Yamaha Tenere 700 - Lowering HOWTO [4K]

Lowered my Yamaha Tenere 700 18mm with a lowering link. Its an quick and easy job and the parts needed is easy available from Yamaha or a third party manufacturer like Rally Raid Products (RRP offers a 20mm and a 40 mm lowering link). NOTE. The suspension will get "softer" when lowering with link, which means you will have to dial in more preload to get sag measures correct. You may need a stiffer spring than the OEM one to get the sag correct and still have some preload adjustment left for passenger/luggage. Links to links:
www.rally-raidproducts.co.uk/...
www.rally-raidproducts.co.uk/...
shopyamaha.com/product/detail...

[@thetubelesschannel]

NOTE. The suspension will get "softer" when lowering with link, which means you will have to dial in more preload to get sag measures correct. You may need a stiffer spring than the OEM one to get the sag correct and still have some preload adjustment left for passenger/luggage..

[@markfishersolosailing7033]

Yes, I think you are correct, however I’m not a professional rider and my luggage is only 15 kg, I’m going to wind the preload up a little and see how it feels.

[@gianniss4888]

One question please. Has the bike been lowered just to the saddle height(seat) or has the engine also been lowered? Thanks

[@markfishersolosailing7033]

I just lowered my T7 World raid with lowering links, I'm so pleased that I did it, it's really boosted my confidence at low speeds and at standstill, the handling and riding position is the same and the bike feels much lighter and more manageable. I lowered it 40mm on the links and 18mm on the forks, I left the pre load the same but will have the option now to wind it up a bit if I load it up with panniers. The bike now feels great. I'm 6.1" so not short but it's made a huge difference.

[@thetubelesschannel]

Great to hear about that experience ! Its useful for other :-)

[@Asdfghjkl1234]

Excellent video. Thanks for sharing. Greetings and respect to all from Durango Mexico 🇲🇽

[@thetubelesschannel]

Thanks a lot, Greetings from Norway !

[@SimonBrisbane]

Great video Sven! Greetings from Down Under. Safe riding!

[@thetubelesschannel]

Thanks and cheers !!

[@gtptvanbuuren3795]

Thank you Sven. Another interesting and informative video. I lowered my Suzuki DR650 to lower the centre of gravity and I hope you will notice the difference on your motorcycle. I also like my feet flat on the ground too. Thanks again.

[@thetubelesschannel]

Yes I could certainly feel the bike was "lighter".

[@petewebb6952]

Well done. That will be very helpful for people.

[@thetubelesschannel]

Thanks !

[@paulstok9286]

Get well soon!

[@thetubelesschannel]

Thanks a lot !

[@martinfretwell]

Lovely bike . Thanks for the advice 👍

[@thetubelesschannel]

Glad to hear the video was useful :-)

[@sandwaves5642]

Thank You 👍👍👍 Very well presented - right to the point...! If only Honda had done the same with the new NC750X - instead of shortening the shocks' travel.....🤔

[@thetubelesschannel]

Thanks :-)

[@mukolation]

Thank you for this important information. I’m 1.68cm and I went to official Yamaha store and tried it. Original version was very heigh. I would like to buy with lowering link and lower seat but they did not corfirmed for my height even will use lowering kit.

[@thetubelesschannel]

Love to hear the video was useful !

[@n03m9]

Good content buddy :)

[@thetubelesschannel]

Thanks !

[@SmokinZen]

Thanks for your videos I was wondering if lowering was a difficult process but it gives me more confidence now. Question how does this affect the kick stand placement after.

[@thetubelesschannel]

It was no problem the bike is not that much leaned over but enough to make it feel safe

[@AusMoto]

I'm about average height and would prefer it was lower, but not keen on sacrificing the clearence of the bike. Please update us in future if you think it's caused any issues.

[@thetubelesschannel]

I dont like to sacrifice GC either but it is still quite good..about 22 cm with the rally edition skid plate.

