Yamaha Tenere 700 Comprehensive Owner's Review

[@ComfyDadShoes]

You’re one of three channels that I follow on KZbin that I’ve seen keep this bike long term. Thanks for hanging on to it and giving a good, in-depth, long-term review!

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

I appreciate that! Stay tuned for some serious off-roading.

[@durtyred86]

Let me guess, Pavel is one of the other 2?

[@ComfyDadShoes]

@@durtyred86 ARiemann1, longhaulpaul

[@ComfyDadShoes]

@@durtyred86 ARiemann1, and Longhaulpaul. What’s the full username for Pavel. I’ll definitely check that one out too! 🍻🤟

[@allenhuling598]

@@ComfyDadShoes Motorcycle Adventures - Great channel!!

[@allenhuling598]

10,000 Alaska miles on my '21 model and still love it!! I have done a few tweaks and farkles to make it fit me even better but really haven't changed it much. The best additions have been a taller wind screen (I'm 6' 1"), and three items from Camel ADV - a tail tidy, one-finger clutch arm, and 'the fix' rear brake lever! Got my bike with the same 'Rally' package' that you did, including the crash bars, I am in the process of changing those out to a set of just the 'lower' bars from Altrider. The T7 is an awesome bike and I'm glad you like yours so well - looking forward to your coming videos!

[@torbjornwiklund9221]

very good description of the advantages and disadvantages of the t7. I bought a t7 in 2023 and it is top heavy, but I still like it because of its simplicity. Drove 9900 km last year. Torbjörn in Sweden

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing!

[@jothain]

Top heavy? Xt600e has fuel cap higher than handlebars. I've looked that T7 is somewhat heavier than the ol XT, but cmon guys. It's YOU that makes biggest difference in bike feeling top heavy 😏

[@IAmYourReflection]

@@jothain lol nah it’s the higher weight distribution and center of gravity.

[@The333]

Good update. As a T7 owner myself, I would point out a couple of things: 1) The headlight is pricey - agreed - but not untouchable - about $450 (US) - the issue more is if you can get one - currently listed as "unavailable" on Partzilla (not even "out of stock") 2) Multiple companies are now making ABS type plastics for the T7 (I got mine from Camel) - ABS plastics are the same as used on motocross and enduro bikes (unbreakable)- so they sort of make the necessity for full on crash guards null now (more over some of the full crash guards actually end up causing more damage to the engine cases if they bend back too far on hard spills.) 3) Multiple companies are also now making high pipe adapters for the T7 - so the wonky exhaust mount issue will only bite you if you choose to stay with the OEM mounts. 4) SW Motech makes a center stand with an adjustable spring grab - install loose, then tighten after the springs are attached - one man job. 5) The Oxford grip controller can be better integrated by customizing it's supplied hardware to bolt on/under the left mirror lug (there are several vids on this customization) - looks and works more smoothly than how Oxford suggests installing it. 6) Seat Concepts lower seat for the T7 shaves off about 3/4 of an inch in height plus increases ride comfort dramtically. The Rally Raid 20 mm lowering link kit is actually very easy to install.

[@blade1535]

The seat concepts low seat is the worst motorbike seat I’ve ever ridden. I was also heavily disappointed with the build quality of it. Not comfortable either.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks for all the info! I'll have to look into those plastics.

[@Icatchbigfish-b6l]

Not sure where you are getting a price of $400 US for the headlight but here in Canada it's $2,174.

[@IAmYourReflection]

From what I’ve seen those plastics don’t look that great but maybe they’ve updated them since then? And tubeless wheels would be so much better unless you do extreme off-road trails.. That’s the biggest con of this bike IMO

[@Icatchbigfish-b6l]

@@anon91153 I just looked again on the Yamaha oem parts website here in Canada and it says $2,174.75 for the headlight assembly. . It must be a mistake. part number BW3 H4300 00 00

[@SmokinZen]

I liked my T7 but it did feel a little tall and it was difficult to manage after my accident last year despite being 6ft. So I lowered it by 20mm and lowered the front forks to 10mm. What a difference that made I actual love the bike more now. I know I know I lose capability off-road but I have more confidence off-road. I have aggressive tires for off-road which is a trade off for on road but I only ride to work on road and dirt the rest of the time. In the desert it is a good compromise. Lowering it was has not been an issue yet so far it is not bad at all.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yeah, more and more manufacturers are offering factory lowering for that reason. Some models now come in two heights.

