Yamaha’s Ténéré 700 has only been around a few years but already it’s gained a cult following. The peppy mid-sized Adventure bike offers everything you could need for road riding and mug-plugging. It is fast-becoming the one Adventure motorcycle that gets bought for its off-road ability and regularly taken off-road.
The new 700 first arrived on the scene in the form of the T7 Concept, which was displayed at various motorcycle shows towards the end of 2016. The actual model, the XTZ690 Ténéré 700, was introduced 18-months later and unlike most concept-to-reality stories, the Ténéré 700 looks almost identical to the original T7 Concept.
The Tenere 700 carries on Yamaha’s long-standing and incredibly popular range of dual-purpose motorbikes. Some would argue that the XT500 started it all, racing at the very first Dakar in 1979. Then came the XT600 in the mid 80s, which has a similar silhouette to the modern Ténéré 700 but of course, it was a single-cylinder engine.
In the late 80s, Yamaha were notching up victories at various events, like the Dakar, on the XT660Z, while works teams were trying to go faster by using engines such as the four-cylinder FZ750 engine. While the FZ made more power, it was heavier and unreliable.
Along came Yamaha’s answer, the XTZ750, the first Super Ténéré. A twin-cylinder 750, that had more top end than the 660 and more reliability than the road-bike-based FZ750-engined Dakar bike.
Since then, Yamaha have experimented with, and entered, all sorts of bikes into long-distance off-road events, with the Paris-Dakar being the jewel in the crown. As the year progress, the hard-as-you-like Dakar entries get closer and closer to resembling the new Tenere 700. Just look at the silhouette of Yamaha’s WR450 entry(pictured above) from 2002, to see how closely the T7 Concept bike resembles this sand-munching monster.
A brief model history
Launched in May 2019, the Tenere 700 uses the same 689cc 4-stroke CP2 engine first seen in the incredibly popular MT-07. Yamaha have put this engine to good use in other models, including the XSR700 and Tracer 700. The Tenere 700 is the last bike to use this well-proven engine.
It has a seriously tall 875mm seat height, ruling out all but the tallest of riders. If you’re under 5’8″, you’re going to struggle. The motor makes a healthy 72bhp (at least three-times more than anyone could ever need off-road) and 50ftlb of torque, which is enough to pull you up the steepest inclines or maintain a comfortable motorway cruising speed.
2020 saw the introduction of the new Rally model, which isn’t as hardcore as some would have liked. It sports a snazzy new paint job, and a host of extras from the Yamaha parts catalogue, including, an Akrapovic exhaust, a bash plate, rad guard, off-road grips, a ‘Rally’ seat and a few other trinkets.
If you want to unleash a bit more ‘Dakar spirit’ you can flash your ECU to unlock quite a bit more power. With a pipe, air filter and a flash you can get over 15bhp and 10ftlb additional torque.
Yamaha Tenere 700 tyre sizes
At its introduction in 2019, the Ténéré 700 came with 90/90 R21 front wheel and a rear tyre size of 150/70 R18. Being an adventure bike, the Tenere 700 comes with spoked wheels not cast and was fitted with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres. The later Rally edition comes with exactly the same wheel sizes and Pirelli tyres a not a more knobbly off-road orientated tyre as you might expect.
Some owners like to fiddle with tyre sizes and many claim that switching from the 150/70/18 to a 140/80/18 has a few benefits, including: cheaper tyre prices, a reduction in pinch-flats due to the fact the tyre profile is around 5% taller and they also claim narrower tyre offers better off-road traction.
The tyre price part is true but the other parts are hard to prove. The slightly narrow tyre MAY help off-road traction in some circumstances but for the average rider, it’ll be hard to feel. You could also argue that tyre wear on a narrower tyre will be faster, due to the fact that less rubber is having to deal with the same amount of weight. The differences are minimal.
Never the less, if you want to run a 140-section rear tyre on your Tenere 700, you can.
You need tubes…
We have over 500 inner tubes in stock at any time. We stock Avon, Bridgestone, Continental, Michelin, normal tubes, heavy-duty ones… you get the idea. If you want to take a look at our full range of motorcycle inner tubes, just click the link.
If you’re buying Michelin Road & Trail inner tubes you need a 21MD front and 18MG rear.
Heavy Duty Fail
We get a lot of questions about heavy-duty tubes. The short answer is, if you’re riding on a road at speeds in excess of 50mph, don’t fit heavy-duty tubes. Yes, they might be more puncture resistant but they’re heavy (around 1.2kg per tube vs 400g for a normal tube) and they will overheat at road-going speeds and likely fail (the tube tends to tear at the valve). So the heavy duty tube you fitted, thinking you were going to make your bike puncture proof, will end up leaving you stranded.
