Comparison: Honda Africa Twin Vs Yamaha Tenere 700

Adventure beckons, and when the road calls for eminent riders, two names rise to the forefront: the Africa Twin and the Tenere 700.

These motorcycles, engineered for the thrill-seekers and the boundless explorers, are not just vehicles but tickets to an unparalleled realm of adventure.

Born from the legacy of endurance and designed with cutting-edge technology, each carries its unique narrative, ready to be unravelled.

In this comparison, we’re setting the stage for an epic showdown between Honda’s flagship adventurer, the Africa Twin, and Yamaha’s nimble warrior, the Tenere 700.

We will break down every single detail of both these bikes to check which would be best for us.

Let’s dive into:

Africa Twin Vs Tenere 700

The Africa Twin delivers an unparalleled technological arsenal, featuring a robust 1084cc engine and an advanced electronics package that includes a six-axis IMU, varied traction control levels, customizable power delivery, and engine braking adjustments. 

This suite caters to the tech-savvy adventurer seeking to tailor their ride to varying terrains and conditions, though it may pose a learning curve for newcomers. 

On the other hand, the Tenere 700 champions a minimalist approach, with a 689cc engine and a lack of advanced electronics. It appeals to purists who value a straightforward, effective riding experience over technical complexity. 

This distinction in philosophy not only delineates their target demographics but also impacts their market positioning: $14,499 for the Africa Twin and $10,499 for the Tenere 700. 

Note: To provide our readers with more helpful and updated comparisons, team Motorbike Dude outsources information from topspeed.com, jdpower.com, and motorcycle.com.

Pros for Africa Twin

• High ground clearance, superior off-road
• Advanced electronics for rider control
• Comfortable ergonomics for long rides
• Powerful engine, smooth acceleration response
• Robust build, reliable performance always

Cons for Africa Twin

• Fairly heavy for off-road
• Seat height may be challenging
• Price higher than competitors
• Limited colour options available
• Complex controls for new riders

Pros for Yamaha Tenere 700

• High-performance, robust parallel-twin engine
• Exceptional off-road agility, lightweight frame
• Advanced, user-friendly electronic riding aids
• Comfortable riding posture for long distances
• Durable, capable of handling tough conditions

Cons for Yamaha Tenere 700

• Absence of electronic riding modes.
• Considerably tall for shorter riders.
• Lacks a standard centre stand.
• The windshield is not adjustable for height.
• No factory-installed heated grips option.

Honda Africa Twin vs Yamaha Tenere 700 Features Comparison 

1. Engine and Performance

The Africa Twin and the Tenere 700 stand as prominent figures in the world of adventure motorcycles, each offering distinct engine configurations and performance metrics.

The Africa Twin is powered by a robust 1,084cc parallel-twin engine, designed to deliver a smooth yet powerful ride across various terrains.

In contrast, the Tenere 700 features a more compact 689cc parallel-twin engine, which, despite its smaller displacement, offers a spirited performance suited for both on-road and off-road adventures.

When it comes to power and torque, the Africa Twin strides ahead. Its engine generates approximately 101 horsepower and 77 lb-ft of torque.

The Tenere 700, on the other hand, produces around 72 horsepower and 50 lb-ft of torque.

This notable difference in power output underscores the Africa Twin’s ability to easily handle more demanding conditions, while the Tenere 700 maintains a balance between power and manoeuvrability.

In terms of transmission, the Africa Twin boasts a sophisticated 6-speed manual gearbox or an optional DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) offering automatic gear changes and manual mode.

The Tenere 700 is equipped with a traditional 6-speed manual transmission, providing a direct connection between the rider and the machine.

While the Africa Twin’s transmission options cater to a wider range of rider preferences, the Tenere 700’s gearbox appeals to those seeking a more engaged riding experience.

2. Riding Dynamics

When comparing the riding dynamics of the Africa Twin and Tenere 700, several key features we consider are the suspension system, braking system, and wheels and tyres, which are tailored to their performance in diverse terrains.

Suspension System: The Africa Twin features a sophisticated suspension setup. The front utilizes an inverted telescopic fork, and the rear employs a mono-shock with Pro-Link. Both provide ample adjustability in preload, compression and rebound damping.

This configuration allows for tailored rider comfort and handling prowess across varied terrains.

The Tenere 700, on the other hand, offers a less complicated but effective suspension with adjustable preload and rebound damping in its inverted front fork and rear shock.

While it offers a commendable ride, it lacks the fine-tuning available on the Africa Twin. Nonetheless, it delivers reliable performance across off-road scenarios.

Braking System: Both motorcycles come equipped with ABS, enhancing their safety profile.

The Africa Twin boasts a dual radial-mount four-piston calliper setup at the front and a single-piston calliper at the rear. It is complemented by an advanced off-road ABS that can be disengaged at the rear wheel.

The Tenere 700 is equipped with an advanced, always-on dual-channel ABS, providing unmatched safety in all riding conditions. 

