The 2026 Yamaha Ténéré 700 World Raid comes with various upgrades that the company proclaims are “elevating the Dakar-bred long-distance adventure-tourer to new heights.”

The most obvious one even to the motorcycle unattuned is that it now comes in red-white-black and full black instead of the usual blue. Red-and-white used to be Yamaha’s primary factory racing color before switching to blue in 1998, though the manufacturer has been using the previous color palette again as of late to celebrate Yamaha Motor Company’s 70th anniversary.

To bolster the riding experience, Yamaha made a litany of electronics modifications. Cruise control is now available and is adjustable in incremenets of 1 km/h or 10 km/h when the bike is in third gear. A speed limiter has also been introduced.

The fuel tank assembly has been designed to consist of two side-mounted aluminum tanks. While they’re the same fuel capacity of 23 liters as the 2025 World Raid (the standard Ténéré carries 16 liters), they are 1.5 kilograms lighter. Splitting the tanks is intended to balance the bike’s weight, and for that reason the left tank is lower to improve the center of gravity. In accordance with the new fuel tank design, the seat has a reshaped front that connects to the fuel tank.

The windscreen and side deflectors have redesigend looks, and the latter can be removed. The LED headlight assembly is also new and can be adjusted with a single screw under the TFT meter.

Other new additions include steel-braided brake lines, a more forwards clutch actuation position by 35° clockwise, and clutch cover to give the rider’s right leg more space.

Underneath is a reworked KYB suspension with updated aluminium triple clamps and UDS forks. The forks have a larger inner tubing of 46 millimeters (up from 43) but weigh the same, along with a preload adjuster. The rear suspension is a KYB Monocross model with a wider shock stroke of 106 mm (from 101). Also new is a 16-step adjustable steering damper.

Over 60 accessories will be available, most of which were also usable on previous models. Others are new like the front guard, skid plate, radiator guard, side grip pads, lowering kit (low seat and link), panel guard, and fog light bracket.

The World Raid continues to operate on a 689cc CP2 twin engine, which is now updated to comply with Euro 5+ emissions standards.

Featured image credit: Yamaha