The Last Old-School Adventure Bike? - Yamaha Tenere 700

[@SmokinZen]

After owning the T7 I can say it’s not perfect but it’s a motorcycle you can fall in love with. Being old school I have never had tech loaded bikes so this guy feels natural to me and I don’t miss anything on it but I do wish it had cruise control only because my adventures are very long sometimes

[@Ivolutcion]

Bro this production value is insane the fact that it's all done by you is crazy

[@KRANKiT]

Thanks man! I really appreciate it! I did have a little help with some shots from my riding buddy, that helped a lot too!

[@SC-et3cg]

I'm fed up of people complaining that bikes are too tall. As a tall rider I struggle to find bikes that aren't so low I'm cramped, and the few adventure bikes left that haven't been lowered are my only option. There are plenty of low adventure bikes out there, go ride those and leave some bikes for us tall freaks! You've already got every single road bike!

[@JohnSmith-ef8nr]

The fork springs are far too soft but K-tech springs are £80, half hour to fit and stop it bottoming out. As for the ABS, just remove the solenoid fuse. My bike was remapped so I don't have issues with the throttle.

[@TheAlfador]

Damn you told me that I should look forward to this video and you didn't disappoint! You channel deserves more subs! The cinematics, the writing, the post production. It's a complete package!

[@KRANKiT]

Thank you very much, glad you enjoyed it!

[@criticalmass181]

I'm going to sound old, here......'cos I am, I guess. This bike is old school, and people who're old school love it. No bells and whistles. No rubbish. Just a bike. I used to race a 1988 XT600, way back when. It was heavy. It was harsh....but it was a bike that could make it to the end of the desert, without giving up. You just dealt with it's shortcomings as it was a great bike. This, I feel, is an extension of that bike and that ethos. My 2023 is going to be on order as soon as I can make it happen. I can't wait to 'have to put up with' it's foibles. Take me home, back to when I was satisfied with 'just a bike'. Great video, by the way.

[@KRANKiT]

Thank you, sir! Indeed, you are the perfect target audience ... and there are a lot of people just like you, and the Tenere is perfect for that! I’m sure you’ll enjoy it!

[@seabell]

60yrs old here, and just getting back into riding after 28 years off. The T7 seemed like a logical progression from my last and most favourite bike, a 1980 XT500. Loving it so far, down here in the tropics, oh, and I'm 6'5" so I finally found a bike that fits me! Most of the 'foibles' that come as stock can be ironed out with a little cash and time, and that's part of the joy of ownership, isn't it?

[@marked3647]

I think this is 1 of the most honest t7 reviews I have watched yet, thank you

[@KRANKiT]

No problem, glad my review helped in some way :)

[@mikeisland7382]

Great video! It's a shame Yamaha doesn't bring a light dual sport to the table. There are heaps of heavy adv bikes out there and yet the 701 sits unchallenged in it's weight class?

[@KRANKiT]

I’m 100% with you! In fact, speaking of 701s ... there might be something coming on those this spring :)

[@konstadinoskrikelis2187]

I love this channel, dude keep it up💪

[@KRANKiT]

Thank you very much!

[@tactical1224]

I like the LCD dash on the T7. Even though Yamaha did a great job with the new TFT on the T7 , the LCD just seems to fit the bike better as its a simple motorcycle without all the electronics and the LCD just seems to align with that design mantra

[@nemerkha]

There is no argument. Even when the tenere came out it was and still a dinosaur. A dinosaur with the most reliable engine on the market, arguably the best looks, always starts and goes and you can wrench it anywhere in the world. What a proper adv bike should be. When i bought my World Raid, it was £1000 more expensive than a brand new 890 R adventure. People who buy teneres buy them for simplicity, reliability, durability and no bull- adv riding. I am more than happy and sleep much better at night. PS: my previous bike was an R1200GSA.

