Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) has officially launched the new Yamaha Ténéré 700 in Malaysia, reinforcing its commitment to the growing adventure touring segment. The updated middleweight adventure motorcycle arrives with meaningful upgrades aimed at riders who prioritise freedom, exploration, and the confidence to venture beyond paved roads.
Market Momentum Meets Rider Ambition
The launch comes at a pivotal time for Malaysia’s big bike market. According to Mr Loh Heng Choy, newly appointed Managing Director of HLYM, the above 500cc segment is expanding rapidly—with adventure motorcycles in the mid-weight category gaining particularly strong traction.
“The big bike segment in Malaysia is experiencing strong growth, with total industry volume increasing significantly from 2024 to 2025. More importantly, the above 500cc segment is expanding rapidly, with the adventure category particularly in the mid-weight range gaining strong momentum. This trend reflects a growing desire among riders to travel further and explore more interesting places.”
The Ténéré 700 is positioned to capitalise on this shift, offering a balanced proposition of long-distance comfort and genuine off-road capability—catering to both weekend explorers and serious overlanders.
Under the Skin: The EU5+ CP2 Powerhouse
At the heart of the 2026 Ténéré 700 lies the latest EU5+ compliant 689cc CP2 engine. While retaining the beloved crossplane character, the engine has been refined for the new regulations and rider expectations. It produces a peak power of 54 kW (approx. 72 hp) at 9,000 rpm and 68 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm.
HLYM highlights several mechanical refinements beyond the introduction of the Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T):
- Smoother Gearshift: The transmission has been tuned for easier shifting under load.
- Improved Ergonomics: A redesigned clutch cover offers better legroom when riding seated or standing.
- Efficiency: Fuel consumption is rated at 4.0 L/100 km, with CO2 emissions at 93 g/km.
Riders can tailor this power delivery via two distinct ride modes: SPORT, for sharper throttle response, and EXPLORER, which smooths out the delivery for technical terrain or long-distance touring.
Chassis and Suspension: Rally-Bred Confidence
The new Ténéré 700 retains its Double Cradle Tubular Steel Frame, prized for the ideal balance of strength and lightness, contributing to a wet weight of 208 kg.
Significant attention has been paid to suspension travel and adjustability, crucial for the “no boundaries” promise:
- Front: 43mm upside-down telescopic forks, now fully adjustable with a new preload adjuster, offering 210mm of travel.
- Rear: A link-type suspension featuring a fully adjustable shock with a piggyback reservoir, providing 200mm of travel.
- Ground Clearance: A commanding 240 mm ensures capability over rough obstacles.
- Braking: Stopping power is managed by dual 282mm hydraulic discs at the front and a single 245mm disc at the rear.
Electronics and Connectivity
The cockpit has been modernised with a 6.3-inch colour TFT display that supports Yamaha’s Y-Connect system. Through the smartphone app, riders can access turn-by-turn navigation, phone call notifications, and music control directly on the dash. Two display themes (Sport and Explorer) allow for visual customisation, while a standard USB Type-C port ensures devices stay charged on long expeditions.
Safety electronics have also been expanded. The bike features a 3-mode switchable ABS system:
- Fully On: For paved roads.
- Fully Off: For experienced off-road riders.
- Front Wheel Only: Allows the rear wheel to lock for dirt braking control while retaining front wheel stability.
This is paired with a switchable Traction Control System (TCS) and new intuitive switchgear, including a 5-direction joystick for menu navigation and auto-canceling indicators.
Design and Ergonomics
Visually, the bike debuts in a single striking colour: Adventure Blue. The bodywork features a new rally-bred quad LED headlight for superior night visibility.
Ergonomically, the fuel tank has been redesigned to sit lower and further forward, improving weight distribution and off-road control. This is paired with a new flat rally-style seat (875 mm height), which allows riders to move freely and shift body weight easily across changing terrain. The fuel capacity remains generous at 16.0 Litres.
Pricing and Availability
The Yamaha Ténéré 700 is priced at RM58,998. The motorcycle comes with a 2-year or 20,000 km warranty (whichever comes first).
HLYM states this pricing reflects its commitment to making adventure touring more accessible and enabling more riders to own a capable machine built for exploration.
CarTok Editor’s Note
The Ténéré 700’s arrives at a strategic inflection point. While the adventure segment has traditionally been dominated by premium European marques, Yamaha’s calculated enhancements—particularly the introduction of YCC-T, EU5+ compliance, and fully adjustable suspension with a piggyback reservoir—demonstrate how Japanese manufacturers are leveraging proven architectures to deliver premium-feel electronics without premium pricing.
At RM58,998, the new Ténéré 700 undercuts European rivals while closing the electronics gap—YCC-T, ride modes, and a proper off-road ABS mode. For Malaysian riders, the value proposition is clear—proven CP2 reliability, Yamaha’s extensive service network, and now, genuine trail capability without the premium badge tax.
