News 28 Apr 2017

Review: 2017 Yamaha Tracer 700

CycleOnline.com.au test rides the 2017 Yamaha Tracer 700.

Words: Matthew Shields

The sports-tourer market in Australia is ridiculously packed for choice at the moment. A factor of the loose definition behind the sports-touring genre, these bikes cover everything from fully-faired, almost sportsbikes through to multi-cylinder almost-armchairs all within a price range of $6000 to $35,000. But when you go looking for a full-capacity, learner legal one, the choices are limited.

The latest addition to this end of the market in 2017 is the new Yamaha Tracer 700. It was a new model in Europe in 2016, but has come a bit later here in Australia and New Zealand for that matter, as we get the 655cc version of the twin-cylinder CP2 powerplant that the rest of the world gets in a 689cc, full-power version. We get that full-power engine in the MT-07 HO nakedbike, but there’s no full power Tracer 700 on the cards, yet.

Image: Greg Smith (iKapture).

Designed and built by Yamaha Japan to deliver the best performance possible, while complying the restraints of the Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme rules, no learner motorcycle delivers the kind of performance the 654cc Yamaha twin does. With 39kW at 8000rpm, 58Nm at 4000rpm and weighing in at 196kg full of fuel, the power to weight ratio and loads of low to midrange torque are very impressive numbers this learner bike boasts.

On the road it translates to more than enough power and torque for experienced riders to have a blast on. Sure, it might not have the gut-wrenching pull that the three-cylinder, 850cc Tracer 900 does, but solo or two-up, with or without luggage, the performance is there to cover long distances with ease, deliver fun in the corners and let you loose your licence for a long time if you get carried away with things.

The Tracer 700 might look like the Tracer 900, but it is closer in every respect to the rest of the twin-cylinder MTs and is built off the MT-07 platform. For more stable riding character than the nakedbike, especially at higher cruising speeds when riding two-up and/or with luggage, the Tracer 700 carries a 50mm longer swingarm for a 1450mm wheelbase and revised suspension valving to operate in a more touring-friendly manner.

Image: Greg Smith (iKapture).

Aside from these differences, the MT-07 LA and Tracer 700 carry the same engine, chassis geometry and major components. The subframe is stiffer to deal with a pillion and luggage, and the taller, flatter handlebar and taller seat create a very different ergonomic package. At a quick glance of the Tracer it looks dual-sport like, but the styling is more 90s sports tourer like Yamaha’s own, class defining XJ900S Diversion.

The local launch for the Tracer 700 started off from Yamaha Motor Australia in the western suburbs of Sydney heading up one of Sydney’s best motorcycle routes – the Putty Road – north to the glorious Hunter Valley. The weather didn’t play ball and the ride was damp to wet the entire run, which did allow the perfect opportunity to see just how rider friendly this machine was in the tricky riding conditions.

Image: Greg Smith (iKapture).

Like the characteristics displayed by the top-selling MT-07 LA nakedbike, from idle through to a few thousand rpm short of the 10,000rpm red-line the engine’s delivery is linear and strong. There’s no need to frantically build up revs to get the bike moving and there’s no need to work the six-speed gearbox to keep things happening. It’ll pull wheelies off the throttle, is fuelled to perfection, has impeccable low rpm manners and almost runs a gear too high without the need for working the clutch.

There isn’t a ton of revs needed on the clock to keep the Tracer moving at freeway speed, the ride is relatively vibe free, and if you need to do a high-speed overtake it has the mumbo to get you out of trouble – or into it if you keep the throttle open. Despite the rain and slippery roads, the fact that the whole package was easily controllable, fast, and exciting to ride reinstated why this motorcycle, just like the MT-07, is one that doesn’t fall into the ‘learner bike’ category because it offers so much more than what learner bikes typically do.

Image: Greg Smith (iKapture).

There are a heap of accessories available for the Tracer 700 to tailor its usage to be sportier, a more functional and luxurious tourer or even a better machine on the dirt. An ‘Australianised’ Tracer 700 on the launch with knobbies, crash bars, spot lights and big touring screen on the launch proved just how versatile this learner bike can be adding a bit of adventure credential to its impressive CV.

Without shopping from the accessory list there are plenty of creature comforts on the new sports-tourer. Along with an adjustable fairing screen, wind deflecting knuckle guards and LED dash, the semi-soft panniers come standard on the Tracer. At $12,299 there’s a lot of value to be had in this machine and when you consider that it is both learner-legal and has the kind of performance that every rider will be excited by and enjoy, it makes it all the more enticing for many riders out there shopping for a road bike that does it all.

Vital specifications

Engine type: Two-cylinder, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, DOHC, four-valves
Capacity: 655cc
Transmission: Six-speed
Power: 39kW at 8000rpm
Torque: 58Nm at 4000rpm
Wet weight: 196kg
Seat height: 835mm
Fuel capacity: 17L
Colours: Yamaha Blue, Radical Red and Tech Black
Price: $12,299
Warranty: Two-year, unlimited kilometres
More details: www.yamaha-motor.com.au

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