In what’s becoming a familiar theme this year, Yamaha has announced a series of changes to the Tenere 700 lineup for 2023—but nothing that affects the engine or chassis.
The two most notable changes to the Tenere 700 and Tenere 700 Rally are probably the new five-inch TFT screen and the new off-road ABS mode. The TFT comes in a vertical orientation, similar to what we saw on the updated-for-’23 Suzuki V-Strom 1000, and now comes with a Street mode (with the usual tachometer and speedometer read-outs) and a new Explorer mode (with an emphasis on tach reading, and other info that’s useful when off-roading).
There’s a new TFT for 2023, with vertical orientation. Photo: Yamaha
The TFT is also used to interface with the new Communication Control Unit (CCU), which connects your bike to your smartphone through Yamaha’s MyRide app. The TFT allows riders to see text messages and answer/reject calls through its touchscreen. The app also collects information about your ride (distance, speed, etc.), which you can share through social media. Beware, though—Johnny Law is always watching, and will use your electronic data against you, as many riders have discovered by having their GoPro footage used against them in court …
The MyRide app will also collect your bike’s maintenance details, sending you a notification when it’s time to change your oil, etc.; it can even forward that information to your local dealership, if you desire.
Yamaha has new paint for 2023 as well, of course. Photo: Yamaha
Yamaha put a new off-road ABS mode on the 700, which previously only had On or Off modes for ABS. In this new mode, the front wheel has ABS turned on, while it’s turned off for the rear wheel. Similar setups exist on many ADV and dual sport machines, allowing riders to lock up the rear wheel in the dirt, while keeping the front end spinning freely. No doubt this will prove a valuable improvement for riders looking to flog their bike a bit more vigorously off-road.
The Tenere 700 now comes pre-wired from the factory for a quickshifter, which makes it easier for owners to have that feature installed (it’s an official Yamaha add-on).
Other updates include a new front brake lever, and new paint for 2023. LED turn signals are OEM equipment, and we have a new USB charging socket as well. Mostly minor changes, but welcome.
At this point, Yamaha’s North American websites do not list the ’23 Tenere 700 models. The updates will no doubt come to the US and Canada, but expect Euro riders to have them before we do.
