Tractive closed cartridge suspension for tenere 700 | Do it yourself

[@DLL969]

Excellent vid Nerb1. I had my 2020 AT done front and back by Suspension Matters. Re-sprung, re-valved and dyno-ed and it was lightyears in difference. The attitude of the bike completely changed both on street and in the bush. It will give you more confidence in the ability of the bike. If your not 75kgs riding either the T7 and AT, this will give you the greatest improvement for your dollar.

[@Duff025]

😄 my 5 year old sat through and watched this with me as well, someone’s doing something right nerb! 👍🏻

[@Nerb1]

Haha, awesome. I guess youngsters are always interesting in mechanical stuff.

[@dannysdirtbikeadventures2606]

Nice work on doing your own suspension. I liked your " out of the box " thinking with the square aluminium tube 👍🏽

[@Nerb1]

Yeah, special tools are never all that special!

[@EquipageLiguePACA]

Thank you so much for your video, I was a bit skeptical about doing my forks and it helped me to have your video with me as a backup if I screwed a step. Great help and great content! Keep it going!

[@stepheneldridge6998]

Great stuff...when you hear Nerb say ' you could BUY a special tool' you know a great home brew alternative is coming!. Always an alternative solution!. Be interesting to see how the forks perform on a long ride. Cheers, Steve

[@skybluetenere]

Many thanks for filming and commenting all of the individual steps. The result is a very good fork tutorial for me 💙💛🏁🤛🏼

[@bobdrakeford5731]

Very informative video. I like your work around ie square tubing. Others will benefit by your calm, cool, measured approach. Well done! 👍😁

[@Nerb1]

Thanks 👍

[@paultheboxer]

As much as I’ll never attempt to change my fork internals this was an excellent video!! The comparison to the stock would be great 👍

[@LeeHollingworth]

I don't have a T7 and am not doing any fork work, but was captivated by the video (hope that says a lot about your great content, and not much about my need to get a life ;-) Loved the DIY tool setup; a silly bloke like me would have forked out (pardon the pun) and had more use-once tools cluttering up the garage. Great vids. Keep 'em coming!!

[@Nerb1]

Haha, glad you liked it.

[@oic1968]

Appreciate your sharing your experience. Cheers looking forward to your review of how well it worked out and any differences you notice

[@teneretreckin8384]

Nice DIY install, will be good to get your thoughts when you have some not so muddy trails to ride on and some good erosion jumps

[@TheGardenSnake]

I like that wood block holder, might copy that

[@zxcvbnmnz]

I have a damper rod holder the same.

[@Nerb1]

Credit me! I need to steal some of your subscribers. I have many locals overtaking me! Haha

[@kamilpiskorski2766]

You don;t need that. You can remove the caps with fork installed on the bike, or at least loosen them.

[@marcochavane3124]

Just ordered their Rally Raid Level 2 setup for my CRF300L Rally. Can't wait.

[@jaffro001]

I have had my RR closed cartridge on for about a yr. It deflects a bit in the rocks but also clunks like it bottoms out even though the bottom out O ring shows 2 in travel left. Maybe it just has extra space not sure I haven't measured yet to see if its getting the full 200mm

[@scottmartin9513]

same here, I'm battling it currently

[@motorbikediaries]

Fair play, I’ve literally just got the same setup but got the shock too. Playing with the idea of doing it myself or bringing it to a shop 🤔 Fantastic video

[@MVDBR]

That was quite therapeutic to watch 👌 I'm not going to ask how much you paid for that stuff, I'm sure you'll tell me when you're ready 😁

[@Nerb1]

I'll tell you straight after I tell my wife!

[@stepheneldridge6998]

@@Nerb1 someone said there worry was that when they die , their wife will sell their bikes for what they told her they paid for them....!!

[@RogerHuesser]

I replaced recently the complete stock suspension on my Honda Africa Twin 2019 with Tractive components. It feels like I have a complete new bike! So happy having invested that money 🤑. I suggest you should also change the rear shock. You will feel it and enjoy it 👍. Enjoy your rides and have fun! Greetings from Switzerland. I'm a bit jealous. You have such a great country for riding offroad 👌

[@DustinEvans1966]

Did you replace the tractive kit yourself? I’m in the same situation now. Very little info online.

