Big-Tank upgrade boosts balance on the Teneré 700

Henrik Haglund – my older brother who, besides the surname, shares a genuine passion for motorcycles – has been riding for as long as I can remember. Over the years he’s owned a range of different bikes, but his Yamaha Teneré 700 is one of the few that has stayed. With modifications including lowered footpegs, a taller handlebar and adjusted suspension, Henrik has a motorcycle that suits him and his riding down to the ground.

One of the latest mods is the installation of a 45-litre Safari tank. Henrik ordered it all the way from Australia, where Safari Tanks are known for quality solutions for long-distance travellers. On paper it sounds a bold move: more weight, larger dimensions and the risk of a cumbersome feel. In practice, the result was the opposite. The centre of gravity dropped and the bike gained a balance that makes it agile even in the woods – almost with the feel of a light enduro rather than a heavy adventure machine.

Benefits of a larger tank on the Teneré 700

• Better balance: The extra weight up front brings stability and a more even feel at the bars.
• Long range: With 45 litres on board, the worry about where the next petrol station is disappears.
• Practical extras: The Safari tank comes with, among other things, an expansion reservoir and a sturdy bash plate.

Henrik has ridden his T7 for over 80,000 km (almost 50,000 miles) and says the big tank not only makes the bike a dependable long-distance partner – it has also become considerably easier to handle in the woods.