The Yamaha Tenere 700 Extreme: For When You Need to Go Off-Roading and Get Extreme

Yamaha’s latest adventure bike takes things up a notch for riders who want to unleash their inner off-road daredevil

Have you ever looked at your average adventure bike and thought, “You know what this needs? More extreme.” If you have, then Yamaha has answered your unspoken prayers with the all-new Yamaha Tenere 700 Extreme. It’s like the regular Tenere 700, but cranked up to eleven on the off-road scale. This bike is for those who scoff at mere dirt trails and laugh in the face of gravity, and if you’re one of those thrill-seekers, the Extreme is here to fuel your two-wheeled adventures.

Extreme Makeover: Off-Road Edition

Before we dive into the madness that is the Yamaha Tenere 700 Extreme, let’s talk about its predecessors. The standard Tenere 700, launched in 2019, was already a beast of an adventure bike, but Yamaha decided that it needed a few more tricks up its sleeve. Hence, the World Raid, Rally Edition, and World Rally variants came into existence. They may have had names that sounded like they should be racing the Paris-Dakar, but they were all about off-road prowess.

The Tenere 700 Extreme might not have a name that screams competition, but it’s all about off-road credentials. According to Yamaha, it’s designed for “riders with motocross or enduro experience who want added performance for the most challenging off-road terrain.” In other words, it’s not your grandmother’s scooter.

A Seat in the Clouds

One look at the Tenere 700 Extreme, and you’ll notice it’s not your average adventure bike. The seat height is cranked up to a mind-blowing 910mm. To put that into perspective, it’s roughly the height of a polar bear (well, not really, but you get the point). This seat height is 20mm higher than the World Raid edition that was turning heads back in 2021. If you’re not used to scaling mountains on your motorcycle, you might need a stepladder to mount this beast.

Suspension That’s Anything But Extreme

But fear not, because when you’re tackling the gnarliest trails, you need some serious suspension. The Extreme doesn’t disappoint in this department. It sports fully adjustable KYB suspension on both ends, a 43mm Kashima-coated fork at the front, and a piggyback rear monoshock. These aren’t just regular shocks; they’re the kind that make you feel like you’re gliding on a cloud of marshmallows. The wheel travel at the front and rear is 20mm more than the standard Tenere 700, which means your bike will eat potholes for breakfast.

Size Does Matter (When It Comes to Ground Clearance)

Of course, it wouldn’t be extreme if it couldn’t clear the way for itself. The Tenere 700 Extreme boasts an impressive 260mm of ground clearance. That’s 20mm higher than the standard Tenere 700 and ensures you won’t be leaving any bits of your bike behind on rough terrain. Rocks, tree roots, and your neighbor’s garden gnomes will all be conquered by the sheer might of your Extreme.

The Tank Is Running on Empty (For a Reason)

One might expect a bike with “Extreme” in the name to carry an oversized fuel tank for epic journeys. But surprise! The Extreme goes against the grain and features a smaller 16-liter tank. Why, you ask? Well, less gas means less weight, and less weight means you can perform even more extreme stunts, of course. With a wet weight of 203kg, it’s 17kg lighter than its World Raid and World Rally cousins. Those extra 17kg could be the difference between a jump that’s legendary and a jump that’s legendarily painful.

Ergonomics and Style to Match

Apart from all the extreme upgrades, the Tenere 700 Extreme also packs some style and ergonomic enhancements. The footrests now offer a 35% larger surface area, ensuring your boots have a comfy place to call home. The front mudguard is raised and color-matched to the ‘Icon Blue’ paint scheme, making it a fashionable off-road conqueror. And the spoked wheels? They’ve been given the Midas touch with gold anodization.

Extreme Tech for Extreme Riders

But it’s not all brute force; the Extreme has brains too. It comes with an aluminum mesh radiator protector, a chain guide (because chains need guidance too), and a five-inch TFT display with a ‘roadbook’ mode for navigating the wild. With the left-side switch cluster and trip switch, it’s like having a control panel from a sci-fi movie at your fingertips.

So, if you’re one of those riders who dreams of off-road escapades that would make Evel Knievel raise an eyebrow, the 2024 Yamaha Tenere 700 Extreme might just be the steed you’ve been waiting for. With a release across Europe in 2024, it’s time to get ready to put the “extreme” in adventure. Contact Yamaha for pricing and availability, and gear up for the ride of your life. Just make sure your seatbelt…I mean, seat height, is adjusted accordingly.