All business on No Business MountainPhotos by Garth Milan. Video by Travis Fant and Will Embree.Photos by Garth Milan. Video by Travis Fant and Will Embree.Just ahead of the inaugural Yamaha Ténéré Trek, the Blu Cru invited a handful of media guests out to rural Valley County, Idaho to experience, at long last, the Ténéré 700 World Raid. Though the model has been available in other parts of the world since 2022, this marks the first time a variant will join the base T7 in Yamaha USA's line-up. During our time in Idaho we had the chance to test the World Raid in a range of conditions including long highway stints, high-speed fire road strafing, and a bit of technical two-track for good measure. The TL:DR? Yamaha has succeeded in creating what it set out to with the World Raid. How did it achieve its goals? Read on to learn more.2026 Yamaha Ténéré 700 World RaidThe Yamaha Ténéré 700 World Raid offers more range and upgraded electronics, while an upgraded suspension package lets you push the limit.HighsSuspensionErgonomics and chassis designCruise controlSighsThe added weight has an affect on engine performanceElectronics will revert to on-road setting when the key is cycledYou'll likely grow tired of the seat before your extended range runs outVIDEO: 2026 Yamaha Ténéré 700 World Raid ReviewTo add to the Ténéré platform in developing the World Raid, Yamaha set out to achieve three goals: build on long-distance adventure touring, enhance control, and offer a premium level of amenities that modern adventure riders are becoming more and more accustomed to. To accomplish this, Yamaha has delivered more range out of the World Raid's split 6.1-gallon aluminum fuel tanks, provided beefier, longer-travel KYB suspension at both ends with full adjustability as well as an adjustable steering damper, and incorporated a six-axis IMU to offer lean-sensitive rider aids, and last but not least added cruise control as standard. All of this comes at a $2,000 premium of the base model's $10,999 MSRP.Built for the long haulDuring our last big trip on a loaded down Ténéré, we returned an average of 50.5 mpg. Considering the larger fuel tank on the World Raid, Yamaha's expected range of 310 miles per tank(s) seems about right.During our last big trip on a loaded down Ténéré, we returned an average of 50.5 mpg. Considering the larger fuel tank on the World Raid, Yamaha's expected range of 310 miles per tank(s) seems about right.AdvertisementAdvertisementYamaha touts the World Raid as the long-haul travel version of its highly-successful middleweight adventure bike. Kicking things off is the addition of the aluminum split-tank with a combined 6.1-gallon fuel capacity, which Yamaha claims should offer riders 310 miles between cracking the fuel caps for a fill-up. The split tank design was chosen to both lower the center of gravity and centralize mass in general - the high CoG of the standard model has been a much debated "sigh" since its debut, but that hasn't stopped riders around the globe from pushing their machines to the extremes. In addition, splitting the fuel into two side-mounted tanks reduces the amount of potential hammer effect from fuel sloshing around, giving more control whether on the gas, brakes, or while cornering. While you do need to open both fuel caps for a top-up, the fuel system is designed to auto-level as the hydrocarbons are burned. As seen below, the fuel tanks of the World Raid don't come up nearly as high as the standard model, rather, they protrude further out to the sides (á la Yamaha's 1982 XT 550 Dakar racer).Now nearly ubiquitous in the motorcycle industry, the World Raid adds a six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) to the Ténéré's toolbox. This enables lean sensitive functions in what Yamaha calls Brake Control (BC) for ABS while cornering, its Traction Control System (TCS) which monitors rear tire spin, and Slide Control System (SCS) which measures yaw as the bike slides sideways. As with the base model, ABS comes in three flavors: on, off at the rear, and off completely. TCS and SCS are available at three levels: Street, which offers the highest level of intervention, Off-Road, which reins intervention in to allow for some slip and slide, and off which disables both systems entirely. If you key the bike off, you'll need to be stopped to use the dedicated button on the dash to revert to your previously set ABS, TCS, and SCS settings. If you're just pausing for a quick trailside chat, using the kill switch will keep the settings as is.The left switchgear is going to do the bulk of the lifting when navigating the menu, though the right side has a dedicated Mode button for accessing the two power modes or any of the aforementioned rider aids. The RbW throttle also makes adding cruise control as easy as a few 1s and 0s. A speed limiting function is also available.The left switchgear is going to do the bulk of the lifting when navigating the menu, though the right side has a dedicated Mode button for accessing the two power modes or any of the aforementioned rider aids. The RbW throttle also makes adding cruise control as easy as a few 1s and 0s. A speed limiting function is also available.When it comes to the World Raid's handling, the upgraded KYB suspension steals the show. The fork has gone from 43mm fork legs to 46mm and now offers full adjustability with rebound and preload adjusted at the top, and compression damping adjustment at the bottom. Out back, the shock is mated to a redesigned linkage and swingarm and receives full adjustability, with preload adjustment available via a handy knob. Both ends offer about three-quarters of an inch of travel over the base model, which also contributes to slightly more ground clearance and a 0.5 inch increase in seat height. Also contributing to handling is the 16-position adjustable steering damper which is easy to access, front and center, just below the handlebar.AdvertisementAdvertisementSteel-braided brake lines, a one-piece "rally-style" seat, and a three-piece skid plate round out the changes to the Yamaha Ténéré 700 World Raid. The 689cc CP2 Twin-cylinder engine which, when we last had it dyno'd, spat out 62.3 horsepower at 9,200 rpm and 43 lb-ft of torque at 6,300 rpm remains unchanged, as does the