2017 Yamaha Tracer 700 - First Ride and Review

[@Derf1969]

A few corrections and observations - just so everyone has the correct info: It's a 689cc Parallel Twin, as first used in the MT-07 (FZ-07 in the USA) - same power and torque figures as on the existing MT-07. On the bike under review it would appear that the dealer has added: - Radiator cover - Crash bars with bungs - Comfort seat - Instrument cluster sun-shield - Taller (and wider) touring screen IMO the only ones you would really want to look at are the radiator cover and the taller screen, but not at the prices that Yamaha are asking for their branded versions. The standard screen actually works well as a wind-deflector in the lowest setting - at the highest setting it bobbles your head too much. The wind does however hit your chest in a way that a touring purist would probably find unacceptable at the lowest setting, hence my suggestion of an after-market taller screen. My own conclusion is that the Tracer 700 builds significantly on its MT-07 origins, becoming a more mature and rounded option (or compromised, depending on your point of view). A bike capable of crossing countries, but maybe not continents, whilst still retaining the ability to entertain with its torque-oriented engine, light weight and nimble handling.

[@RiderCamTV]

+NI-Motorcyclist thanks for the comments and info. Very comprehensive. :)

[@prof.2248]

absolutely the best middleweight sport tourer on the market money/value. Weight,engine,quality,edge.

[@carlosandleon]

its too small

[@flippy66]

@@carlosandleon For you maybe, plenty for may others. Size is entirely subjective.

[@cliveomahoney4096]

Thanks for taking the time to review the bike. I got my Tracer a month ago after my MT 07 was stolen. Loved the MT, appreciate the Tracer more. it's far more versatile and comfy for distance. Not to mention, more stable at speed in crosswinds. The Tracer is a more sensible bike than the MT. It depends on what type of riding you're going to do in the main. The MT is king about town. Being narrower and lighter than the Tracer. In terms of wind protection, I had a screen on my MT, there's not much difference. The hand protectors are great on the Tracer, though and, all round, suits me better. The star of both is, of course, the great TWIN engine. Keep up the good reviews.

[@RiderCamTV]

+Clive O'Mahoney thanks for the great comments, glad your enjoying the videos. The tracer was a joy to ride :)

[@spyros45k57]

Clive O'Mahoney I

[@srebaque]

Great review of the bike I own now for 1,5 years and nearly 30K km. To me it is The Perfect Bike! It is my first ride but I’ve tested a lot of other bikes and none has outperform this bike in all aspects (specially Confort and flickering). You should mention that the model you tested is the GT (or GT equiped) with touring screen (it is a Must for this bike, I bought it after 15 days of riding it) and comfort seat (the standard one is brilliant as well, have done 700km in one go almost no stop and no backside acke). Protection bars are also a must (I fitted them when I first bought it). I really think that this is an amazing bike and I get too much fun in the twisties ( Yamaha is well known for the sporty performance). So so easy to ride (only 196kg wet).

[@TheDervMan]

You mentioned it was a four cylinder but it's actually a twin! The Tracer 900 is a triple, just for completeness ;-) I'm really impressed with Yamaha right now, they are producing some excellent bikes. I liked the close up shots when doing the walk around. Thanks for the video RCTV.

[@RiderCamTV]

+DervMan thanks man. Slip of the tongue. Glad you enjoyed the vid. Great bike :)

[@MrJulianbowden]

He ment 4 stroke 😀

[@flippy66]

@@MrJulianbowden No he didn't, he said four cylinder twice and at 9:10 he says "I don't feel it's got any overrun as a lot of four cylinders do, because I'm used to a twin". He genuinely thought it was a four cylinder. That's fine, no big deal, but don't gaslight.

[@MrJulianbowden]

@flippy5118 it was 5 years ago who gives a flying F you silly 🔔 end

[@stevefurniaux9978]

Nice review, I'm trying to decide between this and the 650 Versys at the moment and you haven't made my decision any easier. You do state more than once however this is a four cylinder, it's a parallel twin, also pretty sure the crash bars, frame sliders and rad guard are not standard.

[@deepsouthNZ]

Great review mate well done, great bike. Here in NZ these are only available in 655 cc for learners, puts me off getting one so I think I will get the 900.

