2020 Yamaha Tracer 700 First ride

[@TheD7035]

Great Review. After 20 yrs on bigger bikes I’ve just sold a 1000cc bike. I’m now looking for something I can physically move around and more manageable. I agree that the 700 Tracer is not necessarily just “a great first bike” but a bike that can be a lot of fun regardless of how many bikes a person may or may not have previously owned and ridden! Thank again.

[@Banditmanuk]

Yep, I've been riding 40 years and owned many quick bikes but I honestly enjoyed riding this bike. Weight wise its super manageable, its fun and its reasonably priced. Thanks for watching

[@BBFazer]

Good video! I bought a tracer 7 a week ago and drove 1225 km's last week. Its my 17 th bike in 37 years and I enjoy it very very much. Not just a beginnerbike like you already mentioned. Even 2 up it rides lovely and gives soo much fun.

[@Banditmanuk]

Glad you're enjoying the bike. I think they're great. Appreciate the kind comment 🙏

[@UrgetoRide]

15:53 Brave.. very brave to say that on camera 😂 I think while the Tenere is the hype bike of the moment, the revamped Tracer is THE real value for money and subjectively better bike. The tracer is also the bike better suited for what people actually use their bikes for - on the road..

[@Banditmanuk]

I've still got the bruises!! Think your right the Tracer 700 will suit more people, especially road riders.

[@steeltownman]

Nice review... Passed my test in May 22 and got myself a 2019 Tracer 700. Feels safe, fun to ride, picks up really well in all gears. Couldn't ask for any more TBH

[@Banditmanuk]

Congratulations on passing your test. I passed in 81 and still very much rate this bike. Enjoy and take care.

[@Sunrazor]

FINALLY someone says what I have been thinking about. I have also been riding a while and I can't see why a bike is a beginner bike or not. Why wouldn't anyone be happy on a 700 bike that puts out enough torque to make most smile? I don't get it. And it's bloody gorgeous to look at too!

[@Banditmanuk]

Absolutely, I would be happy to have that bike in my garage and I've been riding 40 years. 👍👍

[@paulcosgrove6160]

Same as you on short screens as 6'0'' (was 1.5" taller before I got old!), and have short legs and a long slender body (OK fat as 16.5 stone LOL!), unless well designed (KTM Super Duke 1290, BMW K1300R, Z1000SX, most real Adventure Bikes etc) or when absolutely necessary on Super Sports bikes. I have a Tenere 700 which has the same engine and its more than punchy enough and probably the best Adventure Bike I've ridden too, and I have a KTM 790R! The screen on that is excellent for info, I love the bike. Have spent a couple of days on the Tracer 700 and Yamaha have got everything spot on with their MT range IMHO. Must admit I like that colour combination. A very fair and accurate review after such a short time on it, impressive.

[@Banditmanuk]

I love the looks of the Tenere 700 Paul and if Carol or I had any intention of doing lanes or off road then it would be a serious contender. I had a WR250F which was modified to ride on the road, it was way better than I was and in the end I decided I was just too unfit and old for the off road stuff so sold it on. Thanks again for your kind words.

[@skitels19]

I'm just couple steps away from obtaining full bike licence and most likely this bike will be my first big bike:) Thank you for you honest review✌️

[@Banditmanuk]

Its an amazing feeling gaining your full licence. Lots of great bikes to choose from. This is an excellent bike from a highly reliable manufacturer. Good luck and best wishes from this channel 👍

[@MrJulianbowden]

I had a 17plate for 2 years, but some miles on it and went touring. You can have some serious fun with that engine and gear box. Swapped the stock exhaust for a scorpion £600 made the word of difference! !

[@Banditmanuk]

I love to hear from actual owners because in all honesty an hours test ride cannot establish all the facts. I do think Yamaha got the engine right, a great twin cylinder engine. The Scorpion exhaust looks alot cheaper than the Yamaha official Akrapovic! Thanks for stopping by my channel Julian.