[@RogerHuesser]

@@DustinEvans1966 No, sorry. I used a motorcycle garage which is specialized for suspensions. It was the general importer for Tractive suspensions here in Switzerland. I have no experiences with installing and setting up suspensions.

[@DustinEvans1966]

@@RogerHuesser do you recall how many spacers you got back ? Four thick and two thin spacers came with the kit. They would have given them back to you if they didn’t use them.

[@RogerHuesser]

@@DustinEvans1966 I just received a big package with all the original Honda parts within it. My suspension guy never mentioned, that he hasn't used all Tractive parts. So I assume he used also all spacers. And sorry, I can't check it, because I already sold the package, containing all the old Honda suspension parts, as a whole. Never checked what was in the package in detail. To be absolutely sure, I suggest to ask Tractive support. They should be able to help you.

[@NomadSweden]

Skilled or brave :) This above my level for sure. A bit worried that you sound so pleased with the suspension. I can't afford to be tempted right now. (Saving up to send my daughter to Australia actually, and hopefully a visit trip for me+wife) Great vid. /Rob

[@Nerb1]

Let me know if you come to Melbourne!

[@jarydt1152]

You can tell this bloke is a engineer👍

[@stevemccormick8432]

I think you put the dust shields in upside down, at least on the first fork leg. The side with the spring should fit into the top of the leg and the spring should not be visible. they will unseat themselves and end up sitting on the fork leg at the max compression point. See 16:44 to 17:04

[@Nerb1]

I will check, but Im pretty sure they only go in one way.

[@stevemccormick8432]

@@Nerb1 Just ignore me. The dust shields I have used in the past did not use an exposed spring, but a quick google images search proves me wrong in that they come in many varieties.

[@WilderMinds]

Hey there! Did the same yesterday (and today ;) ). Your video helped A LOT!!!! Thanks! I ran into a problem you didn’t seem to have: The springs I got with the cartridges seem to be to short. I’ve had 13mm of play between the fork cap and the spring… I also didn’t get any spacers with my kit, which is weird. I’ll call the dealer but have to wait 2 days as we’ve got an Easter break here. Just wanted to ask: your springs didn’t have any “play” when you mounted them, correct?

[@Nerb1]

Correct, once you screw the cap on, the spring should be tight. The spacers might make the difference. You have the spacers and the preload adjustment, but I don't think it should be loose. Maybe ask the dealer what the spring length should be. Hopefully they are not the wrong springs.

[@WilderMinds]

@@Nerb1 thanks for clarifying this for me ✌🏻 I thought wrong springs too, but meanwhile it’s more likely that it’s the wrong cartridges. I guess they sended the Rally version with extra 25mm of travel

[@XLAdvRider]

Tractive is the best for these big girls! Good on you for doing the work yourself. I’m 102kg though so I’d. Wed fatter springs 😂

[@wonkywheels103]

I got Rally Raid fork inserts and revalved the shock, replaced spring with a 8nm spring. Can't say how much this improved the bike. You're a bigger block then me, in my opinion you will need a heavy rear spring. You may feel the bike a bit out of balance with a firmer front end to the rear being softer.

[@Nerb1]

Sorry, I should have said that I have previously changed the rear shock spring to a 8.5kg/mm spring. It definitely needed firming up! I just meant that I was happy with the valving of the rear.... so far.

[@wonkywheels103]

@@Nerb1 The standard valving is ok. The big thing for me with the new valving is that it does not seem to bottom out, it does, but it feels so gentle. You will love the bike even more now with the suspension work. Only if I could ride, lock down - Covid 19. PS your screen bracket is working well, great work. Cheers.

[@Nerb1]

@@wonkywheels103 Awesome. First bit of feedback Ive had!

[@meoffjack]

3:48 I know why. And if you taste it, it's even slightly salty! Well, it's from one of their Bukkake parties.

[@muddyfilms2632]

Great vid, well done. Be interested in the next video to see the comparison. Thanks for sharing.

[@zigz0911]

Electrical tape works good in place of the plastic bag for putting the new seals on

[@Nerb1]

Good idea... probably easier.

[@AusJase]

Awesome job mate…..thanks for sharing your upgrade guide 👍

[@bazza8947]

Who would have thought you could combine suspension and wood working into a single video! lol. I much prefer doing work myself too!

