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Yamaha is making an attack on the medium sports tourer segment with the new Tracer 700, the new chapter of a concept of lively, versatile bikes at the right price, started two years ago already with the three-cylinder MT-09.
The Tracer 700, on the other hand, is based on the zingy MT-07 naked, with which it shares a frame and two-cylinder engine, but with modifications made so that the bike is suited to long trips, without compromising on what makes the MT family unique: enjoyment and practicality during every day use, with the addition in this case of valid support if embarking on a trip with bags and a passenger.
HOW IT'S DONE – A beautiful overall design, streamlined and aggressive, in keeping with its 900cc sister, but here we find it softer and more rounded. Note the hand guard with their sharp, solid look, with indicators that exit the lower part. From the naked 700 comes the twin 689cc engine with 78 HP at 9000 rpm and 68 Nm of maximum torque at 6500 rpm (EURO4 homologated), and the "diamond" frame with a new swing-arm, now in aluminium in place of steel, and 50 mm longer with a wheelbase of 1450mm.
The seat has been modified in that it is higher with a higher steering axle that is set further back. The braking system is with a 282 mm double front disc with 4-piston callipers and a 245 mm rear with ABS as standard. Kerb weight is 196 kg, while the 17-litre tank offers 370 km of autonomy. To find out more, check out our technical analysis.
HOW DOES IT RUN? - Put to the test along the winding roads of the Dolomites, the Tracer 700 keeps its promises. The seat, though compact and slim, nevertheless offers comfort also for taller riders. At first the handlebar seems tight in terms of the distance between the controls, but in riding, it starts to make sense. The setting chosen by the Yamaha technicians makes for a compromise between touring-type riding and, at the same time, front feeling as with a sports bike. We like the agility and engine response of the "little" Tracer.
Throwing it into the corner is immediate. The wheel base, increased by 50 mm, can be felt with respect to the MT-07, but here the aims are different. Travelling slowly is comfortable, with front suspension stability and good protection provided by the front fairing. We would have preferred more distance between the seat and pedals, again a compromise here between sport and touring, for a more a natural knee angle. The engine, compared to the naked, is softer and more mellow in its supply, with good recovery already from 2000 rpm. It is also strong at high revs. There is some vibration at the handlebar at more than 8000 rpm. The damper and fork work well and are comfortable and well set, as are the brakes, always ready to be called upon and with the right bite.
IN SHORT - WE LIKE: The apparent heightened quality, and fitting compromise between smooth and lively riding. Good comfort and stability. WE DON'T LIKE: tall riders will find their legs are too bent. Some vibration at high revs.
The new Tracer 700 will be available from July, in three colours, at a cost of € 7890. Many customisation kits are available (Sport, Touring Hard, Touring Soft, Touring Classic, Touring Winter, All road) with a 20% price reduction.
Riding safety comes before everything else. Riding bikes usch as the Tracer 700 is easier when wearing the right gear. For our test we used:
AGV AX-8 DUAL EVO helmet: an extremely versatile helmet for use both on and off-road. Air vents on the front and upper part ensure all the performance and comfort of a road helmet. The inner, with antibacterial treatment and created in breathable Dri-Lex, is completely removable and washable, including the strap covers. For the visor area soft plastic covers are used that, unlike fabric, don't get saturated and are easily washed. Double D fastening system and 1500g weight with the M size.
Dainese Super Speed D-Dry Jacket - A highly technical, ergonomic jacket, aimed at those who love sports riding and are looking for modern technical solution. Created in Duratex and Boomerang fabrics, it offers great ventilation and, thanks to the removable D-Dry lining, waterproof and breathable, Sanitized liner and perforated material, it takes on an unrivalled modular quality, meaning it is suited to all types of weather condition.
Dainese Carbon D1 Gloves - A long sports glove, certified and highly protective thanks to its carbon composite inserts on the knuckles. Polyurethane inserts on the palm and finger joints make it particularly protective.
Dainese Motorshow D-WP shoes - Aimed at young riders, this sports shoe, created in technical polyamide and suede microfibre fabric, is characterised by its great functionality and protection. Thanks to a plastic structure, making the shoe very rigid, and rigid inserts on the malleolus, the Motorshoe D-WP offers increased safety. The refracted inserts and Grip Control Insert improve the passive safety of this CE certified show - Cat. II - Directive 89/686/EEC.
Dainese D1 EVO Trousers - Designed for both urban and sports use, the D1 Evo are created in soft and comfortable fabric thanks to the stonewash treatment but are also protective thanks to the weave of aramid fibres and high quality cotton. Complete with certified Pro-Shape protectors at the knee.