[@MrJulianbowden]

@@Banditmanuk it's a lovely bike. The dealer showed me the apropovik system and it was a little over 1k, also they don't have removable baffles, however I didn't remove mine from the Scorpion ,it was loud enough for me with it in. I was lucky mine came with Yamaha's winter pack for free , gell seat ,heated grips, large tank bag ,plus ring, XL touring screen ( much bigger than originally) lower cowling. ( Worth 1k in total ). Nothing my 900gt can do that 700 couldnt do too, I also got 6k miles out of that rear road pilot 4, ppl use to comment what a nice bike it was ,I think that's because it was in gloss red, this new Matt blue one goes mostly unnoticed in comparison, The only downside for me was the part ex ,I lost a lot and being it was back in January had I known about the pandemic around the corner of never of changed bikes ; I've done 800 miles on the 900gt , here in South Wales it's back in local lockdown again for apparently 6 months ,!.; Great reviews buddy keep them coming .✌️

[@barryroberts2474]

As you say Yamaha are great at getting a bike just right for purpose. I started in 1965 with a Honda S90, flat out 64 MPH indicated. Yet me and my girlfriend travelled all over Dorset and a bit of Hampshire. Not that far but we were happy teenagers. This 700 Tracer is a gem. I agree with you about screens, I'm 6.2 so it does seem to mess with my head. This vid is a nice interlude, thanks.

[@Banditmanuk]

And thought I had been riding a while! After a nightmare with a Multistrada a few years ago I'm always happy when bikes just keep working.

[@athaphian]

Thanks for this review! I'm really considering buying the 2021 GT version. So far all reviews I've seen are very positive. I rode/drove one last week and I can agree with all of what you said in your video. Feels very light, flickable, comfortable sitting position. Im about 5'4 and indeed the screen bugged me a bit, I have pretty good hopes for the touring screen on the GT and might even put one of those extenders on to see if I can get rid of that buffeting. Riding a naked now and could use a bit more comfort. Exactly the reason to buy this bike. Cheers from Holland!

[@Banditmanuk]

Hello Holland! I'm glad the vid helped. I did like this bike very much but I'm still riding my MT10, you cannot go far wrong with Yamaha reliability. Thanks for watching and good luck with the bike.

[@parf2665]

Versys 650 with panniers and similar power to the tracer has carried me and the missus around Scotland,Snowdonia and the usual must visits in England without any trouble at all. Probably not for you if you regularly break the speed limit but it fits our touring style and does everything we ask of it.

[@Banditmanuk]

The Versys is a great bike, I ran its bigger brother the Versys 1000 before I bought my MT10. Thanks for stopping by the channel. Safe riding 👍👍

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

My first bike was a naked Suzuki 650 - but I couldn’t ride a naked bike anymore 😩 the buffeting is too tiring - I’m all for comfort now! 😀👍

[@Banditmanuk]

Trouble was I was getting buffeted more on the Tracer than riding my no screen MT10. For me its got to be the right screen or no screen. Currently my neck muscles are like a bull's! Appreciate you giving my non tour non Carol vid a view, normal service will be resumed soon hopefully 👍

[@volt8684]

Cracking review. I am 63 motorcycling 47yrs and remember fondly my cb750 1978 which seemed hellish fast in its day and a bike that has never been surpassed for pleasure of ownership…. And i have had very many. That bike was 68hp and would genuinely cruise at 90-100 going abroad. I am looking to prob get my last bike and want something that doesnt challenge me skeletally. This review is best I have read for interesting me in a test drive though the xsr700 is more attractive tome also being an RD fan in the day. You deserve more subscribers. Some vloggers on here are like bbc repeats

[@Banditmanuk]

Great comments thanks. I do this KZbin thing for fun, not paid by anyone and this bike I really did like. I'm not far behind you in age at 57 and also have fond memories of my earlier bikes. I had an RD250LC back in 81... Loved that bike. A couple of years back I had an XSR900 modified by Velocity Moto to resemble that bike, painted in mars bar colours. If you trawl back through my vids I've done some about that bike. Anyway thanks for watching, keep riding and keep safe. Best wishes Richard

[@volt8684]

@@Banditmanuk subbed and this afternoon going to watch the lot as am recovering from surgery on leg, missing riding. I commute 365 days a year on an xmax 250. 2007 and 40k never let me down. Yamaha are the most reliable brand. I do my own maintenance and only thing that puts me off cp2 bikes is changing thecplugs!! Watch videos of it, crazy. I had an rd250 too and a few strokers my fave was a suzuki T500, the noise! But trying to synch those carbs lasted a week😂