Fit normal tubes and just keep your pressures right. If you do want a slightly beefier tube, check out the reinforced ones, but again, for road riders, these aren’t necessary.
Every Tyre You Can Fit To A Yamaha Tenere 700
Below we have split all the tyres you can fit onto your Tenere into the most common categories. From 100% road riding, to 80% off-road and everything in between.
TOURING / HIGH MILEAGE
If you’re heading off on a European adventure or if you’re commuting or clocking up motorway miles, a modern Touring tyre is the answer. They give you great handling, due to the fact the majority are dual compound, with a hard-wearing central belt and softer shoulders for more edge grip. No tread blocks, so they’re quiet and don’t vibrate, meaning they are all-day comfortable. They’re also excellent in the wet and offer a fast warm-up in all conditions. All 21″ fronts are cross-ply and the majority of 150/70-18 rears are radial.
Anlas Winter Grip +
The Anlas Winter Grip + is quite possibly the best all round motorcycle winter tyre available. A very stable and predictable M+S rated tyre it’s also made in sizes suitable for both street and adventure bikes. This one is a great choice if you need a pair to see you through the winter months. Both sizes tubeless and V rated.
Avon Roadrider Mk 2
The new version of Avon’s original Roadrider, a popular tyre for commuters and riders of retro bikes but they’re available in a huge range of sizes and will fit the Tenere 700 and can be run tubeless.
ContiGo
Quite possibly the largest range of sizes available in any tyre type. The Conti Go range covers bikes 50cc tiddlers to 1100cc monsters. Great quality and performance. You can run this tubeless on the Tenere 700, with a V rear and H front.
Our Pick
The Anakee Road is the much-anticipated road-focused tyre for Adventure bike riders. Essentially it has a very similar carcass to the Michelin Road 6 but with a tread pattern that’s more suited to Adventure bikes. And unlike the Road 6, it’s available in Adventure-bike tyre sizes.
ADVENTURE / I LIKE THE OFF-ROAD LOOK
Anlas Capra R
The Anlas Capra R is the ‘does it all’ choice sitting between the Capra RD and the Capra X. It can handle tarmac and unpaved equally well. A very well priced Adventure spec tyre in sizes suitable for the smaller capacity bike like the T7 as well as the big continent crunchers. Both sizes tubeless and V rated (but can be used with a tube) .
Avon Trailrider AV53 + AV54
Avon’s Trailrider, an 85% road and 15% off-road based tyre. Lot’s of silica for the wet and M+S rated for the winter. These are the replacement for the Avon Gripster. Both sizes tubeless (but can be used with a tube) and V rated.
Bridgestone A41
New for 2018 the Bridgestone A41 replaced the A40. With a huge choice of sizes and OE fitments available in sizes suitable for bikes as diverse as the 3 wheeled Yamaha Niken to Ducati’s Scrambler with its unusual 18″ front fitment along with all the common Adventure sizes. A great road/trail tyre. Both sizes tubeless (but can be used with a tube) and V rated.
Continental Trail Attack 3
Our Pick
Continental’s Trail Attack 3 replaced the popular Trail Attack 2. A tyre made for the tarmac but also capable of a little bit of dry off road action. Lot’s of choice in the sizes available including ones to fit 17″ wheeled bikes. Both sizes tubeless (but can be used with a tube) and V rated.
Dunlop Trailmax Mixtour
A road-focused Adventure tyre that’s probably for you if you ride 90% road, 10% light trail. It won’t do the really muddy stuff but it’s a cracking road tyre for those on a budget.
Dunlop Trailsmart Max
Now replaced by the Trailmax Meridian, the Trailsmart Max was the second version of the original Trailsmart. Dunlop stated it a 90% road 10% off road tyre but lot’s of owners have praised it’s off road capabilities and even going as far as saying it’s a more 80% road 20% off road tyre. Both sizes tubeless (but can be used with a tube) and V rated.
Dunlop Trailmax Meridian
The Trailmax Meridian was released in 2020 as the replacement for the Trailsmart Max. It has a very unusual tread design named the ‘ice axe’ which gives it a 10% off road and 90% road bias. Initial reports are a nice turning tyre with very stable handling. Both sizes tubeless (but can be used with a tube), rear is Z rated and front V rated.
Metzeler Tourance Next
The Tourance Next was the replacement for the Tourance EXP which superseded the classic original Tourance. These have never had the appeal of the original, we think partly because of the more road oriented tread pattern. Both sizes tubeless (but can be used with a tube) and V rated.
Metzeler Karoo Street
A good choice if you do a little bit of dry green laning, the Karoo Street is so much better on road than the more blocky deeper treaded alternatives whilst also looking the part. Both sizes tubeless (but can be used with a tube), H rated rear, front either H or V rated.
