YAMAHA TENERE 700
FIRST REVIEW
P96
to make the CP2 engine even more suitable to
ADV-duty, the power system features a few more
customizations that make this truly a unique-to-
Tenere platform.
A dedicated off-road style exhaust system
keeps the MT-07 downpipe header style and
blends a rally-inspired high-pipe muffler exit, a
dedicated under seat airbox optimizes fuel flow
into the engine so the algorithms can meter the
right amount of O2 and elevates the airbox out of
river-crossing's danger zone. A higher-capacity
cooling system is fitted to keep the bike cool in
the slower going of off-road, and the final drive
ratio on the sprocket tooth counter is 15/46T.
During our day-and-a-half aboard the Tenere
700, the CP2 engine was the star of the show. It
really is a blast to ride and seems a perfect choice
for an all-terrain fun fest. The motor barks off-idle
with a healthy, I'll-have-rocks-for-lunch growl. It
pulls so nicely through the bottom and midrange,
and the top-end doesn't disappoint for overtak-
ing the occasional Iberian ham-ladened livestock
truck. It's certainly not a horsepower monster, but
it does have ample pull and excitement to keep
things lively even though you can tell it's entirely
engineered to be a smooth operator.
We pulled the rubber out of the footpeg right
away—after all, we're super cool off-road guys, and
the motor's vibration is not an issue even in full
enduro mode (sans rubber in pegs). The harmon-
ics of the engine are there, just not in an annoying
frequency and they certainly don't thump you to
death on a long day.
In off-road scenarios, the engine can clearly
shine. We were undoubtedly traction-challenged
due to the more road-oriented Pirelli Scorpion Rally
THE TENERE IS FAR FROM INTIMIDATING.