[@Banditmanuk]

@@volt8684 Thanks for the sub, hope your leg gets better soon. You may enjoy our visit to the Staffs classic bike show, one of our more recent vids. Cheers and take care

[@garystratton8731]

What a great review . Very refreshing to see a guy who rides such as an MT10 with so much power not just say it’s lacking power!! I have one of these bikes and agree with everything you say it’s plenty fast enough particularly as a sole rider. Great value little bike. 👍👍

[@Banditmanuk]

Thank you, I very much enjoyed my time with that bike. I was/am a Yamaha fan with an MT10 and an XSR900. You just know they are going to be dependable. Think the twin engine in this bike is a belter and it has plenty of power especially one up. Thanks for the kind message Gary.

[@garystratton8731]

@@Banditmanuk Your welcome. The tracer 700 is my first bike. I am a late starter at 44 years old doing my bike test. This little Tracer 7 with the CP2 engine is great fun. I have but a better exhaust on it and to be honest it now sounds amazing!! I am too old to think about sports bikes as i have a bad back so i am only interested in comfy bikes. I have been considering maybe upgrading in the near future and have narrowed it down to two bikes the Tracer 9 GT and the Tiger 900 GT Pro. Can i ask you how the CP3 engine feels compared to the CP2? Do yo think it will be a bit intimidating?

[@Banditmanuk]

@@garystratton8731 The CP2, 3 and 4 are all great engines. All pull well from low to mid range. If you've had a while with the 700 engine you won't find the 900 intimidating. Just more torque, less having to change down for an overtake and a more eager top end. There is a review of the Tracer 900 on this channel if you look back. I was considering it as a more sensible touring option as my MT10 is a tad thirsty.

[@garystratton8731]

@@Banditmanuk thanks for reply. I will take a look at the reviews on this channel. I think it’s a good option for combined comfort and some performance . Thanks for your help. 👍

[@Brancovtn65]

Had an FZ07 and ZX10R before. The ZX10R was sexy, precise and mind bogglingly fast, but I always fancied getting back on the FZ. Way more comfortable, it had the perfect amount of torque for the street/wheelies, and it sounds very satisfying with an aftermarket exhaust system.

[@Banditmanuk]

Yes, you could argue the ZX10 fabulous bike it is, is just too quick for normal road riding. There is something satisfying about getting the most out of a smaller capacity bike. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

[@KJRS3001]

A really good all round review thanks. Defo got this on my list as my first bike when I pass as a 50+ yr old newbie! Like how you mention it suits all abilities, it certainly looks the part too👍

[@Banditmanuk]

Taking your test will be one of the best things you do, I'm 56 and still absolutely love riding motorbikes. I do honestly think this is a great bike and I've ridden lots. People of all abilities will enjoy riding it, it's not intimidating but still has extremely good performance especially compared to cars. Good luck with your test, and then practice, practice, practice. Thanks for watching and take care.

[@Lessar600]

Hi Richard nice honest review for the ‘20’ Yamaha Tracer 700 , As a 2018 Tr 700 owner for the last 18 months and similar Build to yourself You will no go far wrong in acquiring one for yourself and or Carol. Having done 8k around the. Great Britain.(and look forward to the Picos next year), I have by trial and error found a good tall screen design with high sat nav position , and done the suspension mods ( that now come as standard ), 60+ mpg is easily obtained without keeping a stiff right wrist 😉.The Yamaha panniers are small of volume due to being fitted to other models, and now replaced for my universal ones , keep safe. regards Les,

[@Banditmanuk]

That's really interesting Les, I got a good feeling about that bike in just that one hour of riding. 60+ mpg is something I can only dream of with the MT10. Good to hear from you, keep safe and best wishes. Richard

[@blitzer109]

Enjoyed that, sensible real world review. I have been looking at it’s big brother the 900 as a potential new bike next year as I think that will tick all the boxes for me.

[@Banditmanuk]

I really like the 900 as well. Took one out on this channel when the GT first came out (probably my most thumbed down vid ever because of music to cover the wind noise) Both the 7 and 900 offer value for money and reliability. I've got the CP3 engine in my XSR900 and it's a great power plant. Thanks for watching cheers

[@MrBoybergs]

Nice, considered and very useful review. Interesting to hear the thoughts of someone accustomed to the mad power of the MT10 on the relatively 'modest' bhp of the.MT07. Subbed.

