Yamaha Tracer 700 in the driving report: More than just a new shell

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Yamaha Tracer 700 in the driving report

More than just a new bowl

Yamaha has given the Tracer 700 a facelift. But a lot has happened under the disguise too. Impressions from the presentation of the crossover two-cylinder in Tenerife.

Almost exactly four years ago, the first model came out TYamaha racer 700 on the market. Based on the MT-07 with its CP2 engine, Yamaha created a crossover bike, a kind of travel enduro for pure road use. And with its upright seating position, the foolproof handling, the good wind protection and the really great two-cylinder, the bike quickly found many fans.

They are welcome to increase, which is why they have now given the Yamaha Tracer 700 an update. First obvious approach to this: the disguise. Less rugged and smoother, it now hugs the motorcycle. It immediately looks a bit sportier and more elegant. In addition, Yamaha redesigned the headlights in particular. The dipped beam headlights fit into the front fairing in the form of a slot, which is almost reminiscent of the R1. In addition, there are position lights under the fairing. New: All lights on the bike use LED technology. This is not entirely unimportant because the CP2 engine in the new Tracer 700 is the first 700 series twin-cylinder from Yamaha to meet the Euro 5 standard. This made a larger exhaust gas cleaning factory necessary, as can be seen from the direct manifold junction in front of the engine. Close to the engine, a lambda probe records the exhaust gas values ​​so that the catalysts can work ideally.

Weight held, agility preserved

This could not be achieved without additional weight. 1.5 kilograms should have been added. Yamaha was able to save this with the LED lights, the lighter paneling and a smaller battery because of the lower power consumption. Means: the Tracy should continue to weigh only 196 kilograms. It would still be the lightweight in this class. Even if the check on the MOTORRAD scales is still pending, there is no reason to doubt it. As before, the tracer scurries nimble through the curves that Tenerife is peppered with from the coast to the summit plateau of Teide, the highest mountain in Spain. Briefly give a slight impulse to the handlebar, which is now 34 millimeters thick, and the 700 takes the desired lean angle course.

Twin is also pushing ahead with Euro 5

Especially when the bends are tight and tricky, she can show her talents to the full, because she stabs around every tricky hairpin, effortlessly and effortlessly. Your two-cylinder continues to play a major role in this. Even if it should have lost a horsepower in the course of the Euro 5 vote, this drive is simply always there. The Tracer 700 even circles the hairpin bends mentioned in second gear with a light grip on the easy-to-dose clutch. And at the exit of the curve, the 689 cubic engine marches towards the next bend with a lot of flavor and finely adjustable power. In front of it, the well-known, crisp brake with its two 282 millimeter discs at the front ensures the right turning speed, and the ABS, which has no lift detection for the rear wheel, prevents the wheels from locking.

Better touring than sport

Only when the bends become faster does the Tracer 700 feel less comfortable. A quirk that the previous model already had. Because: At the very top, the engine, the gear ratio of which Yamaha has slightly shortened by two more teeth on the chainring (now 45, previously 43 teeth), is a little out of breath, it hangs more nervously on the throttle cables that are still in use . In addition, the chassis shows that when it comes to chassis tuning, Yamaha continues to focus on comfort and a little less on stability. Even the update on the chassis does not change that. The fork and damper are now adjustable in preload and rebound, although the setting of the shock absorber remains completely the same. Yamaha built a cartridge with slightly softer springs into the fork. That doesn’t change the good-natured, but somewhat underdamped driving behavior. But it doesn’t have to be because the Tracer 700 doesn’t just want to be able to do sport, but also touring.

With the window, which can now also be adjusted by 65 millimeters while driving, and the pillion seat that is upholstered by ten millimeters, it makes an effective statement. In addition, Yamaha claims to have increased the payload. This was previously less than 170 kilograms, depending on the equipment, now the tracer subframe is supposed to put away 181 kilograms. Not a top value, but a clear added value.

Tour potential for beginners and advanced

And the Tracer continues to tour really well. With a seat height of 835 millimeters, the handlebars placed within easy reach and the appropriately attached footrests as well as the comfortably-tightly padded bench, nothing pinches even after several hundred kilometers. At best, tall people would want a little more distance from the handlebars, but for people up to 185 centimeters this arrangement fits like the lid on the pot.

Which means that the Tracer 700 remains true to its basic essence and is a great touring sports vehicle for beginners and advanced users. Driving a motorcycle is easier than with her – almost unimaginable! And not cheaper anyway. The Tracer was previously on the Yamaha price list for a little more than 8,000 euros; Yamaha is now calling 8,499 euros for the new 2020 Tracy. With four pre-configured equipment packages for travel, sports, city and weekend trips, the price screw can be increased a little.

Conclusion

The new Tracer 700 has stayed the same. Although wrapped in a new dress, in some places also technically honed, its basic character has not changed. And that’s a good thing, because its great two-cylinder engine, playful handling and good manners still inspire. No update is necessary. And Yamaha will certainly tackle the few slight weaknesses with the next revision.

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