2021 YAMAHA TENERE 700
R I D E R E V I E W
P66
Suspension components are KYB
units front and rear inspired by the
Yamaha YZ and WR lineup of off-road
machinery. A 43mm fork offers over
8.25 inches of travel (210mm) with
compression and rebound click damp-
ing adjustors and fork-top air bleeders.
The shock is an aluminum KYB unit
with a piggyback reservoir and tool-free
preload adjustment via a handy, click-
ing knob. It also has compression and
rebound clickers and gives 7.87 inches
of travel (200mm). The shock connects
to the aluminum swingarm via linkage.
Running gear consists of 21/18-inch
front/rear wheel sizes in tube-only
setups. There are no tubeless wheels
available. Stock tires on our test bikes
were Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR M+S—
a more street version of the Pirelli
Scorpion Rally.
The front wheel features dual
282mm front wave discs with Brembo
brake calipers, and the rear has a
single 245mm disc with Brembo com-
ponents. All brakes are synced to a
switchable on-road ABS system that is
easily turned off (while stopped) for off-
road use via a single on-dash button.
As far as electronics, ABS is about it.
Yamaha brought a host of off-road
bolt-ons to the Tenere 700. The alumi-
num skid plate hovers over the 9.44-
inch ground clearance (240mm) as
off-road-style pegs feature removable
rubber inserts for more peg traction.
Wrap-around-style handguards provide
digit coverage from bugs and the oc-
casional tip-over (I would know). Wrap-
ping up the highlights is an adjustable-
height front low-fender and smartly
integrated handholds under the rear
We're liking the $9999 price tag.
