At the Milan Show 2024 (EICMA) held in November 2024, manufacturers competed to announce brand new and model changes, attracting the attention of riders around the world. Among them, the hottest genre is the mid-adventure genre. Both the Yamaha Tenere 700 and the Honda XL750 Transalp have been significantly updated, and are worthy rivals in the same displacement and genre. We would like to check out the latest specifications of each model, which were also available at the venue.
- The Tenere 700 has evolved dramatically with major improvements including an electric throttle and full electronic control system.
- The headlight changes to two lights! The powerful multi-purpose model XL750 Transalp
- Will the off-road-oriented Tenere and the steadily evolving Transalp collide in the same price range? Will Kawasaki also enter the fray with a new model?
The Tenere 700 has evolved dramatically with major improvements including an electric throttle and full electronic control system.
The Ténéré 700, whose concept was announced in 2016 and first appeared overseas in 2019, is a mid-range adventure motorcycle with a tower-type cockpit for rally raids. The name comes from Yamaha's challenger in the Paris-Dakar Rally, which dates back to 1985. While it is equipped with a water-cooled parallel twin-cylinder 689cc CP2 (Crossplane) engine shared with the MT-07, the engine characteristics are set to favor mid-to-low speeds with an emphasis on off-road performance, and the large-capacity 16.0L tank and 21-inch front wheel give it high traction and range. In 2024, it underwent a minor change, at which time the turn signals were changed to LEDs and the meter to a vertical full-color TFT LCD.
The new 2025 Ténéré 700, which has just been released, has undergone major updates for the first time, covering the operating system, suspension, and appearance. First of all, the engine has a maximum output of 73.4ps/8750rp and a maximum torque of 6.93kg-m/6500rpm, and while the basic power remains the same as before, the intake duct has been improved to increase low-speed torque, and the gearbox design has been revised for smoother shift changes. In addition, an electronically controlled throttle has been newly adopted at the same time as the new MT-07. Riding modes can now be set, allowing you to choose between two modes: the aggressive "Sports" and the trekking-oriented "Explorer."
The first major model change for the Tenere 700 (2025). It now has an electronic throttle and a ride mode change function. The style has evolved to be slimmer.
The engine still produces a maximum output of 73.4ps, and the intake and gearbox have also been improved.
The front forks are also now fully adjustable, greatly improving the freedom of adjustment.
The previous headlights were round, with four eyes.
The chassis was partially reinforced, and the suspension was improved both front and rear. The φ43mm inverted front forks now have an initial adjustment function, and together with the previously adjustable rear shock, they are now fully adjustable. The rear shock's settings and link mechanism have been changed, and the structure has been changed to include a reservoir tank. A piggyback system has been adopted, making initial adjustment easier.
The exterior has also changed significantly, with the LED headlights now being changed to a horizontal, square type, while the long, vertical screen in the style of a rally tower remains the same as before. The lens is still four eyes, but a new Y-shaped mount has been adopted, giving it a futuristic style. The tank and shroud have also been refined to be slimmer, and the seat has been changed to an integrated type, improving the freedom of position. It has a more streamlined, slender silhouette than the previous model.
In terms of equipment, the conventional vertical TFT meter has been replaced by a 6.It has been enlarged to 3 inches. It also has expanded functions, such as a navigation display, which was previously unimplemented. Of course, a smartphone linkage function is also included, allowing various information to be checked on the monitor, and a Type C USB connector is also provided. Along with these expanded functions, a joystick-type switch has been added to the left-hand steering wheel, as well as the one-touch indicator and automatic cancel functions provided in the new MT series.
The headlights, which give a different impression from previous models, are a square four-eye projector type.
The taillights remain the same, but the seats are now integrated.
The meter has been enlarged to 6.5 inches and has new functions such as turn-by-turn navigation.
The headlight changes to two lights! The powerful multi-purpose model XL750 Transalp
Honda's rival adventure model for the fully-featured Tenere 700 is the XL750 TRANSALP. This model was just released in 2023 and will be introduced in Japan later that year. The name also dates back to 1986, and is named after the Transalps series. All previous Transalps models are crossover models designed to handle both off-road and on-road conditions, but the current XL750 Transalp has a character that emphasizes off-road performance. It boasts high off-road performance, with 21-inch wheels in the front, Showa 43mm SFF-CATM (Separate Function Fork Cartridge) USD forks for suspension, and a separate reservoir-type Showa shock (with preload adjustment mechanism) in the rear.