[@KRANKiT]

I’m glad it works well for you! I bet against the old GS, the world raid feels like a feather weight :))

[@fun2rideadventure]

too much money for too less ...

[@seabell]

Speaking as a dinosaur I concur!

[@ChrisBorghi22]

What a wonderful film production! As a T7 owner myself I really enjoyed your review very much. Greetings from Argentina 🇦🇷

[@KRANKiT]

Thank you!

[@dailyadventures7788]

Awesome video thanks.

[@KRANKiT]

Thanks :)

[@clapalucian]

congrats! great review!

[@KRANKiT]

Thanks!

[@petricheiirina3823]

🔥🔥 I’ve been expecting this video. Not disappointed 😂🙌🏼

[@KRANKiT]

Thanks :))

[@philhagoes9339]

Very well done review. Great wit, and well narrated. New subscriber and liked! Looking forward to more of you adventures, and I have a T7 as well. Your right about everything.

[@KRANKiT]

Thank you, sir!

[@tactical1224]

Agree with you on the wheels. If there were 2 things I wish Yamaha would change on the bike it would be to make it with tubeless wheels and a bolt on subframe...

[@KRANKiT]

I’ll take some cheeky cruise control too for the long way home :))

[@rosucristi]

Watching this from a remote portughese restaurant ✊ Good review, great scenery. Need to do more of these ;)

[@KRANKiT]

Can’t say no to that!

[@stevescott5388]

Pretty fair review. Great photography and love the Hozier background music! Great job! 😊

[@KRANKiT]

Thanks! It’s actually All I Want by Kodaline, i think it fits pretty well too!

[@stevescott5388]

Ahh, of course! 👍🏼

[@carlosfigueiredo415]

9:50 where is this filming? I am from Portugal, and I would love to now. 👌

[@KRANKiT]

I think it was some track on the coast near Lisbon

[@NomadSweden]

Great filming, editing and presentation. Well done! Subbed and waiting for more inspiration :)

[@KRANKiT]

Thank you :)

[@dillonrobinson8468]

Great honest review, iv got one love it

[@KRANKiT]

Glad you love it!

[@DanielHelc]

Great story telling. Lately I have been impressed with YT production quality of many channels. Back to T7 topic, what you found little irritating it has been fixed with many aftermarket options. I am the owner of it for 2 years now and there are other issues not mentioned here or not mentioned with more details. It is a great bike but not as good as advertized. Still the golden retriever is the best analogy. The price is just reflected on demand and inflation man. In my neck of the woods you cant find any of these in stock anywhere. People order now for 2025. Good thing is that this bike will be produced like this for next 15 years :)

[@TexasTacoKiller]

Good Vid... reason i chose my Tenere was for little to no tech, if i wanted tech, I'd have gone the KTM route. Also, my T7 has tubeless tires... though I did add some with run flat in to for off roading... saludos, de Texas

[@itssanktime82]

Excellent. I really enjoy your content 👌keep up the good work.

[@KRANKiT]

Thank you, sir!

[@TubbyTrialTeam]

Good points. These big bikes definitely don’t need more weight if you can help it.

[@KRANKiT]

Less is more :)

[@TubbyTrialTeam]

@@KRANKiT yep totally agree

[@paulvandervyver4223]

I really enjoyed this video. All good and valid points for and "against" the T7. The biggest reason alone I would buy one is the legendary reliability of Yamaha and Japanese bikes in general. I think the new technology/ rider aids on modern bikes are great...but more gadgets always add the possibility of more things that can leave you stranded. So the T7 is probably the last "old school" bike being quite rudimentary

[@aaatias]

Ive owned a T7 for 3 Years, my advice: workout and man up to ride one, if you take the time, it will become an awesome bike off-road for you, easy to maintain, and overall a bike built to last, dont be discouraged from testing one out yourself to see itlf its a fit.

[@Motoeuro]

Another stunning video :D Thanks for this! Please test ride the Tuareg - Might surprise you! Cheers!

