Installing Rally Raid Lowering Links on Yamaha Ténéré 700: An 8 Step Guide

The Yamaha Tenere 700 is an exceptional adventure motorcycle boasting impressive features such as a strong, lightweight frame and advanced fuel-injected engine that make it perfect to conquer any terrain. However, with a high seat height that could intimidate shorter or less confident riders, you may find the towering position a challenge to handle, particularly when navigating through rough terrain or just stop and go city traffic where you have to put your feet down or back the bike often. This is exactly why lowering the bike could offer a more comfortable riding experience, by improving accessibility and increasing confidence both on and off the road.
**********************
For more details and step by step description of the install, please visit PointsUnknown.com
**********************
My solution comes in the form of 20mm Rally Raid Lowering Links, specifically designed to be a direct replacement for the OEM links on the Yamaha Ténéré 700 motorcycle. I purchased my new links from Rocky Mountain ATV/MC for around $50, with shipping. I found the links to be a good fit for the bike, well made, and appearing to be plenty stout for the application.
While lowering links play a transformative role in enhancing the bike's accessibility and comfort, it's important to note that they can potentially affect the Tenere's geometry and handling characteristics. There are many opinions on the internet arguing for and against modifying your motorcycle's height, but here at Points Unknown, we believe in personalizing your ride to suit your style and requirements. The ultimate goal is to ensure your bike compliments you, not just in functionality but also in the comfort and confidence it provides on your adventures. At the end of the day, it's your journey, and your motorcycle should be tailored to your needs and preferences.
Here are the 8 basic steps I used to install the Lowering Links from Rally Raid on the Yamaha Ténéré 700:
Step 1: Raise the rear tire off the ground.
Step 2: Remove Stock Links.
Step 3: Install Rally Raid Lowering Links. Re-use the existing bolts, nuts, and washers with the new links.
Step 4: Check, Tighten, and Torque to Spec
Step 5: Lift the front wheel off the ground.
Step 6: Loosen the pinch bolts on the upper and lower fork clamps so you can slide the fork tubes up through the clamps.
Step 7: Move the fork tubes through the clamps to offset the distance lowered in the back.
Step 8: Tighten the fork clamps back down.
And voila! You've successfully customized your Yamaha Tenere 700 with Rally Raid lowering links. Remember to take it slow initially to get used to the new bike height and handling.
************ MUSIC **************
Royalty Free Music from Tunetank.com
Track: Road Traffic by MelodyProject
tunetank.com/track/5842-road-...

[@ChrisSauer-oe5ve]

Well done 👍
I hope it made it comfortable for you 👍
I test road a T7 to high and top heavy for me & was thinking the same thing.

[@PointsUnknownTV]

Yeah. It feels pretty good for me now.

[@servalico]

Have you had to modify the kickstand?

[@PointsUnknownTV]

I didn't initially (first year). And it was okay. A little bit less leaned over, but still stable. But I recently purchased a lowered kickstand from Camel ADV, and that is a bit nicer.

[@Denmark_1974]

How tall are you?

[@PointsUnknownTV]

About 5'-10" (so... Roughly 178cm).

[@Denmark_1974]

👍@@PointsUnknownTV