Yamaha Tenere 700: An Exciting Adventure Bike on the Horizon for India

Yamaha Tenere 700 Expected Launch in India

The buzz about Yamaha launching the Tenere 700 in India has been growing for quite some time. Recent reports say that this adventure bike (ADV) was displayed at the Bharat Mobility Expo in January 2025. Although news about the project has surfaced since last year, Yamaha has not officially confirmed anything yet. Many biking enthusiasts are eagerly waiting for this bike to hit the Indian roads, as it is one of the most awaited models in the adventure motorcycle segment.

Manufacturing and Pricing Challenges

Currently, the Tenere 700 is made only in Japan and France. For the Indian market, Yamaha is considering bringing the model made in Japan. This means the bike will be sold as a Completely Built Unit (CBU). Unfortunately, this comes with its own set of challenges—mainly high import duties, which could make the bike expensive for Indian buyers.

In contrast, some competing brands like Triumph, Ducati, and BMW bring their bikes from Thailand, benefiting from a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This strategy allows them to avoid hefty taxes, making their bikes more attractive price-wise. This could pose a significant challenge for Yamaha when it comes to pricing the Tenere 700 attractively for the Indian market.

Performance and Specifications

The Yamaha Tenere 700 is celebrated for its straightforward and effective approach to enduro riding. It features a 689cc parallel-twin liquid-cooled engine, which produces around 72 brake horsepower (bhp) and 68 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. The bike is paired with a 6-speed gearbox that enhances its performance further.

Suspension and Braking System

In terms of suspension, the ADV comes with fully adjustable 43mm upside-down (USD) forks at the front. The rear features a mono-shock that allows for both preload and rebound damping adjustments. The Tenere 700 uses wire-spoke rims—21 inches at the front and 18 inches at the rear—which are robust and suitable for off-road adventures. For safety, disc brakes are installed at both the front and rear to ensure effective stopping power.

Technology Features

When it comes to technology, the Tenere 700 does not disappoint. It features a 6.3-inch TFT instrument cluster that connects with smartphones via Yamaha’s free Y-Connect app. This app offers turn-by-turn navigation powered by Google Maps, making it easier for riders to find their way. The ADV also includes ride-by-wire technology and offers two riding modes: Sport and Explorer. Additionally, it comes with a selectable traction control system that can be turned on or off, providing riders with greater control based on their experience level or riding conditions.

Pricing and Competitors

If all goes as planned, the Yamaha Tenere 700 could be on Indian roads by the end of 2025. The expected price range is around ₹14-15 lakhs (ex-showroom). In the middle-weight adventure bike segment, it will compete with models such as the Honda XL750 Transalp, Suzuki V-Strom DE, and Triumph Tiger 900. Each of these bikes offers unique features and performance capabilities, making it essential for Yamaha to offer compelling advantages to appeal to potential buyers.

Summary of Key Features

To summarize, here are the notable features and specifications of the Yamaha Tenere 700:

• Engine: 689cc parallel-twin liquid-cooled
• Power: 72 bhp, 68 Nm peak torque
• Gearbox: 6-speed
• Suspension: 43mm USD forks (front), mono-shock (rear)
• Wheels: 21-inch front, 18-inch rear wire-spoke rims
• Brakes: Disc brakes at both ends
• Instruments: 6.3-inch TFT display with smartphone connectivity
• Riding Modes: Sport and Explorer
• Traction Control: Selectable on/off

The anticipation surrounding the Yamaha Tenere 700 indicates a promising future for adventure biking in India. Whether you are a seasoned biker or someone looking to explore the world of adventure riding, the Tenere 700 could very well be on your radar as it prepares to make its mark in the evolving two-wheeler market.