[@KRANKiT]

I would love to try one! In fact, I am kind of considering buying one at some point ... maybe ... who knows ... I really want to try it though!

[@EstebanDVO]

Dream Bike right there.

[@PetterIvarsson]

Very professional video

[@KRANKiT]

Thanks!

[@MrBigPipesYT]

Turning ABS on/off while stopped is probably for regulatory purposes more than anything. Soft suspension can be remedied with thicker fork oil. Can 3D print a water pump cover. My biggest gripe so far is how poorly it handles windy conditions but that's something I can live with. Also, the stock tires are very slick when wet but handle great on harder dry surfaces. I'm considering swapping out at least the rear tire as I become more comfortable on the bike. The bike is still a great value. I wouldn't call it a beginner bike by any means. It's too tall for most beginners and probably a little too powerful/snatchy on the throttle.

[@KRANKiT]

Regarding ABS ... From what I remember, on KTMs you can put them in off road mode on the fly, and that puts the ABS in off road mode too ... so I do think there are ways to implement that better

[@Stanley88845]

Your video's are just incredible

[@KRANKiT]

Thank you!

[@himanshupachauri9604]

Hey !! Hello from India ! I really liked your videos and subscribed after watching first video Amazing story telling and video is Damn good

[@TubbyTrialTeam]

Nicely shot content. 👍🏻

[@jorgecorreia5847]

Não conhecia o canal, e esta realmente com uma produção muito boa.. parabéns! Boas curvas

[@RicoTheGearHead]

love this calibre of content

[@KRANKiT]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@johnclowes3502]

I hope you get to test the Aprillia Tuareg

[@KRANKiT]

I hope so too ... I might enjoy that one a little too much :)

[@Offroader74]

I haven't got a T7 (yet), but I really like the looks and specs. I wonder why other manufactures don't go in the niche, since the sales numbers of the T7 are really good. Even used ones still have a high price tag. So Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, etc... where's your competitor for a 200 kg, 75+ HP adventure bike, that's really offroad capable as the T7 and Tuareg? And make sure to give it a desert racer design.

[@andrevilaca6469]

Also we should take into account that the new transalp is more stronger, better range, more confortable, and where I live its 450€ cheaper than the T7

[@connectorxp]

Salutare! Very nice videography and review. Exactly as you pointed, it's not the best bike, but it's a winner due to it's simplicity and reliability. For the 2023 model year they changed the display for a color TFT with Bluetooth connectivity and 3 mode ABS, on, front on and rear off, and completely off for both wheels. But in typical Yamaha style the connectivity is half baked and compared to it's peers, like KTM 790 Adv, you can't control the phone from the dash, only access basic telemetry and notifications. The Germans from Off-The-Road are offering some chip tunings for T7 that reduce that gap in the power band and improve the response of the throttle and it's "invisible" to the authorities and Yamaha. For 2024 they are launching a lowered T7 with Kayaba front and rear suspension with 2cm less travel than stock, the Explorer trim, and also the Extreme variant with extra 2cm clearance for taller and experienced rides. I've rode the Rally edition with Akrapvic exhaust and it's a nice touch to the bike. Coming from a Vstrom 650 I find the T7 top heavy, but lighter and easy to maneuver and much slimmer to go thru traffic. I will opt for the Explorer edition if they don't go overboard with the price, as for 1.8m height I find the Rally quite comfortable and easy to use, so the lower height versions are better suited for more road use.

[@KRANKiT]

Yeah, I'd love to try once a T7 variant with some better suspension, I'm sure it would make a big difference.

[@connectorxp]

@@KRANKiT I've called Motodynamics and they told me that they will launch the prices for Romania in mid December, in Germany are already available, to have a hint that what we would be here. Also the bikes will be available around march, specially the new variants. For me I'm also looking into the 2024 Africa Twin as I want a bike to be more road biased, as I find the wind protection less than ideal on the T7.