[@Banditmanuk]

Thank you, I love most powered two wheeled machines and was genuinely impressed with the little Yam. Thanks for the sub. Cheers

[@garyrafferty8653]

I also have an MT10 but use it for sunny days, I am just about to buy one of these for commute/winter/ Touring. I tried a friend's and couldn't believe how good it is. It's a great all rounder.

[@Banditmanuk]

Yep, Yamaha are using that engine in lots of models. The Tracer 700 is a great bike, certainly more fuel efficient for commuting. I still use my MT10 to tour, it's still going strong after 5 years and 25K miles, I just make sure I know where the filling stations are 😉

[@garyrafferty8653]

@@Banditmanuk impressive 25.000 on your MT10, I've only done a couple of thousand.. Your not wrong on the MT10 drinking problem not helped by the crap fuel gauge🤣🤣

[@Banditmanuk]

@@garyrafferty8653 Yes: full, full,full, still full, then half,quarter flashing in short succession! 🤣🤣

[@nicksepisode]

Hey Richard, just scouting KZbin for Tracer 7 vids and come across this. I'm quite torn as I think middle weight bikes are the sweet spot in todays economy. I had a ride of the tracer 9 and I can honestly say I preferred the 7. I'm tempted by this bike and the GT version sounds even more appealing. I've got an extensive road test this weekend on this bike so we'll see...

[@Banditmanuk]

Like I said on your vid I really like this bike. Think the CP2 engine is fun to ride. You've obviously got a much bigger rev range than the NC750X. I rode the NC for a week out in Gran Canaria, nice bike but I much prefer riding this. I think it's a slightly different style of riding and you get the excitement exploring the higher end of the revs. I'm definitely considering selling my MT10, it's just too much...... too short on range, too thirsty. I do like the Tracer 9, it's got the engine I love in my XSR900. You've got lots of bikes in this middle weight sector to consider. The Versys 650 (I owned the 1000, great bike) You've also got the newly released Triumph Tiger Sport 660. Good luck with the tests cheers and take care.

[@nicksepisode]

@@Banditmanuk tiger sport is also booked for Saturday 🤞

[@Saddlebags73]

Nice review. I quite like it. It seems plenty powerful enough and I’m all for simplicity. The rear hugger looked almost non existent but I expect there will be aftermarket options. Thanks for sharing 👍🏼

[@Banditmanuk]

Lack of rear spray suppression is one of my pet hates, so many modern bike designs with shorter rear ends pay little attention to it. You or your pillion end up covered in road filth. Thanks again for watching

[@stephenprizeman6669]

Collect my new tracer 700 next week.. thanks to your review...thanks again

[@Banditmanuk]

Congratulations, hope you get chance to put some miles on it soon. Thanks for the kind words

[@bikersquest]

I totally agree with you about the beginners bike thing, I wanna get this to replace my FZ1 really!

[@TheGorillaBiker]

That's my issue with a lot of screens too, they just don't suit us taller folk. That's why I keep my screen low. 60mpg is excellent, my Fazer wasn't far off that. If you can try get a go on a CBF1000, I can't believe how comfy it is. I like the grey and blue! I will say I think I prefer the older styling tbh, I might change my mind if I got to ride it and get up close and personal. Yeah I'd have that breadbox off and a nice exhaust on asap :D Good tyres should be a legal requirement from factory imo! I do like the lights though. I think most new bikes from the big manufacturers are gone very hard to fault, they're all very very good! Great video!

[@Banditmanuk]

Thanks, ages since I've had the opportunity to do a test ride so really enjoyed this one. Yes us big folks have trouble with screens but at least we can reach the floor on most bikes we ride. My tyre comments are more aimed at manufacturers who fit ultra sporty rubber to their 'sporty' bikes more suitable for a hot track day but hopeless in the wet where a road bike could easily find itself. As for Honda both Carol and I like the CB650F and that is on our radar for Carol's next bike. Well priced as well

[@TheGorillaBiker]

@@Banditmanuk It looked like you did too :) I was hoping to get another in soon but we're back locked downish again now. :( Ahhh yes, a fair point. 90% of people would much rather good all year tyres like those ones on a new bike like that one I think! Oh great shout, lovely bike and yes, very well priced.