Furthermore, it boasts superior stopping power with dual disc brakes at the front and a robust single disc brake at the rear, ensuring unparalleled control and stability.

Although both bikes maintain strong braking capabilities, the Africa Twin offers a slight edge with more advanced technology that caters to off-road enthusiasts seeking more control.

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Wheels and tyres: The Africa Twin’s larger wheels, 21-inch front and 18-inch rear, paired with its spoke design, are tailored for aggressive off-roading, providing durability and comfort on rough terrains.

Conversely, the Tenere 700 also utilizes a similar wheel setup conducive to off-road performance but tends to be more versatile, balancing on-road comfort with off-road readiness.

This makes the Tenere 700 a slightly more balanced choice for riders who divide their time equally between tarmac and trails.

3. Electronics and Rider Aids

Riding Modes: The Africa Twin excels with its multiple riding modes, which allow riders to tailor the bike’s performance to various conditions, from off-road adventures to highway cruising.

These modes adjust power delivery, traction control, and ABS settings to optimize performance.

In contrast, the Tenere 700 offers a more simplified approach, with fewer electronic interventions, which appeals to riders seeking a raw, unfiltered riding experience.

Traction Control and ABS: The Africa Twin boasts a sophisticated traction control system with several levels of adjustment, including an off-road setting that permits a controlled amount of rear-wheel slip.

Its ABS also includes an off-road mode that can be disabled on the rear wheel, enhancing off-road manoeuvrability.

While the Tenere 700 includes ABS, it offers a more basic traction control system without the granularity of settings found in the Africa Twin.

Other Features: In terms of additional features, the Africa Twin again leads with its modern electronic suite, including LED lighting, a high-resolution TFT display that offers Bluetooth connectivity, and navigation aids.

The Tenere 700 adopts a more minimalist approach, featuring necessary LED lighting and a simple LCD without the advanced connectivity or navigation aids provided by the Africa Twin.

4. Comfort and Convenience

In comparing the Comfort and Convenience of both bikes, it’s essential to evaluate based on ergonomics, fuel capacity, and storage possibilities.

First, focusing on ergonomics, the Africa Twin offers a more accommodating seat height and position, engineered to support riders comfortably over long distances.

The flexible seating and superior ride position cater to a broad range of rider sizes, offering an advantage in terms of comfort during extended rides.

The Tenere 700 presents a more rugged and compact ergonomics package. While slightly less tailored for long-haul comfort than the Africa Twin, it benefits riders in terms of manoeuvrability and off-road handling.

Regarding fuel capacity and range, the Africa Twin outshines with a larger tank size, enabling longer distances between refuelling stops – a critical factor for adventure touring.

This feature significantly enhances its convenience for long-distance travel. On the other hand, the Tenere 700, with a smaller tank, indicates more frequent stops but is compensated somewhat by its lighter fuel consumption under certain conditions.

Storage and accessories are where both motorcycles show strengths but in different ways.

The Africa Twin scores with a broader range of OEM accessories, including more substantial pannier options, top boxes, and protection bars. It caters well to travellers who pack heavily or venture into rugged terrains.

While the Tenere 700 supports a decent array of storage options, it leans towards a minimalist setup, assuming a lighter travel load and less need for extensive additional gear.

5. Off-road Capability

When comparing the off-road capability of the Africa Twin to the Tenere 700, ground clearance emerges as a fundamental factor.

The Africa Twin boasts a ground clearance of 250mm, slightly higher than the Tenere 700’s 240mm.

Although minimal, this difference can impact the bikes’ ability to tackle rough terrain without the risk of undercarriage damage.

In terms of specific off-road features, both motorcycles are well-equipped, but there are distinctions.

The Africa Twin comes with a robust set of off-road aids, including skid plates and engine guards that protect its vital components on rugged trails.

Furthermore, its off-road footpegs enhance rider stability and control during off-road ventures.

6. Price and Value

When it comes to evaluating the price and value, it’s essential to take a comprehensive approach.

Starting with the MSRP, the Africa Twin is priced at $14,799 for the manual variant and $15,599 for the DCT version.

In contrast, the Yamaha Ténéré 700 is more affordably priced, starting at $10,799, with an additional $550 destination charge.

This initial price disparity makes the Ténéré 700 an attractive option for those seeking a more budget-friendly adventure bike.

The 2021 Yamaha Tenere 700, with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $9,999, has depreciated relatively steeply to an average retail value of $7,385.

This depreciation reflects a market perception that values the bike’s initial affordability yet factors in a faster rate of value loss over time.

On the other side, the 2022 Honda CRF1100D Africa Twin DCT presents a more resilient resale narrative.

It starts with a higher low retail value of $9,605 and maintains an average retail value of $12,640, significantly above its Yamaha counterpart.

This demonstrates not only a higher initial valuation but also a stronger value retention, indicative of the market’s trust in the Honda Africa Twin’s durability, brand prestige, and perceived long-term value.