Mileage: 3,688
MSRP: $9,999
Accessories: $1,464.99 (new); $3,334.92 (total)

Photos by Arden Kysely.

As reported in my 2021 Yamaha Ténéré 700 Tour Test Review, Yamaha?s latest ADV is an exceptional machine right out of the box, but a few tweaks make it even better. The T7 is a pleasure to ride, with the CP2 motor smoothly generating enough torque to ascend steep, twisty roads in third gear, and it takes off-pavement obstacles in stride. For that test, we added accessories from Yamaha?s catalog ? Main Stand, Aluminum Side Cases with locks and mounts, Engine Guard and Universal Grip Heaters ? that totaled $1,869.93 and added 51 pounds to the T7?s curb weight. For our next round of tweaks, we turned to the aftermarket.
One challenge is the long reach to the clutch lever, which prevents me from having complete control in dicey off-road situations. To solve that problem, I installed a set of C5 Series Sport clutch and brake levers from ASV Inventions ($290). Adjustable over a 4-inch range in 180 steps, the American-made, machined-from-billet levers provide excellent engagement control, even with a shorty clutch lever. To protect the levers, I replaced the stock plastic handguards with Barkbusters ($154.70 for aluminum backbones, guards and skid plates). I?ve used these rugged items before, and neither branches nor crashes have damaged them. There?s one hitch: the ASV levers fit so closely behind the aluminum backbones that rotating them requires rotating the Barkbust...