BEater than the Yamaha Ténéré 700, only one travel enduro has sold since 2020, the boxer GS from BMW. This is a huge achievement for the Japanese. In order to expand this further, they pushed a version called World Raid after the puristic Ténéré 700. The engine is unchanged, but designed for off-road, more comfortable, better equipped and electronically upgraded a bit. Tank and range are also larger – and of course the basic price increases, namely by 2300 euros to 13,074 euros.
The modifications make sense, because the two-cylinder engine, which continues to deliver 73 hp and 69 Nm, conveyed the feeling during our journeys on country roads of all categories and off-road routes of different levels of difficulty that there was far from the end on the horizon. Like a GS, it activates the sense of travel around the world. Fill up every 500 kilometers and that’s it. Long service intervals and solid workmanship also make long journeys easier.
890 mm seat height
As before, this Ténéré version is strictly functional: electronics only where it makes sense. The ABS, which can now be switched in three stages, is convincing – normal control as standard, but you can also release the rear wheel or even both wheels. Also new is the 5-inch TFT display enthroned upright in the cockpit, easy to read and also able to connect with the smartphone. In the Raid display mode, the device even allows roadbook navigation with two trip meters using the Yamaha app. There aren’t any other electronic gimmicks that are common these days: driving modes (not necessary), traction control (never missed), cruise control (sometimes useful), quick shifter (it would be nice). If required, the smartphone can be stored under the pillion seat in a padded and dust-protected compartment with a USB port; This is impractical if the rear seat is loaded with luggage. A real minus, on the other hand, is the knurled wheel for setting the on-board computer on the right of the handlebars. The pressure point can hardly be felt, especially when driving off-road, and dust also makes operation more difficult. The too short plunger on the side stand is also impractical.
Apart from that, there is vain joy, which also includes the equipment plus. It is primarily found on the chassis: 20 millimeters longer suspension travel (230 millimeters at the front, 220 millimeters at the rear), fully adjustable spring elements from the KYB brand, a steering damper that can be adjusted in 18 stages, plus a higher disc and a slightly wider front for more comfort. The revised seat with long-distance qualities serves the same purpose. The seat height grew by 15 millimeters to a truly stately 890 millimeters, which is not a big problem in practice because the bench is quite narrow. From about 1.70 meters tall, at least the toes of the boots make contact with the ground.
A sleek, sleek adventure bike
With the 500 kilometers in a row – conceivable with a standard consumption of 4.2 liters – it is nothing in practice: Firstly, the Ténéré encourages you to accelerate, secondly, consumption increases significantly in off-road use; we recorded a consumption of 5.1 liters per 100 kilometers. Extraordinary: The two flat tanks with a total volume of 23 liters, concealed on the left and right by the side panel, are filled via two tank nozzles.
Even with an increase in weight of 16 kilograms – the World Raid weighs 220 kilograms – the second version of the Ténéré is a slim, lithe adventure motorcycle. Anyone who likes to travel, including unpaved paths, is well advised to do so. Minimalism at a high level is offered.