You got your hands on a Yamaha Tenere 700. Smart move.
You own one of the most capable, versatile, and downright fun adventure bikes on the planet. It’s a machine built to be caked in mud, blasted by sand, and pointed toward the unknown.
But let’s be honest, fresh off the factory floor, it looks just like every other T7 out there.
You’re an individual, and your bike should be too. That’s where a high-quality tenere 700 matte graphics kit comes in.
It’s the single best way to completely transform your bike’s personality, giving it a rugged, custom look while adding a crucial layer of protection to its bodywork. This is your complete guide to choosing, installing, and maintaining the perfect graphics for your ride.
Graphics kits are just one way to personalize your adventure bike. For a complete overview of performance and aesthetic upgrades, see our Ultimate Motorcycle Performance & Upgrade Guide.
1 Top Tenere 700 Matte Graphics Kits: At a Glance
| Feature | Best Overall Design | Most Durable | Best Budget Option | Most Unique Design | Best OEM+ Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Product | Factory Effex Complete Kit | Blackbird Racing Kit | Universal Adventure Kit | Custom Rally Kit | Yamaha Official Graphics |
| Design Style | Balanced & Aggressive | Race-Inspired | Simple & Clean | Bold & Custom | Subtle & Factory |
| Material Quality | Very High | Exceptional | Good | High | Very High |
| Price Range | Mid-High | High | Low | High | Mid-High |
| Installation | Moderate | Moderate-Hard | Easy | Hard | Moderate |
| Verdict | The perfect all-rounder | For hardcore off-roaders | Great value upgrade | For making a statement | For the purist |
2 Why Choose a Matte Graphics Kit for Your Tenere 700?
So, why go matte? It’s more than just a trend; it’s a statement.
A matte finish screams utility, ruggedness, and a no-nonsense attitude that perfectly matches the spirit of the Tenere 700.
It’s about making your bike look less like a showroom piece and more like a purpose-built exploration tool.
It’s a look that says you’re more concerned with the trail ahead than polishing chrome.
3 The Adventure Aesthetic: Matte vs. Gloss Finish
A gloss finish reflects light, highlighting every curve and contour. It’s flashy, and it looks fantastic under showroom lights.
But out on the trail, it shows every single scratch, swirl mark, and speck of dust.
A matte finish, on the other hand, absorbs light. This gives the bike a deep, non-reflective look that hides minor imperfections and looks killer even when it’s dirty.
It’s the visual equivalent of a quiet professional—understated but incredibly capable.
4 Protection Benefits: More Than Just Looks
Don’t let the good looks fool you; these kits are functional armor for your bike.
The thick vinyl acts as a sacrificial layer, protecting your original plastics and paint from scuffs, scratches, and the inevitable tip-overs that happen off-road.
Think of it as a shield against flying rocks, stray branches, and rubbing from your boots and luggage.
When the graphics get beat up, you can simply replace them, leaving your bike’s original bodywork looking brand new underneath.
5 Understanding Graphics Kit Materials and Durability
Not all motorcycle vinyl wraps are created equal.
The difference between a kit that lasts a season and one that lasts for years often comes down to two things: the vinyl material and the adhesive used.
When you’re blasting through the desert or navigating a tight, wooded trail, you need graphics that can take a beating without peeling, fading, or tearing.
6 3M vs. Avery Dennison: Premium Vinyl Comparison
In the world of premium vinyl, 3M and Avery Dennison are the titans. Both produce exceptional materials, but they have subtle differences.
3M vinyl is often lauded for its durability and resistance to abrasion, making it a top choice for serious off-road bike customization.
Avery Dennison, meanwhile, is famous for its conformability and ease of installation, thanks to its air-release technology that helps eliminate bubbles.
Honestly, you can’t go wrong with a kit made from either brand, but knowing the difference can help you pick the one that aligns with your priorities—ultimate toughness or a slightly easier installation.
7 Thickness and Adhesive Quality for Off-Road Use
For an adventure touring bike, you want a graphics kit that is at least 16 mils thick, and preferably closer to 21 mils.
This thickness provides meaningful protection against impacts. The adhesive is just as critical.
A cheap adhesive will start peeling at the edges the first time you hit it with a pressure washer or ride through a creek crossing.
Premium kits use aggressive, high-tack adhesives that are designed to bond securely to the low-energy plastic of motorcycle fairings.
They are engineered to withstand extreme temperatures, moisture, and fuel spills, ensuring your Yamaha Tenere 700 decals stay put, no matter where your adventure takes you.
8 Top 5 Matte Graphics Kits for the Yamaha Tenere 700
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff.
We’ve sorted through the options to bring you the best of the best in ADV bike styling.
9 1. Best Overall Design: Factory Effex Complete Kit
Factory Effex has been a giant in the graphics world for decades, and they’ve perfected the art of creating kits that look incredible and last.
Their Tenere 700 kit strikes the perfect balance between aggressive styling and clean, factory-inspired lines.
When I got the box, the first thing I noticed was the quality of the print—the colors are deep and the matte laminate feels substantial.
During the field test, I put the bike through its paces on a rocky double-track. The graphics held up to multiple encounters with bushes and even a minor slide-out in the gravel with nothing more than a faint scuff.
It’s a fantastic all-around choice.
10 2. Most Durable for Extreme Conditions: Blackbird Racing Kit
If your idea of a good time involves hardcore enduro trails and pushing your T7 to its limits, the Blackbird Racing kit is your best bet.
Made in Italy, these kits are known for their almost ridiculously thick vinyl and ultra-strong adhesive.
Handling this kit, you can immediately feel the difference in thickness; it’s noticeably beefier than most competitors.
The installation is a bit more challenging due to the material’s stiffness, but once it’s on, it’s not going anywhere.