[@Nerb1]

Its better than the local work experience kid fiddling with your bike! Haha

[@bazza8947]

@@Nerb1 Yep, sump plug falling out of a $33k bike at 110kph after it's first service can account for that!

[@Nerb1]

@@bazza8947 Also a KTM690 sucking in dust through the crank case vent pipe that wasnt reattached after the first service... I saw it happen. Thankfully my worst dealer moment was them forgetting to plug the thermo fan wire back in. I noticed the plug dangling on my next ride. Never again!

[@atprodT700]

hi I have the T 700 since July 31, 2019 and I quickly noticed the limits of the T 700 shock absorbers. I am a 1.70M pilot for 70 KG but with 20/25 kg of luggage on bumps and techniques it slams on all sides. which forces you to slow down immediately. I'm amazed that you only change the front. I imagine you changed at least the rear spring? With a little step back now and experience what could you say about this modification of the fork. I'm thinking of fitting the OHLINS kit "Yamaha Tenere 700 30mm Ohlins NIX Adventure FKA 114 Cartridge Kit" and on the back of the OHLINS too. thank you for videos and your feedback. I loved the video where you pass all these rivers

[@Nerb1]

Hi, yes, I changed the rear spring about 1 week after I got the bike. So the forks was really my second suspension upgrade. I think the suspension is a LOT better with upgraded internals. If you ride the bike hard, you definitely need to do it. If you are going Ohlins, and have some money, you should consider the 48mm kit they have! www.off-the-road.de/en/news/710/ohlins-48-mm-rtx-front-fork-kit-yamaha-tenere-700?c=157

[@atprodT700]

@@Nerb1 I know OFF THE ROAD well, I asked them for many parts for my motorcycles. I would settle for the OHLINS internal kit. The 48MN fork is way too expensive for me. See you soon, you have to come to France and Spain to fabulous places to go off-road ... Australia is also magnificent

[@azlong4596]

Now you go find a place to run back and forth and adjust 2 clicks at a time to see the level of change, just remember to write down your initial settings that you are happy with.

[@davidestroppa3759]

Hi and thanks for the video! Did you change the suspension travel by changing the cartrige? How much did you pay the cartriges? Thanks

[@Nerb1]

No. Same travel. I heard about poor handling by people that went for longer travel. Price is on the teknik website.

[@davidestroppa3759]

@@Nerb1 For the KTM 790 they cost 3154 that is more than the cost of WP fork of the R model. Does it make sense?

[@Nerb1]

@@davidestroppa3759 If you have a 790, dont bother. The 790 suspension is amazing from the factory. Yes, the prices have almost doubled since I bought mine. I would import from europe.

[@BurningFeetAdventures]

you said it`s a little bit stiff on the static sag. Who calculated your 6.8 spring rate? I am 110kg incl cloth and the technick website calculator says 6.4. Greetings, Stefan.

[@Nerb1]

Nick himself picked the spring for me. I think I told him I would have 15kg gear most of the time. I dont mind it its stiff on the street. I would talk to Nick, or drop him an email with your riding weight/gear/style before committing. Im pretty happy with the rates, but Im no expert.

[@marknasia5293]

Thanks for showing the t700 internals

[@helderneves91]

Hello, I'm writing this comment hoping you could help me. I changed the suspensions to the exact same model of yours. The compression leg (left) is OK. The rebound, when we tighten the bottom bolt it spins infinitely :\ We mounted everything and inserted the top cap, now if we tighten the bottom bolt again, the cap starts to apply preload... We mounts the 2 legs the same way :O Am i missing something? I've checked and we dont have cross thread anywhere.

[@Nerb1]

You should put the top cap on and tighten it, then tighten the bottom bolt. If it spins, use a rattle gun to get it to snug up, then tighten with the torque wrench. Because you put loctite on that bottom bolt, it might have set by the time you went to tighten it. You might need to take it right out, clean it, add new loctite and re-do it.

