Off-road and ADV (adventure) riders have been asking for years for a good middle-weight on-road/off-road bike, and the new 2021 Yamaha Ténéré Adventure 700 might just be it. First, let’s define “middle-weight” as weighing in at under 500 pounds wet, with twin cylinders for a smoother ride, and enough suspension travel and ground clearance to leave the pavement.
There are plenty of great dual-sport bikes good for both on- and off-roading but some of us don’t have the skills to jockey a 500-plus-pound bike over rocks and mud ruts. Can’t there be something in between a dirtbike and a GS? Something that would be perfect say, for the Backcountry Discovery Routes? For me—barely 5’6” tall and 135 pounds—this means a bike that I can not only lift easier but one that doesn’t feel like trying to kick an elephant into gallop mode. I also want the bike to be capable of carrying luggage, feel safe on BDR secondary roads (i.e., handles well at speed and has a windscreen), and comfortable for long days in the saddle.
Is the 2021 Yamaha Ténéré Adventure 700 my next bike? Is it yours? Let’s have a look!
2021 Yamaha Ténéré Adventure 700
under $10,000 MSRP
Specs:
- 8-valve, fuel-injected
- 698cc
- Upright, parallel-twin motor
- 74 horsepower
- 11:5:1 compression ratio
- Seat height 34.4 inches
- 2 gallons fuel capacity (approx. 235 miles, and 56 mpg)
- 452 pounds wet
- 4-inch ground clearance
- Suspension: 8.3 front, 7.9 rear
Pros:
- CP2 engine (compact and low vibration)
- Specific ECU settings, exhaust and cooling system, air box, final gear ratio at 46/15 cooling
- Yamaha is known for reliability and low-maintenance
- First valve check at 24,000 miles
- Well-balanced
- Comfort and off-road settings
- Tractors well in second gear
- Smooth linear power
- 21-inch front wheel, 18-inch rear
- 36-spoke wheels
- Anti-squat feature: front sprocket at a steeper angle for swing arm (helps drive rear wheel into the ground and transfers weight to the front wheel better, unique to Yamaha)
- Narrower rally bike feel
- Simple console features (might be a con for some riders)
- Adjustable suspension, adjust to your size and weight
- Wide footpeg included
- Rally-inspired windscreen and LCD display (easy to view when standing and sitting)
- Crossbar has room to mount other electronics
- Two knobs behind the windscreen allow the rider to adjust the four LED headlights
Cons:
- No removable sub-frame
- Some riders find the side panel digs into their knees
- Seat height too tall for some riders
- Heavier riders may need to swap springs
- Small rear brake pedal
- Finishing features on the cheap side: i.e., handguard brackets, grips, clutch and brake levers, footpegs
- Anti-squat feature, although a pro, is also a con when the swing arm comes down low enough to catch on obstacles and hit the rear wheel at a more impactful angle
- No pre-load suspension for forks
- No center stand
- No heated grips
Summary: For the money, the Yamaha Ténéré 700 Adventure is a great value bike for those looking for a middle-weight on/off-road ADV bike.
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