Yamaha Tracer 700 GT motorcycle test

Menus

Joys of possibilities

Twin-cylinder in-line, 689 cm3, 74.8 hp, 68 Nm, 200 kg all full, available in A2, 8,999 euros.

The Yamaha Tracer 700 Gt! Here is a motorbike that promises a blissful everyday life and happy holidays. The twin of the sparkling MT-07 in a "trailing" road version equipped with suitcases, a high bubble and a comfort saddle, it looks like the squaring of the circle.

Available in a 35 kW version for A2 license holdersAvailable in a 35 kW version for A2 license holders

Among the competitors of the Tracer 700 GT, we find the Suzuki DL 650, the Kawasaki Versys 650 or the Honda CB 500 X and NC 750 X (available only version A2, like the Tracer). All can of course be equipped with the same accessories as the Yamaha GT, but the price suffers (all the accessories are worth around 900 euros taken separately, while the Tracer GT is sold 600 euros more than the standard version, i.e. 8,999 euros). And little advantage to the Tracer 700, its engine, which we know is tasty and its playful part-cycle. However, if the enthusiast biker has a crush on hairy roadsters, such as Ducati Monster 1200 or KTM 1290 Super Duke, the reason (also called wallet) often directs him to other more small roadsters. , of the MT-07 or Kawa Z 650 type. So why not go as far as a semi-streamlined version, where the duo is better experienced, or even a version with suitcases and a high screen? Bah for the look…. The Tracer GT is more “old bike” than the MT-07. When you’re young, you’re ready to suffer so as not to appear out of date. So he / they do not make you dream of the photos of instagramers who have gone to the other side of the world or even if the image would not pay more, on the handlebars of small simple trails ?

Yamaha Tracer 700 GT Special SeriesYamaha Tracer 700 GT Special Series

Discovery

The Tracer largely takes the essential elements of the MT-07, including the frame. Only the column angle varies slightly, open 0.3 ° more than on the roadster. The aluminum swingarm, on the other hand, is unique to the Tracer and lengthens its wheelbase to 1450 mm, against 1400 mm for the MT. This is both a guarantee of stability and a necessity since the rear loop of the tracer has been designed to support more weight (more regular passenger and luggage).

Double optics and high screenDouble optics and high screen

Its saddle height of 835 mm makes it suitable for all sizes, my meter sixty-six managing to reach the ground on tiptoes. As for the weight (196 kg for the Tracer 700 to which we add the suitcases, or about 4 kg, for a total therefore, you guessed it … of 200 kg), we can estimate it high if we compare it to the best sports 1000 on the market, but their price is more than double that of the Yamaha. Low weight costs at least as much to aim for as high horsepower. If, on the other hand, we reduce this weight to that of a few competitors, the 200 kg all full made of the Tracer GT do well against the 201 kg dry of a Triumph Tiger 800 XRx (3,100 euros more expensive), at 217 kg all full made of a Kawasaki Versys 650 (without suitcases) or the 213 kg of a Suzuki DL 650 (also without suitcases). Beyond the gross weight announced by Yamaha, the balance of the bike determines how heavy (or not) it feels. But when we tried the Tracer 700, we already know that the GT succeeded on this point.

74.8 hp (55 kW) at 9,000 rpm, 68 N.m (6.9 kgm) 6,500 rpm74.8 hp (55 kW) at 9,000 rpm, 68 N.m (6.9 kgm) 6,500 rpm

On the equipment side, it’s a bit light. No traction control, no engine modes, but we still do without…. We can especially regret the lack of a central stand and socket to charge a GPS or other modern accessory. No possibility either to scroll the information on the dashboard from the control unit. And of course no heated grips as standard…. The finish is quite basic, with a lot of plastic covers placed there without too much concern for aesthetic consistency. Overall, the Tracer GT is still a cute motorcycle, if you don’t care about the details. Despite everything, it has a "plastic toy" side. The suitcases fit well. Unfortunately, they are too narrow to accommodate a helmet, even a jet.

LED tail lightLED rear light

It will then be necessary to choose a top case sold among Yamaha accessories at 166 euros (39 liters), but which then asks to remove the suitcases! And yes, on the 700 GT, it is officially according to Yamaha either the suitcases or the top case, but not both at the same time. This does not prevent us from seeing an equipment at Shad with suitcase and top-case as well as at Kappa and a possible adaptation also at Yamaha (even if this is not recommended at Yamaha).

Shad suitcases and top case on Yamaha Tracer 700Shad suitcases and top case on Yamaha Tracer 700
Suitcases and top-case kit at KappaSuitcases and top-case kit at Kappa

In the saddle

Promise kept, the saddle height is not excessive. The finesse in the crotch makes it possible to catch up with a delicate situation and quite simply to live comfortably. The driving position seems at first glance comfortable, natural, the back straight, the legs little bent. The small dashboard is easy to read, the fuel gauge is displayed clearly, the rest of the information remaining sketchy (two trips, the gear engaged and of course the counters and tachometers). We are quickly home.

