We often look to Europe for a preview of what’s coming to America. The latest motorcycle to fire our imaginations is the 2024 Yamaha Ténéré 700 Explore. It’s a more accessible, touring-focused version of the dirt-friendly adventure motorcycle that was an immediate cult hit in the United States when it debuted in 2021. We joined in with our extensively modified Ultimate Motorcycling Yamaha Ténéré 700 Project Bike. With that in mind, let’s explore what the Explore variant is all about.
- The 2024 Yamaha Ténéré 700 Explore has shorter suspension travel than the standard version. The 43mm inverted KYB fork has 7.5 inches of wheel travel, while the rear wheel moves over a 7.1-inch arc. In both cases, that’s three-quarter-of-an-inch less than the standard edition. The spring rate is firmed up to accommodate the extra weight of luggage.
- With the shorter travel comes a lower seat height, though it’s still fairly tall. The Explore’s seat height is just over a half-inch closer to the ground than the standard Ténéré. That means the seat height on the Explore is a hair under 34 inches.
- Ground clearance is reduced by a half-inch compared to the standard Ténéré. There is still 8.9 inches of daylight under the Explore.
- To reduce fatigue on longer rides, an up-only quickshifter is standard.
- A larger windscreen adds to the touring practicality. There is 50 percent more real estate on the Explore’s screen, as it’s both taller and wider.
- Mounts for side cases are standard on the 2024 Yamaha Ténéré 700 Explore. The owner gets to choose either hard or soft Genuine Yamaha side cases, though they are additional-cost accessories.
- The changes add 12 pounds to the weight of the Ténéré 700. The Explore registers 465 pounds on the scales with the 4.2-gallon fuel tank filled.
- There are four other Yamaha Ténéré 700 variants that we still want to see in America—the World Rally, World Raid, Rally Edition, and Extreme. C’mon, Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA!
- The 2024 Yamaha Ténéré 700 Explore comes in one color—Tech Kamo, with model-specific graphics. Arrival dates in various countries and prices are not yet available.
2024 Yamaha Ténéré 700 Explore Specs
ENGINE
Type: Crossplane crankshaft parallel twin
Displacement: 689cc
Bore x stroke: 80.0 x 68.6mm
Maximum power: 72 horsepower @ 9000 rpm
Maximum torque: 50 ft-lbs @ 6500 rpm
Compression ratio: 11.5:1
Valvetrain: DOHC, 4vpc
Transmission: 6-speed
Final drive: Chain
CHASSIS
Frame: Double-cradle steel-tube
Front suspension; travel: Fully adjustable KYB 43mm inverted fork; 8.3 inches
Rear suspension; travel; Link-assisted spring-preload and rebound-damping adjustable KYB shock; 7.9 inches
Wheels: Wire-spoke
Tires: Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR
Front tire: 90/90 x 21
Rear tire: 150/70 x 18
Front brakes: 282mm discs w/ Brembo calipers
Rear brake: 245mm disc w/ Brembo caliper
ABS: Standard
DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES
Wheelbase: 62.6 inches
Rake: 27 degrees
Trail: 4.1 inches
Seat height: 33.9 inches
Ground clearance: 8.9 inches
Fuel capacity: 4.2 gallons
Estimated fuel consumption: 57 mpg
Curb weight: 452 pounds
Color: Tech Kamo
2024 Yamaha Ténéré 700 Explore Price: €TBA MSRP