[@ZinoAmare]

I did my first off road a month ago on the T7 and I was scared, I only have my license since January, and I was nervous and we went "extreme" off road wet Mud and loose dirt right away, but I had a lot of fun and was able to do well :D

[@stepheneldridge6998]

Nice review...I've had my T7 for 4 years now, and love it! Does everything i want and looks terrific..its a great bike. The only bike that tempts me is another T7..the extreme .

[@tommyinoz2100]

its not a big hassle to turn a standard into an extreme

[@Sweetw4ter]

I had hard luggage panniers (sw motech trax adv) and these panniers completely ruined the handling of the bike. i recently stripped all those racks and panniers off the bike and installed soft luggage bags from rhinowalk and the difference is unreal... Almost cant feel the luggage. My old luggage setup was 19 kg empty, just the panniers and the racks! Now total weight of luggage loaded is 15kg.

[@MotoGuzziMoto]

Top heaviness can be much improved by lowering on the suspension, replacing the rally tower with an after market headlight (Acerbis or Unit Garage) and a lithium battery, and surprisingly with the Acerbis 23 litre fuel tank. You can also avoid the heavy bar work by reinforcing the plastics or replacing with dirt bike plastics. If you get the opportunity to try a T7 with these changes then jump at it. You wont believe the difference taking 8-13 kgs off the top of the bike will make.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks for the tips! I can imagine they do.

[@Picklerides]

I saw a bike just like this over the weekend. Was stopped on the side of the highway. I was on my CRF300L so I waved to the fellow biker! Looked just like yours. Had the Paniers and was the same color. I am looking into getting a T7 next year so I watch every video I can on them :P Cheers from NB!

[@davidangus7559]

Surely if you break the exhaust mount you weld it or even make a new mount with sacrificial bolts. Replacing the whole frame because of a comparatively minor damage seems like overkill

[@thodoris3790]

i test ride one,the rally version.after 120km/h the wind noise drived me crazy.terrible

[@advswede]

I love my T7, it´s just keep going without any problem :-)

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yes, mine has been perfect despite me dropping it repeatedly.

[@DanielHelc]

Good and realistic review. I had mine for over a year and 11k on it and agree. Its probably one of the best ADV bikes when looked at it in general terms. As far as some weaknesses you mentioned, its to be seen. I took mine up to cat 4 rough terrain and if I am in the mood it goes fine. I have seen guys push them in Moab on cat 4 and 5 terrain and it gets trough, so its more to the rider. The only thing I wish is Yamaha to release more variants to the NA market and maybe bolt the exhaust to the frame with single bracket that holds pilion foot pegs. And revise the new screen again and switch controls. ABS options should be controlled from the switch on the handle bar. Lets see T7 V.3.0 .lol

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yep, if the Extreme version was available when I was buying mine I would have gone for that one. But it's still not available in NA.

[@BlackUnitAdventureSport]

Very Honest Reviews... that's the reason why i love this bike.. Reliable..Easy maintenance and After sales service parts easy to get n cheap too...i traded my 2021 Tenere 700 base model after rode it for 100k km on mark and yet still on stock Sprocket and chain including factory battery..No breakdown so far...oh yeah..i owned this bike for 1 year and 11 months..Now traded to World Raid 700 2023...From Tenere to Tenere😂... Changes of Specs...tats all..

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

👍 Yeah, I wish we had all the variants here in Canada. I'd love to try out the Extreme version with the KYB suspension.

[@ColdWarVeteran-r2j]

Fair Review... I take my T7 into some relatively narly desert roads. Its mainly about the rider.

[@paul.vanhout57]

The T7 definitely a legitimate and trustworthy adventure bike. I had the chance to rent one in South Africa and rode over 4K Km in a wide range of conditions. Thoroughly enjoyed the power delivery and overall capabilities. Complaints would be the spongy rear brake and a minor nit on lack of steam at higher rpm. Very thorough and informative review👍

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks! I'll do more stuff on the T7 in the next month before going back to reviewing bikes.

[@mikef3300]

I have a 2017 Ktm 690 enduro r and it’s been a very reliable bike for me. It’s great fun both on and off-road but not so much at highway speeds. I’ve been thinking about replacing it with a T7 for awhile now. The only reason I haven’t is the extra 100lbs the T7 carries over my 690. I wish I could ride one as I’m sure that would help me decide on which bike I’d prefer but there’s no test rides at the dealership near me and I don’t know anyone that owns a T7. Closest thing I’ve rode to its weight and power is an old GS800 that my buddy has. Much more stable on road but off-road you really feel its size and weight difference .

