Adventure motorcycle enthusiasts in India have a reason to rejoice Yamaha is officially bringing the globally acclaimed Tenere 700 to Indian shores in October 2025. Known for its rugged reliability, Dakar-inspired design, and off-road-ready DNA, the Yamaha Tenere 700 has earned a cult following in Europe and America. Now, with the growing popularity of the ADV segment in India, Yamaha aims to make a bold statement with this mid-weight dual-sport beast.
The launch of the Tenere 700 marks Yamaha’s entry into the premium adventure motorcycle segment in India, offering a motorcycle built for real-world exploration, trail riding, and long-distance touring. Here’s a complete breakdown of what to expect from the Tenere 700, including design, specs, features, expected pricing, and how it stacks up against rivals.
Rugged Rally-Inspired Design
The Tenere 700 draws its styling inspiration directly from Yamaha’s Dakar rally machines. It features a tall, aggressive stance with a signature four-LED headlamp cluster housed in a rally-style fairing. The high front fender, wide handlebars, and upswept exhaust emphasize its readiness for hardcore adventure.
The bodywork is slim and functional, designed to allow easy movement while riding off-road. A large skid plate protects the underbelly from rough terrain, while the high ground clearance and tall seat height reflect its pure-bred off-road capability.
The upright riding position, long-travel suspension, and narrow waist make it equally comfortable for city traffic, highway rides, and dirt trails.
Engine and Performance
At the heart of the Tenere 700 is a 689cc parallel-twin engine, the same CP2 motor that powers the MT-07. This engine produces around 72.4 bhp at 9,000 rpm and 68 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm.
The CP2 engine is known for its linear power delivery, tractability at low revs, and lively mid-range punch. These characteristics make it ideal for dual-purpose use—whether you’re climbing rocky trails or cruising at 120 km/h on highways, the Tenere delivers smooth, dependable performance.
The 6-speed gearbox is slick and comes with a slipper clutch, reducing rear-wheel hop during aggressive downshifting a useful feature for trail and gravel riding.
Off-Road Focused Suspension and Chassis
Yamaha has built the Tenere 700 on a lightweight, double-cradle steel frame, offering a great balance between rigidity and flexibility. Suspension is one of the bike’s strong points:
- 43 mm USD front forks with 210 mm travel
- Monoshock rear with 200 mm travel, preload and rebound adjustable
This setup is designed for serious off-road abuse and performs equally well on bumpy Indian roads. With a ground clearance of 240 mm and a seat height of 875 mm, the Tenere means business when the road ends.
The bike rides on 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoke wheels, wrapped in dual-purpose tyres. This setup gives it authentic off-road geometry that few rivals can match.
Braking and Safety
Braking duties are managed by:
- 282 mm dual front discs with Brembo calipers
- 245 mm single rear disc
The bike comes with switchable dual-channel ABS, allowing riders to turn off rear ABS while riding off-road—an essential feature for trail riding and loose surfaces.
Other safety features include:
- Engine kill switch
- Hazard lights
- Side-stand engine cut-off
- Sturdy handguards for lever protection
The focus remains on offering essential safety aids while keeping the off-road soul pure and interference-free.
Instrument Cluster and Electronics
The Yamaha Tenere 700 maintains a minimalist and rugged electronic suite in line with its adventure character. The bike gets a vertically oriented LCD instrument panel, offering:
- Digital speedometer
- Gear position indicator
- Trip meters and fuel gauge
- Average fuel economy
- Clock and temperature readings
For purists, this no-frills approach is welcome it keeps distractions at bay and ensures high visibility even in dusty or wet conditions. A TFT screen may be added in an India-specific variant, depending on market demand.
The Tenere 700 doesn’t come with ride-by-wire throttle, traction control, or multiple riding modes choosing instead to deliver a raw and connected experience. Yamaha may, however, introduce some electronic aids in future models or as optional upgrades in the Indian version.
Fuel Tank Capacity and Mileage
One of the biggest advantages of the Tenere 700 is its touring range. The bike features a 16-litre fuel tank, and thanks to its efficient parallel-twin engine, the real-world mileage is around 23–26 km/l.
This translates to a touring range of nearly 350–400 km, ideal for long-distance travelers who don’t want to stop frequently for fuel. Whether you’re planning Ladakh rides, jungle trails, or coastal road trips, the Tenere can handle the distance with ease.
Comfort and Touring Readiness
Despite its off-road capabilities, the Tenere 700 is designed for all-day comfort. The narrow seat allows easy foot placement for taller riders, while the tank shape offers good grip during standing rides. Long-travel suspension and an upright riding triangle ensure reduced fatigue over long journeys.
Optional touring accessories expected at launch include:
- Pannier mounts and aluminum luggage
- Taller windscreen
- Center stand
- Heated grips
- USB charging port
These accessories will allow the Tenere to be customized for hardcore adventure travel or minimalist weekend escapes.
Expected Price in India
The Yamaha Tenere 700 is expected to be priced around ₹11.5–₹12.5 lakh (ex-showroom) in India. Yamaha is likely to import it as a completely built unit (CBU) initially, with possible CKD (completely knocked down) assembly later to reduce costs.
Though priced at a premium, the Tenere offers unmatched off-road capability and a global reputation for reliability and performance. It will be pitched against:
- KTM 790/890 Adventure
- Suzuki V-Strom 800DE
- Honda Transalp XL750
- Triumph Tiger 660
- BMW F850GS (higher range)
The Tenere will appeal to purists who value simplicity, durability, and off-road confidence over flashy electronics.
Final Verdict
The Yamaha Tenere 700 is not just another adventure bike it’s a purpose-built machine that thrives where the road ends. With Dakar heritage, bulletproof reliability, and go-anywhere geometry, it’s ideal for Indian riders who crave real adventure and raw motorcycling experience.
As it prepares to launch in October 2025, the Tenere 700 promises to bring a breath of fresh air to India’s ADV scene. If you’re serious about off-roading, cross-country riding, or building your dream overland tourer, this Yamaha deserves a spot on your shortlist.
