I figured it was time for a dedicated Tenere 700 thread where current and future owners can share T7 related knowledge and ask T7 related questions in one place. This thread includes but is not limited to:
- Maintenance tips and tricks
- Common problems and fixes
- Suspension setup and tuning
- Modifications for protection, performance, etc.
- Luggage systems and packing solutions
- Wheel systems: wheels, tires, tubes, etc.
- Navigation and electronics
- DIY repairs and projects
Here are a few questions to get things started:
- What are the best modifications you’ve made? If you were building a new T7 from scratch, what are the upgrades you’d do immediately?
- What modifications did you try and then eventually remove?
- What suspension setup are you running (spring rate, valves, clickers, for your rider weight)
- The T7 is a blank canvas that can be built into a big dirt bike, adventure tourer, super-moto, etc. What is your T7 build philosophy? What role does your bike fill in your garage?
- Why did you chose the T7? What other ADV bikes have you had and how does your T7 compare?
Looking forward to seeing everyone’s setups, lessons learned, and photos. Let’s build a resource that helps both new and experienced Tenere owners get the most out of their bikes.
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I’ll get things rolling.
I went with the T7 because I wanted a reliable and capable machine that was straight forward to maintain. I built mine primarily as an adventure touring machine that I can press use a big dirt bike on occasion.
Suspension
Rider weight with full gear: 210 lbs. I also have steel engine guards, pannier racks, and the Acerbis 6.1 gallon tank so I went with heavier springs. 0.69 in the front and 8.5 in the rear. The springs are on the stiffer side when I don’t have a bunch of luggage on the bike so my K-Tech ORVS compression and rebound damping settings are very much set toward the mellow side when I’m riding typical Colorado rocky terrain.
Protection
I have the dirtracks engine guards and pannier rack. I went with them because they’re steel, which is heavier but also much better at withstanding abuse compared to aluminum. I attach my tools, tubes, and recovery gear to the engine guards to keep the heavy stuff towards the bike’s center of mass for better handling. The pannier racks protect the exhaust and ECU and make attaching luggage so much more convenient. I’m also running the AXP skid plate, Acerbis hand guards and chain slider, rear rotor guard and a headlight cover.
Best Mods
If I was building a T7 from scratch, I’d immediately install double take mirrors and flip the handlebar clamps 180 degrees for a more aggressive offroad riding posture. I’d also install these footpegs from NICECNC.
I like these pegs a lot because I stand up for hours in my hunting boots without foot fatigue. For me there’s a time and place for motocross boots and hunting boots, and these footpegs work well with both.
Luggage
I’m running the Nelson Rigg trails end panniers with the quick detach plate for the pannier racks and some temu bags for the engine guards. Both are good for the price, but I might upgrade to mosko when these are no longer serviceable.
Miscellaneous
I have the tusk cotton air filter and nylon bolts installed where the fork guard attaches to the fork to prevent catastrophic damage to the fork if the bike falls at that point. I’ve already replaced these about 5 times so I think it’s a modification worth doing, especially if you’re pushing your machine hard offroad.
There’s probably a few things I’m missing that I’ll add later. This is meant to be a living thread, so post what you got and ask questions.
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I have a T7 because I got a industry deal. Why not?
Mods so far:
Camel products:
Skidplate. Can actually smash things with this one.
One finger clutch lever. Hand doesn’t want to be cut off anymore.
Tail Tidy. Cleans up the crap
Rear Brake lever. Because I want to push on something that makes me stop.
NiceCNC products:
Clutch and Brake levers. One or Two fingers,stiffer.
Tail Rack. Carries Mosko bages well and my lunch cooler!
Yamaha Factory goods:
Heated grips. What off season?
Quick shifter. Blip BLip Braaaaaaaaaap.
Hepco & Becker lower crash guards. Dirt naps happen.
Acerbis hand guards.
edited to add images. well crap guess not because i can only add one.
2 Likes
Not sure why that would be the case re: only one photo - we don’t have a limit that I’m aware of. Welcome!
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OH. YOU may not but the forum does. I was sternly scolded for attempting to post more than one picture.
" sorry new member can only upload one item " or something. 
Oh. We clearly don’t trust you yet. 
