These are the accessories I’ve added and modifications I’ve made to the stock Ténéré 700. I’ve linked the manufacturer or source and a brief description. I’m fairly handy with a wrench, so I installed all of these items myself. Installation videos are often available on YouTube. However if you don’t have the confidence or tools to disassemble and re-assemble substantial portions of the motorcycle, you may want to have your local bike shop/mechanic do some things for you. I’ve included my estimation of the ease of installation from 1 (very easy) to 5 (difficult and/or dangerous).
Yes, it’s a long list, but I enjoy working on my bike, customizing it and making it uniquely my own. I haven’t added up the total cost, but I’d say it’s about C$5,000 (US$3,700), without labour, most of which I did myself. The Ténéré 700 is a great motorcycle as it is. Whether you choose to modify it or not is your choice.
Before I get to the actual list, I want to take a moment to publicly thank David “Woody” Percival and his wife Carolin, of Woody’s Cycles for their help. Though I do a lot of my own work, everyone needs a good mechanic. Woody’s is simply the best bike shop in the Ottawa Valley. Woody shared his time and experience generously, while Carolin chased down parts for me during the “supply chain” crisis. They gave me a small discount on the parts I ordered, for which I am grateful. Other than that, we have not received any sponsorship, promotional fees or other considerations for mentioning products or services. Any opinions or recommendations are purely our own.
Heavy Duty Skid Plate – The stock skid plate is fairly thin and likely wouldn’t survive any serious impact. This one is thick welded aluminum. If you break this one, you’ve got bigger problems. Installation – 2 (easy).
Touratech Upper and Lower Crash Bars – There are two types of motorcycle riders: those that have never dropped their bike, and those who tell the truth. Dave went with the Yamaha crash bars. Installation – 2 (easy).
Touratech Zega Evo X pannier system – Dave chose the Yamaha panniers. I opted to pay a little more for the larger (45L) Touratech Zega Evo X cases. They claim to be waterproof and indestructible – we’ll see. There is an option (below) for spare fuel canisters on the front and back of each box. The latch mechanism and locks are prone to sticking in dirty muddy conditions. A little graphite lubricant helps. Installation – 3 (medium).
Touratech Jerry Can Holder with straps and 2 litre gas can – I got two of these, one for each pannier. You can see it in the photo at the top of this page. You also need to order the Base Plate and drill into the pannier to mount it. Use silicone to seal around the mounting screws. There is also a 3L option, but I’m not sure I want that much extra weight Dave opted for one 4L Rotopax can with a homemade custom mount. Installation – 3 (medium).
Hepco & Becker Center Stand – greater stability for oil changes and other service. Almost essential for removing the rear wheel without a bike lift. Installation – 3 (medium).
Rally Raid Heavy Duty Rear Spring – The stock spring is only rated for a 70 kg (155 lbs) rider. I’m 100 kg (225 lbs) stepping out of the shower. Add on riding gear and luggage and a heavier spring is definitely required. If you’re installing this yourself, be careful there’s a lot of power in these springs. Installation – 5 (difficult, potentially dangerous).
Heidenau K60 Scout, front and rear tires – We wanted fresh rubber for the trip and the Pirelli Scorpions that came stock, were done. The K60 Scout has a great reputation for long wear-life on pavement, due to the continuous center band on on the rear and a durable compound. But it still has a deep, aggressive tread for gravel, sand & mud. Installation – 4 (moderately difficult).
Denali T3 Signal Pods, front & rear – Great for increased visibility. They come in pairs. On the front they show white while driving and flash yellow when the appropriate turn signal is activated. On the back they act as additional tail lights, flash yellow on the appropriate side with the turn signal and show bright red with the brake light. Some knowledge of wiring is needed for installation. Installation – 4 (moderately difficult).
Fog Lights (from Ali Express) – Incredibly bright. Increases head-on visibility substantially. You may have to modify the mounting hardware, depending on where you want to put them. Some knowledge of wiring is needed. Installation – 3 (medium).