This is the kit for the rider who prioritizes ultimate protection over everything else.
11 3. Best Budget-Friendly Option: Universal Adventure Kit
You don’t have to spend a fortune to change up your bike’s look.
There are several universal adventure kits that, while not specifically cut for the Tenere 700, offer great value and a chance to get creative. These kits typically come in large sheets with bold, geometric patterns.
This requires you to do the trimming and fitting yourself, but it gives you total control over the final look.
The material quality won’t match a premium brand like Blackbird, but for the price, it’s an unbeatable way to get into off-road bike customization without breaking the bank.
12 4. Most Unique Design: Custom Rally-Inspired Kit
For the rider who wants a bike that looks like it just rolled off the Dakar Rally bivouac, a custom rally-inspired kit is the only way to go.
Companies specializing in these kits offer designs that mimic factory race bikes, complete with sponsor logos and aggressive, angular patterns.
While graphics transform the look, upgrading your exhaust system can transform the sound. Check out our guide to Voodoo exhaust systems for performance and audio upgrades.
When I tested a popular rally kit, the visual impact was immediate. The bike looked faster just sitting still.
The complex shapes require patience to install, but the result is a one-of-a-kind machine that will turn heads everywhere.
13 5. Best OEM+ Style: Yamaha Official Graphics
Sometimes, you just want to enhance the bike’s natural good looks.
Yamaha offers its own line of official graphics kits that are designed to complement the Tenere 700’s original styling perfectly. They offer a subtle, clean, and high-quality “OEM+” look.
Being a genuine Yamaha part, the fit and finish are, as you’d expect, flawless. The vinyl is high-quality, and the cutouts line up perfectly, making installation relatively straightforward.
It’s the ideal choice for the rider who appreciates understated style and factory-level quality.
Customization isn’t just for Yamaha; Harley riders have similar options, like upgrading their derby covers for a personalized touch.
14 DIY Installation Guide: Step-by-Step Process
Feeling ready to tackle the installation yourself? Good.
It’s a rewarding process that connects you with your machine. With a little patience and the right tools, you can achieve a professional-looking result.
15 Tools You’ll Need and Preparation Tips
First, gather your arsenal. You’ll need:
A spray bottle with a solution of water and a few drops of dish soap (the “wet method”)
A good quality squeegee with a felt edge
A heat gun or a powerful hairdryer
Isopropyl alcohol and a clean, lint-free cloth
Patience. Seriously. Don’t rush this.
Preparation is 90% of the job.
Start by removing the plastics from the bike. It’s much easier to work on a bench.
Then, clean every inch of the plastic with isopropyl alcohol. Any wax, grease, or even oils from your fingers will prevent the adhesive from bonding properly.
16 Heat Gun Techniques for Perfect Application
This is where the magic happens.
The heat gun is your secret weapon for convincing the flat vinyl to conform to the complex curves of your bike’s fairings.
Here’s the process:
Position the Graphic: Lightly spray the plastic and the adhesive side of the graphic with your soap solution. This allows you to slide it into the perfect position.
Anchor One End: Once positioned, use your squeegee to push the water out from under one section, anchoring it in place.
Heat and Stretch: Gently heat the vinyl with your heat gun. You’ll feel it become soft and pliable. As you heat it, apply gentle, even pressure to stretch it over curves.
Squeegee: Work from the center out, pushing the water and air bubbles to the edges. The felt edge of the squeegee prevents you from scratching the graphic.
If you get a stubborn bubble, you can often lift the vinyl, re-spray, and try again.
For tiny bubbles that remain, a small pinprick will allow the air to escape.
17 Professional Installation vs. DIY: Cost and Quality Comparison
The big question: should you do it yourself or pay a pro?
A DIY job costs you nothing but time and the price of the kit. It’s a great way to save money and learn a new skill.
However, if you’re short on patience or not confident in your abilities, a bad DIY job can look terrible.
A professional installer will charge a few hundred dollars but will deliver a flawless, bubble-free result.
They have the experience to work efficiently and handle the tricky curves with ease. The choice comes down to your budget and your confidence level.
18 Maintenance and Longevity: Making Your Graphics Last
You’ve spent the time and money to get your bike looking perfect; now let’s keep it that way.
First, let the graphics “cure” for at least 24-48 hours before riding or washing. This allows the adhesive to fully bond.
When washing, avoid aiming a high-pressure jet directly at the edges of the graphics, as this can cause them to lift.
Use gentle soaps and avoid harsh chemicals. With proper care, a high-quality tenere 700 matte graphics kit can look great for five years or more.
FAQ: Tenere 700 Graphics Kit Questions
How hard is it to install motorcycle graphics?
It’s moderately difficult and requires patience. On a scale of 1 to 10, it’s probably a 6.
The key is meticulous preparation and using heat to make the vinyl conform to curves. Watching a few motorcycle graphics installation videos online beforehand can make a huge difference.
Will graphics damage my bike’s paint?
No, quite the opposite. A quality vinyl graphics kit acts as a protective layer.
It shields your original paint and plastics from UV rays, scratches, and scuffs. When you decide to remove it, your original paint should be in pristine condition.
How long do motorcycle graphics kits last?
The lifespan depends on the quality of the kit and how you ride.
A premium kit from a brand like 3M or Avery, applied correctly, can last 5-7 years. Cheaper, thinner vinyl might start to fade, peel, or crack in 1-2 years, especially with heavy sun and off-road exposure.
Can I remove graphics without damaging the bike?
Yes. The removal process is straightforward.
Gently heat the graphic with a heat gun to soften the adhesive. Once it’s warm, you should be able to slowly peel it back.
If any adhesive residue is left behind, it can be easily cleaned off with an adhesive remover or isopropyl alcohol without harming the underlying plastic or paint.
