2021 Tenere 700 - Thoughts at 36,000 miles

[@markymarkmoto]

"All the experience, none of the charisma" I know I skipped a lot of topics, feel free to put them down here....somewhere, I'll try to get to them 😉

[@Gimme_Stitches]

This is a real world everyday rider review. Not a professional No track days Real world feedback about suspension and off-road No sugarcoating pros and cons Experience through thousands of miles logged, not a 24/48hr initial review. This is a great video for those interested in buying a T7. I’ve owned two and would buy a third if I had to. I don’t recommend buying anything European unless you like spending the money to keep them on the road (maybe except BMW boxers). KLR/Transalp to get your feet wet and move onto the T7 for more dirt or the Vstrom for dirt/street.

[@jackylequatre1208]

I can imagine the time spent editing the images and filming them, I have just discovered your videos and being fond of this type of video I particularly appreciate the images you offer us as well as the quality of the editing. I understand that you are wondering about stopping creating and publishing videos on KZbin, if that means taking away your freedom and the pleasure of riding. Thank you again for the pleasure and the desire to discover that you transmit.

[@mikeh7052]

The best bike review I have heard in my life. I own this bike and it is spot on!

[@slownige]

Well, I don't own one and I still think this is the best review I've seen! Honest assessment of real world realities of ownership. Makes it super appealing.

[@j-way1809]

T7 owner with the same mileage. Just a hair over 36000 miles. Beat the hell out of it and still keeps going. The only thing that has gone to shit was a leaky fork at about 29000 miles. Will buy another again and do an upgrade of the front and rear suspension.

[@Mejfkl]

Why not to by version with KYB instead messing with uppgrades ?

[@joshdoddadbod]

I share a lot of the same thoughts. I love the bike. It's so much more capable than I thought it would be. I find myself getting a little too giddy with it offroad and like you said you forget it weighs 450lbs until you need a fast correction of some kind. It's the perfect blend of off and on road for me, as I prefer to not be on pavement anyways, its fun as hell in the twisties though. It's an incredible bike.

[@oldgreenbus]

I put the acerbis 6 gal tank on.. you can count on 200 miles plus healthy reserve. Even with 80-90mph hwy. And you don’t have to fill for local rides Also Dubya has great Takasago tubeless wheels for less. Great vid 😂

[@The333]

"Wow, she's a LOT bigger in person..." LOL. This was my exact reaction as well when I picked mine up. (it seemed a lot smaller when I sat on it at the 2019 IMS in NYC before I put my deposit down). Great review, I'd say you have definitely gottern your money's worth.

[@DavorOh]

Thanks for making this video. I'm looking into buying as my first bike. I'm 40 y/o 6 2" around 85 kg coming in from cycling in good physical shape to wrestle the bike. I wanted to get the KLE which is a good first bike and recommended by friends, but I'm too lazy to upkeep it and sell it later so i can get the Tenere, the bike I really want. Good to see you like this bike this much. Cheers.

[@mariusblom]

I liked the review thanks Mark. I have a '21 and sometimes it's good to be reminded what a great ADV bike this is. No need to look around or covet newer models from other makes. Just stick with it and send it ;-)

[@fishybob9059]

Don’t agree with all of your opinions, I have almost the opposite experience to you with certain bikes, but I really do appreciate and respect your honest grassroots presentation and review. We can all have different opinions and still get along and the world will still keep turning. Keep on ripping

[@greyfisher3897]

Ya, I guess...its not clear at all what you disagree with....? Maybe you could be more clear in the future so add to the conversation....instead of being just disagreeable. What do you disagree with exactly?

[@fishybob9059]

@ I don’t believe the 690 / 701’s are garbage. I have owned 3 and have a KTM 2015 exc and have friends who have ridden 500’s all over the world on 2012 models are none of us have had any issues. That’s what I disagree on. I’m not saying he is wrong but my personal experience and that of all my riding buddies is the complete opposite to what he is saying. And yes I have friends on T7’s too. It isn’t just a blinkered Ktm fanboy opinion. Is that explanation ok for you?

[@jeremywyckoff8593]

that was an awesome review. it covered everything. not a lot of people talk about what its like on long days on the highway.

