Yamaha RW700 and RW700 Explore 2027: New adventure scooters

From the commute straight onto the gravel: with the new RW range, Yamaha aims to bridge the gap between its MAX scooters and the Ténéré world. To do so, the RW700 and RW700 Explore for model year 2027 combine scooter fairing and helmet compartment with a CP2 twin, chain drive and an automated six-speed gearbox. The exciting part is the freedom of movement. Instead of locking you into a single seating position, both models are designed to let you ride standing up as well. The Explore uses the same technical basis and adds extra adjustment options and comfort features.

According to the spec sheets, both models are powered by a liquid-cooled DOHC twin with four valves per cylinder and 689 cc. Yamaha quotes 69.3 hp at 8,250 rpm and 65 Nm at 6,500 to 6,750 rpm. A restricted version with 35 kW or 47.6 hp at 8,250 rpm is also listed. The Euro 5+ CP2 features fuel injection and the electronically controlled YCC-T throttle. Its setup is meant to deliver nicely controllable power, especially at small throttle openings, in city traffic as well as on loose surfaces.

Shifting is handled by the Y-AMT, revised for the RW range. There is no clutch lever and no foot shifter. You can either select the six gears yourself via a paddle on the handlebar or leave gear changes entirely to the automatic. Yamaha quotes shift times of 0.1 seconds for the Y-AMT system and is using it off-road for the first time here. A rubberised clutch damper and modified spring preload on the shift rod are designed to make changes smoother. The shape and position of the paddle have also been adapted to the RW's handlebar and brake lever. A wet multi-plate clutch and chain final drive complete the drivetrain.

Yamaha Ride Control splits its five riding modes into ROAD and GRAVEL. On tarmac, STREET, SPORT and ECO are available. STREET is intended for a broad range of everyday riding, SPORT for more direct engine response in the twisties and ECO for toned-down power delivery with a focus on economical riding. On gravel, EXPLORE and EXPLORE+ come into play. Both also factor in shift behaviour; EXPLORE+ offers punchier engine response and can be individually configured. The EXPLORE mode name is not a feature exclusive to the model variant of the same name.

A six-axis IMU provides the data for the lean-sensitive rider aids. Adjustable are the PWR power characteristics, the TCS traction control and the SCS slide control, which detects the rear wheel stepping out sideways and adjusts engine output. BCS modulates brake pressure when a slide is detected while leaned over, while the Back-slip Regulator BSR is designed to use engine torque to counteract a locking rear wheel. BCS and BSR can be switched off in all riding modes. Rear ABS can only be deactivated in GRAVEL.

The gravel setup also includes Gravel Shift. In automatic mode, the system takes speed, revs, throttle position and selected gear into account. The GRAVEL shift program suppresses upshifts after opening the throttle and while the rear wheel is sliding. This is meant to make it easier to modulate drive and slip. When rear-wheel lock-up or hard braking is detected, the control system also reduces the transmittable clutch force to prevent the engine from stalling. Yamaha also cites situations with a wheel spinning on an obstacle as a use case.

Both models are built around a tubular steel frame. Up front is a 41 mm upside-down fork with 160 mm of travel, at the rear a linkage-mounted monoshock with 155 mm. The shock offers adjustable spring preload and rebound damping, with preload in seven steps. The RW700 Explore adds 15 mm of preload adjustment and eleven rebound positions to the fork. According to the spec sheet, wheelbase and ground clearance are 1,585 and 170 mm respectively. Weight fueled up is 221 kg for the RW700 and 224 kg for the Explore.

Aluminium rims with cross-laced stainless steel spokes carry tubeless Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres. Yamaha pairs a 17-inch front wheel with a 120/70 tyre and a 15-inch rear wheel with a 160/60 tyre. The front brake consists of two floating 298 mm discs and radially mounted four-piston calipers. At the rear, a 267 mm disc with a single-piston caliper does the stopping. ABS on both wheels is standard. An aluminium bash plate is designed to protect engine, frame and exhaust from damage. On top of that come a tapered aluminium handlebar, plastic handguards and a fixed windscreen.