[@AutoDIY]

Thanks for sharing this great information. How tall are you? And what is your inseam? Just curious if I can fit on this bike at all, I have been concerned about the height.

[@thetubelesschannel]

height is 178 cm and inseam 72 cm

[@AutoDIY]

@@thetubelesschannel Thank you Sven, can you flat foot with your modifications or are you still on your toes?

[@thetubelesschannel]

@@AutoDIY not perfectly flatfooted...I only use low seat, put back the standard link in rear suspension and lifted front on forks to default position.

[@chris53small]

Hi SVEN just wondering Did you have to remove the front wheel or any Plastics to drop 10mm from the Front section or did the Exhaust cause any access issues when attaching the rear lowering kit. all the best

[@thetubelesschannel]

No did not remove front wheel or any plastics and exhaust did not cause any access issues. But it was tight space for my torque wrench when torquing the upper triple clamp bolts :-)

[@biscuitsalive]

Thanks. What is your height and inseam? I’ve just put the lower seat and longer link on my new T7. Deciding if it’s right or not.

[@thetubelesschannel]

178/72 cm 👍

[@biscuitsalive]

@@thetubelesschannel similar to me. :)

[@tahirsharif9461]

Thanks Sven. I have the lowering links on my T7 also and if feels like the side stand keeps the bike a little too upright. There’s not much lean. I ordered the shorter side stand from Rally Raid, so will try that out instead. How about a tour of your garage and the equipment you use/recommend some time?

[@thetubelesschannel]

Yes I forgot to mention that issue, probably because I think it was OK...but remember I have a stiffer rear spring and that may make a difference.

[@krukbee]

I've ordered mine reading your post here now. How is your experience with it?

[@tahirsharif9461]

@@krukbee The initial batch they made had a fault, so never installed it. They quickly shipped out a replacement one to all customers, so I have had that installed. Very well mass and solid engineering/welding. Bike feels much more secure on the side stand and easier to flick down with shorter legs. Easily takes my weight when mounting/dismounting also. I had a centre stand installed when I bought the bike, but removed it when the new side stand was installed.

[@krukbee]

@@tahirsharif9461 thx a lot for the informations, i have a center stand too. I'll see. Im coming from an Harley davidson i was at 70cm from the floor, i'1.79 cm tall, but this t700 makes me fell unsure expecially if I stay still. Have to lower it, alrady mounted the rear suspension kit, but is not enough to make me confident.

[@tahirsharif9461]

@@krukbee Good luck. I did the lowered seat and lowered links and the lowered side stand helped when parking or mounting. I have around a 74cm Inside leg measurement, so these have all helped. Then just getting used to sliding over to one side or the other on the seat when stopping or starting off.

[@Reiwadatschi]

what happens when i open the screws?isn´t the back spring loaded ? or is there no "pressure" on the screws when i open them?

[@thetubelesschannel]

The shock itself does not extract more when you unmount it from the bike. (If you unload the rear wheel of course)... The spring is compressed in the shock (yes it is loaded) so when changing the spring of the shock you will have to be careful and use special tools.

[@josh53sharp]

Was just about to order 20mm lowering links from Rally Raid (they are much cheaper than the OEM product). My bike came with a centre stand and this prevents removing the long bolts of the 2 links from the left side of the bike. So be warned. If anyone has a centre stand and like me wants to use the lowering links, you'll need to be prepared to remove part of the centre stand, which necessitates removing the centre strand spring. Not worked out how yet! If anyone has any suggestions as I guess a standard T spring puller won't be strong enough (or rather I won't be!)

[@thetubelesschannel]

Thanks for that info...do you think this goes for all types centre stand ? Whats your make ?

[@josh53sharp]

@@thetubelesschannel Sven, it’s the OEM centre stand so I can’t comment on whether other stands give the same problem. The sad thing is that if the link bolts came out of the right hand side, there would be space. The centre stand is not symmetrical.

[@thetubelesschannel]

@@josh53sharp thanks again !