[@RiderCamTV]

Hey mate, thanks for the kind words it means a lot to us both as we enjoy making the vids :) The 900 is a great bike Ride safe buddy

[@apwmiller]

Older and new rider and wanted to get a bike that was equally good at commuting as touring and because I need to get a bike that isn't too wide or high (on the legs) thought I was going to have to go for the Harley/Triumph low rider types but thanks to the guys at Fowlers in Bristol the first bike they showed me was the Tracer 700 which I was very sceptical about but thanks to your review has really brought me round to their point of view and recommendation so much so that decided this is the one for me. Pity about no central stand and agree with your comments about rear fender but maybe these can be added ?

[@RiderCamTV]

+Andy Miller that's great matey. It is a great bike and sounds like you've made an excellent choice :) Ride safe

[@mattaldridge9152]

Tracer 700 and CB650F are on my shortlist.....just seen your reviews of both. But this says the Tracer 700 is a 4 cylinder (I thought it was a Twin), and the CB650F review says it's a Twin (I thought it was an in line 4).....confusing to a noob!

[@markdennis930]

Great review, thank you. Just be careful of the use of incredibly annoying 'upspeak'.

[@RiderCamTV]

+Mark Dennis thanks matey, I just speak as I find matey :)

[@Nick_R_]

He means the tonal shift at the end of a sentence, used to denote it as a question, but now, thanks to the influence of Australian soaps, being used all over our speech!

[@franklinhondius3130]

In all other reviews of the Tracer 700 it was referred to as a (270° crankshaft) twin . . .

[@RiderCamTV]

+franklin hondius cool

[@JIMWSMITH]

Great review , sums it up nicely.👍

[@RiderCamTV]

Thanks biddy. Glad you enjoyed it. Ride safe :)

[@johnnybloodshoes7401]

It feels a little plastic and small for touring. The one I tried didn't have a 12v socket and no centre stand. Feels very small cheap compared to the v strom

[@alanwright5935]

no its not a 4 cylinder bike

[@johnrocker2986]

If you had a choice of the vstrom or the tracer, what would you consider is the more comfortable for every day use? I ask as I am considering both.

[@RiderCamTV]

+john rocker thanks for the question matey, they are both really good bikes for everyday use to be honest. For me I would probably Air towards the tracer as it's smoother and a little more refined to give that extra comfort feel when riding. Hope that helps

[@tracer900gt4]

Passed my bike theory today once I've done my test I'm looking at a tracer is it a good first bike from a 125

[@RiderCamTV]

+Freelancer YamMT hey mate, firstly congrats on passing your theory, you'll love biking I'm sure. This bike is a great bike and would be fab as a first bike, providing enough power (but not too much) as well as the feel of being on a bigger bike with the added ability to add storage etc. Good choice :)

[@tracer900gt4]

RiderCamTV Thanks for the reply wish I had done it years ago test booked July safe riding

[@RiderCamTV]

+Freelancer YamMT no probs and best of luck matey :)

[@tracer900gt4]

RiderCamTV I Passed my full bike licence Thursday 27/07/2017 🖒

[@RiderCamTV]

+Freelancer YamMT hey matey. Very well done to you :) The open road awaits! Chuffed for you mate. Ride safe :)

[@rideyourbikent]

4 cylinder??? it's a twin

[@MsIrrealis]

how tall are you bro?

[@RiderCamTV]

+Ad Addv hey matey, about 5’11” :)

[@aledevans68]

review full of wrong facts about this great bike

[@RiderCamTV]

+Aled Evans not sure that's accurate in itself. :/

[@toadyh1982]

Well its a twin cylinder not a four for a start...

[@EinkOLED]

It doesn't ride as well as my Kawasaki versys, I was left feeling disappointed (with sore ears, cramped legs and a sore arse) but glad that I chose a better and cheaper bike.

[@RiderCamTV]

+EinkOLED now that's a bike we haven't tried yet. Glad you got the one that suits you better :)

[@crazyboyftw]

+EinkOLED And also more slower than the tracer 😬

[@phixi0n]

Everything but the engine is better on the Versys

[@Jer0867]

1:39 "This is a 4 cylinder bike". Really? This is where I stopped watching. What drugs are you on? Ridiculous....