Could the Tracer 7 be the perfect downsize bike? Let's take a look.

Re-posted with editing errors removed.
If I didn't still need pillion capabilities I wouldn't have a 1200cc bike. But what would I downgrade too? Something in the 700cc to 900cc category anyway. I'm spoilt by adjustable suspension though and I don't want to give it up. The Tracer 7 looks like it will give me everything I need, and more, something most bikes in this category don't do.

[@dezmondwhitney1208]

This is a great video and the sensible comments a a bonus for me also. 👍👍

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

Cheers, yes the comments add some nice depth.

[@breezeontheroadtonowhere6562]

For me, i'm 62, the Tracer7 is the perfect Bike. I rode 35.000 Km in 2 years. Down to Greece and Morocco. Also several times to Croatia an Provence. I will ride it for sure over 100.000 km. I know it will go this distance without any issues. At home is still an MT-07 with 115.000 km on the clock😊

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

Yes, there you go, a testimony from the horse's mouth. Cheers

[@kevinroberts2395]

You are 100% correct regarding what older riders want. I want a mid size, 750 - 900cc, road focused bike with comfort and a few 'nice bit's', which must include cruise control. I owned a Honda ST1300 for 15 years but found the static weight becoming an issue. I settled on a BMW R1200RS with all the "bells and whistles" but now finding that a bit 'cramped' for leg room. Love the seat height and power etc., but I would now settle for a less powerful bike with more leg room and comfort. In Australia, Yamaha Tracer 700 was only available in the restricted "Learner" version. The same with the Kawasaki Versys 650. The search continues. Loving your channel.

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

Many thanks Kevin. Trying to get manufacturers to put cruise on a mid size bike is a challenge. It's going to take the flood of mid range Chinese bikes that come with it to wake them up. Good luck on the search!

[@problemslayer3538]

Do you have the cb500x over your way

[@jansiemers7910]

what a wild and fabulous video - cheers

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

Thankyou!

[@robsonenduro3316]

Well said, e,g, coming new Transalp is missing of adjustable suspension which is a bummer. Why they give premium stuff only to 1000cc plus bikes...

[@PokerMuppet]

Simply because most people know that they don't need the power but they will buy the bigger bikes for the added features. If Yamaha put everything on the Tracer 7, who would really buy the Tracer 9? Those few that are fixated and POWER!!! and possibly those who often ride 2 up...

[@Bob-ts2tu]

After a lifetime of cycling on roadbikes with narrow saddles and no suspension. i'm glad that as a newbie motorbiker (with a bad back) over 60yo, i just don't know what's good or bad or what i *may* be missing, it's one less thing to worry about and i felt fine even after 200mile days on my little honda 125, a bit achy, but then again that's most days anyway - you're all too soft IMHO :) but it's nice to learn what's out there, so thanks terry. GL

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

Cheers Bob, my favourite bike last year was the superbly comfortable 2021 CB125F, ultra simple non adjustable suspension (apart from rear preload) which provided a wonderful ride. Thanks for watching Bob, you hard arse! 👍😀

[@reachforthesky1849]

Really helpful explanation about damping. Thank you I am a light rider and find the non manually adjustable electronic suspension too firm. What are your thoughts?

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

Glad it helped 👍

[@SImonDeLikaeble]

I love the look of the Tracer 7. Sat on it last week. It wasn’t derivable yet, but felt light and it was easy to maneuver around the shop. As in, while walking on it. I’ve found that many bikes are too heavy now for me move when not driving. So when the engine is off, and I’m navigating around the back garden, I’m starting to sweat! From now on, picking lighter bikes.

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

Yes, I was out on an Aprilia Tuareg the other day, nearly 50kg lighter than my current bike, big difference, very enjoyable.

[@SImonDeLikaeble]

Have mine 6 months now. Often bring my wife for a spin, it’s a lovely bike for two people. No problems with suspension. The torque is great. Front screen is the only downer. If I was two inches smaller, it would be ideal.

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

Great feedback, great to hear it’s a good two-up performer too. Cheers Simon👍.

[@PokerMuppet]

Get the MRA Vario Touring screen...

[@SImonDeLikaeble]

@@PokerMuppetThanks. I checked the website. There seems to be two models -TM and VTM. Looks like the VTM has an extra spoiler. Which screen would you recommend?

[@PokerMuppet]

@@SImonDeLikaebleThe Vario is the VTM. In my experience and the opinions of many of the members of the UK Owners Club, it's the deflector that makes the biggest difference.