[@wheaty1050]

Hi I agree what a great little Bike ,I was looking for a Second do it all bike and i very Priced up the New2020 Tracer with some goodies got it to about £8500 ,so i Found a 2019 model with 800 miles on and loaded with a tail tidy ,crash bars Tinted Screen and giles clutch and brake levers all for £6000.00 pleased with my purchase .

[@Banditmanuk]

That sounds a great deal and alot of bike for little money. You just know its going to be super reliable. Thanks for stopping by my little channel Eric and safe riding. 👍

[@HippoDrones]

It is a nice looking bike, and ace to see some seat options too

[@Banditmanuk]

Think there is a lowering kit as well, think Carol would need to ride it to see if just the lower seat option would be enough. So many manufacturers seem to make their touring bikes tall (adventure bikes) and the lower old style touring bikes seem to be out of fashion.

[@volt8684]

Best honest review for normal bikers

[@Banditmanuk]

Thanks Michael, appreciate you saying

[@leewatkeys9065]

Can tell you ride a Triumph when you pulled in the clutch to start. Have an MT07 and had considered a Tracer 700 before hand but as I don’t tour the MT was better for me. Nice quick review 👍🏻

[@Banditmanuk]

Ha ha yes I've owned 3 over the years......habit👍 I do tour on my MT10, I get to visit many petrol stations. Thanks for taking a look at my vid Lee, safe riding.

[@1991ryanl]

Amazing how much I can learn about this bike by hearing an experienced rider who just has it for 1 hour! I found this more useful that most long-term reviews. Thanks for sharing =) can I ask how you found the weather protection on your thighs? Im not sure 1 hour is enough to notice, but worth asking; And do you think this would be fine if you just got a windscreen extension?

[@Banditmanuk]

Thanks for the kind words. Sorry I'm not going to be much help on the thigh weather protection, it won't be as good as some of the full on touring bikes but the trade off is the Tracer is much lighter. As I tour on a naked bike I just buy good riding gear. Yes the screen could be improved, again its a very personal thing. I'm very tall but most people will find an aftermarket, touring screen or clip on wind deflector (extension) will help.

[@bikerbuddy3166]

Enjoyed that good honest review 😎☝️🇬🇧🏍 I think you would both get bored riding it very quickly, just because your experienced riders , but definitely a good value first bike for a new rider , keep up the good work 🇬🇧🏍🇬🇧🏍🥰

[@Banditmanuk]

I'm not sure about getting bored with it, I guess if I had to sell my other bikes to have it maybe. Think we are more looking what Carol could go to next. Anyway thanks for watching cheers.

[@MRTPR]

I have tried screens and haven't got on well with them either and I not tall at all. Nice bike and review Mate. Take care.

[@Banditmanuk]

Thanks, yes screens cause lots of problems for me. I remember my Versys 1000, the only one that worked for me was a Givi Airflow, but that looked awful. Thanks for watching cheers

[@TheBroadyBikers]

Great vid. I'm in the same boat with screens.

[@Banditmanuk]

The only screen that's worked for me is a Givi Airflow, trouble is they look 🤢

[@williamrae9954]

Already have a XSR700(built to replicate Kenny Roberts TZ750 flat tracker),for 3/8ths more than price of that Akra, there's a turbo kit going on! (already at least one in the UK) I'm getting shot of my 2 x CP3 motored Tracers,as the turbo kicks out more on the CP2,and buying one of these for the longer trips...19/17" wire wheels going on both(hubs from the USA),better bike for me than a Tenere,comfier,better protection,etc...amazing list of parts for these bikes if you look around!

[@Banditmanuk]

The XSR700 project sounds interesting (I've an XSR900 modified by Velocity moto) You should consider uploading a vid of the bike to KZbin, myself and lots if others would be interested👍

[@williamrae9954]

@@Banditmanuk There will be a channel starting shortly,but i'm wanting months of back material ready first...i bought my 2020 GT which is on the VCAR to build into a RD-LC,but got zero response from Velocity,things have move on without them...not the way to run a business!

[@Banditmanuk]

@@williamrae9954 I'm surprised Velocity didn't get back to you. Hag Hughes who runs it is a one man band but turned my bike around in a couple of weeks. He basically runs the whole operation from the back of his residential house. He's a former racer and fast bikes journalist, slightly disorganised maybe but good at his job.

[@andrewewan624]

Did many miles on MT-07 as a "works bike" ...great bike/engine....ride safe !!

[@Banditmanuk]

Thanks Andrew, my first experience of the MT07 engine. Really impressed, and definitely more than just a commuter bike. Thanks for watching 👍👍

[@mickleblade]

The yam panniers are very expensive, you'll save a boat load of beer vouchers buying givi kit, the cheaper Trekker ones look really good too and seem the same sort of width.

[@Banditmanuk]

Cheers that's great info thanks.

[@SX1000ninja]

Great review.....above all else it’s a Yamaha!

[@Banditmanuk]

Thank you, I am a Yamaha fan, they make some great reliable bikes. (Love the 1200 Tenere as well)

[@i_druth]

Have to say the Tracer 7 looks to be a cracking bike for newbie riders who're into touring and would like something that isn't as heavy as some of the other touring bikes we see today. Came as a surprise to me to find that at 196kg its only 3 kg lighter than my current XJ600 Diversion, however I am torn between the Versys 650 and this Tracer 7 / 700 as the Versys can be found cheaper yet is about 20kg heavier. Not that the weight of a bike is too big of a deal like I'd reckon it'd be the Tracer to go for whenever I get around to getting another bike.

[@Banditmanuk]

Think I personally would take the Tracer over the Versys. Both would do the job though

[@i_druth]

@@Banditmanuk Oh aye definitely both are very capable though the Versys I know wouldn't be good for 2 up touring due to that loss in power like, maybe the Tracer has a bit more of it there though 2 up touring isn't what I'd be doing just yet. Either way though its a definite tick for the Tracer :)

[@BikeHikeAdventures48]

Great review, very helpful!

[@Banditmanuk]

You are welcome Luke. Thanks for watching

[@stephenprizeman6669]

Brilliant review.

[@Banditmanuk]

Thanks Stephen, appreciate you taking the time to say so. Cheers

[@MarkOneMoto]

It's a nice looking bike the Tracer, but that screen looks a bit daft in the shape it is, kind of like a letter T. The touring screen you showed looked much better though. These exhausts are just going a bit mad with Euro 5 eh, got to keep Greta happy though I guess sigh...even though they know loads of people will just change them anyway ha ha!... Nice review mate, ride safe, Mark

[@Banditmanuk]

Yep, didn't really like the screen but it's only a small criticism of a great bike. As for the exhaust, this sort of thing is coming to all bikes, loads of owners are going to RIP it all off and go for an aftermarket. That Akro looked expensive! Thanks for watching

[@foxtrotalphazulumoto-adven4895]

Yeah, I hate that "it's a good first big bike for new riders" shizzle they put in reviews; I've been riding since 1995, mainly big sports bikes, like my GSXR750K4, but I've just bought a 2020 Kawasaki Ninja 650 to do longer 1up trips etc with more comfort and fuel economy (70+ mpg at the moment). I've put some SHAD luggage racks and soft panniers on it (vid to come soon) for practicality & short tours, and it's perfectly good for riders of any age / experience.

[@Banditmanuk]

Just popped over to your channel and had a look at your new Kwak, very nice. You don't need massive BHP to have fun on a motorcycle, that's for sure. I'm certainly not looking for loads of gadgets either, just a good reliable, reasonably light bike. Its why I like this Tracer.

[@foxtrotalphazulumoto-adven4895]

@@Banditmanuk I'm very pleased so far, it's a punchy little motor, perfectly adequate. We did a 2 up ride to Matlock recently and it coped with that quite well too (although I wouldn't want to ride with a pillion too far on any bike really).

[@Banditmanuk]

@@foxtrotalphazulumoto-adven4895 Size of me and the Mrs I think we would get close to the max carrying capacity of lots of bikes! Luckily Carol did her test. We can often be found on the roads around Matlock 👍👍

[@foxtrotalphazulumoto-adven4895]

@@Banditmanuk I'd like the wife to learn to ride and have planted the seed - she does mention it now and again, so I think I'll leave it a bit longer so that if she does have a go it will have been "her idea".

