Yamaha unveils all-new middleweight RW adventure range and smaller RW350

Yamaha has revealed a completely new line-up for 2027 as it looks to muscle its way into the adventure scooter market. 

The Iwata-based brand is bringing three radical new models to the table, including the range-topping RW700 and RW700 Explore.

The RW700 and RW700 Explore are both fitted with the company’s proven 689cc CP2 parallel twin, and its six-speed Y-AMT (Yamaha Automated Manual Transmission) system, allowing riders to change gears via a switch on the left handlebar.

The Y-AMT system was first introduced by Yamaha in 2024, and can now be found on numerous models within its motorcycle line-up, including the MT-09 and MT-07, and across its Tracer 9 GT family. 

Both models also feature the Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) system, aimed at delivering smoother torque throughout the entire rev range.

Yamaha claims a maximum power of 51 kW (68.4bhp) at 8,250rpm and 48 Ib-ft of torque at 6,750rpm. The RW700 and RW700 Explore are also available as A2 machines, where power is restricted to 47bhp. 

Both scooters are available with two colour options, with the standard RW700 receiving Sage Blue and Power Grey variants. Meanwhile, the RW700 Explore gets Forest Green and Midnight Black options.

RW700 gets full suite of rider aids

Thanks to the six-axis IMU system, both models feature a full suite of electronic rider aids, including traction control, slide control and brake control. 

Additionally, the company’s Yamaha Ride Control (YRC) allows the rider to select different engine power characteristics as well as changing the level of support from the electronic rider aids, based on personal rider preferences.

There are numerous riding modes available which have been split into two categories: Road and Gravel. 

Road consists of three modes including Sport, Street and Eco, while Gravel allows the rider to choose between Explore and Explore+. The latter provides more engine feedback than Explore. 

The two RW700 models are separated by their level of trim, with the higher-spec Explore gaining a front suspension setup that features adjustable preload and rebound damping capabilities, heated grips, heated seat, a centre stand and backlit switchgear.

The 41mm inverted forks are the same on both models, providing 160mm of front wheel travel. They are paired with a bottom-link type monoshock with 155mm travel at the rear with adjustable seven-step preload.

The RW700 Explore gives extra rider control with 15mm of front fork preload adjustability and 11-step rebound damping adjustability.

Both models gain an autoshift-compatible cruise control system plus Yamaha Variable Speed Limiter (YVSL). Finally, smart key technology complements a connectivity-ready five-inch TFT display and USB-C socket.

Yamaha RW350

At the heart of the smaller RW350 is a brand-new 327cc liquid cooled single-cylinder engine, producing 28.8bhp at 7,000rpm and 23.2 Ib-ft of torque at 5,750rpm. 

According to Yamaha, “the newly developed engine is part of a unique layout unlike anything Yamaha have used before: Yamaha Dynamic Ride. Unlike unit-swing setups where the engine and CVT housing are integrated and move vertically as a single unit, or rigid mounting arrangements where the swingarm extends rearward from the engine with the CVT unit fixed to the frame, Yamaha Dynamic Ride offers a setup where the engine is fixed to the frame, while only the CVT unit moves vertically around the crankshaft pivot”.

The new engine also features the same Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) that’s found aboard the bigger RW700 models, which is another first for Yamaha in this class.

Suspension is handled by 37mm inverted forks at the front with 140mm of travel, and twin shocks at the rear allowing 105mm. 

The suspension is also adjustable across seven settings, therefore it can be tuned to suit road conditions, or the weight of having a passenger or luggage on the bike.

Specific to the RW350 is the wheel design, which is inspired by rally car wheels with a large dish shape around the hub. 

Another first for Yamaha is the cast aluminium rear wheel which houses a damper inside the hub. This is designed to reduce vibration during both acceleration and deceleration. 

The 16-inch front wheel is paired with the 14-inch rear, with the RW350 sporting Dunlop D615 tubeless block-pattern tyres developed specifically for this particular model.

It’s clear that the RW700 arrives as a direct competitor to Honda’s X-ADV, while the smaller RW350 will act as a rival to the ADV350.

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