Yamaha updates Ténéré 700 for 2025
By Ben Purvis
Yamaha's Ténéré 700 is already a frontrunner in the middleweight adventure class and for 2025 it gets the biggest update we've seen yet including a rationalised range to remove confusion around the previous lineup.
In 2024 there were six different Ténéré 700 models - the base Ténéré, the Ténéré Explore, Ténéré Extreme, Ténéré World Raid and Ténéré World Rally. While the 'World' models with their larger fuel tank remain unaltered at the moment, the Explore and Extreme are discontinued for 2025, and instead there's the simple choice of the base Ténéré or a new Ténéré Rally.
Previously, despite its name, the Explore was actually a low-seat version. That now simply becomes an option for the standard Ténéré. That means the Ténéré Rally replaces the Ténéré Extreme as the more serious offroad version of the bike.
Both 2025 variants get the same engine changes, notably including the adoption of a ride-by-wire throttle system that means you gain a choice of different throttle maps - 'Sport' or 'Explorer' - as well as switchable traction control. Peak power and torque are unchanged at 54 kW and 68 Nm but Yamaha claims better low-end response.
Frame alterations are limited to additional strengthening in a few areas, while the suspension is upgraded to make the standard Ténéré's 43mm forks and rear shock fully adjustable. The Rally model, meanwhile, gets 20 mm longer suspension travel, matching the 230mm front and 210 mm rear of the previous Ténéré Extreme.
Tracer 9 gets Y-AMT
The new Y-AMT semi-automatic transmission is spreading rapidly though Yamaha's range - having been launched earlier this year on the MT-09 - and the Tracer sports-tourer is probably the most logical application of the system so far.
It's part of a wide-ranging set of improvements for 2025 including impressive technology upgrades on the range-topping GT and GT+ variants.
The range is set up so the standard Tracer 9 is the most basic version, keeping the toys and tech to the minimum, so it can't be had with the Y-AMT box. The GT model has the option of either manual or Y-AMT versions, while the GT+ is available only in Y-AMT semi-auto form, and all GT variants benefit from semi-active electric suspension and, for the first time on any motorcycle, an LED matrix headlight.
New chassis and tech for 2025 MT-07
It's been a decade since Yamaha's MT-07 shook up the market for affordable middleweights with a combination of ability and price that was hard to match. For 2025 it's had the biggest update since its launch with a complete redesign including a new chassis and improved engine as well as the addition of a semi-auto transmission option as Yamaha expands its Y-AMT gearbox technology that was adopted by the MT-09 earlier this year.
The engine changes match those on the Ténéré, which uses the same 'CP2' twin, adding ride-by-wire throttles that open the door to new features including multiple riding modes, switchable traction control and different throttle maps.
The engine bolts to a completely new frame, claimed to be 12-13% more rigid than the last version and no heavier than before, weighing just 14.8 kg. At the back there's a new swingarm, and like the larger MT-09 the MT-07 now uses Yamaha's patented Spinforged wheels, reducing their weight. The front suspension, previously built around conventional forks, is swapped for inverted forks with new triple clamps to match and four-piston radial brake calipers. to match and four-piston radial brake calipers.