USMEI USB outlet & Voltmeter – This handy item allows you to run and/or charge your devices while riding. It also allows you to monitor your voltage, if like me, you’ve added a lot of extra lights, heaters, etc. It fits into the empty plug, just to the right of instrument display (opposite the 12V outlet). Installation – 3 (medium).
Hand Guards (from Ali Express) – The stock hand guards are just plastic. These have a heavy aluminum bar similar the Bark Busters, however these are much less expensive. The only draw back is that they are not an exact fit. You will need a good vise to bend the aluminum slightly. Installation – 3 (medium).
Oxford Heated Hand Grips – Sooo nice on a cold day. A fair bit of work removing the old grips, gluing on the new ones and fishing all the wires, but definitely worth the time and trouble. Installation – 4 (moderately difficult).
Aluminum Radiator Guard
– If you’re doing any gravel or off-road you need more than the stock plastic guard. This one slips in behind the stock one. Installation – 3 (medium).
Headlight Protector – Protects your expensive LED headlight from gravel spit up by passing trucks, etc. Friction fit, rubber mounts means it pops off easily to clean bugs and dirt off the headlight. Installation – 2 (easy).
Instrument Protection Film – protects your instrument cluster from scratches, dust and minor impacts. Installation – 1 (very easy).
Rally-Raid Tall Windshield – Nice for tall riders. I’m 193 cm (6’4″). This gives me protection at least up to my neck. Intstallation – 1 (very easy)
Tank Bag – a good size, not too big. I’ve mounted mine with rare earth magnets epoxied under the fuel tank cover, and two more in the side flaps. A nylon strap, also run under the gas tank, with quick connect clips makes for security and easy removal. Installation – 2 (easy).
Handlebar Risers – Nice for the taller rider to give a more comfortable riding position. Available in different heights – I chose 30 mm. Installation – 1 (very easy).
Brake Pedal Extension – this simple addition makes the rear brake pedal more accessible when standing on the pegs. Installation – 1 (very easy).
Airhawk Dual-Sport Seat Cushion – I often do long rides, up to 8 or 10 hours. Anything that pads my rear end is a blessing. I like the Airhawk because it has airflow to remain cool and quickly sheds water to remain dry. The secret with these is not to over-inflate. Installation – 1 (very easy).
Kick Stand Extension – Ever put down your kickstand on soft ground and then said, “Oh no!!”. This will solve that problem. Installation – 1 (very easy).
Textured Tank & Chassis Grips – These stick-on pads give better grip with your knees when you’re standing on the pegs. Installation – 1 (very easy).
Garmin Zumo XT GPS Navigator – this navigator is designed specifically for motorcycle use. It is rugged, waterproof and allows you to select off-road and twisty routes. If you get this, you will want to consider the next two items as well. Installation – 3 (medium).
Rally-Raid Billet Multi-Mount for 12mm (1/2″) Crossbar – This allows the Garmin Zumo XT to be mounted on the crossbar above the intstrument display. Installation – 2 (easy).
Zumo Lock XT – a simple solutions to security for your expensive Zumo XT Navigator. Installation – 1 (very easy).
Tool Tubes – originally I had these attached on the outside of my crash bars, as you can see in the picture at the top of the page. I decided they were too vulnerable there. I moved them, one across the front of the skid plate, which holds a tool roll. The other tucked in above the muffler, attached to the pannier frame with rubber-lined pipe clamps, holds a can of chainlube. They are not designed for the T700 so installation requires a bit of MacGyvering. Installation – 3 (moderate).
I second your recommendation for Wooys Cycle. When my ten year old and I purchased a used 50 cc KTM, Woody, took all the time with us neophytes that he would a professional rider and a much larger purchase.
I ruly appreciate your disclaimer, lack of commercial intent, and thus an unbiased opinion.
( we have not received any sponsorship, promotional fees or other considerations for mentioning products or services. Any opinions or recommendations are purely our own.)
Thanks .