Yamaha's new RW family spans two very different engine and transmission combinations. The RW700 uses the 689cc CP2 twin and Y-AMT automated transmission, while the RW350 introduces a 327cc single with a CVT. Both are adventure scooters, with upright bodywork, block-pattern tyres and room to change the riding position on longer journeys.
RW700: CP2 power with handlebar shifting
On the 700, Y-AMT offers fully automatic shifting or manual changes from the handlebar. There is no clutch lever or foot-operated gear selector, and the rear brake is controlled at the bars too. That arrangement leaves the rider's feet free to move between four-position adjustable pegs and foldable footboards.
A new steel backbone frame carries a 41mm upside-down fork and a bottom-link rear monoshock. Ground clearance is 170mm. Cross-spoke wheels with aluminium rims wear tubeless Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres, while Yamaha Ride Control includes a Gravel mode with shifting logic intended for unpaved surfaces. Cruise control is standard.
What Explore adds
The Explore version adds heated grips and a heated seat, adjustable front suspension, a centrestand, backlit switchgear and its own badging. Those are the main differences for riders who want the travel equipment without building an accessory list.
RW350: a different engine mounting
The RW350 is more than a smaller engine in the same chassis. Its new steel diamond frame rigidly mounts the single-cylinder engine; only the CVT assembly swings with the rear suspension. Yamaha calls this Dynamic Ride, using a four-axis balancer to control vibration while reducing the mass that has to move with the rear wheel.
The 350 has a 37mm upside-down fork, twin preload-adjustable rear shocks, Dunlop D615 tyres and 185mm of ground clearance. Electronic throttle control supports riding modes, traction control and cruise. Its 5-inch TFT can connect to Y-Connect and Garmin StreetCross through the relevant phone apps.
Market plans
Yamaha plans Japanese sales from autumn 2027 onward. US and European prices and arrival dates have not yet been confirmed, and final power and weight figures are still to come.
US and European pricing is still to be confirmed.