The new RW Series bridges the gap between conventional scooters and adventure motorcycles, combining off-road capability with everyday comfort and practicality.
Yamaha is venturing into new territory with the introduction of its all-new RW Series, a family of adventure-oriented scooters designed to combine everyday commuting convenience with the ability to tackle less-travelled roads.
The new range comprises two models – the flagship RW700 Explore and the smaller RW350. Both are developed around the idea of offering greater versatility than conventional scooters, with adventure-inspired engineering, improved suspension travel and riding technologies.
RW700 Explore: A Motorcycle-Scooter Crossover
Leading the range is the RW700 Explore, which uses Yamaha’s familiar 690cc CP2 parallel-twin engine, also found in several of the brand’s motorcycles.
It is paired with Yamaha’s Automated Manual Transmission (Y-AMT), allowing riders to change gears using handlebar-mounted controls or leave the transmission to operate automatically. There is no conventional clutch lever or gearshift pedal.
The electronics package includes a six-axis IMU and Yamaha Ride Control, offering three road riding modes (Street, Sport and Eco) and two gravel modes (Explore and Explore+).
Other rider assistance systems include traction control, slide control, brake control and back-slip regulation, while rear ABS can be switched off in Gravel mode.
Designed for both seated and standing riding positions, the RW700 Explore features a high-tensile steel frame, 41mm upside-down front forks with 160mm travel and a rear monoshock offering 155mm travel.
It rides on 17-inch front and 15-inch rear spoked wheels fitted with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres.
For touring comfort, equipment includes cruise control, a variable speed limiter, a 5-inch TFT display with Garmin navigation support, USB-C charging and a Smart Key system.
The Explore variant also gets heated grips, a heated rider’s seat, adjustable front suspension, a centre stand and backlit switchgear.
RW350: A New Take on the Middleweight Scooter
The smaller RW350 is aimed at riders looking for a more versatile everyday scooter without stepping up to the larger RW700.
It is powered by an all-new 330cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine featuring Yamaha’s Dynamic Ride technology.
Unlike conventional scooter layouts where the engine and CVT transmission move together as part of the rear suspension assembly, Yamaha’s Dynamic Ride architecture keeps the engine fixed to the frame while allowing the CVT unit to move independently.
This reduces unsprung weight and improves chassis stability, particularly when riding over uneven surfaces.
The RW350 also gets Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) and Yamaha Ride Control (YRC), with three riding modes: Street, Explore and Eco.
The modes adjust power delivery and traction control intervention to suit different riding conditions, including paved roads and loose surfaces.
Yamaha says the RW350 has been developed to balance urban usability with the freedom to venture beyond the city, making it a more adventurous alternative to conventional middleweight scooters.
A New Direction for Yamaha Scooters
With the RW Series, Yamaha is looking to create a new category that combines the convenience of scooters with the versatility and capability traditionally associated with adventure motorcycles.
Rather than relying on rugged styling alone, both models incorporate engineering and equipment designed to support different riding environments.
The RW700 Explore caters to riders seeking a more premium, long-distance adventure machine, while the RW350 offers a smaller-capacity alternative for everyday commuting and occasional exploration.
Yamaha has not announced Malaysian pricing or availability for either model yet in case you’re wondering.
