Yamaha Ténéré 700 Test Ride Malaysia – Torquey, Nimble & Finally Smarter
First Ride: Sg Buloh to Gamuda Cove – Real Roads, Real Feedback
Right after the official launch, we didn’t waste time — we took the new Yamaha Ténéré 700 (T7) straight onto real Malaysian roads.
The route?
From Hong Leong Yamaha Sg Buloh → twisty trunk roads → Gamuda Cove → and back.
No showroom talk. No spec sheet riding. Just actual road feel.
And this is where the T7 starts to make a lot of sense.
First Impressions – “This Bike Has Character”
“The first thing you feel is the torque. The bike just pulls — very responsive, very alive. It’s not intimidating, but it’s definitely exciting.”
The CP2 engine has always been a strong point — but now with YCC-T (ride-by-wire), it feels:
- Smoother
- More precise
- More refined when rolling on throttle
Especially noticeable when exiting corners on those tight trunk roads.
Through the Twisty Roads – Surprisingly Nimble
For a tall, off-road-focused machine, it felt:
- Light on its feet
- Easy to flick into corners
- Stable mid-corner
- Confidence-inspiring on uneven road surfaces
“What surprised me most is how nimble it is. You don’t fight the bike. You ride it.”
That’s important — especially for Malaysian riders dealing with:
- Tight B-roads
- Patchy tarmac
- Sudden elevation changes
The New Electronics – Simple But Effective
The addition of YCC-T and 2 riding modes is a game changer for the T7.
SPORT Mode
- More aggressive
- Sharper throttle
- Perfect for spirited riding
EXPLORER Mode
- Smoother delivery
- More forgiving
- Ideal for long rides or slippery conditions
RC’s take:
“The riding modes are not just gimmicks. You can actually feel the difference — especially when the road conditions change.”
And importantly — Yamaha didn’t overcomplicate it.
You still get that raw, mechanical connection, just with better control.
Real-World Comfort & Ride Feel
On longer stretches back to Sg Buloh, the improvements become clearer:
- More comfortable seat positioning
- Relaxed upright ergonomics
- Good wind protection for a mid-weight ADV
It’s a bike you can:
- Ride daily
- Take out on weekends
- Or disappear on a touring trip
Price Drop = Big Win
Here’s the part that really stands out.
- New Ténéré 700: RM58,998
- Previous model: ~RM65,000
That’s a significant price drop.
RC sums it up perfectly:
“At RM58K, this is a very good deal. You’re getting better electronics, better ride feel, and still that proven CP2 engine.”
i-Moto Verdict – More Refined, Still Raw Where It Matters
The new Ténéré 700 doesn’t try to be everything.
It stays true to what made it great:
- Torquey engine
- Lightweight ADV feel
- Real usability
But now adds:
- Better throttle control
- Useful electronics
- Improved rider confidence
This is not just an upgrade — it’s a smarter T7.
