MZS Tuning Clutch and Brake Levers for the Yamaha Tenere 700: Review and Install

Austin March 5, 2023March 5, 2023 1 Comment motorcycle, tenere700, wrenching

One of the most critical components of any bike is the clutch and brake levers. These levers play a vital role in controlling your motorcycle, and having high-quality levers can make a world of difference in your ride. Aftermarket levers are easy to install on your bike, and there are a lot of options available in the market since the T7 levers are the same as many other Yamaha bikes. One good option for Yamaha Tenere 700 owners is the MZS Tuning Short Adjustable clutch and brake levers. The MZS levers are cost-effective, well-made, and readily available on Amazon. The adjustability and length of these levers make them stand out from the crowd. You’ll find it easy to ride with two fingers covering the clutch and brake at all times, making your ride safer and more comfortable.

In the video below, I go through installation of the MZS clutch and brake levers on my Tenere 700.

I selected the shorty levers from MZS. I have these same levers on my Africa Twin and love them -and I think the blue color is pretty sweet too. These levers have proven to be effective and robust for my purposes. They are readily available and priced well. The reach on the Yamaha OEM levers was a bit much for me and I felt like it was a stretch to maintain two fingers constantly covering the clutch and brake as I typically like to ride when off pavement. With these new shorty levers on my T7 I was able to adjust them to a sweet spot that gave me a much better feel, complete and trouble free operation of each lever, while maintaining a stronger connection to the handlebars. Both clutch and brake lever feel smooth and effective. I am very happy with how this worked out.

I do have a long list of aftermarket upgrades and accessories, but I am tempted by the Camel ADV one finger clutch upgrade. It would be awesome to decrease the effort on the clutch lever. But that’s something to ponder for another day. Have experience with the one finger clutch upgrade? Let me know about it in the comments!

Installation notes

Below are a few quick reference notes for clutch and brake lever installation on the Yamaha Tenere 700. For complete installation instructions, see the video above.

Utilize the OEM bushing from the original clutch lever.
Apply super slick (or equivalent) grease to the pivot points (bushing and bolt) to minimize friction and risk of binding
Make sure there are no conflicts with any other part of the bike and that clutch and brake lever action is smooth and unimpeded.
When adjusting the levers, make sure the levers still completely disengage the clutch and that you get strong braking from the brake lever, without pulling the lever all the way to the handlebar.
During install, it’s essential to be mindful of the clutch cable free play after installation. The service manual indicates 10mm to 20mm of free play. Make sure to adjust the cable accordingly for optimal performance.

The new levers are a huge improvement to the feel of the bike controls and will improve rider confidence. You’ll feel a significant difference in the smoothness of the clutch and brake action. The MZS levers are a must-have for anyone who wants to enhance their riding experience.

In conclusion, if you own a Yamaha Tenere 700, upgrading your clutch and brake levers with the MZS Tuning Short Adjustable levers are a great way to go. Not only are they easy to install and cost-effective, but they also improve rider safety and confidence.

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