[@georgenewman5860]

Really nice video, I appreciate your perspective. I have a 2023 Tenere 700 and I live in Arizona. I haven't done the miles yet, or the mods, but everything you said rings true. I've done a 3,400 mile trip with a lot of highway and several BDR sections in AZ, WA, OR, and NV. My conclusion is similar to yours. It's good enough on highway to cover big miles and it's a lot of fun off road. When you get in the flow on a trail it really feels light and responsive, but I've learned through a few close calls that it is easy to get overconfident and it does take a bit to get it slowed down. My biggest gripe is that the low-speed throttle is hard to be smooth. My biggest pleasant surprise is how very stable it is on the freeway. Overall it is a bike that allows you to do almost anything and have a lot of fun doing it.

[@EpohDerf]

This is a really useful video for me. I habe been looking for someone to detail exactly how bad MPG is when pushing the envelope of its road capabilities. Hope you see many more happy miles.

[@rosarioroberto5823]

Greetings, As always another brilliant detailed video production 🇺🇲🍾🎉🇺🇲 You said it brilliantly. Keep producing more videos about the T7

[@SPENJERE]

Nice review coming from a fellow "Mark". The best part was the last thing you said, thank you.

[@bedazzler]

I miss my T7 😭 Good call on backing out of the 701... they are def fun offroad but imo the constant reliability anxiety is not worth it.

[@dieselcruiserhead]

Disagree 100%. We are all on 690 / 701 and nearly zero issues and love them.

[@Mark11704]

100% With your reasoning. T7 will be my next bike and I appreciate your honest option, there's no perfect bike, it all depends on what you want to do with it. I'm currently on a 2020ATAS 43k from new and while I love the road manners and creature comforts it's a handful on technical trails and a bear to pick up. The T7 is the best of both worlds with it's flaws, just my two cents, Thanks.

[@dieselcruiserhead]

We all have 690 / 701s and nearly zero issues, tens of thousands of miles. Our friend Kevin bell pushing 40k on his. He prefers it as he can pick it up. I personally am happy on a twin or single, have a fairing on the 701 and good grips and a throttle lock and am ultra happy. It is so good off road I could do well in some races if I wanted to. I would get a T7 if I could only have bike. But the T7 is too weak for my needs for a twin.

[@SomeInfoSecDude]

LOL. I love your non-BS, straight to the point opinion, plus touch of cynicism in the humour.

[@BuckyUSA]

The T7 kinda divides me. -It’s not slow but it isn’t fast -It’s not boring but it isn’t fun -It’s not the heaviest but it isn’t the lightest -It’s not expensive but it’s not cheap. - it’s just as good off as it is on road. I can totally see the appeal of it. The customization alone is great, dealer network is great. It should excite me to own but it doesn’t lol. Perhaps if I could get one for 8k I’d go for it. The price tag is high compared to the 3k less MT07 with the same engine.

[@tactical1224]

The T7 is fantastic off road and rips in the twisties...I don't see how anybody could say the T7 isn't fun...

[@BuckyUSA]

@@tactical1224 you’re right, it is great off road. But what I meant is that it’s not ripping your arms off. The gears are clunky and it takes forever to get up to speed. It’s not travel ready, you’d have to do a bunch of mods to get to where it needs to be to mitigate rider fatigue.

[@dieselcruiserhead]

Seems like it’s a better klr than the klr. Naturally as it’s a bit priceyer.

[@NickNorland]

I have the same bike! Same year and color. LOVE my T7! Has handled everything I’ve thrown at it.

[@allenhuling598]

Same!

[@AT2021Rocker]

All valid thoughts! I liked my heavily modified klr, but not enough power when loaded and burned too much oil. Dependability and reliability with some performance is important when riding in areas far away from help.

[@butcherknife59knife46]

Just picked up a 2024 and listen what you have to say about the T7. None were available thru the deception years 21,22, and 23. The dealers were price gauging, Picked up a new one for a steal of a price and it BLUE. So after 4 years of waiting I have a new bike to explore. Spoiled with a 2019 AT and a 2020 DRZ SM on 50/50 Cont TKC rocks ,, good fun on and off! But I am looking foward to getting to know the T7. Around Bend Oregon out on 2 wheels

[@adubs.]

its surprising what you mentioned you get for fuel economy because its not really different from the cp3 in my mt09. If they make a tenere with that motor I am all over it. I know the cp2 is plenty, but I fell in love with the cp3.

