Check your Tenere 700 linkage bearings.

[Windblown]

Yep, With less than 1000 miles I've already added grease to the shock linkage and both axles. There was a little grease on the bearings (not much) but I saw ZERO indication of grease (AKA corrosion protection) on any of the shafts. Yamaha was being serously stingy with the grease. Getting the swingarm and steering head bearings/shaft are on the to-do soon list.  

 

It really is a shame they don't go just a little further with the grease in these areas. Shafts and prematurely wiped out bearing suck and Yamaha being always pragmatic (minimalist) in the their engineering don't leave much wiggle room for not being properly lubed. 

Edited January 8, 2023 by Windblown

[Samm]

Parts finally arrived. Cleaned and repacked the left side bearings. Pressed in two fresh bearings on the right side, still with plenty of clearance to the end of the swingarm pivot. Fresh pivot collar. Hopefully doubling up on the right will help with longevity...

 

 

[Firebolter]

when they used to have zerk fittings in the swingarms, you never had these issues. This is so avoidable by the factory if they just drill a hole and add a fitting-

[Windblown]

32 minutes ago, Firebolter said:

when they used to have zerk fittings in the swingarms, you never had these issues. This is so avoidable by the factory if they just drill a hole and add a fitting-

 

Zerks run contrary to planned obsolescence... How's a manufacturers supposed to make money if the parts don't wear out?  

[john_aero]

has anyone looked at adding grease nipples to thier bikes?

[Polyphonus]

14 minutes ago, john_aero said:

has anyone looked at adding grease nipples to thier bikes?

It was strongly advise against by a Yamaha sport mechanics as the linkage assembly is too hermetic and the grease will build in pressure doing worse than good

[john_aero]

56 minutes ago, Polyphonus said:

It was strongly advise against by a Yamaha sport mechanics as the linkage assembly is too hermetic and the grease will build in pressure doing worse than good

So more time taking apart and keeping them greased

[TomS]

5 hours ago, john_aero said:

has anyone looked at adding grease nipples to thier bikes?

 

If there is provision for overflow then it should be fine. Someone did just that in an earlier post

 

 

[TenereTragic700]

On 5/9/2021 at 5:01 PM, williestreet said:

The adjustment spacer just needs to be turned counter clockwise slightly to open up the space slightly and allow swingarm removal.  

 

Look in the right side and you will see the adjustment spacer is not completely round.  It has 6 little notches where a hex tool would be used to turn it.  If you don't have a tool just find something to turn the spacer.

I used the head of a bolt inserted from the right side.  1 turn or less and the swingarm had enough play to be removed.  A bolt with a 14mm or 9/16 head will work.  If not big enough wrap the bolt head with a wrap or 2 of electrical tape.  Vise grip on the threaded part to turn it.

When the swing arm is replaced you turn it back clockwise to add preload and push the swingarm towards the left side.

@williestreet thanks for that explanation.