[@clivebrown9906]

Thanks for your info. I'm 69 and returned to motorcycling this summer after about 15 years off, my first big bike was a Honda CBR1000 when they first came out. I bought a Royal Enfield 350 being a little concerned about my abilities and the fact that in common with many my age I suffer with joint problems. The Royal Enfield lasted for less than four weeks to be replaced by a Honda CB500X that I am very pleased with but don't tell the wife in the spring I am considering changing it and on my list is the Yamaha Tracer 7GT. Would this be a good move? Don't get me wrong I like my Honda very much but would the tracer offer me more. One thing Terry great informative video and I like your style but perhaps you should ride one and revisit your review.

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

I'd love to ride one but here in Ireland where I am based it can be very hard to get test rides. I do like the polished style on the Tracer 7 in the flesh, it looks premium. I think it would make a great move from the excellent but somewhat lethargic CB500X which I have ridden.

[@problemslayer3538]

Honda cb500x is the one. Does everything the Tracer 7 does, all be it with less power but you get at least 25mpg more !

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

Massively popular but I haven't given up on life yet :-). If MPG is the game I spent time in 2021 commuting on a '21 CB125F with absolutely humongous MPG, amazing and incredibly comfortable?

[@ttrguy9952]

Terry The Tiger 660 has an adjustable rear monoshock and it works great. I rode one this week and it works fantastic. Hell of a bike for the money too! 👍👍 Great video with the "Downsizing thoughts. I'm going to keep my 2023 1200 Gt Explorer for a few more minutes though! LOL! 🤣 Ride SAFE and BE safe! Cheers

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

Cheers TTRGuy. Oh yes, I’m not finished with big bikes yet. The TigerSport 660 suspension isn’t as harsh as the Trident and I think it is much more suited to the bike yes. It would be nice if it had adjustable damping though. 👍. You are however totally spoilt with the Tiger 1200 😀.

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

There is a recall on the rear brake disk bolt on you RR TTRGuy. "....may loosen and obstruct the free movement of the rear wheel". Better get that checked out or at least torque it up yourself.👍

[@ttrguy9952]

@@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff Terry Already done! It was taken care of at it's first service. Thanks for watching out!! Ride SAFE and BE safe Sir! Cheers

[@ttrguy9952]

@@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff Terry Yes I am smitten with the 1200 GT Explorer! When I took delivery on it and the Speed Triple RR, the waiting list for dealers here in the states was LONG and nobody could get anything from anyone. Now my dealer has more motorcycles than they can fit into the building! I'm glad they are having this problem. Cheers

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

@@ttrguy9952 Excellent!

[@luzindro]

I have a Tracer 700 (previous generation), and although it doesn't have an adjustable suspension, it suits my weight, needs, and riding style. It all comes down to personal taste and context.

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

It does of course but given the choice I’ll take it. 👍

[@flippy66]

Easy to upgrade the suspension on it too

[@tomg6284]

I went ktm 390 adv. Works well for me, cruse control is next. Mc Cruse sells one.

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

That's some bike, so light, good luck with the cruise add.👍

[@emanuelperez2329]

I appreciate your videos. I have a Triumph Street Twin 2020, which has abs and traction control. I am thinking about selling this bike and buy another one, like Honda NC750X, Kawasaki Versys 650 or Yamaha Tracer 7. I have tried the Tracer 7, which I enjoyed, because it is so easy to ride. Although, doesn't have traction control. What's your opinion in terms of more or less safety? Thank you.

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

The newer Tracer 7's have traction control I thought? I think all of those bikes are good candidates but the Versys engine is known to be a little flat in its delivery. I think the Tracer 7 is going to be a little bit livelier than the NC750X too. The NC750X has older style screw and locknut valve clearance adjustments which is a lot less complex to either service yourself or get a workshop to do it. It really depends on your annual mileage as to whether that will even be an issue for you though. These are reasonably low power bikes, I would not be overly concerned about no traction control on a bike of this size/power output. My 90HP CB1100 doesn't have it and it doesn't affect my riding style wet or dry. Best of luck with the choice!

[@listairgin]

Yes I absolutely know that you have a wealth of experience with bikes Terry ( just like myself)but other things would concern me before I would make a purchase on spec alone. I bought a Yamaha Fazer 1000 way back when they first came out with ( fully adjustable suspension ) I was horrified as no matter what I tried I couldn’t get rid of the wind turbulence/ noise from its screen/faring. I wouldn’t ever buy a motorcycle without checking it out on a good road test. That was a fantastic bike I must say but I had to part with it after I had tried various screens & helmets etc ( couldn’t get rid of wind noise ) . Anyhow I enjoy your much valued points of view and videos. Ride Free! 👌🏻😉

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

Totally agree, I wouldn’t buy without a test ride too, it’s too much of an investment to go back on. I believe the screen on the current Tracer 9 GT is not the most well loved 😯.