[@HaiderKhan-tl3ez]

What about the honda xr650l. The 2024 version still has a carburettor, and the design hasnt changes in 20 years.

[@skybluetenere]

@4:52 "early EURO4 situation" 🤔 You rode a EURO5 model. I'm old school and none of my vehicles has an airbag. I felt in love with the T7 3 years ago, I have no comparison with any other bike just the BMWs I rode 20 years ago and I still love this old school bike 💙💛🏁🤛🏼

[@KRANKiT]

I didn’t say it was Euro 4, I said it suffered a similar thing to early euro 4 bikes.

[@skybluetenere]

@@KRANKiT Got it.

[@iulian2548]

Bun material, bravo! Si ce surpriza sa imi aud limba materna ;) Unde ai filmat, ca nu am identificat Giz-ul :)

[@KRANKiT]

Mersi! A fost in Portugalia tura

[@davidwhiteford4936]

The reason bikes aren't made better is because the act of riding is so enjoyable! Manufacturers know that people will buy them if they just make them good enough to not ruin the experience. Manufacturers reason that selling a bike that truly excels will cut into either item profit or total sales. So, we get bikes that are too heavy, with inferior components, and lacking design sophistication. The product we get forces us to spend thousands of dollars after it's purchase to get us what we wanted to roll out of the showroom in the first place, and that really pisses me off. I expect that most owners feel the same way, it's the feeling of compromise, and it permeates adventure riding. We're told we can't have a bike that's good on and off road, and we reason that's why my bike has all these shortcomings? Bullshit!!! Imagine a world where there were only a few styles of shoes, and they were all sold in the same size; then unsatisfied, you would have to take them to a cobbler to make them fit. Would you stand for that as a consumer? Now imagine going to a dealership where they write down all the pertinent info required to tailor the final product to fit you and meet your needs. Then, a month later you pick up your unicorn which costs more but truly reflects it's value. Best of all, you haven't spent money on parts you don't want, and your not facing the expense and time commitment required to replace them. That would be real SATISFACTION, instead of just settling!!! Why isn't it that way? Because, dealers think they would lose impulse buyers who are seeking instant gratification (probably a majority of sales), and regardless of an increased profit from the initial sale of the bike dealers make more money selling you the extra parts and labor. Most of all, we don't get awesome bikes because we don't demand them!!! We settle and buy the Model T's because we want to drive, regardless of their inherent faults.

[@dannyschindler]

Great video. And the one on the 660. Instant sub. Greetings from Ireland where I can only dream of terrain (and weather!!) like this. Romania looks awesome! I bought a Himalayan last year. Nice low seat height. Will own one of these some day!

[@KRANKiT]

Glad you enjoyed it! The 700 video is shot in Portugal, but Romania has some pretty stunning places too

[@PeterWeissOffroadTraveller]

Another unbelievable production! And was that Cristi pulling you in the sand? The bike is definitely great and would be fun to do a comparison between the Tenere 700 and CF Moto 800 (790 really) that I'm riding these days. Ever been to the Dominican Republic? 😁

[@KRANKiT]

No I haven’t, wouldn’t mind to go there some day though :) *and yes, that was Cristi*

[@kalle5218]

i subscribed after you told me to. Now i feel weak but i like the channel

[@KRANKiT]

Good ... :))

[@stefanhansen5882]

Your videos are amazing! I was considering this bike, but now lean more towards the 701. However, I'm 5'9", so is the stock 701 too tall for me? Thanks!

[@KRANKiT]

Well ... I’d say it’s not any worse than the Tenere. For reference, I’m 5’7 or so

[@stefanhansen5882]

​@@KRANKiT Thanks!

[@OverlandBiker]

I really like your production. Well done! Btw what's your height? I'm 1.70 & I'm worried about T7 height

[@KRANKiT]

I’m about 173, so not a tall bloke either ...

