2023 Yamaha Tenere 700 vs 2023 KTM 790 Adventure R Comparison Review

Today’s article is about the comparison review of 2023 Yamaha Tenere 700 vs 2023 KTM 790 Adventure R. KTM and Yamaha recognized the functions of adventure bikes and developed strategies according to these functions. Each of them said the light-heavyweight twin is the ideal platform, but they approached their projects differently.

KTM used technology to attack the problem. Yamaha did it perfectly. Although they do their respective tasks in very different ways, both bikes are ultimately the best in the world at what they do.

2023 Yamaha Tenere 700 vs 2023 KTM 790 Adventure R – Features Comparison

KTM 790 Adventure R

Of the two models KTM offers, the 790 Adventure R focuses more on off-road use. It has been available for over a year and warmly received by the adventure bike community. The 790 offers nothing to the big road burners despite having significantly more dirt capability than any ADV bike that came before it.

Also Read: 2020 Yamaha Ténéré 700 vs 2020 KTM 790 Adventure R

However, KTM did not start from scratch. The 790 Duke Sports Bike was the birthplace of the 799cc parallel twin engine. It was fitted with an all-new chassis, a WP Xplor fork, a no-link rear shock, a front wheel with 21 spokes and a rear wheel with 18 spokes. The tires are tubeless Metzeler Karoo 3 off-road tires, which are very aggressive.

The 790’s fuel cell is its most eccentric design feature. Although it has a standard filler, most of the 5.3 gallons of fuel is carried in an interestingly designed, double-sided plastic cell that wraps around the skid plate. The key is to maintain a low center of gravity. Naturally, the first thing that comes to everyone’s mind is a possible puncture. While we haven’t heard of this, it’s still a valid concern.

Yamaha Tenere 700

It’s been a while since Yamaha released a mid-sized adventure bike. If you look back, Yamaha entered this market much earlier than most other manufacturers in the late 1980s. Yamaha started with an existing motor, the Yamaha MT-07, from a bare-bones bike, just like the KTM. Although they are both 270-degree parallel twins, the Yamaha has a displacement that is a full 110cc less than the KTM.

It’s immediately apparent that Yamaha’s engineers approached this bike with a new set of priorities. They concluded that the cost of adventure bikes is not the technology but the biggest obstacle. Most riders put a $15,000–$25,000 motorbike into a giant mud puddle as too much of an afterthought. Yamaha tried to create a bike with best-in-class performance at a competitive price.

The Yamaha Tenere 700 has an MSRP of $9999 and has had quite a bit of success. The KTM costs $3700 less. Also, it costs $1200 less than the KTM 350 EXC-F Dual Sport motorcycle. To achieve this, Yamaha decided to ditch the electric features often seen in this type of bike. There is no hill hold, wheel control, traction control, ride modes, or electronic suspension adjustments. The remaining feature is the anti-lock brake, which can be turned off with a simple button push.

Let’s Talk Power

The KTM has a significant displacement advantage, resulting in significantly more power. However, it does not provide much energy for off-road riding. Yamaha is brilliant and clever. You can set the engine in high gear, slow it down to idle, and open the throttle to your liking.

The Yamaha seems to gain traction and pull effectively. Power is introduced instantly, and if it starts to feel a little loose, you can quickly go up early. The Yamaha is fun to ride in high gear. The Yamaha’s overall gearing is lower than the KTM’s, so the two bikes often use different gear ratios in the same situation.

Tall Factor

The handlebar, seat and footpeg relationships are different between these two bikes. Despite the Yamaha’s slightly lower saddle height, you might consider it a taller bike. The Tenere’s spacious fuel tank is responsible mainly for such an impression. Compared to the KTM, which is much more flat on top like a real dirt bike, it rises faster from the seat joint.

Additionally, the Yamaha tank holds you in place once seated, making it challenging to balance the front wheel during turns appropriately. It makes you stand up, which is challenging because of the awkward seat/footpeg relationship. Also, the KTM turns and handles better when the rider stands up. However, you can sit for a while, and when you get out of the saddle, it’s a little easier because of the loose peg/seat connection.

Regarding the Yamaha, we experimented with the optional tall saddle, which increases the seat foam by 41mm. The harness is remarkably comfortable and makes standing very easy. Just because you can move more quickly on top of a tank, it also makes it possible for you to stay seated during turns. A tall bike is, unfortunately, much more elevated than that. Simply put, smaller riders can’t do it.

Street Time

Both bikes are fun, comfortable and smooth on the road. They rumble rather than vibrate or ring. Even on long car trips, this isn’t a problem. It is somewhat satisfactory.

Because it revs higher and makes more power, the KTM can play the canyon racer role a little better than the Yamaha. After all, the Yamaha is more fun to ride daily. It delivers power more smoothly and with less shock. Just roll the throttle, and the Tenere provides smooth, powerful torque.

On the other hand, the KTM’s low-end power delivery is more on or off. Additionally, it features additional engine braking, which adds to the intensity of the ride. Again, you can reduce this effect by reducing throttle response.

2023 Yamaha Tenere 700 vs 2023 KTM 790 Adventure R – Specification Comparison

Engine and transmission

Chassis, suspension, brakes and wheels

Physical measures and capacities