frame and transmission. Wet weight is said to be 485 el bees, a 27-pound increase over the base model according to Yamaha's spec sheet.To the West Mountains and beyond2026 yamaha tenere 700 world raid review first rideOur ride kicked off from the WPS/Fly Racing HQ south of Boise, ID. In order to get to the off-road paradise that is Valley County, ID, we'd have to endure a few hours of slab en route - the same way most ADV rides begin. In the few hours we spent slabbin' it, a few things became clear: I'll continue to praise the proliferation of cruise control, the seat, which I originally found comfortable turned out to not be quite so much so as the miles ticked off, and even in a full off-road helmet, I had no buffeting issues (for my 5'8" frame). The 35-inch seat height is indeed tall, but the ergonomic triangle while moving is a comfortable neutral place to spend time. The redesigned three-piece windscreen may have a slightly different shape, but it's very similar to the base model. While overtaking, the extra weight of the World Raid became apparent since we're working with the same CP2 Twin engine. However, dropping a gear and allowing a bit more time for passes is by no means a deal breaker.Yamaha outfitted our test units with crash bars ($450) and the optional quickshifter ($200), two items we'd recommend. Also available from the Yamaha accessory catalog is a lowering link and lower seat which brings the seat height down by 1.5 inches.Yamaha outfitted our test units with crash bars ($450) and the optional quickshifter ($200), two items we'd recommend. Also available from the Yamaha accessory catalog is a lowering link and lower seat which brings the seat height down by 1.5 inches.The following day we were finally able to start exploring and tapping into what makes adventure bikes so popular: the fact that you don't have to stop when the tarmac does and that the only thing keeping you from exploring further is your own ambition. Whether it was on the limited twisty pavement we sampled the day before, in large sweeping gravel corners, or bumpy two track, the most impressive feature of the World Raid is the upgraded suspension.AdvertisementAdvertisementObviously, it's great to have the adjustability to tweak the setup based on your riding style, terrain, or load, but even in the stock settings, the Ténéré 700 World Raid's KYB suspenders kept the bike in control at all times. The damping feels nicely sorted, whether bolt upright on the brakes or gas or while leaning the bike. It is impressively stable and the fork doesn't dive excessively during hard braking on the asphalt. The weight from the extra 1.75 gallons of fuel didn't appear to cause any issues when it came to handling and while sliding the bike on the brake or throttle, every drift was predictable. Smooth torque is something we've always applauded the Ténéré's CP2 Twin for, and combined with the new suspension, it's an even better package.The Ténéré 700 World Raid is available in Intensity White and Raven (pictured above).The Ténéré 700 World Raid is available in Intensity White and Raven (pictured above).As far as the adjustable electronics are concerned, I found no need for the more docile Explore power mode, as the Street setting is easy enough to modulate. I chose to leave the TCS and SCS in the off-road settings for the majority of our three days riding with the ABS set to off in the rear only. This proved to be a reasonable safety net - and one that I think ADV riders who are actually out on longer tours will appreciate. It gives you enough lead to have fun while also having your back. It wasn't until the more technical riding that I chose to disable those functions entirely for full rider control.The larger fuel tank never seemed to get in the way of the ride during our time on the World Raid.The larger fuel tank never seemed to get in the way of the ride during our time on the World Raid.AdvertisementAdvertisementAs mentioned up top, Yamaha appears to have achieved its goal with the Ténéré in World Raid trim as a long-haul adventure tourer, but it's also giving you a better experience from the dealership floor with its upgraded suspension. The electronics add value for those who want it, and can be switched off for those that don't. For a $2,000 increase in price over the base model, this will be a solid option for those looking to explore further and harder. For the hardcore folks looking for a blank slate to live out their Pol Tarres fantasies, the base model is still there. I wonder if they'll ever bring the Rally trim to North American shores?ScorecardEngine19/20Suspension14/15Transmission9/10Brakes8/10Instruments4.5/5Ergonomics9/10Appearance9/10Desirability9/10Value9/10Editors Score: 90.5%In Gear2026 yamaha tenere 700 world raid review first rideHelmet: Alpinestars S-M7 DasherGoggles: Alpinestars Supertech CorpJacket: Alpinestars Maxdura XF Laminated Armored ShellJersey: Alpinestars Maxdura DualPants: Alpinestars Maxdura DualGloves: Alpinestars Manti AirBoots: Alpinestars Tech 7 Enduro2026 Yamaha Ténéré 700 World Raid SpecificationsMSRPStarting at $12,999Engine Type689cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC inline twin-cylinder; 4-valves per cylinderBore x Stroke80.0mm x 68.6mmCompression Ratio11.5:1Fuel DeliveryFuel injection with YCC-TIgnitionTCI: Transistor Controlled IgnitionTransmission6-speed; wet multiplate clutchFinal DriveChainFront Suspension46mm inverted fork, fully-adjustable; 9.1-in travelRear SuspensionSingle shock, adjustable preload (w / remote adjuster) and rebound damping; 8.7-in travelBrakes/FrontDual 282mm hydraulic disc; selectable ABSBrakes/Rear245mm hydraulic disc; selectable ABSTires/Front90/90R21 Pirelli Scorpion Rally STRTires/Rear150/70R18 Pirelli Scorpion Rally STRLength93.3 inchesWidth36.8 inchesHeight58.9 inchesSeat Height35.0 inchesWheelbase62.8 inchesRake (Caster Angle)27°/4.1 inchesGround Clearance9.4 inchesFuel Capacity6.1 gallonsWet Weight485 pounds (claimed)2026 Yamaha Ténéré 700 World Raid Review Gallery2026 Yamaha Ténéré 700 World Raid Review GalleryView Gallery47 photosAdvertisementAdvertisementCredit: Photos by Garth Milan.We are committed to finding, researching, and recommending the best products. 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