Yamaha Ténéré 700 (XTZ690) Simplified Maintenance Schedule and Service Intervals

This is the maintenance schedule and service intervals for the Yamaha Ténéré 700, a middleweight adventure/sport motorcycle from Yamaha. It’s also affectionately known as the T7.

The Ténéré 700 is based on the same well-loved CP2 engine found in the Yamaha MT-07. It’s a 689cc liquid-cooled parallel twin with a 270-degree crankshaft. In the Ténéré 700 it makes peak power of 53.8 kW (73.8 hp) @ 9000 rpm, with peak torque of 68 Nm (50 ft-lb) at 6500 rpm.

But the Yamaha Ténéré 700 is quite a different motorcycle, with an adventure-ready set of wheels, ride position, and general protection.

Here are all the motorcycles that share the same CP2 engine:

The CP2 engine is designed to make a lot of torque in the midrange. So while it revs up past 9000 rpm, you definitely don’t have to take it there to get the most out of it (and just as well, as the T7 isn’t a bike you’re likely to frequently redline).

This was originally published on Feb 15, 2021, but has been significantly updated with a simplified format of maintenance schedule, chain maintenance, tire specs, and more.

This site has links for things like oil and spark plugs from which we earn a commission (which unfortunately nobody can save, not even us). If you appreciate this work, then please use those links. Thanks!

Yamaha Ténéré 700 Service Intervals

Generally speaking, the Ténéré 700 has 4000 mile / 6 month (US) or 10000 km / annual (Europe / APAC) service intervals. At every service, change the oil, and do a host of other checks.

Check or change the spark plugs at every service. And every 26600 miles (US) or 40000 km (Europe / APAC), do a full service and check / adjust the valve clearances.

The T7 has a liquid-cooled engine, so make sure the coolant is kept fresh. Same goes for the brake fluid which must be refreshed every two years.

Finally, if you ride your bike off-road much, make sure you service a few items more regularly, including the chain, air filter, external lubrication points, and change the oil more often.

What you need to service the Yamaha Ténéré 700

If you’re servicing the Yamaha Ténéré 700, you at least need basic motorcycle maintenance tools — things like an oil catch pan, a paddock stand, and so on. Aside from that, you need the following specific consumables for the Yamaha Ténéré 700.

PartYamaha Ténéré 700 spec
OilYamaha recommends Yamalube 10W-40 for the majority of operating temperatures, from -10 to 40C (or 10 to 110 F). Don’t over-torque the bolt (spec is 43 Nm/32 lb-ft for the oil drain bolt per the manual) — use a torque wrench if you don’t have experience with how much torque is enough.
Oil filterNeeds to be changed every time you change the oil. Either get a stock one (part 5GH-13440-60-00, used for many Yamaha products) or HifloFiltro HF204RC for a high-quality and affordable alternative. Torque for the oil filter is 17 Nm/13 lb-ft.
Engine coolantYamaha recommends their brand of coolant, but use any coolant that’s a 50/50 ethylene glycol pre-mix with corrosion inhibitors, e.g. Valvoline Zerex G05. You need 1.6L total.
Spark PlugsNGK LMAR8A-9. This is what the manual and mechanics suggest. Make sure it’s gapped correctly to 0.8-0.9mm (get a gapping tool) and torqued to 13Nm/10 lb-ft.
Air filterYamaha part number for the OEM air filter is BW3-14450-UF. DNA makes a replacement high-performance one with part number R-Y7N14-01.
Brake padsPeople regularly replace OEM units with EBC double hardened brake pads for extra life and better brake feel (and less fade). You need two sets for the front (FA181HH) and one for the rear (FA208R).
Chain lubricantThe chain needs to be lubricated every 800 km/500 miles (or more, if it gets wet/dirty), with variations recommended between manufacturers. Motul chain paste is portable, cheap, and well-liked.
Cable lubricantRemember to lubricate your clutch cable (and brake cables if you have them) with a cable lubricant. Protect All Cable Life is a good general-purpose lubricant.
GreaseGet a good lithium soap based grease for lubricating major components like your side stand and bearings.
Oil, filters, coolant, plugs, and brake pads for the Yamaha Ténéré 700

Yamaha Ténéré 700 Maintenance Schedule

Below is the maintenance schedule for the Yamaha Ténéré 700.

