I never plan to fall into a rock garden or hit my handlebars against a tree in a single lane, but it happens – at least to me. Just like wearing protective boots and a full-coverage, hard-wearing Touratech RallyeForm underrun protection, I always drive with hand protection. Although the Yamaha Tenere 700 comes standard with plastic handguards, i wanted something more substantial. I want to keep all of my fingers and the Ténéré levers intact, so I ordered these Touratech Defensa handguards with the Defensa Expedition option for the Ultimate motorcycling Yamaha Ténéré 700 Project Bike.
My driving partner and I assumed it was a bit calmer when we got to know the Ténéré 700 when we stood in front of a long, three-foot-deep mud hole the night before, which had been created by a summer thunderstorm. I went there and found it was a no-go for me. I found the only way, and that was through bushes and trees. I didn’t expect to need the Defensa handguards on this ride, but I was glad they were there.
Touratech sells the Defensa Core base unit ($ 170) as an exoskeleton structure made of forged aluminum. I opted for the Defensa Expedition configuration ($ 220) – the core unit plus large, built-in plastic shields to deflect bushes, flying stones from your partner’s rooster tail, and cold highway speed. The plastic shields are optionally available in black or white so that they match any color scheme.
There are several parts to assemble, initially loose. You’ll also need to run around cables and anything else that’s already attached to your handlebars. One end bolts securely to the ends of your handlebars and the other grips the handlebars closer to the handlebar mount’s triple clamp. After assembling it, check that it isn’t rubbing against your tank when it is fully closed, then tighten it. The second side went much faster than the first and the entire installation process took less than 30 minutes.
I haven’t dropped the Ténéré or hit a tree since putting it on, but I know that will come when I get more adventurous with it Ultimate motorcycling Yamaha Ténéré 700 project bike. I will update the review when the inevitable falls happen.
During my morning drives off-road, I noticed that my hands are not as cold as I would expect due to the wind deflection.
I’ve also found that my muscular memory of waving with other on-road riders causes my left hand to slide off the handlebar end. When the Touratech Defensa handguards are installed, there is a protective aluminum bar to block my hand slide. It’s just a minor matter, but when you shake your head in annoyance for that silly reason, you know you are not alone.
Installation is quick, the protection is made of 14 mm high-strength forged aluminum and the Touratech Defensa hand protectors have a clean and finished look. With the Defensa Expedition option, I feel confident that my fingers and levers will be protected from harsh elements, local flora and the inevitable falls.
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