LED dashboardLED dashboard

The engine’s understated sound matches the Tracer’s bonhomme line. It is different as soon as I confidently attack the engine in first gear. The 700 gets up easy, playful, unexpected on this terrain. The genes of MT-07 are alive and well! I know, I know, the Tracer GT isn’t made for that. This is why I appreciate his ardor, out of a spirit of contradiction. The “comfort” gel saddle does not really pamper my delicate buttocks but promises constant firmness: saddles that are too soft always end up becoming uncomfortable..

The feeling of lightness is real, the masses have been judiciously distributed, the small height of the motorcycle favors its sway to the right or to the left, despite the 180 wide rear tire, useless for a 75 hp motorcycle..

Available in black, blue, grayAvailable in black, blue, gray

In the city

Upright position, height of view, maneuverability, what more could you ask for in town? Certainly nothing. The contained width of the suitcases does not deprive me of the happiness of squeezing between the lines of cars, the mirrors pass above those of the said cars, the handlebars are not very wide…. Kind of ideal motorcycle to escape the urban constraints. Fuel consumption is a maximum of 6.2 liters per 100 km (well, my maximum), which augurs well for a range of over 250 km if I spent my life in the city. The only downside is the lug of the side stand that is misplaced when you are short on legs, it goes behind the footrest. Not very terrible but painful in everyday life, especially when stopping on a slope on the right side. Ok, ok i’m focusing on the motorcycle part.

Hard side cases with a capacity of 20 liters eachHard side cases with a capacity of 20 liters each

Departmental

Sun at its highest, wheat at its lowest (even ratibois since harvested), deserted asphalt coils, small valleys, this is an ideal field of action for the Tracer GT. I peaceful country (doesn’t that verb exist?), Gently led by the courageous couple of this little road "trail". I deliberately put "trail" in quotes, because it only has the riding position. Its roadster rims, its suspensions with travel very close to those of the MT-07 (only 12 mm more on the rear suspension for the Tracer), its wide-size road tires, it is not more capable of everything- terrain than any roadster. So the Tracer is not a trail in the true sense of the word, with narrow tires, long travel etc. It belongs to the hybrid genre into which we classify the Ducati Multistrada, the old Yamaha TDM, the Kawasaki Versys and many others. But to tie the comfortable riding position of the trail to the driving skills of a roadster by adding a few protective elements is no less a great idea. We just haven’t found the right name to name these bikes. If some feel inspired ….

Small prodigious engineSmall prodigious engine

In short, I frolic while conversing like this, proof that the Tracer is being forgotten. Which could be a weakness, a sign of a lack of character. This is not the case. She adapts and knows how to be discreet. When called upon in the hope of a little life, she awakens. This little engine is stupendous. It barely cubs 700 cm3 and yet manages to show an immense speed range, from 2,000 rpm to 9,000 rpm, without any drop in intensity. On the contrary, at around 5,500 rpm, his lungs swell and the liveliness of his revs is impressive. The health of the twin is absolutely brilliant, smoother than on the Kawasaki Versys but also, paradoxically, more lively, because it is sparkling and vigorous. The 270 ° engine timing, introduced on the Yamaha TDM and TRX twenty years ago, is not for nothing. More than the so-called Crossplane (CP2) rigging, mostly operating on multicylinders beyond the bi.

Trail riding positionTrail riding position

So I decide to pick up the pace. The suspensions, rather comfortable in cushy mode, remain effective up to a certain limit. The fork sometimes complains of trapping braking and would like to have its settings tightened up, but Yamaha did not provide this option. The shock absorber does its job seriously, never "pumping". Overall, the quality of the suspensions, which is the right compromise between comfort and efficiency in fast driving, is not to be questioned. The natural balance of the Tracer saves them from too severe constraints, like those experienced by the old MT-09, which was poorly provided at this level. The braking lacked a little power at the end of the race, but we must remember the road vocation of the Tracer. All that to say that attacking with this bike is nothing impossible, quite the contrary and I would not be reluctant to enter a rally with an original Tracer, without racing suitcases.

Natural balanceNatural balance

Highway

Back to more serious considerations. The dreary environment of the freeway leaves no gaps for the roadways, because you focus on them since there is nothing else to do (unless you are thinking about redoing your bathroom). The moderately high bubble causes some turbulence at 140 km / h meter, I have a thought for the tall ones (say over six feet tall), who would suffer more than me. The saddle remains comfortable, well designed. A few things in the suitcases, waterproof (I suffered a nice downpour), the twin stalled at just over 6,000 rpm in sixth gear (140 km / h, therefore), I don’t tire. Only the screen deserves to be both wider and a little higher, aesthetic considerations have probably guided Yamaha in this choice. Going to the pump, this time I consumed 4.7 l per 100 km.

