The stock Yamaha Ténéré 700 handguards are there to protect your hands from the occasional wisp of leaves you might brush against while riding off-road, as well as deflecting the windblast on the freeway. They are not designed to protect your hands or levers in a bike drop or moving crash. We wanted more for the Ultimate Motorcycling Yamaha Ténéré 700 Project Bike. Enter the SW-Motech Adventure Handguard Kit.
The SW-Motech Adventure Handguard Kit provides wraparound protection, light weight, and simple installation. Each of the German company’s new $155 Adventure Handguard Kits is bike-specific, with over 100 models to choose from, to ensure correct fit and functionality. I added the Crash Pad set ($25) for extra edge protection and the handguard Extension set ($25) for upgraded weather protection.
SW-Motech designed is new line of Adventure Handguards in their German R&D department. Bike-specific fitment means the installation process is intuitive and requires no relocation of any parts. Everything needed for the installation is included in each kit, which consists of bar-end weights, aluminum backbone and hinged clamp for the inside mount, and the expansive-coverage, impact-resistant handguard shells.
The installation was so simple that I didn’t even download the instructions from the SW-Motech website. I was actually planning my next ride with a buddy on the phone during the entire installation. Distractions and all, there is probably not another upgrade you can do to your Ténéré 700 that is this easy with that much benefit.
While the parts for each side look the same, they are marked with L and R to eliminate any possibility of confusion. The only potential snag is getting the stock bar end weights off as some owners report them really stuck on. I do suggest breaking the stock bar-ends loose before opening the SW-Motech Adventure Handguard Kit box. I have one tip: slide the Crash Pads onto the backbone before attaching the backbone to the bar ends.
It’s time to go riding.
Allowing that vibration sensations are subjective, I tried to remember how the Yamaha Ténéré 700’s handlebar felt at various speeds before swapping out the bar end weights. Ultimately, I sensed no difference between the SW-Motech and the stock bar ends.
I did add the Crash Pad set, as they are replaceable, along with the Extension set. The handguard shell risers do add a little bit of extra wind and rain protection. However, by being attached at their base, they will flex at the slightest pressure. The standard Adventure shells provide enough protection coverage for most riding. In the winter, I will cover them with removable gauntlets for positive cold and rain protection.
Each side of the SW-Motech Adventure Handguard Kit, including the shell extension and Crash Pad, weighs 11.3 ounces (321g). The installation is simple and the protection is evident when you see the attachment points and feel the strength of the aluminum backbone. Handguards are an important equipment upgrade to any motorcycle used for adventure, dual sport, or off-road riding, and the SW-Motech Adventure Handguards Kit gets the job done with a product designed especially for your motorcycle.
