2023 Yamaha Tenere 700 vs 2012 BMW F 800ST

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2023 Yamaha Tenere 700 2023 Yamaha Tenere 700

Sport touring

Engine
Twin, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
452.0 pounds
2012 BMW F 800ST 2012 BMW F 800ST

Sport touring

Engine
Twin, four-stroke
Power
62.5 kW / 85 hp @ 8000 rpm
Top Speed
229.0 km/h / 107 mph
Weight
449.7 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Comments-Blata is from the Czech Republic.
Year-2012
ColoursTeam Yamaha Blue, Shadow GrayBlue, black
Make Model-BMW F 800ST
Warranty1 Year Limited Factory Warranty-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)9.4 inches-
Ground Clearance (mm)240 mm-
Seat Height874 mm / 34.4 in.820 mm / 32.2 in (low seat: 790 mm / 31.1 in)
Wheelbase1595 mm / 62.8 in.1,466 mm / 57.7 in.
Height1455 mm / 57.3 in.1155 or 1225 mm / 45.5 or 48.2 in (excl. mirrors)
Length2370 mm / 93.3 in.1155 or 1225 mm / 45.5 or 48.2 in (excl. mirrors)
Width904 mm / 35.6 in.860 mm / 33.9 in (incl. mirrors)
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (Quarts)3.17 US quarts-
Oil Capacity (l)3.00 litres-
Dry Weight-187 kg / 412 lbs
Fuel Capacity15.90 litres / 4.20 US gallons16 Litres / 4.2 US gal
Wet Weight205.0 kg / 452.0 lbs204.0 kg / 449.7 lbs
Performance
Top Speed-229.0 km/h / 107 mph
Max Power-62.5 kW / 85 hp @ 8000 rpm
Max Torque68.0 Nm (6.9 kgf-m or 50.2 ft.lbs) @ 6500 Revolutions"80 Nm / 59 lb-ft @ 5800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.4605 HP/kg
Standing Start ¼ Mile-12.0 sec
Engine
Displacement (ci)42.04 cubic inches-
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)DOHC
Engine TypeTwin, four-strokeTwin, four-stroke
Displacement (cc)689.0 cc-
Bore x Stroke (mm)80.0 x 68.6 mm-
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.1 x 2.7 inches-
CO299.8 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)78.9 CO
Displacement-798 cc / 47.7 cu-in
Engine Detail-Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel SystemInjectionInjection. Electronic intake pipe injection / digital engine management (BMS-K)
Bore x Stroke-82 x 75.8 mm
Compression Ratio11.5:112.0:1
Cooling System-Liquid cooled
Emissions-Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3
Engine LubricationWet sumpDry sump
Fuel Consumption4.30 litres/100 km (23.3 km/l or 54.70 mpg)5.0 L/100 km / 20.1 km/l / 47 US mpg
Fuel Induction-Electronic intake injection
Fuel Reserve-4.00 litres / 1.06 gallons
IgnitionTCIKnock control and oxygen sensors
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System44
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity-12 V / 14 Ah, maintenance-free
Drivetrain
ClutchWet, MultipleCable-operated multiplate-plate wet clutch
Final DriveChain   (final drive)Belt
Gear Ratios-1st 2.46:1 / 2nd 1.75:1 / 3rd 1.38:1 / 4th 1.17:1 / 5th 1.04:1 / 6th 0.96:1
Gearbox6-speed6-speed
Primary Drive-Belt drive with shock damper
Transmission / Drive-6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeSteel tube backbone, double cradleBridge-type aluminium frame
Suspension - Front43mm inverted fork, fully-adjustable43mm Telescopic forks
Suspension - RearSingle shock, adjustable preload (w/remote adjuster) and rebound dampingDie-cast aluminium single sided swinging arm with rear wheal axle and eccentric adjustment, central spring stud , spring pre-loaded hydraulically adjustable to continuously variable levels by means of handwheel, rebound damping adjustable.
Rake27.0°25.8°
Steering Head Angle-64.2°
Trail104 mm / 4.1 in.95 mm / 3.7 in
Wheel Travel - Front211 mm / 8.3 in.140 mm / 5.5 in
Wheel Travel - Rear201 mm / 7.9 in.140 mm / 5.5 in
Electrical Systems
Alternator-Three-phase alternator 400 W
InstrumentationMulti-function LCD display with gear position, fuel level, two trip meters and estimated fuel range, average and instant fuel consumption-
Lighting systemHeadlight nacelle with quad LED headlights12V 55W headlight
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-12.6 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-320 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-10.4 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-265 mm
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. Hydraulic. Selectable ABS.2 x 320mm discs, 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle disc. Hydraulic. Selectable ABS.Single 265mm disc, 2 piston caliper
RimsSpoked wheels. Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tiresCast aluminium
Rims - Front-3.50 x 17
Rims - Rear-5.50 x 17
Tyres - Front90/90-R21120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear-180/55 ZR17
Wheels-Cast aluminium

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2023 Yamaha Tenere 700 and the 2012 BMW F 800ST are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2023 Yamaha Tenere 700 - Advantages

  • More rear wheel travel: 201 mm vs 140 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 211 mm vs 140 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2012 BMW F 800ST - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 820 mm vs 874 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.

2023 Yamaha Tenere 700 vs 2012 BMW F 800ST - FAQs

Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2023 Yamaha Tenere 700 or the 2012 BMW F 800ST?
The 2012 BMW F 800ST has the lower seat at 820 mm, making it more accessible. The 2023 Yamaha Tenere 700 sits higher at 874 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2023 Yamaha Tenere 700 or the 2012 BMW F 800ST?
Both are strong choices. The 2023 Yamaha Tenere 700 has the edge in higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel, while the 2012 BMW F 800ST stands out for lower seat height and liquid cooling. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.