Changing the Tenere 700 rear shock spring

The Tenere 700 is widely reported to have rear suspension that is too soft for all but the lightest riders--never mind those carrying baggage as well. The solution is to install a stiffer shock spring in the range of 80-95 N-mm vs. the stock 69 N-mm. For details on what size spring to choose, check out Motorcycle Adventure TV's excellent and informative episode on tuning the Tenere suspension. It's a must-watch for anyone who wants to get the most out of this bike.

Having ordered an 85 N-mm spring from Rally-Raid for myself, the challenge became how to install it. Removing the rear shock assembly is actually pretty easy and takes less than 10 minutes:

• Support the bike under the skid plate, leaving the rear wheel just kissing the ground.
• Remove the small triangular body panels on the left and right sides (3 x M6 bolts each)
• Remove the plastic mud flap between the wheel and the swingarm (2 x M6 bolts)
• Remove the nut from the bolt holding the bottom of the shock piston to the linkage. It's a 15mm nut and 17mm bolt head. Tap out the bolt with a rod; you may need to wiggle the swingers to relieve a bit of pressure on the bolt.
• Remove the nut from the upper shock bolt (19mm socket). Tap out the bolt with a rod while holding the shock from behind.
• Remove the shock by lowering it into the swing arm and pivoting it up over the rear wheel. 

That's it! No removing the exhaust, disconnecting the whole linkage, or removing the wheel, as described in the service manual procedure.

After unsuccessfully trying an automotive spring compressor that just didn't fit the small diameter motorcycle spring, I found the ratchet strap method worked to compress the spring just enough to slip out the retainer. The ratchet strap method is probably fine for the stock spring's stiffness. But even with a third ratchet strap, it was no match for the force needed to compress the 85 N-mm spring to reinstall it safely. That 23% extra force of the stiffer spring left the straps rock-hard and probably at their safety limit. (Consider you need to compress the spring about 15mm to get enough clearance, which means applying 1275N or about 130 kg or 286 lbs of force. However, friction between the straps and coils probably doubles the force you need to apply.) Also, it proved impossible to steer the spring concentric with the piston so I could even attempt to insert the retainer. It just wasn't worth the risk of an explosive release if something failed. Time for a real spring compressor.

After calling around to six bike shops and powersports dealers, all were either unwilling to help, were backed up for weeks with other jobs, or simply didn't answer the phone. Amazingly, Canadian Tire was willing to give it a go, and their service department was open until 9 pm. They said it was a bit tricky to fit the smaller shock assembly into their strut compressor, but luck prevailed. 20 minutes and $40 later, my spring was mounted. Cheaper (and safer) than all the options I evaluated online. Point is, if you've run out of conventional options, try the unlikely options because you might get lucky.

Reinstalling the shock is the same steps in reverse; another ten minutes. Note that on the top bolt, there's a metal bracket to slip over the bolt end before you put on the nut. When fitting the bottom bolt, it helps to wedge a crowbar or piece of plywood under the rear tire so you can lever it up a smidge to align the shock and linkage holes. Torque both the upper and lower shock nuts to 45 N-m (33 lb-ft) as per the service manual spec. 

Now to see how that new spring rides!