Note that there are two maintenance schedules below.

  • The US maintenance schedule has service intervals of 4000 miles (6000 km) or 6 months.
  • The Europe/Australia/New Zealand maintenance schedule has service intervals of 10000 km (6000 miles) or 1 year.

There are some other similarities/differences between the schedules, too. See here for notes on Europe / US Yamaha maintenance schedules.

We’ve generally simplified the maintenance schedules and separated them out into “Periodic maintenance” and a full “inspection checklist”.

General notes on the maintenance schedule:

  • After the final service on the chart, keep going, doing every second service.
  • Yamaha recommends that for everything other than lubing the chain, changing the oil, and greasing external parts, you should have a Yamaha mechanic perform the service.
  • Don’t clean the air filter with compressed air as you may damage it.

Yamaha Ténéré 700 Periodic Maintenance — US manual (in miles)

See below for the Europe/Australia/New Zealand schedule, in kms (it’s not a direct conversion).

Mi x 1000 (US)0.648121620Every
Perform full inspection checklist (see below)6 months
Change engine oil (Yamalube 10W-40 or Yamalube 10W-50), checking for leakage.6 months
Replace oil filter (HifloFiltro HF204RC)Year
Check spark plug condition. Adjust gap and clean.
Replace spark plugs.
Check and adjust valve clearance26600 mi
Adjust fuel injection synchronization.6 months
Check evaporative emission control system for damage. Replace if necessary.
Replace air filter periodically (R-Y7N14-01)12000 mi, or more often if riding in dust/rain
Check clutch operation. Adjust or replace cable.
Replace brake hoses4 years
Change brake fluid (Castrol DOT 4) and rubber parts of brake calipers and master cylinder2 years
Moderately repack swingarm pivot bearings with lithium-soap-based grease32000 mi
Check drive chain slack, alignment and condition. Adjust and lubricate chain thoroughly (Motul chain paste)300 mi, or more often if chain gets dirty/wet
Check steering bearing assemblies for looseness.
Moderately repack steering bearings with lithium-soap-based grease12000 mi
Change coolant (Valvoline Zerex G05) 3 years
Yamaha Ténéré 700 — US maintenance schedule (miles)

Yamaha Ténéré 700 Periodic Maintenance — Europe/Australia/New Zealand (km)

This is the metric maintenance schedule for the Tenere 700 as used in the rest of the world (Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asian countries, etc.)

km x 1000110203040Every
Perform full inspection checklist. (See below.)Year
Change engine oil (Yamalube 10W-40 or Yamalube 10W-50), checking for leakage.
Replace oil filter (HifloFiltro HF204RC)
Replace air filter (R-Y7N14-01)
Check spark plug condition. Adjust gap and clean.
Replace spark plugs.
Check and adjust valve clearance40000 km
Check and adjust fuel injection synchronization.Year
Change brake fluid (Castrol DOT 4) and rubber parts of brake calipers and master cylinder2 years
Replace brake hoses4 years
Check clutch operation. Adjust or replace cable.
Moderately repack swingarm pivot bearings with lithium-soap-based grease50000 km
Check steering bearing assemblies for looseness.
Moderately repack steering bearings with lithium-soap-based grease
Change coolant (Valvoline Zerex G05) 3 years
Check evaporative emission control system for damage. Replace if necessary.
Yamaha Ténéré 700 — Europe / APAC maintenance schedule (km)

Yamaha Ténéré 700 Service Checklist

Below is a checklist of everything to look over at every service of the Ténéré 700.

Note: Some of these are strictly not necessary at a time-based interval and can be ignored if no mileage has been done. These are marked [D] (for “distance”).