[@EverydayBronco-dh8hs]

Looking forward to your suspension settings video!

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Coming soon!

[@nightterror5131]

I only ride on the road and I traded my tracer 7, for a T7 world raid and the world raid is really comfortable. I also got my world raid fully kitted out I had Yamaha do it as the fitting was free.i also have the full luggage with locks again all fitted by Yamaha and I have no problems at all.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yes, and the World Raid gives you the range you need for serious touring.

[@rexparker6716]

The Honda TransAlp is the Best all round bike , plenty of Mods for the Trans Alp if wanna take off road ? Also the Trans Alp has an aftermarket Cruise Control

[@ColdWarVeteran-r2j]

Touratech sells bags without locks as well. They are expensive and leak in the rain. I would get Bumot if I had to do it over again.

[@etruscanadv3296]

If you have the chance, try to ride the Suzuki 800 de. I own a KTM 790 adv s and I have the chance to try a Vstrom 800 de and the Tuareg. The Suzuki is amazing. A lot of torque down low, and it doesn't feel like a 500lb bike. It is not as nible as a 790 but it is very close. The cons are quite a bit of engine heat and annoying vibrations on the footpegs above 5000rpm. The Tuareg has amazing suspensions and a lovely engine. It is also very easy to reach the ground for short people (easier than the 790 adv s). The tuareg is a nearly perfect bike. However, the engine of the 790 is too fun. You don't need 95hp until you have it.

[@MrG-254]

best review i have seen so far.... the only thing is to always mention metrics... like these pounds and inches don' t mean a thing to 90% of the rest of the world... a pound in europe is 500 grams, and a US pound is more like 400 grams

[@SandraOrtmann1976]

Well...hubby is very happy with his (same generation and same colourway as yours). Particularly after I convinced him to try the slightly lower seat.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

That's great! Yes, the bike is tall and the Euro Extreme version is even taller because of the KYB suspension.

[@dirkdiggler5164]

LOL I 'd be dam'd if I'd replace the whole frame if that exhaust hanger breaks. Get it welded. PS. you could make your own break-away bracket for the exhaust mounting point and attach it to the frame. And bypass where Yamaha mounts the muffler. Like a pipe hanger type thing. If the exhaust gets clobbered, the hanger you made will just bend or break, not anything welded to the frame.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Good point!

[@Sweetw4ter]

In my country (germany) it is illegal to weld frames of road vehicles. Not saying i like that law, but it exists.

[@dirkdiggler5164]

@@Sweetw4ter That's a little bit too much nanny state for my tastes. The frames are welded in the factory, after all. So there's no hazard with welding a frame as long as the welding is done right.

[@anthonymalfino1]

I have tusk d sports on my KLR. Huge knob. Love em. Love the bike man

[@christophepoteaux3932]

If it wasn't so damned top heavy, and if I wasn't 5'6 (1.67), I would rush to my local dealer where the T7 can currently be purchased at around $8,500.

[@leeinwis]

I'm 5'10" and still don't wanna deal with the top heaviness , my CRF is alot less weight but still top heavy enough..

[@davidhall370]

Have you or anyone on here had cam chain tensioner issues? There is plenty in the internet about the poor quality of this part and how owners have had it changed under warranty only for the tapping/ rattling noise to return a hundred miles later.

[@orientationandmobilitywith5902]

Awesome video! I agree, the T7 is a great bike.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

It really is!

[@lcdubs7847]

I'm seriously tempted to switch from a V-Strom to a Tenere, I just hate the tube type wheels. I don't really trust the tubeless conversion kits, and having tube type tires on an adv bike is just stupid.

[@ikutiap5923]

Nice review that actually shows the actual bike in details. Everybody commenting here should add his/her own weight and height. 6.2 (185cm) - 175lbs (circa 75kg?)

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks! The height of the bike will no problem for you at all.

[@aa_lunks]

The scenery/trail starting at 24:10, is that hydro line route in the GTA? Very interested in finding out where this is.

[@kostasrestas]

11 thousands only at 4 years ?? wow !! i have one 2023 tech kamo European model for a year and im very huppy with it ! Chers from sunny Greece man !!

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yep, I'm riding other people's bikes all summer and between that, a full time job, riding my dirt bike and family responsibilities I've been neglecting the thing.

[@Axr24have]

Good vid! Re your centre stand springs, there is a tool available used to place vehicle drum brake springs on studs, similar to the arrangement on your bike. One person can do it in seconds. If i could, i would send a picture of this tool that i have.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks for the tip,. I'll look that up.