[@Banditmanuk]

@@foxtrotalphazulumoto-adven4895 My Carol decided to learn when she saw me clear off to the Alps and the Isle of Man with mates on our bikes. 👍👍👍

[@Yamalover78]

Hi nice straight up review. How did you hold up as a tall fellow on a bike? I saw meny reviews they kind a complain about seating position Thanks

[@Banditmanuk]

Hi thanks for watching. I genuinely didn't have any issues with the seating position or leg room or comfort. Trouble is comfort on a bike is a very personal thing (I like the seat on my MT10 but loads of owners hate it) Think you have to sit on the bike yourself and if possible get a long test ride. As a tall person I did get buffeting, that's probably my biggest complaint.

[@Yamalover78]

@@Banditmanuk. Thank you for your answer. I will rent a bike for at least a day. Then I will decide

[@problemslayer3538]

Test rode the standard version, cant help but think its not really for long touring, its quite narrow and light. Also the seating position seems to lean me ever so slightly towards the tank. Shame because its a great ride and the cp2 is superb. However for a mid capacity tourer the v strom is a lot better, more comfortable better suspension and mirrors and of course that legendary engine

[@Banditmanuk]

@problemslayer3538 The V Strom is certainly a great well priced touring machine. A friend had one. Only time it struggled a little was two up. I prefer the Yamaha CP2 engine and the Yam would still get my vote. Problem is I'm still addicted to touring on my ridiculous MT10. Thanks for watching 👍

[@problemslayer3538]

@@Banditmanuk the Yamaha is certainly more focused than the strom and is the choice if you want an opportunity to enjoy the bends but if the main purpose is touring the strom is definitely more comfortable out of the crate. They give you the suspension you need and the seat. With yamaha they push you towards the GT package which even then doesn't give the comfort of the strom. I was really hoping the T7 would be the one for touring but it isn't. For me now it's looking like the Multistrada 950 which leaves both these bikes far behind in every aspect

[@Banditmanuk]

@problemslayer3538 Owned a 1200S a decade ago. Brilliant machine, but mine was a warranty nightmare. I was probably too early to a then brand new model. I'm sure reliability has improved since then.

[@problemslayer3538]

@@Banditmanuk yes I've heard they have improved as they have progressed. I've had a Ducati S2R 1000 and the DS engine in that was phenomenal as I'm sure the 1200 you had was. The 950 will be more than enough for me and after sitting on one this week I'm on the look out. Ultimate tourer

[@glynlinton474]

Better than the versys 650 or the tiger sport 660 ?.

[@Banditmanuk]

Now that is a good question. obviously the 660 is only just out and I've not ridden the Kawasaki. Don't think there would be a bad choice there. Just personal preference and how well each bike fits you. Thanks for watching

[@stephenhadley2490]

These aren’t coming to Australia I read as mid size tourers don’t sell well here which is sad but understandable.

[@Banditmanuk]

That's a shame, not sure the US gets them either. Thanks for watching anyway Stephen

[@wernerxldata]

I bought one two months ago and sold it a month ago... Not a bad bike, but I found it a bit boring and disapointing in some area's. Weak brakes, too soft suspension, more vibration than I like, too much engine braking, not very smooth and light clutch. Sounds as if I found the bike horrible, that's not true but it's just all a bit off. It is a very balanced bike in means of steering and handling. Fuel consumption is pretty nice as well... I came from a KTM Duke 790, to be honest that is a way better build bike in my opinion than the Yamaha cp2 bikes. Way smoother and more powerfull engine, also great fuel consumption if you ride normal. Way better suspension, brakes, clutch / gearbox, brilliant electronics. And my new bike, also a KTM, is a Duke 390, the corner rocket as it's called. Just a cheap lovely bike thas has everything I need. It's not blazing fast but who needs that these days. After years of big bikes I'm really enjoying this type of riding. Funny enough I have less issues with wind on my helmet on the nakeds than I had on the Tracer... The windshield seems to route all air to your helmet, creating an insane noise and turbulence around it. Super happy I don't have a screen anymore. A set of earplugs and a good helmet works better than a windscreen.

