Never Change a Running System!

After decades of off-road legacy, Yamaha didn’t try to reinvent the wheel with the World Raid. They just made it tougher. They’ve held tight to the core philosophy: a no-nonsense, mechanical-first machine, free from flashy electronics that numb the connection between rider and terrain. It’s the spiritual successor to the legendary XT600 Ténéré, only this time, it’s evolved.The beating heart remains the CP2 parallel twin, reliable, torquey, and thoroughly proven across multiple Yamaha platforms. At 73.4 horsepower and 68 Nm of torque, it doesn’t try to impress with sheer numbers. It earns its respect in the real world, up rocky climbs, through river beds, and barreling down forest trails. In an age when manufacturers are draping bikes in layers of electronics, Yamaha chooses mechanical honesty. No ride modes. No traction control. Just rider, throttle, and terrain. This bike reminds you why you fell in love with motorcycles in the first place.

If You Want, You Can Only Stop After 500 Kilometers

Fuel stops in Manali are often few and far between. That’s where the World Raid truly begins to flex its purpose. With a massive 23-liter dual-tank system, split symmetrically on either side, it allows you to ride deeper into the unknown. I clocked nearly 470 kilometers before needing to look for fuel. Not bad, considering the elevation and aggressive throttle work I was throwing at it. The tanks are connected to balance fuel load, keeping the mass centered and low. Despite carrying more juice, the World Raid feels agile, especially while standing and throwing it into switchbacks. Yamaha also designed a flatter seat, allowing greater movement fore and aft. Your thighs grip nicely against the widened tank end, and even on long hauls, the comfort was surprisingly good. I only started to fidget after 6 hours in the saddle. At 220 kg wet, it’s no featherweight, but it wears its weight smartly.

Adjustable Agility Thanks to Öhlins Steering Damper

Every rocky descent, every rain-washed rut, every moment the front felt like it might deflect into a ravine, the Öhlins steering damper was quietly doing its job. The 18-click adjustable unit is mounted right under the handlebar, and believe me, you notice it when the terrain goes from “fun” to “fight for survival.” I dialed it tighter for the rocky boulder fields past Rohtang and loosened it up for the smooth gravel tracks near Solang Valley. It was like adjusting the bike’s temperament with a flick of the wrist. Whether attacking sandy trails at speed or picking through tight, techy climbs, the damper added composure without becoming intrusive. It felt like a partner more than a feature. At 890 mm, the seat height might deter shorter riders, but thanks to the narrowed waist and smart weight distribution, even my 5’8” frame managed decent footing. Sure, on uneven terrain, I tiptoed. But never once did I feel overwhelmed or outmatched.

On and Off-Road with Lots of Confidence and Speed

The KYB suspension is no mere spec sheet filler, it’s a real-world game changer. With 230 mm of front travel and 220 mm at the rear, the fully adjustable setup swallows potholes, babyhead rocks, and washed-out switchbacks with the composure of a proper rally machine. Out on the high-speed sections of Spiti road, it stayed plush but never wallowed. And when I launched it, yes, I got air a few times, the landings were drama-free. The Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires deserve an ovation. They grip like Velcro on the tarmac but can bite into dusty switchbacks and mud with shocking confidence. I leaned hard on them through Manali’s winding alpine roads and danced over slick stones near Beas Kund. Never once did they flinch. And the brakes? The dual 282 mm front discs and single 245 mm rear, with switchable ABS, feel tuned perfectly for aggressive use. Fade-free. Predictable. No surprises.

Display Top, Operation a Matter of Luck

Now, let’s talk about the few missteps. The 5-inch vertical TFT is brilliant, clearly legible even under harsh sunlight, and the “Raid” layout gives a proper rally vibe. It felt like a digital roadbook, especially helpful when tracking distances across off-grid routes. However, the scroll wheel used to navigate menus is, frankly, frustrating. Mounted awkwardly on the right handlebar, it’s fiddly with gloves and sometimes skips inputs altogether. When off-road and standing, trying to toggle ABS settings or even check trip meters becomes an exercise in patience. A left-side joystick, like many competitors use, would’ve been a far better design choice. It’s the one element that feels unfinished. Still, I appreciated the USB port, phone compartment, and MyRide app connectivity. You’re not totally disconnected, but it doesn’t baby you either. Which is exactly the Ténéré ethos.

On-Road Performance – It Doesn’t Need More

Power delivery on the road is what you’d expect from Yamaha’s CP2 platform, linear, smooth, and packed with usable grunt. It’s not lightning-quick, but it’s never sluggish. Twist the throttle and it pulls with genuine enthusiasm all the way to 160 km/h. And the gear ratios feel just right for mountainous terrain. I rarely needed to work the gearbox unless crawling steep switchbacks. Even with long-travel suspension, the World Raid remains surprisingly composed at lean. I was throwing it into curves on the Old Manali road, scraping pegs, grinning like a maniac. The tall windshield works decently, though a touring screen would be even better for longer highway stints. The absence of cruise control is noted, but not a deal breaker. This bike is about engagement, not automation.

Off-Road Performance – No Traction Control Needed

Here’s the raw truth: this bike is a damn mountain goat. The Ténéré 700 World Raid feels tailor-made for gnarly terrain. Loose gravel, wet stone steps, steep inclines, nothing felt out of reach. The lack of traction control is a non-issue because the throttle response is so well-tuned. You feel connected. You learn to ride better. You drift with intention, not with fear. I tackled narrow forest paths, deep ruts, and even crossed a glacial melt stream. The balance, the neutral standing posture, the wide handlebars, all help you feel in control. The slightly larger foot pegs give great feedback. And even after hours standing on pegs, my legs weren’t screaming. This bike inspires confidence, not because it’s overbuilt with tech, but because it’s balanced, responsive, and predictable.

Technical Specification

Specification	Detail
Engine Type	4-stroke, DOHC, liquid-cooled, 4 valves
Displacement	689 cc
Bore x Stroke	80.0 mm x 68.6 mm
Compression Ratio	11.5:1
Max Power	73.4 hp @ 9,000 rpm
Max Torque	68 Nm @ 6,500 rpm
Transmission	6-speed, chain drive
Fuel Injection	Yes
ABS	3-level switchable
Front Suspension	KYB USD fork, 230 mm travel
Rear Suspension	KYB monoshock, 220 mm travel
Steering Damper	Öhlins, 18-step adjustable
Front Brake	Dual disc 282 mm
Rear Brake	Single disc 245 mm
Tires	90/90-21 front, 150/70 R18 rear
Seat Height	890 mm
Weight (Wet)	220 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity	23 liters (dual tank)
Ground Clearance	255 mm
Display	5-inch TFT, vertical, 3 themes
Connectivity	MyRide app, USB port, 12V outlet

Conclusion

The Yamaha Ténéré 700 World Raid isn’t a flashy machine. It doesn’t seduce with electronics or bury you in options. It challenges you. It engages you. And in return, it rewards you with raw, unfiltered adventure. From the frost-bitten edges of Rohtang to the dusty single tracks above Solang, it took everything I threw at it and just asked for more. It feels like an extension of your body, not an appliance. And in today’s over-digitized world, that’s a breath of fresh, mountain air. If you’re looking for a machine that respects your skill, encourages growth, and takes you where maps end and stories begin, the World Raid is ready. Just bring your courage.