By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Adventure
Yamaha Tenere 700 Explore (MY2024) vs Tenere 700 (DM07)
On a rocky climb, the Yamaha Tenere 700 Explore carries almost no rider aids, and there's little wiring out there to go wrong. The 2019 Yamaha Tenere 700's tall front wheel doesn't snag on the ledges. Its long-travel suspension soaks up each hit.
What makes each one tick
Tenere 700 Explore
Down on its lowered chassis, the Explore keeps your boots within reach of the dirt from a comfortable seat at 33.9 in (860 mm). There's nothing but a plain cable between the grip and the twin. Its twin answers every twist.
2019 Tenere 700
Barely off idle, there's already real grunt pulling from the 2019 Tenere 700's crossplane twin. A bump on Kane Creek works the fork and shock deep into their stroke, and the bike doesn't wander off its line. The steel cradle shrugs it off.
Nils rode the 2019 Tenere 700 in 2020, in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2021, and in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Pyrenees in 2022 (NastyNils Testride).
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The 2019 Tenere 700 has the lower wet weight: 452 lb (205 kg) vs 465 lb (211 kg).
- Quickshifter: standard on the Tenere 700 Explore, not offered on the 2019 Tenere 700.
- Smartphone Connectivity: standard on the Tenere 700 Explore, not offered on the 2019 Tenere 700.
Which one for the way you ride
On the dirt, commuting, twisty roads, long days, and running costs, these two are a wash. That's where your budget and your inseam get the final say.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
Tenere 700 Explore
What owners say
Strengths
- Smooth, reliable CP2 engine
- Simple, no-nonsense electronics
Trade-offs
- Lacks modern electronics
2019 Tenere 700
What owners say
Strengths
- Engaging CP2 parallel-twin engine with broad torque
- Outstanding off-road capability for a middleweight adventure bike
- Simple, analog character with minimal electronics
- Excellent value for money
Known problems to check before you buy
Tenere 700 Explore
No confirmed faults on file yet. That's not the same as fault-free.
2019 Tenere 700
- Front brake caliper mounting bolt recall (select 2022 models) Recall 23V472000 Certain 2022 Ténéré 700s were assembled with incorrect front brake caliper bolts (thread length too short). Repeated removal could damage threads, risking caliper detachment and brake failure. Yamaha recall #990168 / NHTSA 23V-472 affects 211 US units built July–Aug 2022.
What they share
- Displacement
- 689 cc
- Engine
- Parallel twin
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Power
- 73 hp (54 kW)
- Peak power at
- 9,000 rpm
- Torque
- 50 lb-ft (68 Nm)
- Fuel capacity
- 4.2 US gal (16 L)
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Chain
- Fork
- Upside-down (USD)
- Front brake
- 282 mm
- Front tire
- 90/90-21
- Rear tire
- 150/70-18
Where the spec sheets split
| Tenere 700 Explore | 2019 Tenere 700 | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 33.9 in (860 mm) | 34.4 in (875 mm) |
| Wet weight | 465 lb (211 kg) | 452 lb (205 kg) |
| Tenere 700 Explore | 2019 Tenere 700 | |
|---|---|---|
| Peak torque at | 6,600 rpm | 6,500 rpm |
| Tenere 700 Explore | 2019 Tenere 700 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy | 57 mpg (US) / 4.16 L/100 km | 55 mpg (US) / 4.3 L/100 km |
| Tenere 700 Explore | 2019 Tenere 700 | |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | 8.9 in (225 mm) | 9.4 in (240 mm) |
| Front travel | 7.5 in (190 mm) | 8.3 in (210 mm) |
| Rear travel | 7.1 in (180 mm) | 7.9 in (200 mm) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Tenere 700 Explore | 2019 Tenere 700 | |
|---|---|---|
| Quickshifter | Standard | Not offered |
| Smartphone Connectivity | Standard | Not offered |
| USB Charging Port | Standard | Not offered |
| Luggage System | Option | Not offered |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
