Tenere 700: Brake Fluid Change

Tenere 700: Brake Fluid Change - ATE Typ 200 Dot 4

By Mike Mulligan May 31, 2023

Brake Fluid Change

Yamaha specifies Dot 4 brake fluid for the Tenere 700 to be changed every 2 years. I like to use higher spec'd fluids with higher boiling points (see 2nd ATE pic below) & quality additives for improved performance characteristics & service intervals like ATE's Typ 200 Dot 4, but any fluid matching the manufacturers specifications will work fine under normal use. ATE's SL.6 Dot 4 with it's lower viscosity is well suited to cold climates or bikes with advanced ABS systems (see 2nd ATE pic below).

For an explanation of the differences between Dot 3, 4, 5 (glycol based) & 5.1 (silicon) brake fluid watch this Motorcyclist Magazine Garage video

Tech Tip: Never mix glycol based fluid with synthetic & fully flush the entire hydraulic system if changing to a different fluid type.

Bikes with ABS Systems

Some bikes with ABS systems provide a way to cycle the ABS pump with the bike not running & on the stand to flush the pump, which can be beneficial to it's lifespan to prevent internal corrosion. The Super Tenere 1200 had a dedicated 4 pin ABS plug near the battery that connects to a Yamaha diagnostic tool or could be manually jumped with a wire connecting 2 of the 4 pins...the Tenere 700 cannot be manually jumped using it's dedicated OBDII 4 pin diagnostic plug (Euro 4 bikes) or 6 pin plug (Euro 5 bikes) used by either a Yamaha diagnostic tool or an OBDII reader...activating the ABS system while riding several times after replacing the brake fluid & routinely over the course of the riding season ensures that fresh fluid is cycled through the pump, valves & system.

Brake Bleeding Procedure

Following the procedure as outlined in the service manual below.