Yamaha’s rally-bred middleweight adventurer has just levelled up. Following a similar path to this year’s updated base model Ténéré 700, the World Raid gets a full-fat evolution that drips with premium components, fresh tech, and Dakar-grade attitude. Bruce Wilson brings us up to speed…
At its core sits the 689cc CP2 parallel twin, now Euro 5+ compliant but with even more low-down grunt thanks to a redesigned air intake. That means better pick-up when crawling over rocks or threading through traffic, and the same addictive midrange drive that’s made the T7 such a legend. Throttle cables are gone – replaced with Yamaha’s Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T), bringing two selectable power modes: Sport for attack mode and Explorer for smooth, low-grip adventures.
Feeding the beast is Yamaha’s new 6-axis IMU, controlling lean-sensitive traction, slide, and ABS systems. Whether you’re carving tarmac or hammering fire roads, the bike reads the terrain, adjusts power, and keeps everything in check. Off-road heroes can even kill the rear ABS or go fully raw with everything off.
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Handling gets a serious upgrade, too. The new 46mm KYB forks with Kashima coating are fully adjustable and 20mm longer than the base model’s, while the linked KYB rear shock offers a longer stroke and a piggyback reservoir for fade-free damping in the rough. There’s also a 16-step steering damper, letting you tailor feedback from loose sand to Autobahn stability.
The dual 23-litre aluminium side tanks are genius; lighter than before, carry fuel lower for better balance, and still deliver around 500km of range. Add a new one-piece rally seat and reshaped bodywork, and the ergonomics are pure adventure perfection – smooth transitions from sit to stand, and loads of room to move.
Comfort and convenience haven’t been forgotten either. Cruise control, a speed limiter, and a 6.3-inch vertical TFT dash now feature, with switchgear borrowed from the latest T7. You also get full smartphone connectivity, Google-powered nav, and a USB-C port for your gadgets.
Visually, it’s a sharper, tougher, more refined beast with a rally-inspired LED headlight setup and new Redline White or Midnight Black colour options.
