Buying Guide
Yamaha MT-07 vs Ténéré 700: 2026 CP2 Decision Table
MT-07 and Ténéré 700 share the 689 cc CP2. Wet weight about 184 kg vs 204 kg, seat 805 mm vs 880 mm, tank 14 L vs 16 L. Who should buy which.
MT-07 or Ténéré 700?
Both use Yamaha’s 689 cc CP2 twin. Ténéré claimed peak is about 54 kW / 72.4 PS and about 68 Nm. Cycle World measured 63.8 hp at the wheel on a 2021 T7 versus 67.6 hp on an earlier MT-07, with a flatter T7 torque curve. Chassis is not shared. 2023 comparisons: MT-07 about 184 kg wet, 805 mm seat, 14 L, 17-inch wheels. Standard Ténéré 700 about 204 kg, 880 mm, 16 L, 21/18-inch wheels. World Raid is about 23 L, 220 kg, 890 mm seat. This article is the standard T7.
| Item | MT-07 | Ténéré 700 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 689 cc CP2 | 689 cc CP2 |
| Wet weight | ~183–184 kg | ~204 kg |
| Seat | ~805 mm | ~880 mm |
| Tank | 14 L | 16 L (Raid ~23 L) |
| Front wheel | 17 in | 21 in |
| Suspension | Short street | Long adventure |
| ABS | Street | Often switchable on T7 |
| Best for | City, tarmac, two-up street | Dirt, touring, tall seat |
Same engine, why is the T7 heavier and taller?
Yamaha uses a Ténéré airbox, exhaust, and ECU, plus shorter final gearing (often 15/46 vs MT-07 16/43). A 21-inch front, long forks, crash protection, and spokes add about 20 kg. 880 mm cuts off shorter riders. The MT-07 at 805 mm is easier in town.
City and highway: who wins?
Filtering, parking, 50–70 km/h: MT-07. The T7 is wide, tall, and the 21-inch front tires on city ironwork. Tarmac plus dirt plus bags: T7, 16 L tank, upright stance. Two-up on tarmac is easier on the lower MT-07. If you never leave the asphalt, do not pay for T7 mass.
Is service the same?
Same CP2 oil family. EU T7 books often print 10,000 km / 12 month oil and 40,000 km valves. US mile charts are tighter. MT-07 EU oil is also a 10,000 km conversation. Dust kills the T7 filter first. The T7 chain works harder in mud. Fill is about 2.3–2.6 L. Do not copy blindly.
Who should buy which?
MT-07: daily naked, 805 mm, 14 L. Ténéré 700: you accept 880 mm, 21-inch, 16 L, light off-road. World Raid is another bike. Full power ~54 kW is above A2. Read the title.
Keep records
Log T7 vs Raid, oil km, and tire size. RPMVault garage: RPMVault motorcycle garage
Sources
Intervals and legal rows start from these sources. They do not replace the owner's manual in the toolkit.
- RPMVault editorial standards
- Manufacturer owner's manual for the bike's market
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy an MT-07 or a Ténéré 700?
MT-07 for city and tarmac (~184 kg, 805 mm, 14 L). Ténéré 700 for dirt and touring (~204 kg, 880 mm, 16 L). Shared CP2, different chassis.
Is the Ténéré 700 weaker than the MT-07?
Claimed peak kW is close. Dyno and mapping make the T7 flatter. The real gap is 20 kg and a 21-inch front.
Does World Raid belong in this comparison?
No. Raid is about 23 L and 220 kg. Standard T7 is 16 L / 204 kg.
Can a shorter rider use a T7?
880 mm is tall. A lower seat kit does not shrink the 21-inch wheel. Sit before you buy.
Is maintenance cost the same?
Oil family is shared. T7 filters, chain, and tires die sooner off-road. Valves are a 40,000 km CP2 job, not every oil.
Is it A2 legal?
Full power is about 54 kW, above 35 kW. Only a documented restrictor makes A2. Read the title.
Next step
Log the service calendar in your garage, or open model specs in the catalog.