Yamaha Just Made One of the Best Adventure Bikes on the Market Even Smarter and More Capable

For 2026, the top-spec Ténéré 700 benefits from some critical tech along with a slew of refinements to the components and touch points.

Close-up of a white and red Yamaha Tenere 700 adventure motorcycle with black accents by the ocean.

By Gray Van Dyke

Published 4 hours ago

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Since its introduction in 2018, the Yamaha Ténéré 700 has become a true authority of the adventure bike segment on account of its rugged build quality, dependable simplicity and go-anywhere capability.

Not content to settle there, Yamaha then took the bike to even greater extremes with the World Raid spec (forbidden fruit in the United States). Thanks to tweaks like a larger fuel tank and some added suspension travel, it made for an even more adept mount off the beaten path.

Motorcyclist wearing black and white gear riding a black and red adventure motorcycle on a rocky dirt trail. — A six-axis IMU will help riders keep the World Raid upright over even the sketchiest of surfaces.

Now, however, the Tuning Fork brand has just unveiled an update to the Ténéré 700 World Raid that promises to be one of the most impactful changes to the model yet.

A complete system overhaul

That’s because it amounts to a total system update. For 2026, Yamaha is treating the Ténéré 700 World Raid to a host of changes inside and out.

Red, black, and silver Yamaha Tenere 700 adventure motorcycle parked on rocky ground with ocean and mountains in the background. — The changes aren’t especially noticeable from a visual perspective, but they’re impactful updates nonetheless.

The most notable of those being a six-axis IMU and ride-by-wire throttle. In the case of the former, this means that the bike will now be able to adjust everything from engine output and traction control to ABS behavior based on lean angle.

Moreover, in conjunction with Yamaha’s Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T), this addition allows the Ténéré 700 World Raid to offer multiple ride modes, power settings and ABS configurations. While it’s no longer the analog bike that it used to be, it will give riders more control than ever.

Close-up of a Yamaha motorcycle digital dashboard showing gear in neutral, fuel gauge full, speed 0 km/h, and off-road mode indicators. — The Ténéré 700 World Raid abounds with ride modes and options to fine-tune the experience.

That’s not all. As part of the 2026 overhaul, Yamaha is also treating the bike to some upgraded suspension in the form of some new fully adjustable 46mm KYB forks and a fresh KYB rear shock. Along with revised spring and damping specs, the changes also increase shock stroke for improved performance.

Add to that standard creature comforts like cruise control and a speed limiter, a full-color TFT display, as well as some revised touch points at the bars and pegs, and the result is an update that takes the venerable T7 to new heights.

White and red Yamaha Tenere 700 adventure motorcycle parked on dirt with mountains and ocean in the background. — It’s no longer the analog offering that it once was, but the Ténéré 700 World Raid will be markedly improved for 2026.

What in the World?

Even before this update, Yamaha’s Ténéré 700 represented the cream of the ADV bike crop. However, if you’re in the United States, you may not be familiar with the up-spec model. What’s a World Raid, anyway?

In short: an even more hardcore T7. Yamaha introduced the model in 2022 as a sort of factory special equipped with all the necessary modifications for long-haul off-road performance.

Close-up of a Yamaha Tenere 700 World Raid motorcycle front side with black and white fairing and red accents. — Some upgraded KYB forks will help smooth out the ride up front.

So, even though it’s powered by the same 72-horsepower 689cc CP2 engine as the base model, this means that it rolls with additional suspension travel, nearly 50 percent more fuel capacity (up to 6.1 gallons between the two tanks), and a taller windscreen.

What’s more, you’ll also find that the World Raid comes with a flat, two-piece seat, an Öhlins steering damper and various other refinements.

With the rise of feature-packed adventure bikes like the Aprilia Tuareg and the KTM 390, the model needed some tweaks to justify its positioning, and Yamaha has managed to deliver solutions to common criticisms.

Rider in black and gray gear on a red and white Yamaha Tenere 700 motorcycle on a desert road. — The 2026 Ténéré 700 World Raid promises to make an already capable adventure bike even better.

Forbidden American fruit

Unfortunately, even with the 2026 update, the World Raid will remain out of reach for buyers in the United States. Assuming you’re located in other parts of the world, however, the model will begin to hit showrooms next year.

It will be available in both ‘Redline White’ and ‘Midnight Black.’ Yamaha has yet to announce pricing, though you can visit its website to learn more about the bike ahead of launch in the meantime.

White, red, and black Yamaha Ténéré 700 adventure motorcycle with knobby tires and a tall windshield.

2026 Yamaha Ténéré 700 World Raid

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About the Author: Gray is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, motorcycles and anything else with wheels. When he’s not chasing the latest industry news, he’s probably wrenching on one of many projects. For better or worse, he believes classics make perfectly practical daily drivers.

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