Yamaha MT-07 700 TRACER 2016 — Specifications

When Yamaha decided to spin off its MT-07 into a touring version, nobody was surprised. The tuning-fork roadster had been such a hit at dealerships that a more travel-oriented variant was a no-brainer. The 2016 Tracer 700 takes the crossover formula pioneered by the Tracer 900 and adapts it to the smaller MT's frame. The result is a machine that refuses to choose between daily enjoyment and weekend getaways. On paper, the gamble is appealing. In practice, Yamaha delivered solid work, even if a few cost-cutting measures tarnish the picture.

Visually, the Tracer 700 clearly breaks away from the roadster it descends from. The imposing front fairing, with its dual headlight vaguely reminiscent of the TDM 900, gives it an identity of its own. The big Tracer's DNA comes through in the overall silhouette, but the lines are softer, less angular. The fairing incorporates a multi-position adjustable screen, essential for anyone planning real trips. On the ergonomics front, the two-tier passenger seat replaces the MT-07's sportier perch, and the fuel tank grows to 17 liters — three more than the roadster. Enough to aim for 300 kilometers of range without anxiously watching the fuel gauge. The hand guards, however, are more cosmetic than genuinely protective. And the lack of a standard 12V outlet, at a time when GPS is part of every ride, remains a hard choice to justify.

The heart of the machine doesn't change one bit. The 689 cc CP2 parallel twin puts out 75 horsepower at 9,000 rpm and 67.7 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. It's a generous engine, full from the midrange thanks to its 270-degree crank that gives it that distinctive sound and rhythm. On the Tracer, it feels a touch less lively than on the naked MT-07. Understandably so — the bike tips the scales at 196 kg wet, 14 kilos more than the roadster. Nothing dramatic, though. Against a Kawasaki Versys 650 or a Suzuki V-Strom 650, the Yamaha retains a clear advantage on the scales, a good twenty kilos lighter depending on the version.

The chassis has been reworked to suit the machine's more touring-oriented mission. The swingarm gains 50 mm, which lengthens the wheelbase and stabilizes handling at high speed. The suspension — a 41 mm telescopic fork and a monoshock, each with 130 mm of travel — received specific tuning. The braking setup remains identical to the MT-07's, with twin 282 mm discs gripped by four-piston calipers up front and a 245 mm disc at the rear. ABS comes standard. No complaints on that front — the package does its job with precision. What's more regrettable is the absence of a center stand, pannier mounting plates, or an adjustable seat height. The seat height climbs to 835 mm, which may prove problematic for shorter riders.

Priced at 8,399 euros, the Tracer 700 slots right between the MT-07 and the Tracer 900. The price tag looks steep next to Kawasaki's Versys 650, which plays on the same field with comparable equipment and a well-established market presence. Yamaha banks on its twin's playful character and a contained weight to win over riders who want a tourer without giving up riding fun. For A2 license holders, it's a convincing gateway into the world of versatile sport tourers. For experienced riders, it's an everyday machine capable of gobbling up miles without excessive fatigue — provided you don't expect the comfort of a fully loaded adventure bike.