Tenere 700 Suspension, Shock, Fork Spring and Grease Install with Touratech

Yamaha's Tenere 700 is a smash hit but heavier and more aggressive riders feel it's necessary is to improve the suspension which was originally designed for 150lb jockeys. If you're well over that target rider weight, you may find the following suspension upgrades will make your Tenere 700 not only more comfortable, but fun as well. We cover both the rear shock removal and install with a Touratech Explore HP upgrade shock and also the Touratech Progressive Fork Spring Kit with 10w fork oil in the front.
We strongly recommend doing both of these at the same time to balance out your ride. At the same time, we tackle the well known "Greasegate" where many owners found some of the rear suspension linkage to be under lubricated. We take care of this showing the process involved using the OEM center-stand. This article and video are not meant to be a "bolt by bolt" removal guide for the Tenere 700's front and rear suspension. It assumes you know how to remove basic components like plastic panels, wheels and work with basic nuts and bolts.
After having completed the install, we can say the Tenere 700 is much easier to work on than the average bike this size. Whether doing a shock upgrade or pulling the stock shock to DIY change the spring, we hope you find the video useful as a general guide. The top and bottom rear shock bolts are easy to access as are the lower suspension relay (the L-shaped linkage piece) bolts which need to be pulled and packed with grease since not much came from the factory.
Primary torque specifications for all related major components to this job are listed below. If there are any errors or info you'd like to add, please let us know in the comments!
• Parts/Tools in this Video:
• Touratech Explore HP Shock w/ PDS --
touratech-usa.com/store/Toura...
• Touratech Progressive Fork Spring Kit --
touratech-usa.com/store/Toura...
• Motion Pro Fork Oil Level Tool --
www.motionpro.com/product/08-...
• Install article with more torque values and riding impression
adventuremotorcycle.com/tech-...
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Chapters:
00:00 - Start
00:26 - Shock Removal
07:20 - Shock Comparison (OEM vs Touratech Explore HP)
11:45 - Shock Install
14:48 - Fork Spring and Oil Upgrade
24:35 - Summary
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• Yamaha Tenere 700 Suspension Fork and Shock Torque Specifications:
• Rear Shock:
Rear Shock upper (top) nut: 33 lb.ft
Rear Shock Lower (bottom) nut: 33 lb.ft
Upper Suspension Relay Bolt (attaches to frame): 44 lb.ft
Lower Suspension Relay Bolt (attaches to linkage/dog bones): 35 lb.ft
Rear Shock Suspension Relay Bolt (attaches to lower shock mount): 33 lb.ft
Dog Bone/Linkage to Lower Swingarm Mount: 35 lb.ft
• Front Fork:
Front Wheel Axle: 53 lb.ft
Front Wheel Axle Pinch Bolt: 15 lb.ft
Front Brake Caliper Bolt: 30 lb.ft
Front Fork Cap: 22 lb.ft
Upper Bracket Pinch Bolt: 17 lb.ft
Lower Bracket Pinch Bolt: 15 lb.ft
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[@ADVMoto]

For full install article with step by step instructions, torque values (with metric) and initial riding impression click here! adventuremotorcycle.com/tech-n-tips/tenere-700-shock-fork-spring-upgrade-install-removal-touratech

[@comfortablyunknown700]

Very cool. I have a new spring for the rear shock. Tackling that task soon. Nice to see Touratech has a suspension kit for the T7 now. I might be going to them for the front end. Thank you for the video.

[@ADVMoto]

Thanks for taking a moment to post. We'll be posting the web link tomorrow with a list of steps and torque values. Feel free to share any nuggets of wisdom you learn along the way as well!

[@1Oldgreenbus]

Outstanding video! Thanks Amigos

[@abyields7831]

That shop looks like my Boss's (Lee) shop, great vid Carl.

[@wardiup939]

Awesome video!

[@MrBCRC]

I know there is a lot of criticism in other comments but I didn't see anyone mentioning cleaning the existing bearings and more importantly "around the existing bearings" before adding new grease. I shuddered while watching the dirt and grit being pushed into those bearings with the new grease

[@RedEmpire36]

Thanks so much for this. Shock was easy enough to figure out (plus I greased that day one),but was helpful for the front as that is different than other bikes I’ve ran.