[@helderneves91]

@@Nerb1 hi, do you think that the bottom was not cleaned enough? The bolt could have too much oil on treads and then, spins and the metals dont 'bond' ... I think I Will re-do it 😂 thankssss

[@wazza33racer]

actually the base oil that most oils start out as, are clear or only slightly colored......its the additives included by different manufacturers that change the color. 9.37, I believe that tool is correctly called a 'pin spanner'. How does suspension 'quality' affect handling in sand?

[@BurningFeetAdventures]

Does the Aluminium tube has to be 19x19mm or would 20x20mm also fit? Greetings from Germany.

[@Nerb1]

20x20 would still fit.

[@BurningFeetAdventures]

@@Nerb1 Thanks mate.

[@ET_Bikes]

@nerb1 did you find that the suspension was as good as the 790/890 after you updated?

[@Nerb1]

Not as good, but definitely a massive improvement. The 790/890 has 48mm forks with 30mm more travel. That extra size makes it stiffer and more oil capacity. The T7 43mm forks cant compete.

[@chriskuhl9961]

Now you have had the suspension installed for a while.. how do you rate it? Do you find it Harsh in the initial part of the stroke compared to the stock suspension?

[@Nerb1]

It feels good to me, but Im not one to complain much. It doesnt bottom out and it handles well, thats all I care about.

[@wobblysauce]

Just looking at it you didn't need to drill the bench you already had the vice setup for the forks with a nice wood template right there. As for the suspension you can keep it where it is for the time, then try a few other settings, or you can have a road setting and then change it when you go bush and back again. Oh and at the end, cant see the text with the other videos to watch on screen.

[@Nerb1]

Endscreen now fixed! Thanks.

[@wobblysauce]

No problem Nerbsan.

[@2lbsTrigrPull]

3:29 damn that oil looks thicc. Looks thicker than gear oil

[@defylifeadventure]

With split forks doesn't the rebound and compression circuit have to be twice as strong in order to do the job in just one fork that it was previously doing in two? Also, was there any need to actually separate the stanchion and remove the seal and whatnot just to change the inners.

[@Nerb1]

I believe that the valving can be much more efficient when operating in one direction only. The oil is only doing half the work. But im not totally sure. Suspension is definitely a black art! And no, if you are not changing the fork seals, the inner and outer can stay together.

[@toby7504]

Fine tuning and a back to back comparison for a next video.. Yes please 🖖🏻👍🏻

[@justsomedude445]

WORTH THE $$ ?? i just ordered the Tractive Extreme shock and drop in fork units as well , hoping i did the right thing its a big $ expense

[@k_plax]

Im no suspension expert when i ask this… is there a reason you went closed cartridge over the rally raid open cartridge?

[@Nerb1]

Im no expert either, but my understanding is that closed cartridge performs better in rough terrain when the hits are constant because the gas reacts faster and doesnt froth.

[@k_plax]

@@Nerb1there you go, I’ll need to research a lot more. An update vid on how your suspension is going, thoughts, settings etc would be a good watch if youre up for it (unless you give an update in another ride video Ive missed)

[@MotoTravelUSA]

Great video about to do this as well. How many of the spacers did you end up using in the cap and did they work out for you? Thanks!

[@Nerb1]

It comes with 3 spacers. I originally put in the two thickest ones but found it was too hard so I took the middle size one out. It is really nice to ride now over all terrain. Im happy with it.

[@MotoTravelUSA]

@@Nerb1 Thanks 👍 much appreciated. 🍻

[@kevinbedford8630]

Best thing to do in lockdown, get your bike ready for when it ends. Nice work on the upgrade. Assume you fixed the broken plastic from Matlock?

[@Nerb1]

Yes I did. But I didnt film it.

[@allthingsenduro]

Great video! Same same as mine almost, other than I got the open RR one.

[@anders8545]

Are you still using the Nishua Enduro Carbon helmet? If so, is it true to size with other helmets? I went to adventure moto in brisbane and tried on the Klim Krios Pro and Klim Krios standard lid, hoping they are the same as the Nishua.

[@Nerb1]

Yes Im still using it and still loving it. I was an L in the Arai and still L in the Nishua.

[@anders8545]

@@Nerb1 Appreciate the reply mate, 1 on order now! Cheers.

[@HLC64]

The way you test the suspension. Why change the suspension?

[@coobye]

Nice work Brendan. Really interesting video. Just curious but red threadlocker is the permanent type ( bottom bolt )or are you using a different type?.