Long-distance trail, protection with the medium-high bubbleLong-distance trail, protection with the medium-high bubble

Part-cycle

I’ve spoken quite a bit about it already, the balance of the Tracer attracts no criticism. Judicious wheelbase, correct suspensions, efficient Michelin Pilot Road 4 tires, intelligent weight distribution, there is nothing wrong with the Yamaha on this point, unless you are in bad faith or like very specific geometries. The Tracer combines stability and maneuverability brilliantly, in perfect harmony with its playful and pleasant engine. Which makes it a very homogeneous motorcycle. We can blame him for a slightly flexible suspension on the attack.

Diamond frame, 2.138 mm long and 806 mm wideDiamond frame, 2.138 mm long and 806 mm wide

Braking

The front brake is progressive and dosed very well, it just lacks a bit of power at the end of the attack. That’s really to say something because this good level of braking was never designed for said attack. I do, however, know the picky contemporary biker. The rear brake shows less progressiveness. A little quick and intense pressure on the pedal quickly causes ABS. It is still very useful for slowing down, especially when entering a slightly optimistic turn..

Dual 282mm disc and ABSDual 282mm disc and ABS

Comfort

The gel saddle offers a good base, its design does not affect the thighs or the buttocks, the lower back does not suffer, despite the riding position which rests for the most part on this lower part. The suspensions contribute to the general comfort of the Tracer. Only the screen, manually adjustable by two knobs, a little higher than on the Tracer, fishing a little by its lack of protection at high speed (we will say beyond 110 km / h….). The duo consider themselves otherwise very seriously on the GT, thanks to the passenger position. Finally, the small riders will feel better there than the bigger ones, because it remains a "small" motorcycle..

Comfort seat compared to the Tracer 700Comfort seat compared to the Tracer 700

Consumption

The overall test average showed a reasonable consumption of 5.3 liters per 100 km. I have to admit that I have a lot of times to wring the right grip, carried away by the fiery character of the engine. We must be able to go under 5 l per 100 km, but each his style…. The 17-liter tank therefore allows a range of around 300 km, easy.

17 liter tank17 liter tank
The Tracer 700 GT is one of the best motorcycles on the marketThe Tracer 700 GT is one of the best motorcycles on the market

Video test of the Tracer 700 GT

Conclusion

In my opinion, the Tracer 700 GT is one of the best motorcycles on the market. Given its price, 9,000 euros, it deserves a better finish and a little richer equipment. Otherwise, dynamically, we can not blame it. She has fun on the small roads, she laughs at the cities, she delights in the expeditions, always with the mischievous smile of her petulant engine. His overall balance, his homogeneity and his joie de vivre count more, in my eyes, than the few criticisms leveled at him regarding his standing. The benefits of suitcases and the comfort saddle are real, even if it sounds "cushy", it remains to add a bubble a little more protective and nothing will stop you. !

Strong points

  • engine health
  • part-cycle balance
  • comfort
  • maneuverability
  • versatility

Weak points

  • finishing details
  • bubble protection on motorway
  • limited capacity of suitcases (a jet helmet does not fit)
  • suitcase or top-case but not both at the same time

The technical sheet of the Yamaha Tracer GT

Test conditions

  • Itinerary: 700 km in daily use and Norman walk
  • Motorcycle mileage: 1700 km on the odometer

Related articles

  • Kawasaki Versys 1000 S Grand tourer motorcycle test

    Daily test for fifteen days 1,043 cm3, 120 hp at 9,000 rpm, 102 Nm at 7,500 rpm, 257 kg, 15,099 euros (17,099 euros Grand Tourer version) This bike, to…

  • Indian 1200 FTR Rally motorcycle test

    Bite V-Twin, 1203 cm3, 120 hp, 120 Nm at 6,000 rpm, 235 kg TPF, 14,990 euros … daily test The word scrambler warms up lots of images, broadcast, told,…

  • Kawasaki 1400 GTR motorcycle test

    THE GT There always comes a time when every motorcyclist wonders about the positioning of his passion. And the current offer, with its various…

  • Yamaha FJR 1300 AS test

    New re-evolution High-end road symbol of the manufacturer with tuning forks, the FJR 1300 descends from a long line of dynamic travelers. The first of…

  • Honda Africa Twin CRF1100L Adventure Sports motorcycle test

    100 hp, 105 Nm at 6,250 rpm, 238 kg all full (250 kg in DCT / EERA), 16,899 euros (19,399 euros in DCT and EERA suspensions). The spirit is there It…