[@OverlandBiker]

@@KRANKiT Thanks...maybe I should brush up on my skills 🤔

[@KRANKiT]

I’m sure you can get used to it, and some dirt bike skills will help a ton ... also, there might be some ways to lower the seat height a bit if needed

[@stanislavk.4823]

Veri nice video, poduction 10/10

[@KRANKiT]

Thank you!

[@Davidkxf]

They were never cheap in this country, you could almost get a fully spec'd Tiger 900 Rally Pro for the same price.

[@chrissweetavena]

I've been riding for about a year and a half no had a drz400 for the first year or so. I traded that for a nx650few months ago. Now I'm thinking about getting a new bike. I'm 5'8 how do you think the t700 would fit me and how does it compare to the two bike I mentioned prior

[@KRANKiT]

So... I haven't ridden a DRZ or a Dominator, but this is an arguably better bike than both of those. On the pavement, there is no contest. Off road, the DRZ might be lighter, but you loose a lot anywhere else. Regarding height, I'm about 5'7/5'8 myself too, so any comment I made on the seat height should apply to you too.

[@davidmallia628]

After mentioning the virtues, and shortcomings of the T7, you then came to real golden retriever, the Aprilia Tuareg 660 that is just a better solution in all aspects. If you say that the Tuareg has more electronics, that if they go wrong, you will be stranded, the same can be said of the Tenere if the brake and clutch mounts break off during a fall. And the Tenere is more apt to fall, being top heavy, and tall. As for the BMW 1200 GS being heavier than the Tenere, it in fact feels lighter. When the GS falls it is easier to pick up also. I have a GS, and do not feel intimidated by it, and I am 1.7 m tall, with 31 inch inseam. Yes, it is the factory low chassis model, but Tenere do not cater for this, and it is intimidating for people below 1.8 m tall. Yes, it is a good bike, but not the best. In my opinion the Tuareg 660 is king in this sector, and for all purpose, the 1250 GS.

[@KRANKiT]

Unfortunately, I haven’t yet ridden a Tuareg, so I can say for sure which I prefer ... although I do like the idea of one. Obviously each bike has pros and cons, and they might cater better to different riding styles and rider preferences

[@davidmallia628]

@@KRANKiT depending on where you live, the dealer network is more sparse than Yamaha. I have not ridden either yet, but I am going by the majority of professional bike testers on KZbin reviews. For sure the Tuareg is better in all respects. Yamaha has the edge on Japanese reliability history. But many European brands have narrowed the reliability difference, including Aprilia. The same goes for BMW, Ducati, Moto Guzzi, and Triumph.

[@rishabbhattachaya6676]

there are tons of bikes for shorter riders. please leave some for the people who cant travel economy!

[@Gwiedert]

Although the video production is high and I appreciate the effort, there are quite a few things you mentioned that were just untrue or hasn't been an issue with any T7 rider. Handguards won't brake the levers, in fact every standard adv bike needs some proper Barkbusters. Never have I heard of someone breaking the pump or the shifting rod. Also lifting the bike with two people? Ooh come on, I lift it with 1 hand without any struggle. Sure it's a bit topheavy, I give you that. But the other complaints were just pointless nagging.

[@KRANKiT]

I did say it’s highly unlikely for the handguards to break ... and in the video there were 2 of us to pick it up, I also had to pick it up by myself ... and it’s not fun. Do that a few times in a day and you’re properly exhausted. It’s not light, not matter how you put it.

[@TerenceKaplan]

"last old school adventure bike".... like the vstrom 650 doesn't exist. Hell, some markets (here) you can even get a brand new dr650. Add a mitt full of accessories and you have a more capable bike for 2/3 the price of a tenere. Oh, and the rear shock has a built in lowering option for us short legged buggers.

