Group test
Yet another version of the capable, popular and test-winning twin. And it’s a corker
Just when you thought Yamaha’s Ténéré 700 couldn’t spread its appeal any wider, along comes a sixth variant – the Explore – to kick the doors open to yet another market.
This new model slots somewhere in the middle of the Ténéré’s range, which currently works for a broad spectrum of buyers – from day-to-day pleasure riders to full-on cross-continental thrill seekers. Yamaha hope the Explore will grab the attention of serious tourers who do most of their riding on tarmac. Additionally, the Explore should appeal to those who find adventure bikes too tall and cumbersome, thanks to a seat height which is 15mm lower than that of the Ténéré 700.
For Bruce, the reduction in seat height is a welcome update. ‘I find the standard Ténéré a bit of a handful in slow traffic. I’m on tiptoes at junctions and traffic lights. And as for off-road – forget it. But the Explore is easier in the same scenarios, although the panniers still get in the way when I’m getting on and off.’
Said panniers are an option – you can choose between soft bags or hard cases, an additional £740.50 and £899 respectively – although the luggage mounting rack comes as standard. Other differences that define the Explore are revised spring rates front and rear, with 20mm less wheel travel to improve on-road handling, particularly when carrying a pillion or luggage. Remote rear preload adjustment too. A new sidestand compensates for the shorter suspension, there’s a taller screen with 50% more surface area, and a standard-fitment quickshifter (up changes only). They take the price to £10,806 and, Yamaha claim, all aid practicality and comfort.
‘I’m impressed by the suspension tweaks,’ chirps Bruce after experiencing the Ténéré for the roughest section of a 100-mile A and B-road loop. ‘A sportsbike would have rattled my fillings out along those roads, but this thing just glides over imperfections and potholes with very little fuss. Stability starts to decay when it’s really pushed, particularly through high-speed direction changes. But it never threatens to get slappy. For me, the ride is a strong eight out of 10.’
Let’s go with at least a nine for the engine, then. Yamaha has used its 689cc parallel twin unit across a wide range of models, but it’s arguably best suited to the Ténéré. Lively, engaging, punchy throughout the range, and perfect for off-road too, it’s a powerplant that works perfectly in tandem with the Explore’s chassis.
‘You can see why Ténéré 700s are so popular,’ says Bruce, again full