[@georgenewman5860]

I have a 2015 FJ09 and of course love the CP3 and also a 2023 Tenere so I appreciate the CP2 also. I think the CP3 would be too much for the dirt (honestly the CP2 is also), but I would love to see what they could do with that bike. It might make the ultimate sand machine...

[@KcYukon]

Have you ever looked at a Moto Guzzi V85tt?? I bought one knew in 2021 man I love it, it looks heavy but it actually is pretty nimble for its looks... 455 lbs dry weight... I looked at the Tenere 700 as well and I do like it and that was the huge toss up... V85tt or Tenere 700 and man I love the V85tt... its not crazy offroad but it can get it done and I have been is some narley ravines at night even where I thought I'm screwed... The V85tt drove out like a tractor and I should say this was doubling with my wife..... all your offroad video I would have no issues taking the V85tt.... Nice bike man!

[@syringavulgaris3258]

Same story here: DR650 introduced me to off road riding but damn it's a pain on the asphalt. Trying to decide between T7 and Tuareg 660 now.

[@robertparker8863]

I too moved from a DR650 and replaced it with the T7. Never been happier.

[@syringavulgaris3258]

@@robertparker8863 Do you find the weight of the T7 manageable off road? Sometimes I had too pull out the DR650 from a ditch or some swamp and it seems it wouldn't be possible with anything heavier.

[@jettpakk5947]

@@syringavulgaris3258 Can't speak for Robert but I have a '23 T7. I do tend to avoid the swamps and the distinguishable deep mud. When it gets stuck it will remind you of how heavy it is. More than once I've had to get deep and dirty, use my shin as a lever, and throw mud onto myself and all the bushes nearby because nobody is coming to help. In those moments it is too heavy, no doubt. It is a terrible bike to learn how to ride offroad on. When it's moving the weight nearly vanishes. It's uncanny... as long as you have momentum it's just a big dirt bike. All the controls are where they should be, standing is natural, balance is literally perfect. It inspires confidence if you have any enduro background. With the correct skills it will take you places nobody goes except on foot. It is a two-faced machine offroad... a high barrier to entry but a very high ceiling. Extremely punishing of mistakes, heavy to pick up, will break your leg in a fall. But in the right hands entirely capable of what you could do back on your old '98 KTM 250 EXC. I love it. I take it to work down many miles of highway every nice day but also take it on enduro trails I grew up riding on, and I'll strap a bunch of camping gear on for a fun weekend. To answer your question, the weight IS an issue. It is with every ADV. Avoid rock gardens and diarrhea mud, and the experienced rider will cruise on through no problem at all.

[@robertparker8863]

@@syringavulgaris3258 Yes, I think it's manageable but, (knock on wood) I've never dropped it.

[@gordonhall5177]

Toureg 660 is a better bike and more comfy

[@cr4zyw3ld3r]

No bs review, I am defo in the market for one. But I know I am going to be dropping weight off the bad boy right away, the high up tank is first on the chopping block.

[@fantastic_voyage]

Get the world raid....best bike i have ever owned after 46yrs and 48 motorcycles....!

[@therealtashiro]

Waiting, hoping, wishing Yamaha makes a WR450R dual-sport/rally...

[@BuckyUSA]

That would be cool and something we all want. So it won’t happen 😅

[@churchofbrap876]

​​@@BuckyUSAYamaha is too focused on street bikes. Just introduced an R9, but then they ignore the dual sport market and the small ADV market completely.

[@greyfisher3897]

What Yamaha does next will be pretty cool I agree. It will come, some new version of the T7 or Tenere platform is no doubt around the corner. It seems as thought the T7 was pieced together to suit the engine with the future in mind while they tested the market and develop a new engine more than likely. I have a T7 and a DRZE, a great pair, but ultimately its hard for me to really ride the T7 on the dirt, like I do my DRZE....no comparison really... I made my T7 more a street/gravel road bike...Didn't bother with all the dirt bike upgrades...I see no point, and have no complaints....I just wanted that engine to be truthful with a 21inch front wheel and proper rake..which is the same as DRZE.

