Nearly three years ago I bought into the adventure (ADV) motorcycling craze. I've spent time on gravel and forest roads on street bikes, and while enjoyable it wasn't ideal. Nearly slick tires, stiff suspension, and fragile bodywork don't mix well with reduced traction, rocks, and ruts. I had been planning for years to find some sort of ratty old dual-sport bike, say in the 400cc class, to knock around in. But then I started seeing reviews on YouTube of the new Yamaha Teneré 700. It was touted as a revelation in relatively nimble handling and, maybe more importantly, frugality. The ADV market has been dominated by large bikes like BMW's GS line and is now plump with competitors--600 lb. behemoths with equally grotesque price tags. Not the Teneré. It's small in both regards, by comparison.
Of course, no review is complete without comparisons to whatever the other makes are putting out, and KTM's new-for-2019 790 Adventure was the Teneré's prime matchup. For a few thousand more I could have more power (Ready to Race! is the slogan), sophisticated electronic controls for braking and throttle, and the new, game-changing saddlebag fuel tank, which lowers the heavy load of gold-purple liquid to knee level on the bike, dramatically altering the feel of the weight it brings.
Sounded like a perfect fit for a newly-minted middle-ager looking to get dusty. I put my money into a 2020 790 in short order and had it home in September of 2020. Pandemic, stand aside. I'm going riding.
Read more: West Alone 2023
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