[@Nerb1]

It was blue threadlocker but in a red bottle. I think its the chemtools one. What ever brand it was, they have red bottles for all types.

[@coobye]

@@Nerb1 Yeah mines in a red bottle too I just thought it looked red on the bolt. All good. When's the next adventure coming up or are you guys locked down like us northern cousins?. I'm supposed to be in the centre right now...f@#k lockdowns.

[@Nerb1]

@@coobye Yep... I feel like ive been locked down forever. Havnt planned much... wont until I have a rough idea of what's going to happen.

[@coobye]

@@Nerb1 It's starting to wear a bit thin eh. At least my mate from Tassie who I was going with managed to escape out west...the bastard keeps sending me photos of what I'm missing. He's at Chambers Pillar at the moment lucky bastard.

[@helderneves91]

Almost 7 months and how it's performing? Thinking about buying a set.

[@Nerb1]

Im loving it. It is a vast improvement for the type of riding I do. I still stand by my comments that the stock suspension is fine for touring and fire roads, but once in the rough stuff, getting the suspension sorted is worth it. What I cant say is whether the open cartridge option is just as good. It may perform just as well. My understanding is that the closed cartridge is quicker to respond due to less cavitation, but you might need to be on a motorcross track to notice.

[@helderneves91]

@@Nerb1 thanks for the feedback. I have participated in a light enduro event and I feel that sometimes i got ejected from the bike. I had my compression/rebound tweaked but seems that isn't enough. I agree with you, for touring its fine. Let me ask, did you bought this set for any particular reason?

[@Nerb1]

@@helderneves91 I got this one because it was available in Australia. Several other brands use the same tractive units and just rebrand them. Ohlins and similar are just to expensive for me. If I had unlimited money, I would have got the Ohlins 48mm fork kit.

[@helderneves91]

@@Nerb1 ohlins are good but expensive. I think we could get similar performance with tractive. Thanks for the feedback.

[@craigmorrison5159]

Rattle gun is the best way to undo the bottom mate. Just needs that quick jab.

[@ExpeditionaryRanger]

Bugger you had to post this just as I was going to bed... ah well. Great vid. How do you settle on this kit? Cheers and thanks.

[@Nerb1]

It will get a workout over the next few weeks hopefully.

[@---___---------------]

Great video, thank you Nerb1.

[@robpinter5431]

Lockdown adventures with Nerb1....we expect a cooking show next week....

[@Nerb1]

I cook a few times a week... you want me to record one?

[@MeerkatADV]

What did you end up settling on for clicker settings? I just did the suspension on mine and am working on dialing in the compression/rebound.

[@Nerb1]

Lots of variables, but you should start them in the middle (10 clicks) both compression and rebound. Then I ended up adding 3 clicks compression (to 7 out) and thats it. Im happy. Really you should be adjusting it depending on the terrain.

[@jaynekk1]

The Yammie getting fancy ! Do you like it more than the KTM?

[@Nerb1]

Yes. Not to take away from the 1190... that bike was awesome, but the T7 suits me better.

[@corecass]

hay there. what did you do to your exhaust ? notice its a bit different. i my self have hyperpro progressive suspension. and that is a big change already. chose those as i only own 1 bike and a company car.

[@Nerb1]

My pipe info is in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4LSdoSCj7yep8U

[@simonopera1982]

You’ve got a bench on the other side of the garage too now?

[@Nerb1]

Yep.... benches everywhere!

[@xDownSetx]

You say you're happy with the rear shock, but it almost never ends with swapping just one end. I bet we'll see a Nitron or Ohlins on that bike eventually, heheh

[@Nerb1]

Haha... I just said that to someone on the weekend. I thought the rear was fine, but now that the front is upgraded, I'll probably notice the rear more!

[@Toonces311]

@@Nerb1 I thought my T7 rear with upgraded spring was fine too. then i put on the Rally Raid open cartridge forks. Now i want a new rear shock. lol

[@michaeldomec5275]

How much $ did it cost for front

[@oldgreenbus]

Genius.. Thanks!