[@BuckyUSA]

@@churchofbrap876 yep! I’m also waiting on the USA to get the World Rally. Most likely will never happen.

[@curtkautsch]

I just couldn’t get over how heavy the T7 was so I went 890 and couldn’t be happier.

[@nekrakias8708]

but the 890 adventure is 10 kilos more

[@ColdWarVeteran-r2j]

camshaft

[@miclinda256]

Went the other way ! To much problems with electronics , and to heavy 😂😂😂 people are diffrent! But facts not

[@davidcolinfisher1034]

Good for you, just hope your kick stand doesn't snap off. The T7 is a motorcycle made of heavy materials....like all motorcycles. It requires a strong and skilled rider to appreciate this design. Many many riders fail to realize this...If the bike "feels" too heavy....you are like doing something wrong....like not balancing properly, and not paying attention properly to the weight...and maybe you are just not strong enough to ride such a machine....Bottom...many many riders...are over the weight discussion on these, and many other bikes....As long as they are in a zone....a weight class, they are all essentially the same weight, with different weight "characteristics". NItpicking machines of this nature and quality in design is tiresome. Clearly many great riders are using these bikes, wearing them out, buying another one etc, racing, world touring, and on and on. They will be around for 20 years or more, still running on original engines and chassis....You simple can not say that about the KTM brand, and many others.....what you "can't get over" is the hump, each bike is different...you have to ride the T7.....like a T7...a bike that doesn't pander to the beginner......requires skill and strength...usually the reasons people get rid of them it appears to me. They trade them in on a bike that is easier to handle.....when really when it comes down to it...all bikes are difficult to ride, and all bikes are heavy. PIck a brand stick with it, learn it, appreciate it, master the model, there is such a thing as giving up too soon. But hey, if you can afford to be choosy, just remember some people are thankful just to have any bike at all....let alone trading up and down on expensive motorcycles because of minor differences....seems weird to me.....Begs the question...why did you buy the T7...the weight is well published...? It didn't suddenly become its weight.

[@derrickmurphy9859]

​Probably reliability hassle free riding it runs 1 of the best engines out there.Everyone is different i suppose and I ride a big tenere 1200 so the t7 feels pretty light and then I don't do really tech stuff i keep it kinda simple off road stuff.​@davidcolinfisher1034

[@churchofbrap876]

Scott's Steering Stabilizer kit? That might help!

[@harees2391]

Can it be used as a commuter bike

[@Drillinanpiping]

Do you load your bike in the Tacoma? Wondering if it will fit in the back of mine with the short bed. Going to pick up my ‘23 T7 tomorrow, beyond excited.

[@markymarkmoto]

I do these days, I specifically bought the Taco w/ a long bed for bikes and love it - I can actually fit the tenere 700 in the bed and put the gate up, with some persuasion. I'm fairly confident saying that with the short bed, the t7 won't fit with the gate up but will easily fit diagonally with the gate down. If you want to fit another bike in there (each facing forward), ehh.... I'm not totally sure. On a side note, I really recommend a ReadyRamp, if you can find one

[@yt9njp]

Are those Touratech engine guards? Along with handguards do they stop most of the bike from hitting the ground in a drop?

[@urmailingalen]

Is there anything you can do to make the brakes bite a lot harder in the beginning? I just got the T7 and the brakes feel real soft to me

[@surfer30071972]

Google for camel adv they have some simple parts for it

[@markymarkmoto]

@urmailingalen For initial bite, you're looking for brake pads and steel brake lines. Different brake compounds (sintered, semi-metallic, etc) will feel different, steel lines will give a harsher/direct feel through the lever. That said, if the bike is new, wait for the pads to wear in a bit and try bleeding the brakes first, just in case

[@urmailingalen]

@@markymarkmoto ok ty. The bikes only got 2700 miles on it. But I do want to upgrade to steel lines soon.

[@j-way1809]

Upgrade your brake pads.

[@harminder87]

Did you get the valve check at 24k? What does everyone think abt it? I just hit 23600 on my T7

[@markymarkmoto]

I did a valve check probably around ~26,000, my exhaust clearances were too tight and needed to be adjusted.

