Six Months on the T7: Yamaha Tenere 700 Long Term Review

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Been my unicorn for the last 27,000 miles and 11 BDR's. I'll be riding it for LAB2V this weekend. Couldn't imagine taking another bike on the stuff I've been doing. Oh, and not a single mechanical failure during that time.

It is so refreshing to hear someone talk honestly about not needing electronic rider aids. The tenere 700 now has a lot of competitors and for the most part they are all computers on 2 wheels.

I agree with everything you said in this very thoughtful video, except possibly the seat comment. However, I stand up a lot when riding this bike and have kept most highway rides shorter than 2-3 hours. Like you said, I was one that was looking forward to buying one ever since I test rode one in 2019, and I got frustrated trying to buy one in 2022. I'd put down a deposit at a local dealer for Feb/March and nothing came in by May when riding season was well underway. So, I went to the Aprilla dealer nearby and they had 3 Tuaregs so I bought one of those. The Tenere showed up the next day, so I ended up with one of each. I put ~2000 miles on each, mostly BDR and TAT type of riding in Virginia, WV, and PA. In the end, I only wanted to keep one and went with the Tuareg knowing that the Tenere would be easiest to sell-I sold it for just about the out the door price. Then, knowing the risk of a poor dealer network and a not yet established reliability record for the Aprilia, I rode the Tuareg from VA to NM and AZ, and then wanted to head up to WY to do that newly announced WY BDR. The Tuareg developed starting problems in Colorado just before getting into Wyoming and I had to rent a U Haul to bring it back home. I brought it to my dealer where it has been for almost two months now. They say they've got it started ok, but that it still isn't running right. Ironically, I went back to riding my DRZ400 for the end of the 2022 season and when picking up some maintanence items discovered that my yamaha/suzuki dealer got one more unexpected 2022 Tenere in their inventory in October --- So, I just bought another Tenere 700, maybe the last 2022 in the Virginia area? The main difference to me between the Tenere and Taureg, off road is that magical swing arm configuration of the Tenere that makes it feel like a real dirtbike--- it is so fun off road and does feel like a DRZ400, a big DRZ for sure. The Tuareg never put that smile on my face the way the Tenere does --- I very much like the Tuareg's cruise control for the long stretch of interstate I did on my way out to the Rockies.... too bad it didn't get me to the WY BDR or home : ( I hope somebody finds this useful as it's been a bit of a bit of a slog trying to get the "perfect" midsize do-it-all adventure bike. I should say, I grew up in the South West riding dessert bikes and love those long cross country off road rides going as fast as I can without risking damaging falls (mechanical or physical... ; ) Most days I am successful, but definitely not always. Both bikes need a good bash plate and crash bars in my view. Everything else is personal preference.

If you can find it, though it is becoming a little more common. Still a little too tall and heavy for me. I would also like to say that the true unicorn motorcycle is the motorcycle that makes you want to ride every road and make new roads.

I started riding motorcycles 3 years ago and I bought the Tenere 700. I have done 2 long trips and weekend rides. My first trip I left from Quebec to Vancouver for a distance of 10300km in 12 days and the second I left Quebec to Alaska via Pruedhoe Bay (Dalton Highway) and Tuktoyaktuk (Dempster highway) for a total of 18941km in 22 days. This bike is perfect. Never had a problem. This bike is so simple that I do all my maintenance myself. Brakes, valve check, bearing swingarm, wheels, sprocket chain etc. It has plenty of tutorial to learn. It is now at 54000km. Next trip Quebec to Colorade to climb as many passes as possible. Duration of the trip 21 days. I look forward to next summer. Thanks for your video. I love my T7

I started riding 3 years ago on a 2006 KLR and got my hands on a 2022 t7 this summer. What an amazing ride on and off-road. You nailed the pros and cons for sure. It's definitely top heavy but not really anything I think about while riding. So far the only time I've dropped mine was unloading it from my truck when I brought it home lmao. I was nervous, excited, and just rushed backing it down the ramp and it went over in the grass. First scuff on the exhaust without putting a single kilometer on it lmao

Thanks for the review, I'm 72 and need a lighter bike though, I wish they came out with a Tenere 350-400 under 300 lbs.

I was on the list at my dealership for 14 months, finally got it last month, well worth the wait ! This is a damn good motorcycle.

I must say you where spot on with the T7. Thank you for the honesty. I was torn between this and the transalp. A t7 fell in my lap new 23 model and I love it. I love everything it is and isn't just like you put it!

Hey Ben, You are better at packing more meaningful information into a given time slot, and somehow making it entertaining, than anyone else on the www. Keep up the great work! I gave up looking for a T7 and bought a new KLR instead. It's perfect for my slow deliberate pace!!

Hey there! After extensive research and sleeping on it and much of that is thanks to your honest opinions i picked up my 1st adv bike...and chose the t7. This is a new life being introduced to me as ive grown up around harleys and other cruisers. Branched into sport bikes as well. But there was a "go anywhere at anytime and not have to turn around " feeling i was looking for! Thanks for the efforts you put into reviews and keeping it casual. It really helps weigh the options!

I've owned my T7 for almost exactly a year now, and I think you're spot on with this review. The engine is more than strong enough but won't pull your arms out like the KTM, Desert X, etc. The engine noise is AWESOME, and I love knowing the bike will reliably get me anywhere I need to go which I don't feel about the KTM. I think it rides just fine on road contrary to what others say. Off road is very good, but the weight and top-heaviness make it more prone to tipping. Most of the mods I've done are just for protection: Camel high-exhaust, Heed Bunker crash bars are very strong, Camel skid plate, and Bark Busters. Camel kickstand spring is about an $8 fix to an annoyingly floppy kickstand. Adjustable windshield is very useful, and a rear luggage rack gives you options for a tail bag or top case. Love the bike, and I plan to keep it for years to come!

I own a gs1200, a T7and a CRF300. and love them all. the gs is a great tourer, the T7 that one bike that does it all and the crf300 make me go to places i wouldnt try with the t7 because of weight. But i agree the t7 ist great. I need the crf300 to learn harder offroad because i cant pick up the t7 10 times in one day, thats how bad a rider i am.

I have a 2021 T7, and commute with it daily. Amazing bike, spot on review. I wouldnt trade mine for anything, and the CAMEL ADV tank was a stellar upgrade. Perfectly designed for the coming apocalypse in Cali. Keep up the great work!

I had my dealer on watch when they released them. I got to test ride the first one they ever got. A boy do i regret not buying it. I was just getting back into riding after a 7 year spell.

DR650 is considered "heavy" but is about 80 pounds lighter than the Tenere which is considered "light. Both have some overlap as far as usage.

I have had my T7 for 18 months. Very accurate review. I am also a larger rider. Added springs front and rear, lowered 20 mm. Seat Concepts with an Air Hawk is about perfect. I did just install the Acerbis 22 L tank. Think I am done with farkles except for the brake pedal from Camel Adventure.

Had the pleasure of renting a Tenere 700 in South Africa and Botswana. Perfect bike for riding in the sands and bush of Africa. Never really noticed the top heaviness and the power delivery and stability were spot on for the sandy conditions. Spongy rear brake and seat my only niggles. Excellent review that highlighted the appeal of this bike.👍

I own a Tenere 700. It fell in my lap and I brought it on Tuesday of this week. Love it. Super duper capable. I was worried it wouldn't be as capable as it ended up being.