A brave new World
Yamaha’s successful T7 turns into the new globe trotting Raid. At a price… World
We love Yamaha’s Ténéré 700. Its combination of agility, affordability and rugged off-roadability made it a favourite for journeys that include trails and tracks.
The new World Raid version of the T7 moves the concept on, but also pushes the price up too. Big distance is not a problem for the uprated bike as its new, twin-filler tanks boost capacity to 23 litres (up from 16 litres), increasing range to a claimed 300 miles. The outboard design of the twin tanks means the system sits lower than on the standard bike, allowing a redesign of the bodywork and seat. This keeps the centre of gravity close to that of the original bike, despite the extra mass.
On the road you do notice the increased load when changing direction quickly, while the large frontal area and weight also blunt high-speed acceleration slightly. Riders with long legs will feel them splayed more but off-road low-speed balance is barely affected. Keen trail riders have complained about the standard T7 suspension since the bike’s launch. Their moans have been two-fold: the first being a lack of travel and the second a lack of control thanks to soft spring and damping. The World Raid addresses this with higher-spec 230mmtravel KYB forks, now fully-adjustable with revised internals and a low-friction coating. There’s also a new rear shock linkage for more travel at the rear.
It’s a welcome improvement. The bike rides the bumps well on the road, but can also hit things faster and harder off-road, where its plush damping irons out hard going, while the extra travel and softer bump stops mean really hard terrain is much less punishing.
New footrests are wider than before, and ease fatigue during long periods standing up. A flatter seat allows you to move forward and backwards easier. The seat is in two pieces, allowing the removal of the rear section to facilitate the fitment of luggage or a rack. A new Öhlins steering damper is there to help with the wobbles and weaves ( though we had it backed right off). There is also a new airbox designed to reduce chances of dirt ingress and a stronger bash plate. A new 15mm-taller screen works very well, too.
No TC, no riding modes, just like before, but the ABS has had some tweaks. As well as having full ABS for the road, you get the option of front-only and fully off, which should please the extreme off-roader set. In reality, most riders will be happy with the front left on for trail riding. Fuel injection response is very good and predictable at small throttle openings, while the lack of traction control wasn’t really a problem, even over some tricky terrain during our 200-mile test. I have to say, however, that not having cruise control on a bike with a 300-mile range is an odd omission.
The WR’S new five-inch TFT has been designed for this bike and has connectivity. You get the choice of three visual themes and there is also a new roadbook-style screen with countdown tripmeters. It is simple and easy to use, including swapping between display modes, although the display is smaller than you’d want. The dash can also communicate with your phone via Yamaha’s MYRIDE app, displaying text messages and call alerts. There is no facility for navigation. However, the aluminium bar above it allows you to attach a satnav or smartphone. There’s a USB port, too. This is still the ‘old’ Ténéré 700, which is a good thing. You’ve still got that same joyful, willing CP2 motor (though now dealing with more weight) and a chassis that works well on road. But you also have a bike that’s better suspended off-road, can cover huge distances without re-fuelling and has a level of build quality, trinkets and toys that make it feel more special. But you also have a price that pushes it into KTM 890 Adventure R territory.
SPECIFICATIONS
Price £11,800 Engine 689cc DOHC parallel twin Power 72bhp Torque 50lb.ft Top speed 100mph (est) Rake/trail 27°/105mm Wheelbase 1595mm Kerb weight 220kg Seat height 890mm Tank size 23 litres Economy 55mpg Colour Blue/black and black Available Now Bike verdict Some will criticise the bike for its lack of rider-aids, but the WR coped with everything we threw at it – and the simplicity is attractive. Building a stock Ténéré to this level would cost more than the £1900 premium you pay for a World Raid, but it looks a bit pricey for a 700. Bike rating 9/10
‘Still the ‘old’ Ténéré 700, which is a good thing… but now better off-road and it can cover huge distances without refuelling’