  • Yamaha XSR 125 test

    Alone in the world Single cylinder VVA of 124 cm3, 15 hp and 11.5 Nm, 140 kg full made, 4,599 euros Today, when you want to ride a vintage / retro /…

  • Kawasaki Z400 motorcycle test

    Roadster with Sugomi sauce or decarenated sports car A2 licenses have the choice between large bridles, sometimes very badly bridled, and smaller ones,…

  • Honda NC 700 S motorcycle test

    Crisis solution Honda revives the basic motorcycle with its NC 700 S: a floor price, practical aspects borrowed from the scooter and consumption at the…

  • Triumph Sprint GT motorcycle test

    Mister Hyde in velvet panties !! 3500 km test Triumph unveiled the Sprint GT in 2010, evolving into a more road version of the ST. Seen from the front,…

  • Test Yamaha XTZ 750 Super Tenere

    Twin-cylinder in-line, 749 cm3, 70 hp, 6.8 m / kg, 195 kilos dry, from € 1,000 Produced from 1989 to 1995, this big and reliable road trail smells of…

8 thoughts on “Yamaha Tracer 700 GT motorcycle test

  1. QuotePhilippe Dubois
    Hello,

    I have owned this Versys for 4/5 months, and after 8000 kms, I am very satisfied with it. Kawasakiste has always been, I had a 1400 GTR. Passing on the Versys, I came back to a playful, manoeuvrable (70kgs lighter than the GTR!), Lively motorcycle. The 4 cylinder is extraordinary. Supple (recovery at 1500 rpm in 6th without worry), angry in the turns (where we can really have fun!), It also has good torque. The mapping has been changed from the 1000 SX, and the result is excellent. All the journalists speak of vibration between 4 and 6000 rpm, I must have a special model, because it is not the case on mine. The handling is perfect. It rocks a bit on the attack, but nothing too bad. The saddle is super comfortable. No problem for two. We have just made Corsica with Madame, and the motorbike has not flinched.

    The Pirelli Scorpios are very good, but not very tough. My rear tire is dead. But two in Corsica, it had to attack him well.

    The points to improve for me: the braking which I do not find extraordinary. Otherwise, not much to say about the rest, which I find very good. Super happy with my purchase. I have all the kawa luggage, and I replaced the not-so-good pot with an Akarpovic.

    TO+

    Of course agree with you say ,,, on the other hand I would never change a GTR against the versys 1000 ,,,,,, ok it is lighter ,,, but apart from this detail ,, not for me

    so I tried it and as you say it is a wonderful machine ,,, it is true that aesthetic side (we will iron) apart from that ,,, I found it as comfortable as my GTR (sitting side and position ) well equipped with suitcase and top case ,,, I would say that it is almost a GTR apart from the wind protection.

  2. it might go from sprinting to versys for me !!!!

    finally I am going to ride with madam on sprint gt and versys to make him compare !

    I have already driven on the versys and just 84 barely .

    to follow question

  3. Hello you

    –I left a good month, traveled 3590 kms, but not seen a single one on this journey, which would mean that it is very little sold for the moment and which explains the few comments about it on the forum !!

    –Good be, there is no hurry, everything is happening at the point who knows how to wait !!!, so let’s wait ..

    –Cajo: (where the chain is ..)

    —-A thousand apologies, I don’t get it.

    –Black widow:. (It might go from sprinting to st a versys for me !!!)

    —I have a friend who has the same (sprint St), hassle for the U-turns on the road, it shocks this bike !!!

    –Ps: Mr Moderator, I haven’t had any emoticons for a long time, what should be done ??

    merqui.

    —Good week.

  4. it’s clear the sprint is to move forward! lol

    tomorrow I will know if the kawa tjs available in OCCAZ !

    if it is done I will make you cp rendered! I have already tested alone !!

    and for the aesthetic side!

    when they roll over it is really less noticeable !!!!!!!!!!!

  5. good after a test with madam on the versys it will be the triumph 800 which will come in the garage !!

    the versys alone I did not feel the famous vibrations! but there between 4/5 miles! and on another versys have felt that! rather unpleasant and has an often used diet !

    so not great for comfort, so it will be the tiger 800 that I will equip touratech !

    the catalog is a mine ………… of discoveries! lolpipe

  6. I have just taken possession of the gran tourer model; for the moment only happiness. nothing to do with my varadero. only downside stick out the tonguerotections in the wind and in the rain. I have the impression of having a 150 kg becane as the speed is there. I just have to adjust the front fork because it has trouble absorbing when the road is rough..

    Madame prefers the varadero for comfort.

  7. Hello !

    Attention, small imprecision: the Versys and the Z 650 do not share the same engine. The Kawa road trail still using the old block of the ER6.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *