Every rock, branch, and cold gust of wind seems to find your hands first on a dual sport ride. That’s exactly why I spent a season testing handguards on both a KLR650 and a Tenere 700. Sore knuckles and one too many close calls with tree branches taught me these aren’t just a nice extra. Here’s everything I learned comparing both setups side by side.
KLR650 Handguards Review
This handguard set bolts onto the bars and wraps around the levers with a solid aluminum frame and durable shield. It replaces flimsy stock guards that barely protect anything.
Pros and Cons
Before you commit, here’s what stood out during real installation and riding.
Pros
- Comes with replaceable face plates and side covers for easy color swaps
- Extra long bolts and spacers included for adventure bike lever setups
- Cable routing design keeps everything clean and out of the way
- Fits snugly without needing extra tools beyond a basic Allen key
Cons
- Universal mounting can require some fiddling to get the angle right
- Plastic covers may need replacing after repeated drops
- Some trimming might be needed depending on your windshield setup
Living With Them Through A Season
I mounted these before heading into unpredictable trail conditions, and they proved their worth almost immediately. The shields kept branches and flying debris away from my fingers, which made longer rides far less exhausting on cold mornings. Even after a few tip-overs, the guards held their shape and kept the levers protected.
The interchangeable face plates turned out to be a nice touch too. After some scuffs built up, swapping in a fresh plate took just a few minutes with a screwdriver. That small detail made the whole setup feel more thought out than I expected from a basic handguard kit.
Recommendation
These guards work well for riders who plan on hitting dirt regularly and want long-term durability. They make less sense for someone who never leaves paved roads.
Who this product is perfect for
- Riders planning off-road trips or long adventure rides
- Anyone who drops their bike often and wants replaceable parts
- Riders wanting basic wind and debris protection for hands
Who should avoid it
- Pure street riders with no interest in off-road protection
- Riders on aftermarket bars incompatible with universal clamps
Tenere 700 Handguards Review
This handguard set uses full-wrap aluminum bars paired with oversized MX-style shields. It’s built with a universal fit design meant to handle serious off-road abuse.
Pros and Cons
This setup leans toward heavy-duty protection with a slightly trickier fit process. Here’s what to expect.
Pros
- Full-wrap aluminum bars provide strong impact resistance
- Oversized shields block wind, roost, and debris effectively
- Modular parts make replacing damaged shields simple
- Wide lever clearance works even with larger reservoirs
Cons
- Universal fit sometimes requires bending bars for a flush mount
- Not compatible with certain aftermarket bar brands
- Installation can take longer than expected for first timers
A Few Months On Rough Terrain
I put these through a genuine crash test without meaning to, sliding out at higher speed on a rough trail. The throttle side guard took a deep scrape, but it never bent or shifted out of place. That kind of durability gave me real confidence heading into technical sections afterward.
Fit took a bit of extra effort though. The bend needed slight adjustment to sit flush against the mounting bracket, which meant a little patience during install. Once dialed in, the guards stayed solid through months of rough riding without loosening up.
Recommendation
These guards suit riders who ride aggressively and want maximum coverage. They’re overkill for casual riders who mostly stick to easy gravel roads.
Who this product is perfect for
- Riders who ride hard and want maximum hand protection
- Anyone comfortable doing minor bending or adjustment during install
- Riders wanting oversized coverage for winter or rough conditions
Who should avoid it
- Riders wanting a quick, no-adjustment installation
- Anyone using incompatible aftermarket handlebar brands
Detailed Comparison for KLR650 vs Tenere 700 Handguards
Both handguard sets protect your hands well, but they take different paths to get there. Here’s how they compare across categories that actually matter on the trail.
Build Quality: KLR650 vs Tenere 700 Handguards
The KLR650 guards rely on a solid aluminum bar paired with durable plastic shields, built for everyday off-road abuse. They held up through repeated drops without cracking.
The Tenere 700 guards use a full-wrap aluminum design that proved incredibly tough during a real crash test, showing barely any damage. Both hold up well, but the Tenere setup edges ahead in raw impact resistance.
Product 1 Rating: 8/10
Product 2 Rating: 9/10
Installation Ease: KLR650 vs Tenere 700 Handguards
The KLR650 guards went on with minimal fuss, needing just one tool size throughout the whole process. Everything lined up close to how it was designed.
The Tenere 700 guards took more patience, since the universal fit sometimes needs slight bending to sit flush. It’s not overly difficult, but it does add extra time to the install.
Product 1 Rating: 9/10
Product 2 Rating: 7/10
Coverage and Protection: KLR650 vs Tenere 700 Handguards
The KLR650 guards cover the levers and hands well, blocking wind and small debris effectively during long rides. Coverage felt solid for most trail conditions.
The Tenere 700 guards use oversized shields that block even more wind and roost, which stood out especially in colder weather. Coverage area comes out slightly larger here.
Product 1 Rating: 8/10
Product 2 Rating: 9/10
Customization Options: KLR650 vs Tenere 700 Handguards
The KLR650 guards include interchangeable face plates and side covers, letting you swap colors or replace scuffed parts easily. This flexibility adds real long-term value.
The Tenere 700 guards also offer modular parts, so damaged shields can be swapped out individually. Both systems make repairs simple, keeping this category close.
Product 1 Rating: 9/10
Product 2 Rating: 8/10
Value For Money: KLR650 vs Tenere 700 Handguards
The KLR650 guards come in at a lower price point while still delivering solid protection and useful customization features. That combination makes them an easy upgrade.
The Tenere 700 guards cost a bit more, but the extra durability and coverage justify the price for riders pushing harder into rough terrain. Value depends on how aggressively you ride.
Product 1 Rating: 9/10
Product 2 Rating: 8/10
Conclusion
Both handguard sets turned my hands from an afterthought into something I stopped worrying about on rough trails. The KLR650 guards win on easy installation and value, while the Tenere 700 guards win on raw toughness and coverage. Whichever you pick, riding without decent hand protection just isn’t worth the risk anymore.