[@Banditmanuk]

It's always interesting hearing from owners and their experiences. I can only give my impression after a very short time with the bike. I'm quite a Yamaha fan owning both the CP4 MT10 and CP3 XDR900. I've put 30,000 miles on the MT10 and it's been super reliable if thirsty. I've definitely considered a KTM, great bikes but reports over reliability always concern me.

[@wernerxldata]

​@@Banditmanuk I've read a lot of that reliability stuff as well. For example the first year of the 790 there have been some problems. Afaik all fixed by ktm/dealers. New models sometimes have issues. I value a company in how they solve this. I know ktm mostly as a dirtbike (motocross) racer. We used them since 2011 and had no issues. There have been problems in the mean time in some newer models (the factory editions always come in front of the real model), ktm all fixed them even if we didn't experience a problem yet. Got a new gearbox and updated crankshaft in a 2017 250 factory edition, wheels where completely new spoked in a 2018 bike. Anyway, we raced them for over 10 years and never had anything serious (except bones) broken. Check some of the older existing models, 690 engines, they raced dakar with those, I've seen a lot of them with super high mileage. And of course we do not have to love the same bikes, different people different taste. That's what makes it interesting. Would be kinda boring if there were only ktm's out there of just yamaha's :P Have a great day !

[@BBFazer]

You made a super review of the tracer 700. It did convince me to go for this bike. My last bikes were fjr1300 and I have been rifing for 40 years now also. The tracer will be my next! Only one thing I don't like and nobody seem 16:20 s to have the same opinion. The very very ugly shield on the downpipes of the exhaust. This super ugly exhaust has to go. Yamaha please put on a much nicer looking exhaust!!!!

[@Banditmanuk]

Thank you. It's a while since I made this vid but I still very much rate this bike. Sounds like we're a similar age, I started riding an FS1E in 1980 then a Yam RD250LC. I've still not changed my MT10 but it is way over the top for the type of riding I do. It's just super reliable so I've kept it. The FJR is a fine machine but quite big and heavy. Unfortunately the ugly exhaust is a result of the catalytic converters, aftermarket is probably the way to go. Appreciate the the comment and thanks for watching

[@BBFazer]

@@Banditmanuk I started with an rd200, 47 years ago. I regret that I ever sold my rd350lc. I mainly had Yamahas, with only one honda cb500 and 2 honda's cb600r for my wife, while I had 4x fj1200's. Wonderfull times! Enjoy your mt10. I just bought a brandnew tracer7gt with akra.

[@Banditmanuk]

@@BBFazer congratulations on the bike. Enjoy 👍 Thanks for watching our little channel

[@kevinroberts2395]

Unfortunately it appears Yamaha have no idea how to design a good screen. The Tracer 900 also has a useless screen. Both are light weight tourers so a good screen should be a must.

[@Banditmanuk]

👍👍 Wasn't sure if it was just me being so tall? For me a bad screen is worse than no screen whatsoever and it's the reason I've given up with trying to find good ones. The last good screen I ever used was a Givi Airflow on a Versys 1000, worked great but looked awful.

[@kevinroberts2395]

@@Banditmanuk I'm just under 6' and I currently have a Honda ST1300 which works beautifully, electrically adjustable, but I'm looking to downsize as I get older. I don't want a true adventure bike, but I do want a middle weight upright tourer but not many like that on the market unfortunately. I'm in Australia.

[@Banditmanuk]

@@kevinroberts2395 Yes it's a difficult one moving from the great protection of an ST1300. Could be that buying the bike you like then experimenting in the aftermarket screens department maybe an option? I did run a Triumph Tiger 800 (now 900) which was a decent middle weight touring option. Good luck with your search and best wishes from a freezing cold lock down England.

[@MyGotje]

'Im really tall, man says ... 6.3', u dont know the struggle at 6.9

[@Banditmanuk]

Wow, not just a struggle getting a comfortable fit on a motorcycle I'm sure. I'm on the limit of getting much off the peg stuff. Guess you don't ride Sportsbikee?

[@nightterror5131]

Brokers that allow put an call options

[@HepcatHarley]

Nice bike but ooooh that ugly exhaust system :)

[@Banditmanuk]

Yep, welcome to the world of Euro 5!