Yamaha RW 700 / RW 700 Explore

From a press release issued by Yamaha Europe:

Yamaha has entered the growing adventure scooter segment with a bold new model for 2027: the RW700. The RW700 (along with the higher-spec RW700 Explore and smaller RW350) represents Yamaha’s first serious attempt to challenge Honda’s popular X-ADV. It combines the convenience and practicality of a maxi-scooter with genuine motorcycle technology drawn from the Ténéré 700 and MT-07 families.

This is not a conventional scooter with knobbly tyres and a taller screen. Yamaha has created a true crossover machine that can handle daily commuting, long-distance touring, and light off-road exploration with equal confidence.

Engine and Transmission
At the heart of the RW700 sits Yamaha’s proven 689 cc CP2 parallel-twin engine — the same liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-valve unit found in the MT-07, XSR700, YZF-R7 and Ténéré 700. In this application it produces a claimed 68.4–69.3 hp (51 kW) at 8,250 rpm and 65 Nm (48 lb-ft) of torque between 6,500 and 6,750 rpm. An A2-restricted version limited to 35 kW (47.6 hp) is also available in Europe.

Power is delivered through Yamaha’s six-speed Y-AMT (Yamaha Automated Manual Transmission). Riders can choose fully automatic mode or shift manually using rocker switches on the left handlebar.

Yamaha has revised the clutch damper and shift mechanisms specifically for the RW700 to improve performance on both paved roads and loose surfaces. Final drive is by chain — another motorcycle-like feature that sets it apart from traditional CVT scooters.

Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) ensures smooth power delivery across the rev range.

Chassis, Suspension and Wheels
The RW700 uses a high-tensile steel tubular frame. Suspension travel is significantly longer than on a conventional scooter: a 41 mm inverted front fork offers 160 mm of travel, while the linkage-mounted rear monoshock provides 155 mm. Ground clearance stands at 170 mm.

Wire-spoke tubeless wheels (17-inch front, 15-inch rear) are fitted with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres in 120/70-17 and 160/60-15 sizes. Dual 298 mm front discs with radial four-piston calipers and a 267 mm rear disc handle braking, backed by cornering ABS (with the rear ABS switchable in Gravel modes).
An aluminium skid plate protects the underside, and the machine features adjustable footpegs that allow the rider to stand on rough terrain, plus fold-out floorboards for a more relaxed, feet-forward scooter-style riding position.

Wet weight is 221 kg for the standard RW700 and 224 kg for the Explore. Seat height is 810 mm and the fuel tank holds 14 litres.

Electronics and Rider Aids
A six-axis IMU underpins a comprehensive suite of lean-sensitive electronics. Yamaha Ride Control (YRC) offers five modes split into two groups:
• Road modes: Street, Sport and Eco
• Gravel modes: Explore and Explore+

These adjust engine response, transmission behaviour and traction control to suit the surface. Additional features include cornering traction control, slide control, cruise control (compatible with the autoshift system), Yamaha Variable Speed Limiter, a five-inch colour TFT display with smartphone connectivity via the MyRide app, and Garmin StreetCross navigation support. A USB-C charging port and smart key are standard.

RW700 Explore Variant
The higher-specification RW700 Explore adds several touring-oriented features:
• Fully adjustable front fork (preload and rebound)
• Heated grips and heated seat (10 levels each)
• Centre stand
• Backlit handlebar switches
• Exclusive Forest Green and Midnight Black colour options

Design and Practicality
The RW700 retains classic scooter practicality with a step-through design and under-seat storage large enough for a full-face helmet. At the same time, its aggressive styling — complete with a dual LED headlight, substantial bodywork and adventure-inspired graphics — clearly signals its dual-purpose intent. Standard colours for the base model are Sage Blue and Power Grey.

Yamaha is targeting riders who want the comfort and ease of a scooter for everyday use but refuse to be limited to asphalt. The RW700 sits between the pure road-oriented TMAX and the more hardcore Ténéré 700, offering a unique blend of both worlds.

With the 2027 RW700, Yamaha has not simply added an adventure scooter to its range — it has redefined what an adventure scooter can be. By packing a genuine motorcycle engine, automated six-speed gearbox, long-travel suspension, knobbly tyres and sophisticated electronics into a practical step-through package, Yamaha has created one of the most interesting new machines of the year. Whether it succeeds in challenging Honda’s dominance in the segment remains to be seen, but the RW700 is already one of the most compelling crossovers to emerge in recent years.