[@josh53sharp]

@@thetubelesschannel Sven, I’m 170 cm tall and I was interested to note you bought your bike with a lower seat, as I did. How tall are you? (I know you’re fitting lower links because your new tyres are higher profile). Also.... I note you don’t have a centre stand but use a hydraulic lift under the engine. Another Swede, Robert (Nomad Sweden) does the same even thought the manual says “Don’t”. I don’t have a motorcycle lift and was going to use a hydraulic jack with a large piece of wood to spread the load. OK idea or not?

[@trainingwheels1408]

I know this is an old post, but this may help others. When your spring is extended, simply slip coins or washers between each coil of the spring. I may take a lot depending on how many coils the spring has. When you release the tension on the spring, the coins will be trapped and keep it at the extended length. I have used this trick many times. Good luck.

[@davidmallia628]

Is not Touratech progressive spring kit a better solution. That way suspension performance remains tge same.

[@thetubelesschannel]

I am not sure about a that. The suspension setup is progressive in it self...

[@Turbulaence]

Hello, the 10mm more on the front (15 total), with the 18mm lower kit yamaha is an official info ? Thanks a lot :)

[@thetubelesschannel]

sorry I dont understand that question

[@johnscott9829]

Thanks Sven. I am wondering why the T7 is to heavy for you and the CB500x is not? The two bikes are very close in weight.

[@thetubelesschannel]

Yes they are, so good question. The case is that the Tenere is a lot taller and carry its weight higher up. That makes it much heavier to lift.

[@johnscott9829]

@@thetubelesschannel Do you have concern with the CB crash bars attaching to the engine. It seems like a hard crash would crack the engine block. Thanks for your reply and the videos

[@thetubelesschannel]

@@johnscott9829 Im not sure what crashbars you ask about, the on on my CB500X is the Rally Raid Ones and they are not attached to the engine but to the frame. I prefer mounting to the frame. But it may also be OK to mount to the engine block depending on where. On modern motorcycles the engine is part of the frame structure. It should be able to take some hard hits.

[@johanbt]

@Sven I arranged 10mm longer links. It is to much. Cann you tell me the hole distance of the 20mm links. Thanks.

[@thetubelesschannel]

Sorry I cannot as the link was sold together with the bike. But somewhere here I have answered a similar question. I will see if I can find it.

[@thetubelesschannel]

Hmm I answered about the standard link which is 14,3 cm, measured from center of the bolt holes in each end. So sorry I can't help you with this one. 10 mm longer is to much yes. I think my 20mm link was about 3-4 mm longer.

[@johanbt]

@@thetubelesschannel I guess it is 5mm longer than OEM.

[@ricardollamas1605]

I just my new Tenere used with 34 miles on it but I can't tell if the bike is factory lowered or not. Could you tell me what the length of the standard link is?

[@thetubelesschannel]

Yes, the standard link is 14,3 cm, measured from center of the bolt holes in each end.

[@ricardollamas1605]

@@thetubelesschannel thank you so much and great channel!

[@thetubelesschannel]

@@ricardollamas1605 thanks :-)

[@motourguideph3057]

Do you have a picture of the stock link and the lowering link

[@thetubelesschannel]

No sorry !

[@celsomoreira627]

hello Sven! Your seat lowered? how much do you measure in centimeters? thanks

[@thetubelesschannel]

The low seat is 2 cm lower than the standard seat. And 4 cm lower than the Rally Seat which comes with the Rally Edition

[@celsomoreira627]

Thanks. I need change the seat

[@davidkirkland4364]

No need for a shorter side stand, Sven?

[@thetubelesschannel]

No I dont feel need for that.

[@ruger041168]

how hard was the front to do i am lowering mine 12mm

[@thetubelesschannel]

It was quite easy.

[@smcroberto4090]

I am 5'2 sir with the lowering kit can I ride that tenere 700 ?

[@thetubelesschannel]

Yes you can, go for the low seat, if still too high consider lowering link

[@keslerkalaw2873]

5.3 in height will I ever ride this? 😩

[@thetubelesschannel]

Yes !