[@listairgin]

Yes Terrence , my only intention when replying to anything on your posts is to support your channel and prevent others from being disappointed in that they should keep a very open mind during a test ride. I see you still have a great sense of humour ( it came back strong after you fixed the carburettors on your Daytona lol. I sold mine and bought a Kawasaki Versys 1000. Happy enough with it too. 😉👍🏻

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

@@listairgin I'm glad that whole carb episode is over Alistair! You might of noticed the tank notched up with a toilet role, the reserve petrol tank sender has failed on me, there's always something to be doing. Versys 1000 a very sound bike, congrats.

[@listairgin]

Thanks so much T. The clocks ⏰ changing back to real world time soon and the snowdrops are now in bloom. Spring is not far away, looking forward to some good runs out before long. I’m delighted that you remembered who I am. Best of everything with the GS when it arrives 👍🏻😉🌠.

[@I_am_Thursday]

I bought one as I wanted a winter bike/tourer as I was using my naked bikes a lot and they weren't weathering well. Bearing in mind that I have 3 other bikes, 2 considerably larger capacity and one with twice the power you'd think this would feel underpowered. It's not, it's brilliant, and in 20 months I've done 14,000 miles on it and I sometimes have to force myself to run the others! It's just great out of the box. And I've ridden pretty much everything out there and yet to find something that does everything so well. If I wanted a motorway muncher then no, I'd go for something a bit quieter like a RS/NinjaSX but for everything else its perfect for me. It can even handle some light off roading. Plus 24K valve clearance checks - Are you listening Triumph/Aprilia

[@I_am_Thursday]

What's sad is reading that back I feel that I have to quantify having a 'beginners bike' by saying that I have something bigger in the garage. Too much ego in biking. Usually by the 1000 mile a year clan... I can remember riding through the '90's on 600's thinking that it was lunacy to get a 1000 and I'd never need the power.

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

There is something to be said about these mid range bikes. I would be in the same boat as yourself in having a few bikes to choose from all over 1000cc and do wish I had a 600-700cc in the stable to go with them. There will always be the 90HP or 70HP is all you ever need brigade, it is a tiring argument which gets used far too often. I spent some time commuting on a 125cc last year and it was brilliant and I could not get there any faster on my 1000cc bike due to the traffic but there is noting like a monster bike at the end of the day. Thanks for sharing your thoughts Mozzer 👍.

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

Oh, Valve Clearances - my pet hate. 24K miles is fantastic. It was 20K miles on my Tiger 1200 but only 16K miles on the 900 range, that's not great as you say. My 20K mile service on my Tiger 1200 was €1400 plus. Half the bike needs taking apart to do the valve clearances.

[@I_am_Thursday]

@@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff The 900's triples from Triumph and Aprilia twins are 12,000 mile valve clearances. I'm torn on the new Triumph 900 triple engine. I agree that it has some fun off road but by christ does it vibe at around 5800r. They're not annoying vibes per se but more like a Harley where it doesn't become fun to rev above a certain point.

[@I_am_Thursday]

@@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff Keep calling out the bullshitter's Mate! My Tracer 7 is very responsive to rear preload ( front not so much ) and I did that twat thing of loading up the bike with camping gear than remembered that the C spanner was under the seat. FFS. I do wonder about Ohlins spring rates though - Why can a stocker support anyone and pillion yet ohlins are 20kg specific.... HA!

[@mikehurley5052]

Never seen the point of cruise control in a car let alone a bike, your hands should be on the bars all the time. I hate TFT screens too, would never buy a bike with one, guess my 2007 BMW f650 GS will stay with me a bit longer yet, 66 this year, riding for 50 years.

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

Well I currently own/ride two bikes and both have an analogue Tacho and Speedo and that's your lot. I really don't need any more information but I wouldn't mind a gear indicator on the Triumph. I tend not to plan journeys on main roads and don't use cruise a lot (when I had a bike with it) but when you just have to do that long stretch to make up some miles it does add a layer of comfort. The cousin of the engine in your bike is going to be used in the new BSA 650 Goldstar, how's that for longevity?

[@mikehurley5052]

@@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff Rotax 650 is good for over 100,000 miles if looked after.