Service checklist
Perform dynamic inspection using Yamaha diagnostic tool. Check the error codes.
Check fuel hoses for cracks or damage. Replace parts if necessary.
Check crankcase breather hose for cracks or damage. Replace if necessary
Check throttle grip operation and free play, and adjust if necessary. Lubricate cable and grip housing (Protect All Cable Life).
Clean air filter check hose
Check engine idle speed
Check cooling system hoses for cracks or damage. Replace parts if necessary.
Check front brake operation, fluid level, and for fluid leakage. Replace brake pads if necessary (FA181HH)
Check rear brake operation, fluid level, and for fluid leakage. Replace brake pads if necessary (FA208R)
Check brake hoses for cracks or damage, and for correct routing and clamping.
[D] Check wheel runout, spoke tightness, and for damage. Tighten spokes if necessary.
[D] Check wheel bearings for looseness or damage.
[D] Check swingarm pivot bearings operation and for excessive play.
Check tire tread depth and for damage. Replace if necessary (see spec below).
Check front fork operation and for condition and oil leakage. Replace if necessary.
Check shock absorber operation and for condition and oil leakage. Replace if necessary.
[D] Check rear suspension relay arm and pivot point operation
[D] Check all chassis fitting and fasteners. Correct if necessary.
Lubricate brake lever pivot shaft with silicone grease lightly.
Lubricate brake pedal pivot shaft, clutch lever pivot shaft, and shift pedal pivot shaft with lithium soap-based grease lightly
Check front and rear brake switch operation.
Check side stand pivot operation. Apply lithium soap-based grease lightly.
Check side stand switch operation and replace if necessary.
Lubricate moving parts and cables thoroughly (Protect All Cable Life).
Check exhaust system for leakage. Tighten fasteners and/or replace gaskets as necessary
Check lights, signals, and switches.
Adjust headlight beam.
Yamaha Ténéré 700 annual service checklist

Maintaining Your Chain on the Yamaha Ténéré 700

The Ténéré 700 is an adventure bike that is likely to get some off-road time, or at least a lot of time in varied conditions. So the chain will get more abuse than on many everyday commuters.

Thus, it’s important to maintain your chain on the Ténéré 700. Use a good-quality and portable chain lubricant like Motul chain paste. Or for home maintenance you can use aa Motul chain care kit which comes with a couple of handy tools to maintain the chain.

Yamaha recommends you follow the following chain maintenance schedule every 300 mi (US) / or 1000 km (Europe) and after washing the motorcycle, riding in the rain, or riding in wet areas. Naturally if you ride your motorcycle off-road, you should attend to the chain more often.

Chain maintenance item
Check drive chain lubrication condition, lubricating if necessary (Motul chain paste)
Check drive chain slack, alignment, and condition, adjusting / replacing if necessary
See below for notes on chain slack
Chain maintenance — Yamaha Ténéré 700

To measure chain slack on the Yamaha Ténéré 700, measure the distance between the drive chain and the chain guide. Measure it when the motorcycle is on its side stand on a flat surface, and measure the distance between the guide and the middle of the chain pins.

Yamaha Tenere 700 drive chain slack adjustment
Yamaha Ténéré 700 drive chain slack adjustment diagram

To adjust the chain slack on the T7, follow this procedure.

To adjust the chain slack, follow the procedure below. As for measuring chain slack, make sure that the motorcycle is on a level surface on its kickstand, in neutral, with no weight on it (no saddlebags / luggage).

  1. Loosen the rear axle and the adjuster lock nuts on either side of the axle.
  2. Turn the adjuster nuts to tighten (or loosen) the chain. Keep checking the chain tension to see if it has come within spec. (Target chain slack for the Ténéré 700: 43-48 mm / 1.7-1.9 in in)
  3. Keep an eye on the adjuster alignment marks on either side of the axle. Make sure that the adjustment is to the same point.
  4. When you’re done, tighten the axle to 105 Nm / 77 lb-ft, and tighten the adjuster lock nuts to 16 Nm / 12 lb-ft.
  5. Re-check the chain slack again to make sure it’s still within spec.