[@jetmuchacho]

I bought a T7 to go along with my Africa Twin as a lighter more off-road capable option. I was disappointment that it didn't really feel any lighter. It gave up so much on highway travel for very little gain off-road. It was not a lighter, more off-road capable option, it was just a less powerful equivalent with poor wind protection and poor fuel economy at speed on multi day highway trips. It was a worst of both worlds option in my shop. I think if it's above 350lbs, off-road capability is pretty much the same given the same tires are on it. You get turned away by the same obstacles - deep mud, steep loose climbs, etc. I'm a life long off-roader, but yeah if I'm on this type of bike I'm on the pavement 95% of the time. For me something that can entertain me on pavement is more important than what the brochure says about off-road capabilities. Now I'm looking for something else, since the africa twin rates pretty much lowest in every bike comparison nowadays.

[@Kelly-oq9nh]

Have you considered a Tuareg? I’ve owned everything and the Tuareg is the best so far.

[@jetmuchacho]

@@Kelly-oq9nh I would love to ride one, but at this point I'm so disillusioned on the idea of a "light adventure bike". My T7 is probably 100lbs lighter than my iron-clad armored africa twin with it's camel tank and aftermarket steel subframe, and I've turned away at all the same places on either bike. At this point I'm looking toward bikes like the 1290R because it's probably similar weight to the Africa Twin just 10 times more fun on and off-road. I do have an enduro bike or two for real off-road riding, right tool for the job I guess.

[@Mejfkl]

If you are 95% on pavement there no need the T7. If you cant do any offroad with T7 then what was the point of it. Africa and other mammuts can do it fine.

[@jetmuchacho]

@@Mejfkl Exactly my point. What's the point of it. Maybe less experienced riders find some advantage with it, but I don't. To me the whole point of a big bike is to be able to go anywhere with your camping gear and be reasonably comfortable and fast on the road when you need to cover a lot of miles. I can go anywhere on bigger bikes, have more fun doing it, and with less aches and pains than on the T7. Maybe if I spent an extra $10,000 on suspension and zip-cut 50lbs off the bike like Pol Tarres did I'd feel different about it, but that's not in my budget lol.

[@mojoriden]

get an 1190R (2016 is best year) or a norden 901x. Both have been excellent bikes with the 901 being next level off road and more comfortable onroad (better windscreen and seat) but down on power 105vs150.

[@hardyeleonore]

Great thoughts about the T7 thank you,sound like it needs a ton of money to get it to work how I ride.No thanks I will look at a the KTM 890.

[@greyfisher3897]

Then why in the f are you watching this video...? He is saying nothing new, already been said many times in one way or another after its 5 year production run etc. And G whiz I just watched video on the 890 spraying brake fluid on to the rider, and he discovers that many other riders of the 890 have the same problem. I rather keep my eyesight thanks. Good luck with the KTM company...sounds like its having some problems......

[@nastysoda9212]

Every video of people talking while riding the T7 they are grunting, stressing and tensing up like hell, even over the most smooth trails. What am I missing here? I can be hitting jumps on my dirtbike and sound 10x calmer than T7 riders. Is the suspension THAT BAD?

[@markymarkmoto]

Twice the weight and 2/3rds of the suspension travel will do that

[@mingos_t7wr]

Grande máquina 👍✌️

[@ogasi1798]

good job 🙂

[@fz0716]

My t7 as a freaking buzzing vibration but other than that its great !

[@MrRodwatson]

Thumbs up just for the joke @5:00 🎯👌

[@hueyvan2007]

I was with you until you said KTM was rubbish. I lost interest at that point. I have owned yamahas and Suzukis but when I switched to KTM everything changed. Best decision ever. Don't knock em, they are the standard together with BMW. Advice to you, don't ever run down other makes, you alienate viewers that way. However if you wish to pander to fan boys ... go ahead.

[@av8or426]

Says the butthurt KTM fanboy. Lol

[@hueyvan2007]

@av8or426 yes I'm a KTM fanboy, just as I am BMW fanboy as I am a Sherco fanboy. I suspect you are never butt hurt because you use a lot of Vaseline very regularly. Now bend over and keep quiet.