[@williamrae9954]

Just bought a 2nd Tracer7 from a salvage company, to turn into a GT+....cruise control, Q/S,etc...get that set up first,then punt the one i bought new a year ago! I came down from 2 x Tracer 900s, much better bike,better fueling, a lot lighter,and all you need power for the Scottish Highlands and Argyll (decat headers and a K&N filter, 3D printed airbox lid). Superb mpg, comfier than a Tenere 700,bigger tank,etc. Do not regret my decision!

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

Sounds excellent with a set of ambitious and sound upgrades. I had an Aprlia Tuareg 660 for a week and absolutely loved it in the Wicklow Mountains. Less is more as they say. You should post a video on the final modded bike 👍.

[@williamrae9954]

@@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff Was the plan, been off work for 3.5yrs,get £0.00 from the Government now(goes to putting Albanian gangsters in 5 star hotels) hence I'm selling my bike for a salvage project! My XSR700 will go viral when finished, exactly copy of Kenny Roberts 1979 TZ750 flattracker, need to wait until the lawyers get me what I'm due....seat unit alone was 35hrs,bashed from sheet metal! Aiming at 115bhp like the original!

[@robertwedden5761]

my an open mind

[@stevenbatley8666]

It's perfect for me 73years young😂

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

Excellent!

[@zardportugal]

The Tracer 7 has a heavy sporty side compared with the other options, much less confy as a Versys 650 and the V-Strom 650. That fact it is not for poor suspension, it is the Yamaha´s frame type of geometry. The Suzuki still is the best of all. I think you should try to ride each one of those bikes, it will a true 3 great reviews for the chanel. That been said I agree 150% with your point of view. Cheers.

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

Cheers zardportugal, the SV650 gets lots and lots of positive comments in one of my other videos backing up what you are saying. I think it is probably the ultimate all rounder 👍.

[@zardportugal]

​@@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff For a "comfy-sport" riding position it probably is. But the V-Strom is a much more complet bike in general terms. The aluminium frame is a masterpiece and as you said, the lack of adjustable suspension is the major fail however the Suzuki´s setup is not bad at all even for fast rides. You should try each one these bikes (V-Strom, Versys 650 and Tracer 7). Cheers.

[@PokerMuppet]

Each to their own but the V-Strom has no grunt, it gets you to where you want to be but it's dull doing it. As for comfort, that's down to the individual... I had absolutely no comfort issues doing the RBLR1000 (1000 miles in 24 hours).

[@zardportugal]

@@PokerMuppet Compared to what?

[@PokerMuppet]

@@zardportugal the Tracer although I am on the 700, not the 7.

[@johntheaccountant5594]

"Could the Tracer 7 be the perfect downsize bike?" No; in these hard times the following would make sense: Honda 750 Alpine Honda 750 Hornet

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

They look great. I really like the look of the Transalp too. But I would want adjustable damping on that bike. It’s built for Mr and Mrs average and you know that’s not me! 😳😬

[@Jubular]

I've currently got one as a courtesy bike....yawn worthy is all I can say about it. May as well just take the car. That being said, in the real world...it's probably just about perfect as a real world bike to commute on etc. It all just seems too easy, character lacking and boring.

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

ZZZzzzzzzzzzzzz! :-) Oh dear, it might benefit from the popular 270 crank treatment that most bikes in that category use now?

[@billyb6043]

Have you ever stopped to wonder why holiday hire companies and dealesrships use these for renters and courtesy bikes, rather than crotch-rockets, tech-laden behemoths or italian shit-magnets?

[@hughmac7423]

I'm and older rider and I think the Tracer 7 looks horrible, it looks like a generic pretend ADV bike, just horrible. I have knee, hip and back problems, but never getting a step through bike, what a silly idea. If I was getting a new petrol bike to ride, I would go for a Moto Guzzi V85TT, it has character. My next bike will be a Savic Motorcycle C Series electric bike, and I'm still keeping my 1988 Harley Davidson Lowrider Sport FXRS-SP, which for me is an everyday ride.

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

Cool Hugh, we all have different takes. A lot of modern bikes are a bit “average” when it comes to looks I will say, this was my practical side coming through 😀. The 850TT does look the part but if I’m going to downsize in the future I’ll want a lot less weight.

[@therealquaid1694]

Harvey's suck.

[@MarkATaylor]

@@therealquaid1694 not as much as a Savic will

[@I_am_Thursday]

@@therealquaid1694 Who is Harvey? Are you stalking Harvey Weinstein again?

[@barkinsahin]

Agree with the v85tt idea😊