Mike's Tenere & Motorcycle Blog

 HEL Performance Stainless Braided 7 line Brake Kit  #HBK9027  for 2019-24 Yamaha Tenere 700  Since Yamaha recommends replacing the oem brake hoses every 4 years it made sense to consider an aftermarket braided line kit for my 6 year old Tenere 700...I chose the HEL Performance Stainless Braided 7 line brake kit because it uses stainless steel fittings vs chrome or aluminum, comes in factory matched hose lengths, multiple colours & was available locally + is an established brand, but suspect that  kits from Speigler, Galfer & others would provide similar performance (comparison of the 3 brands can be found near the end of this blog). P roduct information can be viewed on the HEL website  via this link . Pic from HEL Website  The high quality HEL brake line kit is made to order (selectable coloured PVC coating bonded to the stainless steel braided line), comes with pre-assembled lengths matching the oem lines & angle of fittings (the banjo ...

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. Activating the ABS S ystem's Test Cycles Most bikes with ABS systems provide a way to perform diagnostic tests or cycle the ABS pump with the bike not running...