As a new face released in 2023, the XL750 Transalp already has the latest standards for its main equipment. The power unit is a 755cc SOHC 4-valve parallel twin-cylinder engine, which is the same as the street fighter CB750 Hornet sold in Europe. It produces 67.5kW (91.7PS) at 9500rpm and 75Nm at 7250rpm. In addition, it is equipped with an electronically controlled throttle from the start, and the HSTC (Honda Selectable Torque Control) allows for multiple mode changes for engine power, braking, wheelie control, etc. There are four basic modes to choose from: "Sport", "Standard", "Rain", and "Gravel", as well as a user-defined mode.
The new XL750 Transalp (2025) model retains the same basic performance but with an updated front mask.
A wide range of colour variations are available in Europe, but it is unclear whether they will be available in Japan.
The headlights have been changed to a raised twin-eye type, and the material of the screen has also been changed.
The engine specifications remain unchanged, producing a maximum output of 91.7 PS and a maximum torque of 75 Nm.
The conventional model has a single headlight. This change has strengthened the adventure flavor.
The 2025 new model will have an updated appearance and equipment, while retaining the engine and operation functions. First, the headlight, which was a single-light type with an edgy look, has been changed to a dual LED projector headlight with two eyes, creating an impression similar to that of the CRF1100 Africa Twin. In addition, a screen made of the new sustainable material "Durabio" has been adopted, and the shape has been revised to be more aerodynamic.
In terms of equipment, the conventional 5-inch TFT LCD meter has been changed to a structure where the space between the cover glass is sealed with resin, improving the transmittance of the backlight. Visibility has also been improved. The functions are the same as before, and it is possible to link with a smartphone via the Honda RoadSync app and display turn-by-turn navigation. The backlit 4-way toggle switch on the left handlebar will also continue to be used for multi-function monitor operation.
The 5-inch TFT LCD meter offers improved visibility. Functions such as the navigation display have been retained from the previous model.
The Transalp has had electric throttles and various electronic controls since its debut. There are a wide variety of mode selections.
It uses a backlit 4-way switch common to Honda's latest models.
The CB750 Hornet, which shares the same engine, has also undergone a model change. This model is also likely to arrive in Japan.
Will the off-road-oriented Tenere and the steadily evolving Transalp collide in the same price range? Will Kawasaki also enter the fray with a new model?
There is a high possibility that both the new Tenere 700 and the new Transalp will be introduced in Japan, so we hope to hear an announcement soon. There is not much difference in basic elements such as wheel size and body weight, but in terms of off-road maneuverability, the Tenere 700's improved suspension and proportions will be of interest. On the other hand, the Transalp, which has the advantage of a larger displacement, has been steadily updated with a new style, and there is a high possibility that its sister model, the CB750 Hornet, will be introduced in Japan, so it will attract more attention in Japan. The prices of both models have not been announced, but the prices for the UK specifications have already been announced, with the new Tenere 700 priced at $10970.02 and the new Transalp priced at $11099.07, which is almost the same. If they settle in the same price range in Japan, they will naturally become rivals of interest to Japanese fans.
There has yet to be an announcement as to when these two models will be introduced in Japan. We will have to wait until the day when we can experience the difference in their characters.
There is also a dark horse. In addition to Honda and Yamaha, Kawasaki also brought a new model that appears to be a large adventure bike to the Milan Show venue. The model was covered in a box, and although its identity was unknown at this time, we were able to confirm its large 21-inch wheels and fairing. The engine displacement is unknown, but the model name and the year the "KLE500" was released were displayed as "KLE EST1991," suggesting that it is a new mid-range adventure motorcycle that will be part of the KLE series. We will have to wait for further news on this.
A new Kawasaki model that was unveiled at the Milan Show. It's definitely an adventure motorcycle.
KLE400 (1991) The KLE was the predecessor to the Versys series, which was also sold in Japan as part of Kawasaki's adventure lineup.
Ténéré 700 (2025 European) Main Specifications
Overall Length x Overall Width x Overall Height: Undisclosed
Wheelbase: 1595mm
Seat Height: 875mm
Vehicle Weight: 208kg
Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke, in-line 2-cylinder DOHC 4-valve 688cc
Maximum Output: 73.4PS/9000rpm
Max. Torque: 6.9kg-m/6500rpm
Fuel Tank Capacity: 16L
Transmission: 6-speed return
Brakes: F=W disc, R=disc
Tire: F=90/90-21 (Tube type) / R=150/70R18 (Tube type)
XL750 Transalp (2025 European) Main Specifications
Overall Length x Width x Height: 2325 x 838 x 1455 mm
Wheelbase: 1560mm
Seat Height: 850mm
Vehicle Weight: 210kg
Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke SOHC 4-valve 2-cylinder 755cc
Maximum Output: 67.5kW/9500 rpm
Maximum Torque: 75 Nm/7250rpm
Fuel Tank Capacity: 16.9L
Transmission: 6-speed Return
Brakes: F=disc, R=disc
Tire: F=90/90-21, R=150/70-18
