Alright, let’s talk about the Teneré 700’s weight. This is something I’ve been messing with quite a bit lately, trying to shave off some pounds and see what difference it makes out on the trails.
The Stock Situation:
- First off, the claimed weight is usually a dry weight. That means no gas, no fluids, nada. It’s a bare-bones number that looks good on paper, but isn’t really what you’re dealing with.
- I hit the local weigh station with my T7. Fully fueled and ready to roll. It clocked in at around 465 lbs. That’s heavier than I expected, honestly.
Where I Started Cutting:
Okay, so 465 lbs wasn’t gonna cut it for the type of riding I’m into. I needed to find some easy weight savings. Here’s what I tackled first:
- Exhaust: The stock exhaust is a BOAT anchor. I swapped it out for an aftermarket system. This saved a good chunk of weight, probably around 8-10 lbs. Plus, it sounds way better.
- Rear Fender/Tail Tidy: That stock rear fender is HUGE. I replaced it with a tail tidy. Dropped a couple more pounds.
- Battery: The stock battery is a lead-acid brick. Switched to a lithium battery. Saved a good 5lbs right there.
- Removing Unnecessary Brackets: I removed passenger pegs because i rarely ride double.
The More Involved Stuff:
After the easy stuff, I started looking at areas that required a bit more effort (and cash):
- Wheels: Swapped out the wheels for lighter ones. This makes a HUGE difference, especially in how the bike feels when you’re riding. It’s not just about the weight saving, it’s about reducing unsprung weight. The bike turns in quicker and feels more responsive.
Did it Make a Difference?
Hell yeah, it did! I haven’t weighed it again since doing all the mods, but I reckon I’ve shaved off a good 20-25 lbs overall. And honestly, it feels like more than that. The bike is noticeably more nimble, easier to handle in tight spots, and just generally more fun to ride. It feels way lighter and more responsive.
Worth it?
That depends on your priorities. If you’re just doing road riding, probably not. But if you’re serious about off-road and want to improve the bike’s handling, then absolutely. Plus, let’s be honest, lighter is just better, right?
Keep an eye out for my next post, where I’ll be sharing some video footage of the T7 in action after all these weight-saving mods.