Michelin Anakee Adventure
The Anakee Adventure was released in 2019 to replace the Anakee 3. A more off road looking tyre then the Anakee 3, still retaining superb tarmac grip due to it’s high silica content and 2CT dual compounds on the rear tyre. This one will make your Adventure bike look and also feel the part. M+S rated. V speed rated both sizes and can be used either tubeless or with a tube.
Mitas Terra Force R
The Terra Force is a 90% road / 10% off road offering from Mitas. It has a high silica content making it excellent in the wet. V rated both sizes and also tubeless but can be used with a tube.
Pirelli Scorpion Trail 2
Replacing the original Scorpion in 2015 the Pirelli Scorpion Trail 2 comes with dual compound rear giving great mileage. Nice steering and turn in make this a good choice if you enjoy ‘getting it over’. BMW, KTM and Ducati all have bikes using this one as an original fitment. V rated front and rear. Both sizes tubeless but can be used with a tube.
ADVENTURE / I RIDE THE ODD TRAIL ON THE WEEKEND
A halfway house between the A41 (the OEM tyre on a lot of popular Adventure bikes) and the AX41 (an extreme knobbly Adventure tyre). The AT41 is designed for Adventure bike riders who like to head off the beaten path when they can. It has the typical good road manners of a Bridgestone but with a sure-footed feel on light off-road and trails.
Continental TKC70
If you need a tyre capable of a bit of mud bashing and tarmac mile munching the TKC70 could be the one for you. 70% off-road and 30% road bias this could be the perfect choice for your T700. These are also M+S rated, H rated front and rear and tubeless (but can be used with a tube).
Continental TKC70 Rocks (Rear tyre only)
New for 2020 the TKC70 Rocks comes in a rear fitment only for now, designed with improved off-road capabilities without sacrificing on road grip over the original TKC70 rear. Mix it with a TKC 80 front if mud is your thing! S rated and tubeless (but can be used with a tube).
Dunlop Mission
M+S rated T speed rating both sizes, tubeless (but can be used with a tube).
Mitas E10 Front
The Mitas E10 is a 60% off road, 40% on road tyre, big blocks with large spacing to disperse the mud and water off road. Tubeless design and rated to to 118mph.
Mitas E 10 Explorer Rear
The perfect match for the E10 front, the E10 Explorer rear is a 70% off road / 30% road based tyre. Designed for tubeless use it also has a speed rating of 118mph.
Motoz Tractionator GPS
The Motoz Tractionator GPS offers big mileage and a 50/50 split between dirt and tarmac. The rear tyre is even designed to be universal in rotation offering a choice of superb off road traction or smooth tarmac cornering. Tubeless fitments (but can be used with a tube). S speed rated.
Pirelli MT90 A/T
This come as standard on adventure bikes like the KTM 950 Adventure. They’re an older tyre now but still very popular. For the Tenere 700 these are V rated front and rear, both tubeless (but can be used with a tube).
Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR
Our Pick
These are the standard fitment for the Tenere 700 and Tenere 700 Rally. The Pirelli Rally STR is great going from upright to right over. There is a bit of block movement but not a massive amount, a very good tyre if you like the look of knobblies but also enjoy riding hard on the tarmac. Marked up M+S, V speed rated and both sizes tubeless (but can be used with a tube).
OFF-ROAD / I’M GENUINELY GOING TO GET LOST
Anlas Capra X
The Capra X is real Adventure Bike tyre, capable of the most extreme off-road routes. Mileage is very good for such a blocky tyre, we’ve heard users on big GS’s get around 5k on the rear and a little more on the front with mixed usage. Both sizes tubeless and T speed rated.
Bridgestone AX41
The AX41 is Bridgestone’s Adventure off-road tyre. Suitable for even the muddiest conditions and having excellent block rigidity which is what you want when riding on the tarmac to get to the mud! Lot’s of sizes available suitable to fit 50cc bikes up to the 1260cc beast that is the Ducati Multistrada Enduro. Both sizes M+S rated and tubeless (but can be used with a tube).
Continental TKC80
The TKC80 is the poster-boy for knobbly adventure tyres. It’s not a great road tyre but it can handle the muddy stuff with ease. For a more road-based knobbly try the TKC70 or even Conti TrailAttack 3. For the Tenere 700 the rear is available in tubeless or tube type fitment, front available in S tube type or T tubeless.
Dunlop D908 RR
Road legal desert Race tyre, perfect for your Honda Africa Twin or new Yamaha Tenere 700, these will take you across the Atlas mountains without breaking a sweat. Front and rear are S speed rated and are tube type tyres.
