The 2025 Tenere 700 is Here… But Do You Really Need It?
Yamaha’s 2025 Tenere 700 looks sweet. Fully adjustable KYB suspension? A TFT display that could double as an iPad Mini? Sign me up. But here’s the kicker: The base model starts at $10,799, and that’s before dealer fees, taxes, or the inevitable “ADV rider markup” for crash bars and panniers.
Meanwhile, my 2024 Tenere sits in the garage, looking at me like a neglected golden retriever. “You wouldn’t trade me for a newer model… right?”
Good news, pup. After six months of trial, error and borderline-obsessive forum scrolling, I’ve discovered how to retrofit older T7s with most of Yamaha’s 2025 upgrades for under $500. No engineering degree required—just basic tools, a willingness to get grease under your nails, and the ability to ignore your spouse’s “Is that another motorcycle part?” side-eye.
The 2025 Upgrades That Matter (And the Ones You Can Skip)
Yamaha’s 2025 updates are a mix of game-changers and “meh” features. Here’s how to prioritize:
Critical Fixes Worth Replicating
- Reinforced Exhaust Bracket
- Problem: The stock bracket bends faster than a politician’s promise if you drop the bike. I learned this the hard way on a rocky Colorado trail—my exhaust kissed the swingarm, leaving a permanent love bite.
- 2025 Fix: Thicker, redesigned bracket.
- Budget Fix: Bolt-on reinforcement plate ($35 from Camel ADV) or DIY with scrap metal (free, if you’ve hoarded old license plates like I have).
- Relocated Sidestand Switch
- Problem: The stock switch dangles lower than a possum’s tail. Snapping it off mid-trail isn’t just annoying—it’s a $120 dealer fix.
- 2025 Fix: Yamaha moved it higher.
- Budget Fix: Reroute it yourself using this 30-minute YouTube hack. Pro tip: Zip ties are your friend.
- Clutch Cover Ergonomics
- Problem: The stock cover jabs your calf like a passive-aggressive ex.
- 2025 Fix: Slimmer design.
- Budget Fix: Grind it down with a Dremel (messy but free) or install a $60 Acerbis cover.
“Nice, But Not Necessary” Upgrades
- TFT Display: Cool? Absolutely. Essential? Nah. Your phone + a RAM mount works fine.
- YCC-T Throttle: Ride-by-wire is slick, but my wrist hasn’t complained about cables yet.
- Titanium Footpegs: Unless you’re racing Erzberg, save the $200.
OEM vs. Aftermarket: The $500 Budget Breakdown
Upgrade 2025 Solution Budget Fix Cost Suspension KYB Fully Adjustable Preload adjusters + stiffer springs $150 Exhaust Bracket Reinforced OEM Camel ADV bolt-on kit $35 Sidestand Switch Relocated OEM DIY reroute + zip ties $0 Clutch Cover Redesigned OEM Acerbis aftermarket cover $60 Ergonomics Rally seat + pegs Used Seat Concepts seat + eBay pegs $200 Total $445
Note: Prices assume you’re okay with scouring eBay for deals and doing the labor yourself.
DIY Fixes That Actually Work (No Welding Required)
1. The “Trailside Exhaust Fix” for Bent Brackets
After my third drop, my exhaust bracket looked like a Salvador Dalí sculpture. Here’s how I fixed it:
- Bend It Back: Clamp the bracket in a vise (or use a rock and sheer willpower).
- Reinforce It: Bolt on a steel plate—this Reddit thread shows how one rider used a repurposed shelf bracket.
- Pray: Light a candle to the motorcycle gods.
2. Sidestand Switch Relocation: A 30-Minute Miracle
Follow this tutorial from Camel ADV. Tools needed:
- Phillips screwdriver
- Zip ties (the official currency of ADV riders)
- A cold beer for moral support
Result? A switch that survives rock gardens and your buddy’s “Hold my beer” moments.
Suspension Upgrades for Pennies (Okay, Maybe $150)
Yamaha’s 2025 KYB suspension is drool-worthy, but my wallet said “Nope.” Here’s how I cheated the system:
- Preload Adjusters ($50): Lets you stiffen the front end for loaded rides. Install them using this guide.
- Stiffer Springs (100): Hyperpro’s linear springs transformed my T7 from a pogo stick to a dirt−chewing beast.
5 Upgrades That You Should Avoid
Learn from my mistakes:
- Cheap Handguards: My 40 Amazon specials snapped like twigs. Spend 100+ on Barkbusters.
- eBay Exhausts: A $120 “stainless” pipe melted my turn signal. Go branded or stay stock.
- LED Everything: Rain + cheap LEDs = electrical gremlins.
- Overpriced Suspension: Unless you’re Pol Tarres, skip the $1,000 Öhlins kit.
- Ignoring Recalls: The 2024 clutch slippage issue is real. Check your VIN before modding.
The Bottom Line
The 2025 Tenere 700 is fantastic, but dropping $10K+ isn’t the only path to ADV nirvana. With a little elbow grease and a lot of forum lurking, you can transform your older T7 into a trail-ready machine that holds its own against Yamaha’s latest.
