknesses: the front felt somewhat wooden and not very sensitive. Additionally, in tight downhill turns, the front occasionally exhibited a mind of its own. Whether this is due to a suboptimal test setup or the inherent characteristics of the fork would require a direct comparison with the previous model to determine.

The rear shock, on the other hand, consistently impressed with its smooth damping and responsive behavior. Particularly during accelerated runs over undulating terrain, the rear remained calm and predictable, which is a very solid result for a suspension in this class. However, those seeking more off-road performance, according to the testers, have two options: either upgrade to high-quality aftermarket components like cartridge kits and shocks from Öhlins, or switch to the Ténéré Rally variant, which comes equipped with an even more capable KYB suspension and increased travel.

Sportier riders also noted that the stock suspension reaches its limits at very high speeds. In fast braking waves or deep dips under full load, the suspension sometimes bottomed out, which was also noticeable through slight handlebar wobble. This was partly attributed to the relatively narrow handlebars and the resulting reduced leverage. Nonetheless, it was clearly emphasized that this is high-level criticismfor light to moderate terrain and typical adventure routes, the stock suspension of the Ténéré 700 is still more than sufficient.

The ergonomics of the Yamaha Ténéré 700 have always been one of its biggest strengthsand this remains true for the 2025 model year. For riders around 1.87 m tall, the riding position is extremely comfortable, both sitting and standing. Notably positive is the narrow taper of the tank at the front, which facilitates sporty movements while standing and allows for forward weight shifts. Combined with the new, one-piece seat, this ensures a highly variable seating and riding experiencewhether on long road stretches or during active off-road use.

When stationary on technical terrain, the Ténéré lives up to its reputation as a versatile off-road weapon: now with extra-wide footpegs for solid grip, seat height providing clear visibility, and a tight knee grip on the tank with added grip pads. Standing still, you can just feel that the Ténéré was made for this type of movement. Especially for ambitious off-road riders, the freedom of movement in all axes is a real advantageyou can attack forward or shift far back on the bike without restriction.

A minor critique concerns the relatively narrow handlebars. It was noted in the test that the reduced leverage results in some loss of power and precision during quick directional changes or when handling deep terrain. For a motorcycle with sporty off-road ambitions, slightly wider handlebars would have been desirable. Nonetheless, the overall ergonomics remain impressivethey actively support the rider rather than challenge them, adapting flexibly to both touring and trail situations. This versatility is precisely what continues to make the Ténéré a top choice for many adventure riders.

The 2025 Yamaha Ténéré 700 continues to impress with its balanced and sporty handling, delivering enjoyment both on trails and at higher speeds. Despite its noticeably high center of gravitydue to the double cradle frame and engine placementthe bike remains well-balanced overall. Yamaha has improved the tank design by positioning it lower for better weight distribution. While there aren't solid measurements for a direct comparison with the previous model, the new balance has been subjectively rated as positive. However, it remains a top-heavy bike, which can particularly challenge shorter riders with an uncertain footing due to the elevated center of gravity.

On tight trails and at slow speeds, the handling benefits from the narrow tank area, which allows for efficient forward weight transfer. This keeps the front wheel manageable even in technically demanding situations. When accelerating out of corners, the bike also displays harmonycontrolled rear wheel slides are well manageable, making the Ténéré a reliable partner for dynamic off-road riding.

Even at brisk speeds on fast sections, the motorcycle remains stable and can be easily flicked from side to side. Testers praised the quick responsiveness without the bike feeling nervous. Overall, the handling was described as intuitiveprovided you have the right mindset. Because: hesitation on the Ténéré makes its top-heaviness more pronounced. In deep or loose terrain, the bike might push over the front wheel. However, those who ride decisively give the machine less time to become unstable and make cleaner corners. This top-heaviness and resulting dynamics are also why the Ténéré 700 isn't necessarily recommended as a beginner's motorcycle.

The braking system of the Yamaha Ténéré 700 remains largely unchanged in the 2025 model yearand for good reason. In off-road use, the braking performance is perfectly balanced and harmoniously integrated with the overall package. Both front and rear, the Ténéré provides well-controlled deceleration without unnecessary harshness. The lever feel at the front wheel may not be overly precise or sport-clear at the pressure point, but it builds progressively, allowing for sensitive modulationideal for terrain where aggressive braking is often more of a hindrance than a help.

Particularly pleasing is the tuning of the rear brake. It does not react overly directly but offers a long lever travel and a well-calibrated modulation behavior. This allows the rear wheel to be used deliberatelyfor instance, to slide through tight turns with a controlled locked rear wheel.

Even though some riders might wish for a bit more bite from the brakes on the road, the setup proves to be well-conceived for off-road use. It's for this reason that the braking system remains unchanged even on the more expensive Rally variant of the Ténéré 700. For technical terrain, the brakes offer just the right amount of control, without ever feeling hectic or overwhelming. The foldable rear brake pedal, which enhances safety particularly in rocky sections, was also particularly praised.

Since its introduction, the Yamaha Ténéré 700 has earned a reputation as a true adventure motorcycle with "toughness"built for remote corners of the world, far from workshops and support networks. The 2025 model stays true to this concept. It offers many of the robust features that globetrotters and off-road travelers appreciate. However, some expectations, particularly in the details, remain unmet.

A central criticism remains the welded rear subframe. Although the decision not to make it replaceable was explained as a cost-saving measure during the presentation, it remains a limiting factor for hardcore travelers who depend on easy repairability in case of frame damage. The mounting of the low-slung exhaust has been reinforced at critical points, but it remains structurally vulnerable to damage in a fall. On the positive side, the luggage rack has been strengthened, allowing for more load capacityan important update for long-distance riders.

The aluminum engine guard is sturdy and comes as standard, with additional crash bars available as options. According to the testers, simple engine guards are often sufficient, as the Ténéré is well-prepared for lighter falls with its robust plastic fairings. Another advantage is the ease of maintenance: the air filter is accessible with minimal effort, which is especially beneficial on long tours or dusty stages. The service intervals of 10,000 kilometers are within the expected range for this class of motorcycle. However, there is still a need for upgrades in terms of protection and equipment. Instead of proper handguards, only basic wind deflectors are installed, which are inadequate for serious off-road use. The same applies to the low fender, which reaches its limits in deeper mud.

A highlight is the practical detail solution with the levers: the shift and brake levers are positioned very protectively behind the frame. Additionally, both extensions of the foot levers are foldablean often underestimated but incredibly useful feature in tight, rocky terrain. All in all, the 2025 version of the Ténéré 700 remains a robust, adventure-ready motorcycle with well-thought-out details and proven technology. However, those seeking uncompromising long-distance travel capability down to the last detail will need to make some adjustments from the accessory shelf.

At the 2025 Off-Road Test Days, Leatt's two adventure suits impress with functionality, protection, and comfort. The MultiTour 5.5 is the weatherproof all-rounder with a 3-layer construction, 20,000 mm waterproof inner jacket, and thoughtful ventilationideal for 10 to 20°C and variable conditions. The FlowTour 5.5 features extensive mesh inserts, a sporty cut, and also a waterproof outer jacketperfect for active riders at 25°C and above. Both offer high-quality Level 2 protectors, clever details like hydration system preparation, and adjustable sizing. Those seeking uncompromising touring functionality should opt for the MultiTour, while the FlowTour is ideal for those who value lightness, ventilation, and flexibility.