Both great bikes but it's the Triumph for me. The Triple engine would sway it... and less objectively, its a Triumph (not that I've anything against Yamaha's). On a different note... what is the thing with manufacturers offering expensive optional "comfort seats". If a bike has a need for a comfort seat, then why not just put it in the bike to start with, instead of using it as yet another opportunity to over-charge the customer for accessories.
I have a feeling that the new, updated for 2023 Tracer 7 may now be the winner as they have updated and improved the suspension, make the front brakes larger and have included a colour TFT dash.
If only it had the tiger sports engine it would be hands down best in class, but I think the engine of the tiger sport still wins out unless you're a fan of twins
@@Fromatic It's always going to be subjective as to what the individual prefers... but there is a reason the Tracer far outsells the Tiger. I have known a few Tracer owners who bought or at least tried the Tiger and weren't impressed with the engine and that the bike overall just never wow'd them... they've all said that the Tracer, while more budget especially in it's finish is by far the more exciting bike to ride.
@@PokerMuppet that's fair enough, I haven't ridden either yet but went to look at a tiger sport at a triumph showroom yesterday and was a little disappointed by how small it felt/looked in person, I'll have to look at a tracer 7 in person
Hey TMF. The old Tracer 700 had crap suspension and gearbox. Yamaha have really addressed these issues and I think the Tracer 7 is an excellent all rounder.
Close call but I'd go with the Yamaha. My brand loyalty is divided; I've owned several of both over the years and I now have both a Yamaha XV920HR (cafe version of the venerable Virago V Twin) and a Bonneville T120. But my Yamaha is 41 years old and has been ABSOLUTLY TROUBLE FEE for four decades and is just a millimeter short of the new Bonnie in performance. Much as I love the New Bonneville, there have been a handfull of factory defects from the brakes to the shifter. The Yamaha's very, very long, term reputaion for bulit proof reliability tips the scale.
I owned the tracer 7 for about 6 moths and sold it... I found it so d*mn boring 😴 but that's taste.I also don't really like the fit and finish on Yamaha's the last +-10 years...
I've been told by a Triumph dealer that the Tiger 660 is made in Thailand (just like the Versys 650). So it should be better build than other Triumph's?
Facepalm...My xt600e has 170k km on the original engine, as it came out of the factory. So what? That's not a frame of reference for new yamahas which are of DOGSHT quality. Yamaha quality these days is absolutely atrocious. Not that triumph is any better but referring to a 40 year old bike as a testament to a brand's quality NOW is ridiculous man.
I was interested in buying either the Tracer 7 or 660. 2 months later still waiting for Triumph to ring me back re a test ride. Guess what? I bought a Tracer 7. Brilliant bike
Good one But Carrying capacity? I don't know about the Triumph but the max carrying capacity on the Yamaha is 166kg. I'm not heavy at 75kg, but when you add a pillion, and panniers with frames and maybe 8kg in each you're probably at the limit, and that's without a top box, which might be necessary with a passenger. So as a 2up tourer on the Yamaha you have to go really light. By comparison, the 700 Tenere is 189kg. No-one, and non of the magazines give maximum gross weight. I wonder why? If it needs another 5kg on the frame at manufacturer to make it strong enough, then do it. But don't try to sell a bike as a two up tourer when it possibly isn't. Small, but important point, for ne anyway. Happy travels 👍
Hi Andy, another very good comparison video between the two bikes, I think you were pretty thorough in your assessment, but maybe petrol tank capacities and ranges would have been good to know, especially if you were considering touring on either bike. Thank you..
A really good comparison and review. My personal choice would be the Triumph, because i prefer the looks of it. I`m not into a lot of the modern looking machines, the MT07 was a really great bike, a good looking machine, but then they updated it and put a bloody awful looking headlight on it. If the Triumph was`nt available, i`d pick the Tracer 7 over all the rest, Yamaha are by far and away, the best of the Japanese big 4 at the moment, and their range proves it, though Kawasaki are very close in second place, but the Versys 650 just does`nt do it for me, no matter how much of a capable bike it is. It was also good that you did`nt go on about the lack of cruise control, i`ve never needed one on a bike, and never use the one in my car. Another good review.
Hi Andy hope you're well mate. Based upon most of your comparisons I tend to agree and would choose the 660 however the one thing I disagree on is the looks as I loved the look of the 660 as soon as I saw it and still do. To me the Tracer looks like it's trying to hard to be a multistrada in that red colourway, which would explain why it is also a good looking bike! Cheers :)
Great review. I test rode both bikes. I thought the Yamaha engine was great but the Tiger was the total package. It has slipper clutch, traction control and rider modes - none of which is provided on the Tracer. For me the wind protection was also better, and the luggage system neater on the Triumph . No surprises which one I eventually bought! Just loving that triple engine - no regrets :)
Still no regrets 1 year later? I'm in the same boat, love the styling of the tracer, but the engine of the tiger sport, and think that's the way I want to go as I already ride a parallel twin and want something smoother sounding/feeling
I love my Tiger 660. I fell for the looks, the ability for the up and down quickshifter, the triple sound and the excellent solution for panniers. The Tracer 7 is an excellent bike also, but in my heart, the Tiger was the one for me.