Heidenau K60 Scout
A Mud & Snow rated Adventure bike tyre, that curiously features a different tread pattern depending on the tyre size and profile. A tubeless fitment, it’s a good option for road-riding Adventure bikers who like the rugged off-road look. Both sizes M+S rated and tubeless (but can be used with a tube). T speed rated.
Kenda K784 Big Block
Our Pick
We rate the Kenda for a few reasons. Firstly, Kenda are motocross experts – they have won multiple championships in the USA. The K784 is a great alternative to the more well known and costlier mud movers. Both sizes M+S rated and tubeless (but can be used with a tube). The other reasons we rate the Kendas are the price, which is very good and the availability. Kenda have their stock sorted out and while other manufacturers have struggled for the past two years, Kenda, being slightly under the radar, haven’t suffered with supply issues. Finally the Big Blocks do the business. They’re a brilliant off-road capable tyre with decent road manners. We’ve fitted loads of these and our customers haven’t looked back.
Metzeler Karoo 3
One of the most popular Adventure bike tyres, the Karoo 3 is used by the BMW Off-Road school and is a popular choice for Adventure bike riders who like to take on the odd trail or green lane. Both sizes tubeless (but can be used with a tube). We thought the new Tenere 700 Rally would come with a pair of these fitted but they stuck with the same tyre as the standard model.
Michelin Anakee Wild
The knobbliest Michelins you’ll get this side of a Dakar bike, the Anakee Wild is the next step up from the Anakee Adventure and has deep tread blocks. It’s a tyre with a huge off-road bias and not a recommended fit for road riding. Available in tubed and tubeless sizes and they’re Mud & Snow rated.
Mitas E07+
The E07+ is the improved version of the original E07, it offers a much more rounded profile helping the bike tip in. A 50/50 tyre.
Motoz Rall Z
Made in Thailand and very popular in Australia the Motoz RallZ is a cross between a desert race tyre and a long distance adventure tyre. 90% off road, 10% on road.
Motoz Tractionator Adventure
25% road and 75% off road use are what the Tractionator Adventure are designed to deal with. Having a deeper tread block these offer exceptional performance in the snow and slush.
We’re here to help you
Here at Two Tyres, we’re Adventure motorcycle tyre specialists. We ride in all weathers, on all types of bikes. We occasionally get very muddy and we fall off, a lot.
Got any questions? Give us a call on 0207 205 2205 and we’ll be happy to help.
About Two Tyres
Our mission is to ensure we listen to every customer’s needs and ensure they’re riding on the right tyre. Out of the showroom, your motorbike is a compromise, designed to suit a huge range of riders and riding conditions. To get the best out of your bike in terms of handling, performance and safety, tyres make all the difference. In fact we think it’s the most cost-effective performance enhancement you can make!
We are based in London where we supply and fit motorcycle tyres and consumables in our workshop. We also mail order motorcycle tyres around the UK, across Europe and even to places as far-flung as the USA, Canada and Japan.
Need help choosing the best tyres?
Choosing tyres can be tricky. We’re here to help. We hold direct accounts with every motorcycle tyre manufacturer, so we’re well placed to give comprehensive and honest advice to help you choose the best tyres. If you can’t quite make your mind up, give us a call on 0207 205 2205 and we’ll help you narrow down your choices.
We are motorcycle and scooter tyre specialists, with over 25 years in the trade. Between us we fit 10 pairs of tyres a day in our workshop, so we have good real-world experience of what works and what doesn’t.
We ride to work, we ride for fun, we race and ride off-road. If it’s got two wheels, we’re into it.
Give us a call or drop into our London motorcycle workshop and we’ll do our best to help you.
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We’re confident this is the best motorcycle pressure gauge out there. That’s why it comes with a 3-year, no-nonsense, money back guarantee.
Whether you want a digital tyre pressure gauge or a good old-fashioned analogue pressure gauge, we’ve got a gauge for you. Now you can quickly and easily check your pressures, to keep your bike handling well and to ensure you stay safe.
Here at Two Tyres, we stock more than just tyres. Take a look at some of our essentials for any biker.
Motorcycle puncture repair kit – Our top-rated kit includes everything you need to carry out a roadside repair and get back up and running.
Motorcycle tyre pressure gauge – Our tyre pressure gauge has been rated in RiDE magazine and features a clever design to make it easy to get accurate readings.
Motorcycle first aid kit – a DIN-rated first aid kit that’s compact and also includes extras that are handy for any biker. A must-carry in some EU countries.
HyperCharge battery charger – The HyperCharge is a smart charger that can charge lead-acid and lithium batteries and it’ll charge bike and car batteries too.
Cordless tyre pump – Small enough to fit in your luggage, this tyre pump doubles as a powerbank, so you’ll never have a flat tyre or phone battery again!
All of these products have been well tested and are top-rated by our customers.