[@ADVMoto]

Thanks! Please be sure to read the text as well for more details if you haven't already.

[@RedEmpire36]

@@ADVMoto it would have been helpful! Will use again next time I change the oil. What weight did you guys go with (I went with stock).

[@Corné-o6h]

Done both of these on classic bikes, so this won't be a problem. Thanks for sharing anyway, always good to have a walk-through before going in yourself. Can we expect a video with some result/ experience with this new setting?

[@jameshind6644]

Just to update this. It's a 17mm spanner to hold the nut and you can fit the Progressive part of the spring the correct way up without a spring compressor.

[@davidrsmith2417]

Dampening is wetting something. Damping is the desired action of a shock absorber. It damps oscillation.

[@SomeTechGuy666]

The bolt you show us at @2:30 isn't supposed to be greased. It is a stationary part that holds the lower shock bushing in the dog bones. It is supposed to be dry. The lower bearing and bushing need to be greased and they are.

[@RedEmpire36]

Good looking out, I just greased everything. Next time I will only grease what need to be greased and clean the rest.

[@LookattheBiggerPic]

Oh my, hopefully you know that this is likely a Gas-Emulsion shock means it Not going to be as good in the rough as nearly any shock with a bladder or floating piston rez. I have a T7 and bought the Tractive ADV shock custom valved to Rally Raid's specs with 30mm extra travel (small loss in precision handling) - there is just no fade in this shock even throughout a day of hard off-road - sure it is built with superior materials, is heavy duty and well designed but Gas-Emulsion is what it is - simply Not the best way to go if you plan to do even reasonably demanding off-road - just fine as a road and very light off-road use... That is one expensive, limited used shock! And Tourtech is perhaps the most expensive ADV retailer in the world and I'm not sure that high price is always well worth it... Still, it is good to see the process, good to see these forks worked on and why - helps everyone who has a T7 - Much thanks for all you do!

[@ADVMoto]

Thanks very much for the thoughtful reply. You raise many good points. The market is full of good options for different riding demands and more seem to pop up every day...esp for versatile bikes like the T7.

[@LookattheBiggerPic]

@@ADVMoto True enough - I still would very much like to hear how well that shock performed in the rough for you - tech is changing rapidly so maybe hydraulic control may have taken on advancement as well - I know I am enjoying my Tractive Suspension from Rally Raid - would be great to hear this shock performed better than expected!

[@TouratechUSA]

As you mention, this is an emulsion style shock but Touratech does sell a version with an external reservoir and floating piston just like the RR unit you mention. There are different shocks for different budgets and requirements.

[@mototechsam3051]

What's your impression of this aftermarket shock versus olins? I'm waiting on my 2022 T7 to arrive beg part of next year.ty

[@donalfredisaac]

Great and unhurried video, good images as well. I understand the original suspension on the T7 is kind of short wheel travel, will the Touratech suspension will allow more travel ?

[@justsomedude445]

i just ordered the Tractive extreme rear shock and matching front fork drop in units from Konflict for my Husky Norden 901 , hope hope hope its worth the $$ 🤞🤞😁

[@mototechsam3051]

Nice job and informative. As I wait for my 2022 T700 to arrive from Yamaha . how much is the suspension setup?

[@Tarkanbh]

Good one guys just greesed mine bearings - top end bolt was showing some rust other were fine. A question though - on the top bolt clossest to the swing arm the inner casing (staniless) for the bolt is loneger the bearing housing - correct? Making the link on top bolt always a bit offset to one side or anorher? Thx

[@sushix5207]

The PDS Feature you describe is not part of this touring shock. For this you must have taken the Extreme Version

[@FlyingMonkeyAdventureRiders]

I look forward to hearing about its performance.

[@ADVMoto]

We'll include some initial impressions in the web article.

[@tahirsharif9461]

Thanks - what’s the new spring NM on the back - 90/95? Any impact on the height of the bike with the new spring? Thanks - nice, clear video.