[@2dogsstottie]

What is this kit called? What did it cost you? Where are they available from? P.S. Nice Video mate

[@Nerb1]

I got mine here: www.teknikmotorsport.com/XTREME-Fork-Cartridges-YAMAHA-Tenere-700-2019

[@out-about7652]

Captain slow will be faster now ;)

[@cliff1551]

The oil has oxidised that's why it white ,constant pumping up and down

[@advsquared]

Now you have a proper enduro bike. No really. Did you hear about the guy that finished this years Red Bull Romaniacs hard enduro race on a Tenere 700. Pretty incredible.

[@Nerb1]

Yes, Pol Tarres is a bit of a freak!

[@nitroxlodd]

Where was that test ride location?

[@Nerb1]

Top secret!

[@andronuss]

Note to self work bench is a much needed tool to work on bike

[@brianboys9015]

Very interesting

[@stevenjohn4]

My God A Burning Spears jumper Must be the only one in existence

[@Nerb1]

Ha... My wife gave it to me in 1995.... still fits!

[@DustinEvans1966]

That kit is from Beemershop. They sure were not any help in terms anything over the phone.

[@whitedrguy6503]

Lots of different ways of doing the suspension on the T7, I guess it comes down to what you need, I will be interested in the outcome of the testing you do. Being an old slow rider I just opted for heavier springs on mine and tweaked the clickers, I found the front bottom a few times in the Vic high plains, especially those sharp edge rocks, with the heavier springs that was eliminated and a couple of clicks to slow the compression and to speed up the rebound stopped or at least slowed the deflection with the benefit of making it steer better. It has made it less plush on the road but way better on the rocks, it was chalk and cheese on the dirt from Matlock to Walhalla road, really surprised how much more planted it felt.

[@Nerb1]

Yes, the stock suspension with a proper spring isnt bad. Would be fine for almost everyone. I just wanted something a bit top-end for the desert.

[@pvflyer67]

🤩

[@RidingWithTom]

All that time, money and holes in your bench and still wont be half as good as the KTM 790’s fork!

[@Nerb1]

lol... probably not, but it was fun!

[@wobblysauce]

But will we get to see a time Nerb gets a helicopter ride when he gets stuck? Think you will hold that title for a while RWT.

[@RidingWithTom]

@@wobblysauce nerb has been rescued before haha, Mt Buffalo 3 men and a snickers bar

[@ArcticPride1]

Is that believed to be true? Curious if its worth to seek a WP setup from a Triumph XCX to retrofit on a non adjustable XC versus doing a cartridge upgrade.

[@Nerb1]

@@ArcticPride1 Whichever change you do, you will want to get the correct springs for your weight. The xcx forks apparently bend shims also, so it would want to be a lot cheaper than swapping for a good quality internal.

[@RidingOnEggshells]

I'd do this kind of stuff myself if I had a Nerb1 nearby to stop me ruining it.

[@Nerb1]

You watched this at midnight? Why wernt you asleep?

[@RidingOnEggshells]

@@Nerb1 gotta stay up charging gadgets and dumping cards!

[@DriveOnLeft]

Please do my 950s for me Nerb!

[@Nerb1]

Bring it over ;)

[@MagnumMuscle1000]

Non-user serviceable internals are a no go.

[@JustTex]

Suspension so easy you can do it on one leg.... 2:50

[@Nerb1]

lol, I was holding the fork up with my other leg as you may have guessed.

[@JustTex]

@@Nerb1 so many skills. Great video as always. Cheers

[@waynekerr8003]

Is there nothing this man can't do? I think not.

[@Nerb1]

Make money! Thats the only thing I cant do!

[@waynekerr8003]

@@Nerb1 join the club

[@andrewsoldan6050]

dude, for this kinda riding? stock is good enough, waste of time.

[@Nerb1]

What is "this kinda riding"? I can tell you that it is dangerous to land an erosion mound and have the suspension bottom out. It is uncomfortable to have the front end clack clack clacking over whoops. The stock valving can definitely not keep up, especially loaded with gear. For riding casual fire trails... sure. Stock is fine.

[@andrewsoldan6050]

@@Nerb1 I mean adventure riding - I am way heavier then you and I never bottomed out T7, use your legs more, they're your primary suspension.

[@raptorthumper12]

What rear spring did you go for? 8.0 or 8.5 kg/mm.

[@Nerb1]

I cant remember, but i think it was 8.5