Yamaha’s midweight adventure bike, the Ténéré 700, has received a host of updates across the range for 2025, including the introduction of rider modes and traction control for the first time.
This may not seem like a big deal if you ride any adventure bike other than a Ténéré, but for a motorcycle that has doggedly stuck to the less-is-more approach when it comes to technology, it’s a quite a leap.
The rider modes come as a result of the introduction of Yamaha’s Chip Controlled Throttle, which precisely controls the fuel and air mixture balance in the CP2 engine.
As a result, 2025 Ténéré 700 will be able to switch between Sport and Explorer modes, with Explorer providing a softer power delivery. Switching between modes is done by pressing a button on the righthand switchgear.
Traction control
The other big news is the fact the Ténéré 700 will come equipped with traction control for the first time. Again, while this isn’t a ground-breaking addition in the grand scheme of things, it is big news on a bike that traditionally has shunned technological advances since its inception.
The good news for those of you who like your Ténéré 700s the old fashioned way is that you can turn the traction control completely off, which will of course also help when you’re riding off-road.
Other new technological changes include a new 6.3″ TFT dash, although it’s good to see it retains the same vertical, rally roadbook design found on the previous Ténéré.
The TFT screen offers smartphone connectivity alongside the regular readouts, with a USB-C port on hand for charging duties. Controlling the dash is done via a new switchgear on the lefthand side of the bars, and there’s updated turn signals.
The dedicated ABS button returns, and a long press of it turns both ABS and traction control off, so you don’t have to scroll through TFT menus to change the settings.
Engine changes
As with many bikes, the Ténéré 700’s CP2 powerplant has undergone some changes to comply with Euro 5+ emissions regulations, although unlike some others, they are relatively minor tweaks.
The displacement remains at 690cc, along with the power and torque figures which remain at 72bhp and 68Nm of torque.
There has also been an update to the air intake duct, which has been shortened. Yamaha says this contributes to a fatter torque curve lower in the rev range, which should be of benefit while riding off-road.
The clutch cover has also been revised to sit further out of the way of the rider’s legs to aid in mobility, and the gearbox has been tweaked for smoother gear shifts.
Chassis tweaks
There’s been a few changes to the frame as well, with a stronger silencer bracket and strengthened luggage mountain points to make these areas better able to withstand impacts.
The seat also gets a redesign, with a new one-piece saddle that Yamaha says offers greater comfort thanks to the reshaping of the front of the seat.
This combines with the updated fuel tank, which retains a 16l capacity but has been moved forward and down, which should improve the weight distribution of the bike.
The suspension has received some changes too, with the front fork now boasting 15mm of preload adjustability alongside the adjustable compression and rebound damping as before.
Likewise, the rear suspension unit has a new rear linkage design and a revised shock absorber, which offers easy adjustability for preload, compression, and rebound. The travel remains the same as before at 210mm at the front and 200mm on the standard Ténéré 700.
Additionally, the standard bike now comes with the wider pegs debuted on the World Raid model for better control off-road.
The 2025 Ténéré 700 also receives new body panels, a refreshed headlight unit, and the option of either Icon Blue or Frozen Titanium colour schemes.
New models
Somewhat confusingly, the Yamaha Ténéré 700 Rally model returns for 2025. However, the Rally will now replace the current Ténéré 700 Extreme in an effort to consolidate the line-up.
So, as on the current Extreme, you get 20mm increased suspension travel each end, a high front mudguard, a heavy duty aluminium skid plate, titanium pegs, and a rally seat, alongside the heritage-inspired livery.
Additionally, there’s the new Ténéré 700 Low model, which as on the current Explore model, lowers the suspension stroke by 20mm to drop the seat height from 875mm on the standard Ténéré to 860mm.
Pricing and availability of the new Ténéré line-up is expected to be confirmed in mid-November.
Test ride the new Ténére 700 at the ABR Festival 2025
Do you want to test ride all the latest adventure, touring, and trail bikes in one magnificent location? Well, that’s exactly what you can do at the 2025 ABR Festival.
That’s right, the world’s leading motorcycle manufacturers will gather at the Ragley Hall Estate in Warwickshire from 27-29 June with their entire test fleets ready and waiting to be ridden.
So, if you want to compare a GS to an Africa Twin, a Gold Wing to a Road Glide, or a Desert X to a Ténéré 700, come and join us for the greatest celebration of motorcycling ever held.
Get your tickets before November 15 and you’ll save £40 on the price of a weekend ticket, so don’t hang around.
You can find out more about the ABR Festival and buy your tickets HERE.
