Adventure motorcycles like the Yamaha Tenere 700 are built for rugged exploration. But to truly equip your bike for any terrain, protective accessories are a must. One of the most essential upgrades is a solid set of Barkbusters handguards Tenere 700 riders can rely on. In this guide, we explore why Barkbusters handguards are a top choice for Tenere 700 owners, their benefits, installation, and how they stack up in real-world conditions.

Why Handguards Matter on the Tenere 700

The Yamaha Tenere 700 is designed for serious off-road capability. Whether you're navigating rocky trails, tight forest tracks, or open desert roads, your hands and controls are constantly exposed to the elements and impacts.

Key Reasons to Install Handguards

• Protect Levers and Controls: One fall can easily snap your clutch or brake lever. Barkbusters handguards offer robust aluminum backbone protection to prevent damage.

• Shield Hands from Debris and Weather: Rocks, branches, wind, and rain can impact your ride comfort and safety. Quality handguards provide excellent wind deflection and impact resistance.

• Improve Safety and Confidence: With Barkbusters installed, riders gain peace of mind, knowing their hands and bike’s essential components are protected.

What Makes Barkbusters Handguards Stand Out

Founded in Australia, Barkbusters has over 30 years of experience crafting world-class motorcycle hand protection. For adventure riders, their reputation for quality, durability, and design is second to none.

Superior Build Quality

Barkbusters handguards Tenere 700 owners often praise the premium materials used in the construction. Each set features a high-strength aluminum backbone that runs the length of the guard, ensuring maximum structural integrity.

The plastic guards attach to this backbone and are replaceable, allowing you to swap out only the outer deflectors in case of damage—saving time and money.

Bike-Specific Fit for the Tenere 700

One of the biggest advantages of Barkbusters is the model-specific mounting kits. The Barkbusters kit for the Yamaha Tenere 700 is designed to fit perfectly with the bike’s handlebar layout, controls, and cables. This ensures a seamless fit with no modifications needed.

Unlike generic guards, the Tenere-specific Barkbusters set avoids interference with the brake and clutch cables and integrates perfectly with the stock controls.

Types of Barkbusters Available for Tenere 700

Barkbusters offers a few different models, but two are particularly well-suited to the Yamaha Tenere 700:

1. VPS (Variable Protection System)

• Removable wind deflectors for seasonal use

• Medium coverage

• Color options available

• Ideal for both on-road and moderate off-road use

2. Storm Handguards

• Larger surface area for maximum wind and weather protection

• Excellent for colder climates and touring

• Tough, impact-resistant plastic

Both options come with the same strong aluminum backbone, ensuring no compromise on protection.

Installation Process – Quick and Easy

Installing Barkbusters handguards Tenere 700 kits is a straightforward process. The included instructions are clear, and no special tools are required.

What You’ll Need:

• Basic Allen wrenches and sockets

• Threadlocker (optional, for extra security)

Steps at a Glance:

1. Remove stock bar ends: Unscrew the factory bar end weights.

2. Install the Barkbusters backbone: Mount the aluminum spine using the included clamp brackets.

3. Attach the plastic guards: Use the provided hardware to fasten the outer guards to the backbone.

4. Adjust for clearance: Make sure the guards don’t interfere with levers or cables before tightening everything down.

Most riders report completing the install in about 30-45 minutes.

Real-World Performance: Do They Hold Up?

Thousands of Tenere 700 riders worldwide trust Barkbusters for their protection needs—and for good reason.

Durability in Harsh Environments

Riders tackling technical terrain in places like the Rockies, the Alps, and the Australian Outback often report that Barkbusters handguards Tenere 700 kits have survived multiple drops and hits without damage to the controls.

All-Weather Performance

The Storm and VPS guards do a fantastic job deflecting rain, snow, and cold wind. Especially on longer rides, this makes a noticeable difference in comfort and fatigue.

No Vibration or Rattle

Thanks to their solid fit and quality engineering, Barkbusters handguards are secure and silent—even on washboard roads or at highway speeds.

Comparison with Other Brands

There are several handguard brands on the market, including Acerbis, Zeta, and Cycra. While many of these offer good protection, Barkbusters handguards Tenere 700 riders often choose Barkbusters for these key reasons:

• Better build quality

• Bike-specific mounting system

• Modular, replaceable components

• Proven reputation in the ADV community

Although some other brands may be slightly cheaper, they often lack the precision fit and long-term durability of Barkbusters.

Customizing Your Barkbusters

For riders who like to personalize their bike, Barkbusters offers a variety of options:

• Color-matched deflectors to coordinate with your Tenere 700

• LED indicator inserts for added visibility and safety

• Extended deflector kits for even more coverage

These accessories enhance both function and style.

Customer Reviews & Community Feedback

Here’s what Tenere 700 owners are saying:

“Dropped my Tenere in a rocky stream crossing—Barkbusters took the hit like a champ. Zero damage to levers.”
– Alex R., Oregon

“Super easy install, looks factory. Hands stay warm and dry on winter rides.”
– Lisa T., UK

“I’ve tried Acerbis and others on past bikes. Barkbusters are hands-down the most durable and best-fitting I’ve used.”
– Marco P., Italy

Online forums and Facebook groups dedicated to the Tenere 700 consistently rank Barkbusters at the top of the list for must-have accessories.

Where to Buy Barkbusters Handguards for Tenere 700

You can find Barkbusters handguards through:

• Official Barkbusters website

• Major motorcycle retailers like RevZilla, Rocky Mountain ATV/MC, and Adventure Spec

• Local motorcycle dealerships and workshops

Expect to pay around $120–$150 USD for a complete set with everything needed for installation.

Conclusion: Are Barkbusters Worth It for Your Tenere 700?

In a word—yes. If you’re serious about adventure riding, then Barkbusters handguards Tenere 700 kits are one of the smartest investments you can make. Their superior protection, flawless fit, and proven performance in the real world make them an essential upgrade for your Yamaha Tenere 700.

Whether you're commuting, touring, or exploring remote trails, Barkbusters will keep your hands—and your bike—safe and ready for the next adventure.