YAMAHA TRACER 700 (2020 - on) Review

Overall rating

For the money the previous Yamaha Tracer 700 was always an impressive piece of kit, but now it’s even better – not by a huge amount, but it’s crisper on the throttle, more composed in the corners, comfier and still great value for money.

As well as a number of styling tweaks, the bike features the firm’s first Euro5 version of the CP2 parallel-twin engine also used in the MT-07 and Ténéré 700.

As with the recently updated MT-125 and MT-03 models, the front end of the bike has been restyled with aggressive twin headlights that are so sporty, they give an R1-esque feel.

Sleek wind-deflecting handguards incorporate the front indicators, meaning the bodywork is smooth and uninterrupted and overall the Tracer looks seriously cool and modern. And Yamaha say that this new fairing and a redesigned adjustable screen offer better weather protection than before. It can be raised by 60mm.

The handlebar is now 34mm wider with an ‘accessory bridge’ built in for clamping your satnav to and the seat has been modified to make it more comfortable over distance for both the rider and a passenger.

Despite becoming Euro5-compliant, the 700 retains its spritely 196kg claimed kerb weight so it should be just as nimble as its predecessor especially with the addition of new adjustable front forks.

There’s no TFT dash in sight, Yamaha opting to swap the old LCD unit for a new negative-display version. 

Yamaha Tracer 700 review: the MCN verdict

It still lacks the laugh-out-loud thrills of its terrier-like MT-07 sibling, despite its shorter gearing and there’s still a fair amount of wind buffeting at speed.

Larger riders and serious two-up travellers will be better off with something physically bigger, but as capable, lightweight, characterful, well made, great value sports tourers go, it’s a classy piece of kit. Read on for a more detailed evaluation of this important bike...

Today’s toys pic.twitter.com/NxI4pEcuMN

— Michael Neeves (@Neevesy33) February 26, 2020

This bike replaced the 2016 Yamaha Tracer 700.

Once you've read this review and our owners' reviews, you may want to join an online group to meet likeminded people. The Yamaha Tracer UK Owners' Group would be a great place to start.

Watch 2020 Yamaha Tracer 700 video review

In this video Neevesy gives you an in-depth rundown of the new bike, and of course you can hear what it sounds like too... 

Ride quality & brakes

Yamaha have made new Tracer 700's riding position more comfortable with a new 10mm thicker seat with more padding, making it kinder on your knees and bum. Arms are more relaxed, too, thanks to 34mm wider bars.  

Handling is improved thanks to new cartridge-type forks with rebound damping and preload adjustment for the first time. The rear shock also has rebound adjusters to play with, as well as preload.

Suspension is built down to a price, so it will never be the last word in refinement and the general set-up is soft, but the Yamaha is crisper in the corners than before, friendly, forgiving and never gets out of shape. Brakes are strong and new Michelin Pilot Road 4 sports touring rubber plies you with all-weather cornering confidence. A lighter battery, plastics and LEDs offsets the extra Euro5 pounds.

There’s also a new screen and simpler adjuster mechanism (65mm up/down range), but even fully extended it amplifies wind noise and doesn’t offer much in the way of weather protection.

For the smaller among us this may not be such a problem, but for the rest it’ll be an issue. A taller screen is available as an official Yamaha accessory and sleeker bodywork helps get your knees tucked in more (there are new handguards, too) but, generally, larger riders will feel and look big on the Tracer.

What's more, pillions now get an easier time, too. New grab handles are 'damped' and reshaped for their pleasure and with its extra suspension adjustment, your passenger will be bounced around less, too.

Despite this, the Tracer 700 is physically compact, as it would be, based on the little MT-07 roadster. So, if you’re a pair of small sporty tourers you won’t have a problem, but for medium-sized riders and above things are going to be cosy. For serious two-up work, something roomier, with a bit more power, suspension support and ground clearance to play with will make easier work of big miles.

Engine

Despite its cleaner, quieter new Euro5 exhaust, the power remains at 72bhp, but it’s now delivered 250rpm lower in the revs. Torque is pegged at 50lb-ft. This means the motor itself doesn’t feel too different from the old Tracer’s, but with its shorter new gearing (two teeth up on the rear sprocket) acceleration is given a small boost, but happily not at the expense of a buzzy top end.

At 70mph the Yamaha cruises at a relatively relaxed 5500rpm. The rumbling parallel twin has character and decent punch for its size but lacks the kind of playfulness oozing from the Tracer’s lighter, stubbier MT-07 brother.

Reliability & build quality

It might be budget, but the Yamaha is nicely put together and features extra new detail touches like a thermoformed and machined screen and anodised fork adjusters. 

Our Yamaha Tracer 700 owners' reviews show very positive scores, with the only negatives high servicing costs and some cheaper parts. 

Value vs rivals

Quality sports tourers don’t get much cheaper to buy, run and insure than the Tracer 700. Yamaha’s PCP deals are particularly attractive, making it even more attainable.

Group test: Yamaha Tracer 700 vs BMW F900XR vs Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE

First published in MCN by Jon Urry on 29 July 2020

Jon had the chance to pit the Tracer 700 against its main rivals in the form of the BMW F900XR TE and the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE to find out which one's top of the pops. 

His verdict: "These three bikes highlight the wide price spectrum when it comes to adventure-sport bikes from the budget Tracer to the premium Versys, so in some ways it should be no surprise that the bike that sits in the middle offers the best of both camps. Offering much of the lightweight feel of the Tracer and almost matching the Versys in terms of tech, the XR makes for a great do-it-all.

"It might not have quite the same funfactor as the Yamaha and unlike the Kawasaki the BMW isn’t ideal for two-up trips away or motorway hauls, but for solo adventures away it’s a great option. Yet what makes the XR really stand out is the fact its spec can be altered to suit your wallet or requirements and riding preferences, which you can’t do on the other two to the same degree. It is this versatility that, despite its smaller capacity, makes the BMW feel a thoroughly grown-up option that ticks all the boxes without becoming overladen as a result."

Equipment

The Tracer 700 is free from rider aids, quickshifters and modes, which may be music to the ears of some, but still has ABS. You also get adjustable suspension, new white on black clocks, an extra (left) switchgear button to control dash functions, revised shaped handguards, new LED projector headlights, indicators and tail light.

Accessories are available by the bucket load, including mix and match Sports, Travel, Weekend and Urban packs. And the techy among us with enjoy the My Ride app and Yamaha’s accessories configurator.