Yamaha Tenere 700: A Comprehensive Long-Term Owner’s Review with 66,000km

Introduction

When it comes to adventure riding, the Yamaha Tenere 700 is a name that is often mentioned in conversations among enthusiasts. As avid adventurers ourselves, we were intrigued by the capabilities of this bike and decided to put it to the ultimate test. We have now completed over 66,000 kilometers on our beloved Tenere 700, and in this comprehensive long-term owners review, we will share our experiences, modifications, and overall impressions of this remarkable machine.

Reliability and Performance

We have done more than 66,000 km on the Tenere 700.

The first thing worth mentioning is the enormous mileage we have covered on our Tenere 700. The bike has been our loyal companion for two years, and during this time, we have traveled to various terrains and challenging conditions. From rocky mountain trails to sandy deserts, the Tenere 700 has never let us down.

We bought the bike 2 years ago for a little under €10,000 without modern electronics.

One of the reasons we were drawn to the Tenere 700 was its simplicity. We purchased the bike two years ago for just under €10,000, and it does not have all the modern electronic features found in some adventure motorcycles. While this lack of advanced electronics might be a downside for some, we appreciated the straightforward design that allowed us to focus on the sheer joy of riding.

The bike has proven to be reliable and has had no issues in 66,000 km.

Throughout our extensive journey, the Tenere 700 has proven to be incredibly reliable. It has tackled all the challenges we threw at it, including bumpy off-road trails and long stretches of highway. Not once did we encounter any significant mechanical issues. This level of reliability gave us the confidence to push the boundaries of adventure riding.

Modifications

We modified the suspension for better performance on dirt roads.

To enhance the already impressive off-road capabilities of the Tenere 700, we decided to make some modifications. One of the first modifications we made was to the suspension. We wanted to ensure better performance on dirt roads, so we adjusted the settings to provide a smoother ride over uneven terrains. This modification significantly increased our confidence when venturing into challenging off-road conditions.

The engine delivers 72 horsepower, which is sufficient for our needs.

In terms of performance, the Tenere 700 packs a punch. Its 72 horsepower engine delivers ample power for our adventurous needs. Whether we were cruising down the highway or conquering steep inclines, the engine’s performance never left us wanting for more. It provided the perfect balance of power and fuel efficiency, allowing us to cover long distances without worrying about frequent refueling stops.

We made minimal modifications for long-distance riding, including a bash plate, handguards, rear handles, and a high exhaust.

For long-distance riding comfort, we made a few minimal modifications to the bike. First, we added a bash plate to protect the engine from rocks and debris. This simple addition gave us peace of mind when navigating rough terrains. Secondly, we installed handguards to shield our hands from wind and flying objects. These handguards were a game-changer, particularly when riding at higher speeds.

We also added rear handles to provide better support for our gear. These handles allowed us to securely strap on our luggage without worrying about it shifting during off-road excursions. Lastly, we opted for a high exhaust to improve ground clearance. While the high exhaust worked perfectly and gave us the extra space we needed on uneven surfaces, we did notice that it resulted in slightly louder exhaust notes.

We removed the lower crash guards as they made the bike look bulky.

As owners who value aesthetics, we made the decision to remove the lower crash guards. While they provided an extra layer of protection, we found that they made the bike look bulkier than we preferred. However, it is important to note that this is a personal preference, and the crash guards did offer significant protection. Weighing the pros and cons, we decided to prioritize the sleek and streamlined appearance of the bike.

Conclusion

After spending thousands of kilometers on the Yamaha Tenere 700, we can confidently say that it is a reliable and capable adventure motorcycle. It has proven its mettle through challenging terrains and long-distance journeys. With a few modifications to suit our specific needs, the Tenere 700 has become our trusted partner in exploration.

If you are an adventure enthusiast in search of a reliable and powerful bike, the Yamaha Tenere 700 should definitely be on your radar. Its simplicity, robustness, and performance make it a worthy companion for any adventure, whether you’re tackling rocky mountains or cruising down the open road.

So, set your sights on new horizons and embark on remarkable adventures with the Yamaha Tenere 700. The possibilities are endless, and this exceptional machine will be there every step of the way.