[@ADVMoto]

I believe it 90, but will update if it's different after verifying. Yes the heavier spring makes the bike sit slightly taller. Maybe 10-15mm if I had to guess. Not much...but that's relative! :)

[@atprodT700]

hi, is there a big difference between the TOURATECH rear shock model you have fitted and the Touratech Suspension WTE Expedition - SET for Yamaha Tenere 700? thank you

[@ADVMoto]

This would be same as the Explore set.

[@atprodT700]

@@ADVMoto not the progressive springs are identical but the rear shock absorber is that of the extreme. there is also more than 400 € difference hence my question. you have 3 kits at TOURATECH EXPLORE, EXPEDITION and EXTREME. shop.touratech-france.com/pour-la-moto.html?p=2

[@ADVMoto]

Correct. These are US products so may be different, but it looks like the components talked about in this video would be equivalent to the "Explore" line. The kits listed on the European website do not appear to be available in the US. The "Expedition" keeps the progressive fork springs but upgrades the shock to a unit which adds compression damping controls and an external res. The "Extreme" additionally upgrades the fork cartridge kit.

[@atprodT700]

@@ADVMoto hi thank you, I knew these differences in theory ... I imagined that you had tried all these configurations in reality, hence my question for an opinion. Thanks anyway. See you soon

[@ADVMoto]

@@atprodT700 Ok thanks for clarifying. Sorry, we have only installed and tested this one unit.

[@adelaltamimi3620]

Hi boss how much it cost you this job

[@madmotoadv6595]

Why did you not remove and grease the lower link to frame bolt? Does it not require grease as well?

[@ADVMoto]

We looked into it and some had mentioned it was better greased from the factory. That said, if you are doing a fully thorough job, then it would be good to remove and grease. Also worth noting is the center-stand needs to be removed in order to do this (which TBH was our biggest impediment in terms of making the video). If you don't have a center stand, be sure to do this before/if you get it installed. The centerstand was immensely helpful during this whole process, but it can get in the way in this case.

[@jayhopkins1337]

I recently pulled shock dogbone to grease and 2 of the 3 bearings were dry!! Did Japan run out of grease! Yamaha is getting to cheap. So i put knobbies on T7 the scorpions it came with almost worthless off road. And discovered the wheel axles dry witch can be a problem if you have thousands of miles on it. They can seize in side, next thing is i better pull swingarm pivot. Probly dry as well

[@FlyingMonkeyAdventureRiders]

I am interested in seeing the Red Wrap

[@ADVMoto]

Will do and thanks!

[@Bklynborn1_]

Where are you guys located. I'll like to do the same to my bike.

[@ADVMoto]

We are in mid-Atlantic region.

[@macmclemore]

Did you know for sure that the waterproof grease you used on the linkage was compatable with the grease that was already on the bearings? Not all greases are compatable with each other. Some greases will actually turn to clay when mixed. If you know if your grease is compatable, please post what both are. That would be a BIG HELP. Thanks...

[@ADVMoto]

TBH we didn't check the grease compounds for compatibility. We used Maxima waterproof grease IIRC which has been okay with everything we've done so far. If you or anyone knows a specific grease that would be better please post it.

[@somjinsaipasert9749]

What is the Spring rate for Touratech Progressive fork springs ?

[@justsomedude445]

custom for each riders weight

[@jrussell441]

If you are going to do a video of how to grease the linkage bearings the least you could do is do all 4. This is the second video I have seen lately where the last bearing is omitted. Why? We know why, because it is harder. I appreciate the video, but if you are going to include greasing bearings put in the effort and do a thorough job, and do it correctly. Also you never emptied the fork completely of oil. You stroked the outer tube and never pumped the cartridge to make sure it was empty. This is the a reason why you used less than 500ml of oil/fork, when the volume should have been over 600ml. The cartridge should also have been pumped several times to remove the air from the cartridge before fork oil level was set. I guess you never pumped it empty, so why bother to pump it and make sure it is full. Sorry guys this is a terrible video only showing poor methods. I certainly hope others don't follow your lead.

[@ADVMoto]

Hello and thanks for your comments. You are correct and what the video shows is meant to be a general procedure, not fully detailed. We caught this after the fact but not while filming. We made notes of this in the written version of the article. If you have details to add, we'd love to do it and certainly credit you on the page. The more info the better!

[@gabrielkopp2036]

1500 bucks?? Are kidding me??