Yamaha have announced a raft of updates for the 2026 Ténéré 700 World Raid, including upgraded suspension and improved tech. It comes at the same time the brand announces a retro inspired XSR900 GP in a Kenny Roberts tribute Legend Yellow livery.
Set to arrive in Australian showrooms late in Q2 next year, it will be priced from $27,349 ride away. The latest iteration of Yamaha’s 689cc CP2 twin engine now offers even more linear and useable torque and precise control.
It now features a redesigned air intake, and does away with throttle cables, switching to a chip controlled setup which supports two power modes; Sport and Explorer. The latter is designed for negotiating off road terrain and wet surfaces.
The 2026 Ténéré 700 World Raid is equipped with a 6-axis inertial measurement unit, with data working in sync with the lean-sensitive traction control system, slide control and ABS/brake control.
Both traction and slide control are offered with three modes (Street, Off Road and Off), with each accessible from a pop-up menu on the TFT screen. Strong stopping power and braking consistency are achieved with the new steel-braided brake lines.
These run to Brembo front calipers biting into the large 282mm brake discs. Other updates include a new clutch actuation position, transmission updates, and an optional up and down quick shifter.
The 2026 Yamaha Ténéré 700 World Raid sports an upgraded frame and new fully adjustable KYB suspension package that provides better control, both on and off road. That starts with high-grade aluminium triple clamps and a USD fork at the front.
The fork now feature larger 46mm diameter inner tubes, and is paired with a fully adjustable linked-type KYB mono-cross rear suspension setup, that offers improved performance in demanding off road conditions thanks to an increased shock stroke.
Wheel travel (230mm front, 220mm rear) is 20mm longer over the standard Ténéré 700. The cockpit area receives a significant update too, including a new 6.3-inch full-colour TFT display that is positioned in a vertical (portrait) format.
The display offers three themes – Street, Explorer and Raid – with each displaying specific information to best suit different riding styles and environments. Key information includes speed, engine rpm, fuel level, average fuel consumption and gearshift indicator.
You’ll also get coolant temperature, ambient temperature, ODO, trip meter and time data. The 2026 Yamaha Ténéré 700 World Raid will be offered in Redline White or Midnight Black. To find out more you can visit the Yamaha website, or contact your local dealer.
As we mentioned at the start of this article, Yamaha will also honour ‘King’ Kenny Roberts, one of the most influential and prominent figures in Grand Prix motorcycle racing history and America’s first world champion.
Roberts claimed three 500cc titles, spent 13 years with Yamaha and is considered an AMA racing legend with numerous memorable performances. For that reason, a Legend Yellow livery will adorn its retro inspired XSR900 GP bike for 2026.
The new colour will take its place alongside the continued Legend Red, is set to arrive in February, and will be priced from $22,049 ride away. Embodying Yamaha’s racing heritage, it evokes memories of Roberts’ GP-winning YZR500 machines from the 1970s and 80s.
The new livery features a bold yellow and white colour scheme, accented by iconic black Yamaha speed blocks, a powerful visual tribute that blends retro race-bike aesthetics with cutting edge performance.
Technically unchanged for 2026, Yamaha’s retro inspired racer remains feature packed and powered by a very capable CP3 890cc triple. Other nice touches include fully adjustable front and rear KYB suspension, ride control and a 6-axis IMU.
It also scores cruise control, a third generation quick shift system and an A&S clutch. To find out more about Yamaha’s XSR900GP, you can read our 2024 review, visit the Yamaha website, or contact your local dealership.
