2025 Yamaha Ténéré 700 First Look

One of the most popular, affordable, and capable adventure bikes on the market, Yamaha’s Ténéré 700 has just received a whole ton of upgrades and changes for 2025. Although it has been one of the most versatile machines in the middleweight ADV class, it was starting to fall behind the competition in terms of features, particularly with the electronics and rider aids. And while few could criticize its value, there were other areas that were starting to get long in the tooth and a few areas where the competition was leaving it in their dust.

And while the European-market models got enhancements and variations of the T7 prior to the US, we finally get a significantly refreshed model for 2025. The key areas updated include electronic rider aids, suspension, cockpit controls and a new display, a redesigned air intake, and updated styling.

Compared to the competition, the one area where the T7 was really beginning to fall behind was with the electronic rider aids. Like its naked MT-07 cousin that shares the same platform, the T7 is upgraded with Yamaha’s advanced Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) ride-by-wire system. This change introduces a pair of rider-selectable throttle maps including Sport and Explorer. Additionally, a new traction-control system allows riders to turn off the system depending on the terrain they are tackling.

More obvious from the rider’s perspective is the new vertically oriented 6.3-inch full-color TFT display. The new dash allows the user to choose between a pair of display options, one for the Street with a traditional-looking analog-style tachometer, and then the Explorer theme that offers a more modern digital-style tach display. With the new dash, the smartphone connectivity has been upgraded to include access to music, allowing you to make and receive calls, and access turn-by-turn navigation through the Google Maps app.

The T7 retains its three-mode switchable ABS but now has a new on/off switch located on the left side of the TFT display. Mode 1 provides ABS to both wheels, Mode 2 utilizes front ABS only, while Mode 3 turns off ABS completely.

In order to make the new electronic features easy to access and change, there is a new left-bar-mounted switch pod with a new joystick design and new buttons to simplify on-screen navigation. Additionally, the T7 gets the new turn-indicator buttons that have been introduced on models like the MT-09/MT-09 SP previously. A soft click initiates three blinks for lane changes, while a full click turns the signal on for 15 seconds (or 150 meters/492 feet) before self-canceling.

The next most significant change is to the T7’s suspension. The 43mm inverted KYB fork has revised settings including a new preload adjustment knob atop the fork tube. Provisions for compression and rebound damping remain, while front-end travel measures 8.3 inches. At the rear is a revised KYB shock providing 7.9 inches of travel and provisions for preload through a remote adjuster and also rebound damping.

Updates to the ergonomics were made by changing the design of the clutch cover to allow more legroom both while in the seated and standing positions. New footpegs are now wider and longer for better footing, and a flatter one-piece seat provides better comfort while retaining the same 34.4-inch height.

The 689cc liquid-cooled CP2 parallel-twin engine is unchanged aside from its redesigned air intake that features a shorter intake duct in an effort to improve the torque and power delivery in the low- to midrange part of the rev range.

Other highlights include changes to the Dakar Rally–inspired styling, with a brand-new quad-LED headlight, new side covers, tailsection, and color-matched hand guards. The 2025 Yamaha Ténéré 700 will hit dealers in February for $10,999, which is only a $200 increase over the 2024 model. The bike will be available in two colors: Team Yamaha Blue or Tech Titanium.

2025 Yamaha Ténéré 700 Top Features