[@martyn_g]

Depends on what you expect a adventure bike to do. V strom at best is a road bike that can handle gravel. There’s a reason why Suzuki rolled out the 800DE. If your going off road, the T7 would destroy it, but can handle the road just fine. The DR is closer to the T7 in concept

[@martyn_g]

With the DR, it’s advantage over the T7, is that it’s lighter. But that’s it. The T7 engine, the suspension with the anti squat, makes it a better overall package to ride across a continent like Australia. When you add in the 6th gear, fuel injection - so you don’t have to jet the damn thing, money ain’t going to cure those issues. I should know, I’ve owned a modded DR. The DR ain’t the best on the long stretches of highway to get to the fun stuff. It gets blown about when fighting with semis and wind blast. The air cooled engine isn’t kind on clutches either. To say the DR modded is more capable would require more details as to why you think that. I’d suggest it’s the other way round.

[@martyn_g]

As for the seat height, I have a 32 inch inseam, and 5ft 9 - both the DR and T7 have a similar seat height. I tip toe both, and cope. How tall are you?

[@TerenceKaplan]

@@martyn_g Both my DR and Vstrom1000 have reduced height suspension (DR has the factory adjustment, Vstrom has aftermarket). This lets my 29" inseam tip-toe. Good enough for the trails I ride. And for the difference in prince between a vstrom or DR and a t7, you can (if you need) buy all kinds of custom suspension to suit your needs.

[@petiscas]

T7 é a melhor mota na relação preço qualidade o resto é conversa.

[@Carado5150]

They're windguards.

[@JohnTucci-yw7gm]

Huh?

[@Revy8]

sorry, not interested in aprillia's

[@TwoWheeledBooBear]

Ride a Tuareg and you'll quickly realize the T7 is far from the "last" of it's kind.

[@KRANKiT]

By “last” I mean in terms of simplicity ... I love the idea of a Tuareg, and I’d love to ride and possibly own one too! Personally, I would probably buy that rather than a Tenere. But, there are a lot of people for whom simplicity is really important. Just look at how popular bikes like the KLR, or even the Tenere is. For some, this peace of mine from having less stuff to go wrong is really important.

[@BikerGirlTraveler]

Wow, this guy complains more than a girl about to give birth two triplets. And more negative than the attendees at a depression support group. We get it, the T7 is not the perfect bike for you, but it is for many others. I guess it comes down to personal preference. After all, there is no such thing as a perfect bike. Actually, there is, every bike out there is perfect for some and not perfect for others. Hell, for some the Royal Enfield Himalayan is the perfect bike. At least for their needs. Also, did you even try to adjust the suspension? Because I also noticed the nose dive during heavy braking, but I adjusted the suspension and that has helped a lot. And I didn’t even adjusted as far as I could. Also, I am 207 lbs, you look like you weight a buck 150 soaking wet. Adjusting the suspension could had done a lot more for you than it did for me. Other than that, you did have some valid points and said funny things. Just some advise, the T7 has a lot of great things about it, which you barely touched on them, it seemed that you were more concern about pointing and repointing the negatives. It was painful to watch it. Ir seems that moat of your videos are the same way. At the end remember, the best reviews are those that point out the bad and the good equally so that people can decide for themselves, not for people to be influenced to buy or not buy a bike on someone else’s opinion. Because if I had watched your video before ai purchased a T7, I probably wouldn’t had bought it. And to be honest that would had sucked big balls, because the T7 is perfect for me and ai love it. Actually I never buy or don’t buy a bike based on so called review videos or magazine articles from people who borrow a bike and ride it for a few days. Oh no, I like the honest reviews of people who actually own the bikes and have had them for months and have put thousands of miles in them. Those are the people who can really review a bike. Everyone else are just giving their opinions with very little weight behind what they say. Oftentimes sounding like fools to those who actually own the bikes.

[@fun2rideadventure]

... the T7 came with mediocre suspensions from the factory

[@Niki_Parvanov]

The wife beating joke was extremely bad...