Seat height is 810 mm on both variants. Yamaha has shaped the rider's seat narrow at the front, leaving room to move forwards, backwards and sideways. This is meant to make it easier both to reach the ground when stopping and to shift weight on uneven surfaces. The fairing offers contact surfaces at the knees for riding while standing. The footpegs can be moved into four positions, varying both location and height. Their rubber inserts damp vibrations and can be removed for more grip.

In addition, there are fold-out footrests positioned further forward for a more relaxed posture with legs more stretched out. The idea behind it is a quick switch between scooter comfort and a more active position on the pegs. A wide seat area is provided for the pillion. Under the seat sits an LED-lit storage compartment which, according to Yamaha, can hold a full-face helmet. One explicit caveat: whether your helmet fits depends on its size and shape. Both versions have a 14-litre tank.

Cruise control compatible with the automatic gear changes and the adjustable Yamaha Variable Speed Limiter are standard features. The five-inch colour TFT offers three layouts, including an exclusive RW layout with a mountain motif and minimalist views. The free MyRide app integrates smartphone functions such as call notifications and music control. The likewise free Garmin StreetCross app provides map or turn-by-turn arrow navigation including real-time traffic information. A USB-C port is located in the cockpit.

MyRide is available for iOS and Android and can also save routes, add photos to rides and enable sharing. Ride data that can be analysed includes distance, elevation gain, top and average speed, acceleration and lean angle. The connection also displays incoming calls and messages. With the key in your pocket, the Smart Key system gives access to ignition, engine start and stop, steering lock as well as seat and fuel cap release. With the ignition on and the brake lever pulled, a short press of the starter button is all it takes to start.

Lighting is all-LED, with the headlight made up of four units. Besides continuous and hazard flashing, the indicators offer a lane-change function with three flashes after a light tap of the switch. Under hard braking, Emergency Stop Signalling activates both indicators. Automatic cancelling takes place after 15 seconds, provided more than 150 metres have been covered.

The Explore differs from the RW700 in its additionally adjustable fork, heated grips and a heated rider seat, each with ten heat levels. Seat heating explicitly applies to the rider only. Added to that are a centre stand and backlit controls. Engine output, riding modes, wheel sizes and suspension travel remain the same. Opting for the Explore mainly gets you more comfort and extra options for tuning the suspension. Both adventure scooters share the same technical basis.

Under the name TEXNATURE, Yamaha draws on impressions from nature for surfaces and shapes. As concrete inspirations, the manufacturer cites the Tenryu River and the Nakatajima sand dunes in its home region. Samples taken there serve as the basis for the textures. According to the manufacturer, recycled and bio-based materials are also used, including DURABIO, a plastic derived predominantly from plant-based raw materials.

The RW700 is presented in Sage Blue and Power Grey, the RW700 Explore in Forest Green and Midnight Black. On the black Explore, Sage Blue details add accents. Genuine accessories include packs and individually available components, among them new aluminium side cases and a top case, redesigned soft bags and protection parts for radiator, front fairing and headlight. According to Yamaha, the parts can be ordered before ordering the vehicle and fitted by the dealer. There is also adventure apparel and merchandise including T-shirts and hoodies. The documents provided give neither prices nor a specific launch date.

How much power do the RW700 and RW700 Explore have? According to Yamaha, both produce 51 kW or 69.3 hp. The spec sheets also list a version with 35 kW or 47.6 hp.

Do you have to shift yourself on the Yamaha RW700? No. Y-AMT offers an automatic mode and manual gear selection via a handlebar paddle. There is no clutch lever or foot shifter.

What extras does the RW700 Explore offer? A fork adjustable for preload and rebound, ten-level heated grips and rider seat, a centre stand and backlit switches as well as its own colours.

Can the ABS be switched off for gravel? Rear ABS can be deactivated in the GRAVEL modes. Independently of this, BCS and BSR can be switched off in all riding modes.

How high is the seat, and does a helmet fit under it? Seat height is 810 mm. The illuminated storage compartment can hold a full-face helmet, depending on its size and shape.

How much do the models cost, and when will they arrive? Neither the press release nor the spec sheets state prices or a specific launch date.