[@gingernaut2550]

I wanted an Africa twin the second i saw one. I'm an adhd research guy, and more my list of bikes i want is about 16😂 I really really like the looks of the t7, but I'm 270 lbs right now, down from 310, on my way to around 255ish. I dint like that a full suspension job would likely be a requirement on a T7. I'm leaning towards a vstrom 800de, or maybe depending how this winter goes jumping up in price to a tiger 900 rally exp, or bmw f900. I think they offer a bit more performance than an Africa twin, and look on par, similar price range. Me and the wife's combined weight is between 430 and 450, so 2 up options are limited, obviously I'm not talking about getting at7 for 2 up😅 But the tiger 1200 actually capable of carrying 496 lbs! Which is 100 more than an A twin. I'm thinking a Honda Valerie for 2 up trips, mid sized adv for most riding as we live way up Northern Alberta and the roads are terrible, with endless dirt opportunities

[@larrywade9041]

How's Brook, & how much longer do we have to wait? Best wishes to you both!! Cheers!! Illinois, USA

[@hondaryder3779]

Still looks good to me, especially compared to the competition. Ps. Ik zweer bij Mitas E07 plus' tyres, great 50/50 tyres for light offroading and hard wearing and comfortable on road.

[@davidthomson4045]

Re: the exhaust, or changing the flow of air in/exhaust out, does the T7 adapt to them or are we upsetting stoichiometry and risking detonation damage?

[@ADobbin1]

One of the things I never see in bike reviews like this is fuel economy. How far does it get per litre? How does a road bike perform on really rough roads? how does an offroad perform on roads. All reviews ever talk about is accessories and electronic gadgetry on the bike. They never talk about the performance of the bike itself.

[@leandrooliveira8307]

I have the same side cases, i have put them when bought the bike and they come with locks even i use the bikes key to open and close them all

[@takeshikusao4674]

It's a shame they do not have anything for a bit more casual rider. Like T5, with a tad less weight, height, power... Not so much ATV, but still all-round capable, and easier to uplift, and handle around.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yes, I've been expecting a T3 with the R3 engine bute Yamaha still hasn't come through.

[@superbikemike]

great info... thank you👍

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Glad it was helpful!

[@100868ful]

Dear lord if you brake the hanger to the exhaust you can simply have it welded for less than 100 dollars. You don’t replace the whole frame.

[@ValentinBeeeeee]

Has this happened to anyone you know about? Couldn’t find one case of a broken hanger on the web!

[@halinabiegalski9509]

Good, honest review, thank you 👍

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

No problem 👍

[@alneno9840]

Good video and nice motorcycle..the only issue you forgot to mention..PRICE!! in canada this motorcycle is 14k out the door and if you buy the loaded version it's 16k!!..it's good just way overpriced

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yeah, I bought mine when they first came in so I paid just over 13 in 2021, but inflations has been crazy since then.

[@leulgeorgis3216]

The headlights cost a thousand and if you drop the bike in the exhaust pipe side you may have to change the frame? Is it just me .?

[@bobz1736]

I'd have thought the locks would come with the bike when new so can use the ignition key... Great review 👍

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks! 👍 Yeah, I thought that when I ordered the bike.

[@HaJoSchatz]

The locks have to be ordered separately but the shop can key them to work with the ignition key. Installed properly they do lock the box and the disconnect. The boxes and their mounting system are Givi btw.

[@alisonpimentel3661]

you forget to mention XSR 700 with the same CP2 engine

[@anthonymalfino1]

Awesome mate!

[@joshdoddadbod]

If I could afford a t7 I'd be riding it offroad alot. I think the t7 is a great one bike option.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yes, it's the only bike you need as long as you're not doing hard enduro.

[@gingernaut2550]

Replacement headlights are a couple grand!? Fuck that!

[@atnv-jd4vb]

In which province u do offroading??

[@2wheels.are.better.than4]

We are the same height and weight so I’m curious to see what your suspension settings are. 👍🏼

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

I'll have that info for you in a couple of weeks.

[@2wheels.are.better.than4]

@@DifferentSpokesTV if you didn’t have hard panniers, do you think it’s necessary to reroute the exhaust to go under the exhaust bracket like so many have done to prevent damage to the swing arm / frame, or do you think that concern is overblown?

[@johnDukemaster]

I would say that the KTM 790 Adventure is another competitor. And if I would go offroad, I would use an enduro bike. Lightweight and nimble. Cheers!

