Xinmei Industries is a 17-year-old vertically integrated manufacturer with over $100 million in annual revenue based in Heshan, Guangdong, a couple of hours’ drive from Hong Kong. Xinmei designs and produces its own lighting products, handling everything from raw materials and injection molding to final assembly. LED lighting is one of its specialties, and a purpose-built Xinmei Integrated LED Tail Light replaces the stock tail light on the Yamaha Ténéré 700, combining the brake light, running light, and turn signals into one unit. So, of course, we had to get one for the Ultimate Motorcycling Yamaha Ténéré 700 Project Bike.
Though not DOT-approved, the Xinmei Integrated LED Tail Light complies with European Union road-use regulations. Xinmei also claims a patent and that the unit meets ISO 9001 standards. The taillight housing is constructed from polypropylene plastic with an acrylic lens. It fits directly onto the stock mounting points. Owners with a high-rise aftermarket exhaust that melts the right OEM turn signal will find this a practical alternative to relocating stock signals or purchasing separate indicators. The LED output significantly outshines the stock brake light assembly.
Instead of relying on riding buddies’ opinions, I parked the Ultimate Motorcycling Yamaha Ténéré 700 Project Bike on a side street and stepped back 200 feet to evaluate the OEM lighting myself. Before installation, I observed the OEM lights from various angles for later comparison. I tested the running light, emergency flashers, and brake light, activated by securing a front brake strap (the one I use to keep the front wheel from rolling when I pick up this beast from a trail nap). I took photos from 200 feet away, but my iPhone 14 camera’s auto-exposure prevented capturing the brightness accurately.
The Xinmei Integrated LED Tail Light features plug-and-play wiring for seamless connection to factory connectors. Installation is straightforward and takes under an hour. Remember to remove the gap filler from the front of the original assembly and transfer it to the new one.
The Ténéré 700’s one-piece rear bodywork exposes all wiring and the OEM taillight when removed. Two nuts secure the OEM taillight, and I just needed a fingernail to unlatch the turn signal connectors (black for right; gray for left) and a small screwdriver for the brake light connector. Installation involves securing the new taillight and reconnecting three connectors. I retained the incandescent front turn signals and installed the included resistor pack to prevent rapid flashing.
After installing the Xinmei Integrated LED Tail Light, I compared the left integrated LED turn signal with the right OEM signal. In the garage, the LED’s superior brightness was immediately apparent. I reinstalled the bodywork and again conducted an outdoor comparison test. From 200 feet, the Xinmei assembly clearly outshines the OEM brake and turn signal lights.
The Xinmei Industries Integrated Tail Light provides Ténéré 700 owners with a sleek rear-end design, superior brightness, and an alternative to repositioned turn signals with a high exhaust. Though not DOT-approved, it surpasses the stock version in brightness and rear visibility. I’ll retain my original unit in the unlikely case that I get a fix-it ticket, but the attention-grabbing LED assembly makes this a permanent upgrade.