Yamaha Ténéré 700 Tire size and pressures

The following are tire sizes and tire pressures for the Yamaha Ténéré 700.

Yamaha even says that “after extensive tests, only the tires listed below have been approved for this model by Yamaha”, referring to Pirelli/Scorpion Rally Str tyres.

TyreSizePressure (cold)
Front90/90-21 M/C 54V M+S1 person: 220 kPa (32 psi)
2 people: 220 kPa (32 psi)
Off-road: 200 kPa (29 psi)
Rear150/70 R18 M/C 70V M+S1 person: 250 kPa (36 psi)
2 people: 250 kPa (36 psi)
Off-road: 200 kPa (29 psi)
Yamaha Ténéré 700 tyre sizes and pressures

Of course, make sure you adjust your tire pressures to whatever is suitable for your load or riding style.

About the Yamaha Ténéré 700

The Yamaha Ténéré 700 is Yamaha’s “entry-level” adventure touring motorcycle, but it’s one of those bikes that’s almost the perfect adventure motorcycle — capable on the dirt and off-road, and also very usable on highways.

The real gem of the Yamaha Ténéré 700 is the “crossplane concept” CP2 twin-cylinder engine, a liquid-cooled parallel twin with 689cc of displacement. It’s the same engine that’s in the MT-07, and it’s a beautiful engine.

Part of the advantage of the CP2 engine lies in its compact footprint (and thus light weight), helping the Yamaha Ténéré 700 to overall be a very lightweight touring motorcycle.

It’s also super reliable. The parallel twin format means that it’s easy to build both strong and light. It’s not a motor that people experience things like oil leaks, lost pressure, or other reasons to crack the cylinder heads.

But many riders (us included) also love the CP2 motor for its character, something which is not often said of motorcycle engines also praised for their reliability and useful power range. It has a crackling sound, and when opened up with an exhaust is reminiscent of fire-breathing V-twins. Pretty special!

The Yamaha Ténéré 700 is in a growing class of middleweight adventure motorcycles, along with bikes like the KTM 890 Adventure and the Suzuki V-Strom 650XT.

From 2023, the T7 has started to get a lot of competition, from Honda’s Transalp 750 for example, or even the Suzuki V-Strom 800, which is also powered by a parallel twin.

The T7 has a lot more off-road pretentions than its most obvious rival, the V-Strom 650XT. Aside from the general “rally” style, it has longer-travel suspension (210 mm up front and 200 mm at the back — around 1/3 more than the V-Strom), and a 21/18 inch front/rear wheel combination that is more suitable for large obstacles than for plodding along the highway.

At the front, the Ténéré 700 has dual 282 mm front discs with Brembo 2-piston calipers, and at the rear it has a single 245 mm disc.

What’s quite interesting is that the Yamaha Ténéré 700 has adjustable suspension, which is something slightly unusual on a mid-range bike (the T7 isn’t cheap, but it’s not the “top shelf” adventure bike from Yamaha). You can adjust the compression and rebound damping on the front fork, and you can adjust the preload, compression, and rebound on the rear shock — that’s near full adjustability.

Maintaining the Yamaha Ténéré 700 is relatively easy, thanks to wide service intervals. You change the oil at every service (4000 miles in the US, 10000 km in the rest of the world per the manual), and only service the valves every 26600 miles or 40000 km.

The Yamaha Ténéré 700 comes in a number of different configurations, most notably Rally and World Raid. While they have different set-ups of suspension, fuel tank size, and other features like external protection, they’re the same fundamental motorcycle underneath and have the same maintenance requirements.

Reference — Manual for the Yamaha Ténéré 700

The above information was gleaned from the owner’s manual for the Yamaha Ténéré 700, both the metric (Europe/Asia/Australia/NZ) and imperial miles version in miles.

You can download the US manual from Yamaha’s website here.

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