[@whsl824]

I have owned a 1290, 690 Enduro and a 501 husky. Sometimes they start and sometimes they don’t sometimes they leave you stranded 20 miles from the nearest paved road, which is what happened to me. However, I’ve never had this problem with any of the Japanese bikes I’ve owned, just saying.

[@hueyvan2007]

@whsl824 funny you say that..... I have bought approx 22 motorcycles in my life for me and my boys. 5 of the bikes were Japanese and one German. The most unreliable of the lot were 2 x Kaea Kx 250's and a Suzuki RMX 250. Never a whimper from the KTMs and Husqvarnas.

[@erikgeldner9593]

Do you know the difference between a Yamaha owner and a Tenere owner ? The Tenere owner ride !

[@Ramenscooter]

The KLR is nothing if not reliable. You mentioned your KLR let you down for the last time and you sold it for $200. Was yours a lemon?

[@_Sisyphus]

Your location reminds me of Northern New Mexico.

[@downbytheriver501]

The coffee he’s drinking is Williams AZ so really close to flagstaff.

[@HooDRidEWhiteY]

That NM/AZ border has some amazing country.

[@ogasi1798]

get a better wheel this time round - excel rims etc , surely over there they are easily obtained for good value, even here in very expensive little england we can get really f'in decent wheels built for less than factory

[@babyfknblu]

showing off the little piggies for free??

[@nexoron5396]

Pssst... Vstrom 800....

[@MrRodwatson]

But what was the ground clearance in 2021🤔

[@nexoron5396]

@@MrRodwatson Dunno, I have the 800DE with around 8.7 inches

[@enrique60033]

For the kind of riding Mark does the Vstrom is not an option.

[@Wildernessride]

Great vid.... I just bought a new one after owning a DR650 moded out like crazy. Bored out to and 790, racing cam, sphinx fairing, blah, blah, blah. My first week ride on the T7? It's so easy to ride.

[@closure7747]

Ktm is Austrian, they also bought Husqvarna which was Swedish. But they destroyed the brand. Ktm sucks!!

[@slownige]

I was talking to the owner of a local shop recently who was so glad they weren't KTM dealers anymore. KTM just wanted to move numbers and the quality wasn't there from the word go. I guess that's still the case, at least a bit.

[@nastysoda9212]

KTM is CHINESE. 100% built in china for 2025. ktm shut down all factories around the world and 100% china now. pathetic trash

[@bdrbound]

you really gotta start thinking about having someone doing better thumbnails for you though - that picture and fontwork layout is garbage if you’re trying to get people to click on your videos

[@AntarezPollux]

This is what I want to know "user experience" not a cheese salesman that pretends to be a journalist 😅

[@GiancarloBenzina]

I wonder when someone would just stop talking and barista mimiking and plainly show the experience of 36.000 miles on video. Just Zen and info, no influencer wannabe crap.

[@fuglbird]

A typical young US hobby rider. Does his mother know he slurps when he drinks from his mug? I'm 66, have ridden motorcycles since 1974 and never slurped. It's all about you and what you do. It's not about the motorcycle.

[@enrique60033]

T7s suck! period!

[@MrRodwatson]

Tell me you ride a KTM without telling me you ride a KTM...🤔

[@enrique60033]

@@MrRodwatson I was being silly, I am actually friends with Mark and you can see a T7 on my thumbnail . And yea I also ride a KTM 300 as a woods bike.

[@dolbydarma]

Have a 21 as well. Almost 7k on it and just love it because I can do anything I want on it. Still has stock suspension and it suits me fine. Tires make a big difference. My T7 loves what CO has to offer. Other bikes will always intrigue me, but for a Swiss Army knife of a bike my T7 fits the bill. Great review. I’ll try to catch up to your mileage 👍

[@MrRodwatson]

@@enrique60033 Come on man…I aint a detective🤔😉, you gotta understand…KTM jokes are beginning to run their course, I've got to get them in before KTM decides to fix the issue or they disappear as a company😊

[@ColdWarVeteran-r2j]

KTMs suck

[@gordonhall5177]

Had a 23 tenere and I loved it off road but long trips it's so uncomfortable and top heavy had to trade it in on a more comfy ride don't regret it at all

[@chavezvive4850]

What did you get ?

[@filmcanon589]

♥️🫱🏽‍🫲🏼