Yamaha Tracer 700 revisited two years after it launched
The parallel-twin that’s playful, practical and packed with value
What we said then...
More than just an MT-07 with a fairing, the Tracer 700 features all-new ergonomics that make it feel like a much larger bike. The footpegs remain in the same place as on the naked but a new rear subframe has raised the seat up by 35mm so there’s more legroom, meanwhile the bars have been raised and moved slightly backwards. These changes create a comfortable but commanding riding position, especially when combined with the cocooning effect generated by the new 17-litre fuel tank (three litres larger than the MT-07’s), and the subtle windcheating effects of the manually adjustable screen, small handguards and bikini fairing. The other key change is the Tracer’s aluminium swingarm in place of the naked’s steel unit. It’s been extended by 50mm to provide greater stability when fully loaded, and has the effect of neutering the MT-07 platform’s instinct to wheelie. The suspension’s also been reworked, with the front fork running a heavier spring rate to cope with the added weight of the fairing, as well as longer travel for more touring comfort. The rear shock is longer with more travel and revised linkages, which has had the added effect of increasing the steering angle by a degree to 25 degrees. The ride is welldamped, but doesn’t lack feel, while the stretched wheelbase and flattened rake haven’t noticeably affected agility; it’s lots of fun in the bends.
The Tracer 700 ticks all the touring boxes. The 689cc parallel twin-cylinder provides a usable 74bhp and punchy 51ftlb of torque which, when combined with its classleading low weight of 196kg and resulting friskiness, it proves that sports-tourers don’t need to be big, bulky and expensive to put a smile on your face. Taken from the launch report, MCN June 29, 2016.
What’s it like now?
With the updated 2020 model (£7799) now waiting in dealerships, as a used or preregistered buy the original Tracer 700 makes for an even better bargain than it was before. Of the 50 or so currently for sale, you can pick up a brand new pre-registered 69-plate for £6194 (Fowlers of Bristol, Chorley Yamaha) – that’s a saving of £1200 on its original RRP! Cheaper still, £5000 will bag you a 66-plate 5500-mile example with a smattering of useful extras (heated grips, rack and crash protection). Reliability is faultless – the vast amount of high-mileage used Tracers available is testament to that and examples approaching 20k are not uncommon. Servicing happens every 6000 miles, with the major service (valve clearances) coming at 24,000 miles. Adjusting them is a bit of a large job as it requires the removal of the cams, but mechanics say that - unlike the MT-09s - the Tracer 700’s are usually within spec. It’s built to a price yet build quality is typical Yamaha and very classy; maintain it properly with ACF50 and it’ll easily survive year-round use.
Worthwhile extras
The GT model comes complete with a touring screen, comfort seat, colour-matched panniers, which for around a £500 premium over the base model is a worthwhile option. Many owners choose to fit aftermarket heated grips, as some say that the optional Yamaha ones aren’t hot enough for UK winters. It’s also worth fitting an R&G fender extender (£24.95) to the front mudguard as well as an Shocktube (£22.49) to the rear suspension to provide protection from grime.
‘Build quality is very classy – typical Yam’