Is the Tenere 700 a Dead Duck?

Back in late 2019 and early 2020, the Yamaha Tenere 700 was the unicorn of the motorcycling world — elusive, hyped, and highly sought after. Thanks to a flood of YouTube content featuring Pol Tarres riding the T7 like it was a YZ250 on steroids, the adventure riding community went nuts. The bike looked like the perfect mix of off-road prowess and long-distance capability, and many of us — myself included — bought into the dream.

In those early days, you couldn't get your hands on one for love nor money. Demand far outweighed supply, and any available unit was snapped up instantly. The Tenere became the bike to have if you wanted to get into serious adventure riding without blowing the budget on a Euro machine.

Fast forward to 2025, and the T7's glow seems to be fading. What happened?

The Rise of Lightweight Alternatives

One word: competition.

Manufacturers have caught on to the fact that riders want lighter, more manageable adventure bikes — especially for New Zealand’s terrain. Enter CFMOTO’s 450MT. It may not have the proven pedigree of the Yamaha, and yes, there are still open questions about its longevity, but what it does offer is a lighter, cheaper, and arguably more nimble platform for the kind of riding most Kiwis actually do.

"Light is right" has become the new mantra. Riders are realising that 200+ kg of fully-fuelled adventure bike might not be the dream once you hit a steep, rutted track in the middle of nowhere.

The T7 Market Has Gone Cold

From what I’m seeing — and experiencing first-hand — the used T7 market has flatlined. My own 2020 model, loaded with extras, has been sitting on Trade Me for months now with barely a nibble. A few years ago, it would’ve been gone in a weekend.

Dealers aren’t moving them like they used to either. Sales of new units have slowed considerably, even with special deals and finance offers. It’s not that the T7 is suddenly a bad bike — far from it — it’s just that the game has changed. Buyers have more choice, and many of them are opting for something lighter, newer, or just different.

Is the Tenere 700 Still Relevant?

So, is the Tenere 700 a dead duck? Not quite.

It’s still a hugely capable bike with a strong aftermarket scene and a loyal following. It’s proven, reliable, and for many riders, it still hits the sweet spot between long-distance comfort and off-road performance. But it's no longer the must-have it once was.

The adventure market is evolving, and unless Yamaha updates or repositions the T7 soon, it risks being left behind — not because it’s a bad bike, but because the industry and rider expectations are shifting.

The Tenere 700 isn’t dead, but it’s definitely not the hot ticket it used to be. If you're looking to buy one, there are deals to be had. If you're trying to sell? Well, good luck — you’re not alone.