How to Lower a Ténéré 700: Kits, Links and the Low Version

How to Lower a Ténéré 700: Kits, Links and the Low Version

ByMoto-Wild-Team

Updated First published Oct 22, 2026Sources

The Ténéré 700 is tall: the 2025 standard bike’s seat is listed at 875 mm. For many riders that is fine on the move and stressful at a junction, on a camber or on a loose, rocky hill start. Yamaha and the aftermarket offer several ways to bring it down, and each changes the bike differently. Here are the options, what they do and the side-effects to plan for.

Quick answer

  • Not bought yet? Yamaha’s low version of the 2025 bike is listed at 860 mm.
  • Factory kit: Yamaha Canada lists a T7 lowering kit that reduces seat height by 18 mm, with dealer fitting recommended; a separate lowering link is listed at 11 mm.
  • Aftermarket links: KoubaLink’s billet link is listed at 25.4 mm (a rear figure, not seat height); others offer 20, 30 or 40 mm.
  • Side-effects: less ground clearance, changed handling, and the side stand may need shortening.

The options

OptionHow much lowerWhat it changes
Factory low version (2025)860 mm seat vs 875 mmDesigned as a package from new
Yamaha lowering kit18 mm seat height (listed)Factory parts; dealer fitting recommended
Yamaha lowering link11 mm (listed)Rear only
Aftermarket rear link (e.g. KoubaLink)About 25 mm at the rearRear only; geometry changes unless the front is lowered too
Lower seatVariesNo suspension change; less padding

Rear-only vs both ends

A lowering link changes the rear suspension’s leverage so the back of the bike sits lower. If you lower only the rear, the bike’s steering geometry changes: the steering gets slower and the front can feel less planted. Many riders compensate by sliding the fork tubes up in the clamps by a similar amount, within the limits the maker allows, to keep the bike level. A kit that lowers both ends avoids the guesswork.

Note KoubaLink’s own caution: its 25 mm figure refers to how much the rear drops, not the overall seat height.

Side-effects to plan for

  • Ground clearance: lower bike, closer skid plate to the rocks. A good plate becomes more important.
  • Side stand: a lower bike leans further on the stock stand. A Cycle News review of Touratech’s lowering kit found the side stand needed shortening.
  • Centre stand: may be harder or impossible to use after lowering. Check before buying both.
  • Tyre to fender clearance: some links can let the rear tyre rub the fender at full compression.
  • World Raid: one link maker warns the World Raid is limited to a smaller reduction.

Free and cheap tricks first

  1. Boots with thicker soles can give you a centimetre or more.
  2. Technique: slide off the seat and plant one foot flat.
  3. Preload: reducing rear preload within the allowed range lets the bike sit a little lower with you on it, at the cost of some ride control.
  4. Seat: a slimmer seat narrows the reach to the ground as well as the height.

How much should you lower?

Start with the smallest change that solves the problem. Lowering by 15–20 mm often turns tiptoes into the balls of both feet, and has less effect on clearance and handling than larger changes. Combine it with boots and technique before going further.

After fitting: checklist

  1. Set rider sag again for your weight and gear.
  2. Check the side stand angle on level ground and on a slight slope.
  3. Check the rear tyre clears the fender and anything under the seat at full compression.
  4. Check the chain tension with the new geometry, following your manual.
  5. If you lowered only the rear, consider raising the fork tubes slightly in the clamps within the maker’s limits, to keep the bike level.
  6. Ride a quiet road first and get used to the new feel.

Practise low-speed control

Car park practice pays off: slow figure-eights using clutch and rear brake, stopping with one foot down on the higher side of a camber, and walking the bike backwards while seated.

Glossary

  • Lowering link: a replacement rear suspension linkage that lowers the rear.
  • Fork raise: sliding the fork tubes up in the clamps to lower the front.
  • Geometry: the angles and distances that decide how a bike steers.
  • Sag: how far the suspension compresses under the bike’s weight and yours.

Three riders, three answers

Slightly too tall

Boots, technique and a small preload change. Spend nothing until you have tried them.

Clearly too tall, buying new

The factory low version at 860 mm.

Clearly too tall, own a bike

Yamaha’s 18 mm kit fitted by a dealer, or a link plus a matching fork change from a suspension shop.

Frequently asked questions

How much does the Yamaha lowering kit lower the Ténéré 700?

Yamaha Canada lists its Ténéré 700 lowering kit at 18 mm of seat height, with dealer installation recommended.

Is there a low version of the 2025 Ténéré 700?

Yes. The low version is listed at 860 mm, against 875 mm for the standard bike.

Does a lowering link affect handling?

Yes. Lowering only the rear changes steering geometry. Many riders also lower the front slightly to keep the bike level.

Will I need a shorter side stand?

Often. A lower bike leans further on the stock stand, and a Cycle News review of a T7 lowering kit found the stand needed shortening.

Sources

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