Yamaha’s new adventure scooter mixes CP2 power, automatic shifting and everyday practicality. We probably won’t see it in New Zealand, but the idea makes plenty of sense here.
- Familiar 689cc CP2 twin delivers 51kW (68.4HP), with six-speed Y-AMT transmission.
- Explore specification adds adjustable front suspension, heated grips and seat, a centre stand and backlit controls.
- Commuting, weekend twisties and gravel-road exploring look like an appealing combination, although NZ availability remains unconfirmed.
Yamaha has unveiled its new RW adventure-scooter range, and the RW700 Explore is an interesting one from a New Zealand perspective.
We most likely won’t get it here. That’s our expectation rather than a confirmed decision from Yamaha NZ, but it would be a shame if that proves to be the case. Looking at what Yamaha has put together, there’s a pretty convincing argument for a machine that can handle the commute, enjoy a twisty backroad and keep going when the seal runs out.
The RW700 Explore is the better-equipped version of the new RW700, with both sitting alongside the smaller RW350 in Yamaha’s newly announced range. Yamaha describes the 700 as a motorcycle-scooter crossover, which gives you a better idea of the thinking than either label on its own.
Quick Facts
Engine: 689cc CP2 twin
Power: 51kW / 68.4HP
Torque: 65Nm
Transmission: Six-speed Y-AMT / chain final drive
Suspension travel: 160mm front / 155mm rear
Wheels: 17-inch front / 15-inch rear
Seat height: 810mm
Ground clearance: 170mm
Wet weight: 224kg
Fuel capacity: 14 litres
NZ price and availability: Unconfirmed
CP2 power, with the shifting taken care of
Underneath the bodywork is Yamaha’s 689cc CP2 twin, producing a claimed 51kW, or approximately 68.4HP, at 8,250rpm. Maximum torque is 65Nm.
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It’s paired with Yamaha’s six-speed Y-AMT automated manual transmission and chain final drive. Riders can leave the gear changes to the bike or select them through the handlebar switch, with Yamaha saying the system has been adapted for off-road use.
That’s an appealing combination for the sort of riding we’re talking about. Let it handle the changes through stop-start traffic, then take more control when the road gets interesting.
The electronics include a six-axis IMU and configurable Yamaha Ride Control settings for road and off-road riding. Cruise control and a speed limiter are also fitted, while a five-inch TFT provides smartphone connectivity and navigation through compatible apps.
A useful middle ground
The chassis figures suggest something aimed at everyday versatility rather than chasing a Ténéré down the toughest track.
There’s a 17-inch front wheel and a 15-inch rear, with 160mm of front suspension travel and 155mm at the back. Ground clearance is 170mm, the seat sits at 810mm, and Yamaha lists the Explore at 224kg with fuel and oil.
Those numbers deserve some perspective. This is still a substantial machine, and we’d want to ride it before making any claims about how comfortably it deals with loose surfaces. But for riders whose gravel adventures are connecting roads rather than technical trails, the concept looks promising.
And that’s where the New Zealand appeal comes in. Plenty of us want a bike that earns its keep during the week without becoming a chore to use at the weekend. Being able to take an unsealed detour without feeling you’ve brought the wrong machine would be a useful bonus.
“Being able to take an unsealed detour without feeling you’ve brought the wrong machine would be a useful bonus.”
Explore adds the comforts
The Explore gets extra equipment over the standard RW700, including preload and rebound adjustment for its 41mm upside-down fork, heated grips, a heated rider’s seat, a centre stand and backlit switchgear.
There’s also underseat storage that Yamaha says can accommodate a full-face helmet, depending on its size and shape. Smart-key operation and self-cancelling indicators add to the everyday convenience.
The heating is easy to appreciate from a Kiwi perspective. An early start, a cold commute or a change in conditions over the hills can make those features rather more useful than they might sound in a launch brochure.
Will it come here?
We haven’t confirmed New Zealand availability or pricing, so there’s no local launch date to put in the diary.
For now, the RW700 Explore is worth a look simply because of the job it’s trying to do. A useful commuter with enough performance for an enjoyable weekend ride, plus the option of exploring gravel roads, sounds well suited to how plenty of New Zealanders actually use their bikes.
“A useful commuter with enough performance for an enjoyable weekend ride, plus the option of exploring gravel roads, sounds well suited to how plenty of New Zealanders actually use their bikes.”
Whether riders warm to the styling and the scooter format is another question. But the practical case is there. We’d certainly be interested in seeing how it stacks up on our roads.
