Yamaha RW700 and RW350 Adventure Scooters Unveiled With Advanced Features
Yamaha has unveiled its new RW Series of adventure scooters, introducing the RW700, RW700 Explore and RW350 at the EICMA 2026 motorcycle exhibition. The new range represents the company's entry into a scooter category that combines the convenience of automatic two-wheelers with the styling, equipment and capabilities associated with adventure motorcycles.
The RW Series includes two larger models powered by a 689cc parallel twin engine and a smaller version featuring a 327cc single cylinder engine. The RW700 models use Yamaha's Automated Manual Transmission, known as Y-AMT, while the RW350 comes with a continuously variable transmission. The new scooters are designed for daily commuting as well as longer journeys on different types of roads.
With their adventure-oriented design and equipment, the new Yamaha models are expected to attract attention in a segment that includes the Honda X-ADV and Honda ADV350. However, the company has not yet confirmed whether the RW Series will be introduced in the Indian market.
Yamaha RW700 and RW700 Explore Engine Details
The RW700 and RW700 Explore are powered by Yamaha's 689cc liquid cooled, parallel twin CP2 engine. This engine is already used in other motorcycles in the company's international line-up. In the RW700 range, it produces approximately 69.3 PS of maximum power and 65 Nm of peak torque.
The engine is paired with a six speed Yamaha Automated Manual Transmission. Unlike a conventional scooter's CVT system, Y-AMT uses an automated clutch and gear-shifting mechanism. Riders can select automatic gear changes or operate the transmission manually using a switch on the handlebar.
This setup is intended to combine the performance and control of a geared motorcycle with the convenience of automatic operation. Yamaha has also revised the Y-AMT system for the RW Series, with specific adjustments intended to improve gear changes on both paved roads and off-road surfaces.
The RW700 is designed as an adventure-focused scooter, while the RW700 Explore receives additional equipment aimed at riders who want more comfort and convenience on longer journeys.
RW700 Explore Features and Rider Assistance Systems
The RW700 Explore is the more extensively equipped model in the range. It gets a five inch full-colour TFT instrument display with smartphone connectivity through Yamaha's MyRide application. Riders can access connected functions, including calls and music controls. Navigation support is also available through Garmin StreetCross integration.
The scooter features a six-axis inertial measurement unit that supplies information to its electronic rider assistance systems. These include traction control, slide control and brake control systems. The equipment is designed to help riders maintain control under changing riding conditions.
Yamaha Ride Control provides different settings for road and gravel riding. The road modes include Sport, Street and Eco, while the gravel settings include Explore and Explore Plus. These modes adjust engine response and the level of electronic assistance to suit different surfaces and rider preferences.
Other features include cruise control, a speed limiter, a smart key system and a USB Type-C charging port. The Explore version also gets heated grips, a heated rider's seat, adjustable front suspension and backlit switchgear.
The model uses a long-travel suspension setup, with a 41mm inverted front fork offering 160mm of travel and a rear monoshock providing 155mm of travel. Its adventure-oriented equipment is intended to make it suitable for a wider range of riding conditions than a conventional urban scooter.
Yamaha RW350 Engine and Transmission
The RW350 is the smaller model in the new adventure scooter family. It is powered by a newly developed 327cc liquid cooled, single cylinder engine with four valves and electronic fuel injection. The engine produces approximately 28.5 bhp and 31.5 Nm of peak torque.
Unlike the RW700 models, the RW350 uses a CVT automatic transmission. This allows riders to operate the scooter without manually changing gears, making it suitable for everyday commuting and stop-and-go traffic.
One of its notable engineering features is Yamaha Dynamic Ride, a new engine and transmission layout developed for this model. In this arrangement, the engine is fixed to the frame while the CVT assembly moves around the crankshaft pivot.
According to Yamaha, this layout helps reduce unsprung weight and improves chassis behaviour. A four-axis balancer is also used to reduce engine vibrations and provide a smoother riding experience.
The RW350 also features Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle technology, which electronically manages throttle response. Yamaha Ride Control offers Street, Explore and Eco riding modes, allowing riders to select settings according to road conditions and riding preferences.
Design, Suspension and Practical Equipment
The new RW Series has an adventure-inspired design with an upright riding position, wide handlebars and bodywork intended to provide protection and comfort. The scooters also feature footpegs that allow riders to stand when travelling over uneven surfaces.
The RW350 uses a high-tensile steel frame, telescopic front forks and twin rear shock absorbers. Its rear suspension includes preload adjustment, allowing riders to make changes according to passenger or luggage requirements.
The RW700 Explore receives a more advanced suspension setup, including adjustable front and rear components. Its 17-inch front and 15-inch rear wheels are paired with tubeless tyres designed to provide grip on different road surfaces.
The RW700 Explore also includes a skid plate, hand protection and a windscreen. Its adjustable footpegs and additional forward footrests provide different riding positions for commuting and touring. These features are intended to make longer journeys more comfortable while giving riders greater flexibility on rough roads.
Could the Yamaha RW Series Rival Honda X-ADV and ADV350?
The introduction of the RW Series brings Yamaha into a segment where adventure-inspired scooters combine automatic transmission with equipment designed for touring and occasional off-road use.
The Honda X-ADV is an established model in the larger-capacity adventure scooter category, while the Honda ADV350 targets riders looking for a more compact adventure-styled scooter. Yamaha's RW700 range is positioned in the larger-capacity category, whereas the RW350 offers a smaller engine and automatic CVT transmission.
The RW700's parallel twin engine and Y-AMT gearbox distinguish it from conventional scooters. The RW350, meanwhile, focuses on automatic convenience while adding adventure-oriented suspension, riding modes and ergonomics.
The specifications and equipment suggest that Yamaha intends to offer alternatives for riders who want more versatility than a standard city scooter. However, actual market competition will depend on pricing, availability, performance and the markets in which the models are sold.
India Launch and Availability
Yamaha has unveiled the RW Series internationally, but an India launch has not been officially confirmed. The company has not announced Indian prices, local specifications or a launch schedule for the RW700, RW700 Explore or RW350.
If Yamaha considers bringing these scooters to India, pricing and market positioning will be important factors. The RW350's engine capacity is particularly relevant to the Indian two-wheeler market, while the larger RW700 models would appeal to a more specialised premium touring audience.
For now, the RW Series remains an international product announcement. More information about market availability and possible India plans will be needed before buyers can assess their prospects in the domestic market.
The RW700, RW700 Explore and RW350 mark a new direction for Yamaha's scooter range. By combining automatic transmission options with adventure-focused design and rider assistance technology, the company is seeking to expand the role of scooters beyond conventional urban commuting.