[@hogueraleksander5868]

No KTM can come close to a Yamaha reliability. And off road all alone... you need your iron horse to be dependable.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Totally agree! I almost bought one when I was waiting for my T7 for 6 months.

[@johnDukemaster]

@@DifferentSpokesTV All these "luxury" problems. Like "which bike should I chose?" Cheers!

[@XxGyromancerXx]

If I didn't settle for my current bike (2015 V-Strom 650), I'd have gotten a T7. But the price of the Strom was more attractive. So was the handling for my tall self. I don't know what it is about ADV bikes and their awful looks. I don't like that demented looking bird beak most of them have. I almost did a title for title trade for a 2014 Kawasaki Concours 14. After some research, I decided to stick with the Strom. I pay $15 a month on insurance, upkeep is simple and affordable, it uses 87 octane gas, and its power is fine during the winter here in PA. The Concours, however, is a different beast. Insurance quotes were a range of $120 to $185 per month, upkeep would have been pricey, and the bike requires no less than 91 octane. The power of the 14 would be way too much on cold pavement, during the frigid winter. I ride all year-round except for when it's snowing and the frozen snow melt is present. I'll stick with the cheaper option.

[@fingerscrossed2317]

Iemand ook roest zichtbare roest aan de voorzijde van de benzine tank ?

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

I haven't on mine but will check again.

[@fingerscrossed2317]

​​@@DifferentSpokesTV oké, good for you. Mine is as new but with it, 7300 km, blue one, 2019. Bought with 3500 km, a year ago , second hands.

[@patrickkennedy7756]

I chose a T7 over Aprillia for the exact same reasons you did. Love the T7

[@hogueraleksander5868]

I have no place anywhere near where i live to ride a bike like a T7. But this guy really has me wanting one. And the Tuareg is nice but i cant trust the italian engineers.. and that T7 with the dual tanks is bad ass. 💪🏼

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

The T7 is great on the road but if you're going off road that much there are better pavement bikes out there.

[@hogueraleksander5868]

@DifferentSpokesTV that's why I have a bobber for bar hopping and a sport touring to eat miles fast. But I live in Florida. You gotta ride 8 hours of pavement just to get to another state and ride more hours of pavement to get to dirt.

[@CesarRamirez-cn5fw]

Isn't the point of a adventure bike is too travel to a place that can ride it ???

[@hogueraleksander5868]

@CesarRamirez-cn5fw you can drive from Miami to Alaska without ever touching anything but asphalt. So in the US not so much.

[@iamjdag]

🤣 glad to see someone else put hard panniers on On my Tuareg I put my sw motech trax panniers on because I already had them from my v Strom. Even says Suzuki on the boxes 🤣🤣

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

I don't bring the hard bags for more difficult off-roading. I think I'll get some soft bags in the future if I'm going touring in the rough stuff.

[@iamjdag]

@@DifferentSpokesTV I don't prefer them, it's just all I had and I'm a cheap bastard. Suzuki panniers work for me if I already have them. I'm sure I'm an abomination to the Tuareg community

[@lcdubs7847]

I thought this was a Canadian channel?

[@thodoris3790]

your bike its not old man.old its my 2002 xt600 with 67500km

[@davidangus7559]

Oops, just noticed someone else made the same point

[@mikeisland7382]

16:40 "It does feel like a gigantic dirt bike". My favourite bit about the T7. Still holding out hope to see a proper dual sport 550cc-600cc single cylinder version of the Tenere with 890 fuel tanks and a big seat.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

That would be something like the old 660 one.

[@mikeisland7382]

@@DifferentSpokesTV Hoping for something between the 690 and the 450L but slightly detuned and based off Yamaha's WR450 platform except setup for dual sport. Dreaming big...

[@m3ld4r10n]

Ridden millions of bikes but didnt know was in 4th gear pulling away.What? xD

[@louiskirby4266]

T7 tank looks shithouse the rest of the bike is killer

[@jamesonpace726]

You're 6' with 33" inseam? Ha. I'm a 5'7", 28" man who's just not gonna bother, although I did fine on the XLs, XRs & MTs of my youth....

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

My wife is 5'7" but her inseam is 30 inches. There's a shot of her on the lowered bike with the shaved seat.

[@samhill3496]

good vid east kentucky usa t7 country

[@john0270]

sadly yes, its an overweight dirtbike for me. Got my money on the 800de

[@SoulfulKira]

Sounds like a skill issue

[@paulscott1100]

You know if you remove the sticker, it will now be road legal 😉