Yamaha heads off the beaten track with new RW adventure scooters.
Yamaha has unveiled a new family of adventure scooters, combining everyday practicality with standing riding positions, longer-travel suspension and block-pattern tyres.
The three-model range comprises the CP2-powered RW700 and RW700 Explore, alongside the smaller RW350, which introduces an all-new 330cc single-cylinder engine and an unusual chassis layout.
Australian pricing and availability were not detailed in the announcement.
Leading the range, the RW700 uses Yamaha’s CP2 engine paired with its Yamaha Automated Manual Transmission (Y-AMT). Riders can choose fully automatic operation or change gears using a handlebar-mounted switch, without a clutch lever or foot-operated gearshift.
Yamaha says this is its first scooter with gear-changing capability and the first application of Y-AMT developed for off-road use. Changes include a rubberised clutch damper, revised shift mechanism settings and dedicated gravel shift programming.
In automatic operation, the gravel settings suppress upshifts after throttle application and while the rear wheel is sliding, helping riders maintain control on loose surfaces.
A six-axis inertial measurement unit supports traction, slide and brake control systems. Street, Sport and Eco modes cover road duties, while Explore and Explore+ provide settings for gravel riding. Explore+ can be customised, and rear ABS can be disabled in the gravel modes.
The chassis features a steel backbone frame, 41mm inverted forks with 160mm of travel and a rear monoshock offering 155mm of travel, with adjustable preload and rebound damping.
Cross-spoked wheels measure 17 inches at the front and 15 inches at the rear, wearing Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tubeless tyres. Twin 298mm front discs and four-piston radial-mount calipers handle braking duties, backed by a 267mm rear disc.
Yamaha lists the RW700’s wet weight at 221kg, with an 810mm seat height, 170mm ground clearance and a 14-litre fuel tank.
Four-position adjustable footpegs have removable rubber inserts, while folding forward footrests provide an alternative feet-forward position. The seat is shaped to allow movement when riding, and an aluminium skid plate protects components beneath the chassis.
Everyday equipment includes cruise control, a variable speed limiter, keyless operation, a USB-C outlet and a five-inch TFT display with smartphone connectivity and Garmin StreetCross navigation. Underseat storage can accommodate a full-face helmet, depending on its size and shape.
The RW700 Explore adds adjustable fork preload and rebound damping, heated grips, a heated rider’s seat, a centrestand and backlit switchgear. It also gets dedicated Forest Green and Midnight Black colour options, while the standard RW700 comes in Sage Blue or Power Grey.
The RW350 takes a different mechanical approach, pairing its new liquid-cooled, four-valve SOHC single with a continuously variable transmission.
Its Yamaha Dynamic Ride layout fixes the engine to the frame while allowing the CVT unit to pivot around the crankshaft. Yamaha says this reduces unsprung weight compared with a conventional scooter arrangement in which the engine and transmission move together. A four-axis balancer is also included to reduce vibration.
Electronic throttle control supports Street, Explore and Eco riding modes, with Explore allowing a degree of rear-wheel slip. Cruise control is standard.
The smaller model has 37mm inverted forks offering 140mm of travel, twin rear shocks with 105mm of travel and seven preload settings, plus 185mm of ground clearance. Cast wheels measure 16 inches at the front and 14 inches at the rear, fitted with Dunlop D615 block-pattern tyres.
Like the RW700, it combines footpegs with removable rubber inserts and folding forward footrests, allowing riders to change position between commuting and rougher surfaces.
A five-inch connected TFT display, Garmin StreetCross navigation, USB-C charging, keyless operation and helmet-sized underseat storage round out the practical features. Fuel capacity is 13 litres, with Sage Blue, Arashi Sand and Midnight Black colour options.
Yamaha has also developed accessories for the range, including aluminium luggage, soft bags and additional protection.