+1. I traded-in my Bonneville T120 (a bike I liked looking at, more than riding) for a TS660. This little thing is soooo much fun on a twisty road. Being it's a middle-weight bike, I just rev the s&^% out of it, and let it scream! Hilarious fun, supremely comfortable rider-triangle, and a great price for what you get.
As I am a huge Triumph fan, this wouldn’t be close. The triple engine close’s the deal every time. Excellent side by side comparison. 👍🏼 P.S. I think the reason it was hard for you to chose, you are fair minded and I am not. Cheers 😎
I am a huge fan of the Tiger 660. Ridden it twice now and I find the engine exhilarating, and the handling on back roads simply fantastic. The Yamaha is a great looking machine, but for me, the Tiger's triple is far more engaging. That said, the Yam will certainly appeal to the kind of riders who want a back to basics bike with hardly any electronics!
Good comparison. I have to agree with you, the Tiger has it by a nose. You couldn't get cigarette paper between bikes in this category now, it's almost impossible to find a bad one out there, and even the bad ones are good. I do like the new Tracer though, but if I was putting money down on one, I would probably spring the little extra and have the GT version just for the versatility.
Both can be fitted with panniers or/and topbox they are obviously expected to tour, even two up, yet very few reviews mention max payload. The tracer 7 says 181Kg, the Tiger says 223Kg. Take from that what you want but someone like me who has a lot of relaxed muscles and carries a pillion touring I know which one wouldn't get a look-in straight out of the gate.
The Triumph does not look great in real life in my opinion. Looks somehow dated already, and the plastic finish on the front make it look very ordinary. Combined with the plain cockpit it just doesn't feel special, which is a shame because by most other accounts it sounds great. Weird that it doesn't hit the mark there, when its shared platform cousin the Trident looks quite fetching...possibly didn't want to show up the bigger variants? Reminds me of a Honda, in that boring kind of way.
Nice one Andy…I second your choice! However, if Triumph introduce a Tiger 660 GT Pro with cruise control, QS, heated grips and luggage it would be a top seller. Not everyone can manage or afford the big ADV bikes..this size of bike increasingly popular imho.
Not many manufacturers have premium specced mid-range bikes. I guess because it pushes their price into the lower-specced top models. If one bike is crying out to have a premium spec option though it has to be the Tiger 660.
@@stevecade857 I don't think they'll do a 900 sport cause they have the gt and gt pro .... and it's a 95hp engine .... to compete with the multistrada v2s and the tracer 9 gt they need to go to 120hp
I asked Neevsie if he would go for 660 or Tracer9 and due to wind buffeting he said 660!! but im thinking for the same money as the 660 with the extras you would go for you can get a used R1200RS🤷♂
I test rode the tracer last Tuesday, great fun. But I found the engine was too aggressive for my taste and the bike a bit too small. It was an MT-07 with some added stuff rather than the small sports Tourer I want. I also rode the CB500X, which I preferred over the tracer, just more me.
I'm the same dimensions as Andy, got the 55mm shorter,XSR700 swingarm with a 25mm lift(dog bones from Lust Racing) on the rear(for more ground clearance), I'm on tip toes now...bikes are adjustable! Triumph doesn't have that option!
@@martinwilkinson2344 there's a big seat height difference between the X and F models of the CB, also the F has a 17" front wheel and will be more agile than the 19" of the X
I was very surprised you thought the Tracer was the better looking bike - I felt the tracer looked ....... ah strange. That aside I would go for the 660.
Only the Tiger 660 offered here in Canada so the choice between these two is easy I suppose. I love the integrated luggage rails in the Tiger and wish more sports/adventure touring bikes had something similar. Side case mounting racks look pretty bad without the bags mounted. Well done to Triumph on this one.
Yeah, now you're talking, that would be a direct competitor to the tracer 9 gt and the bmw f900xr. I'd have a tiger 900 sport...17inch front wheel, racey fairing...boom!
These remind me a lot of my 2007 FZ6, the only bike I really regret selling. With the baffling decision not to import the Tracer-7, I guess I should take a gander at the Triumph. I'm still not convinced regarding Triumph's reliability. Then again, I have a KTM currently, so shouldn't be pointing fingers. 🙂 Thanks for the top notch content, Andy.
What is it with POOR OEM windscreens??? From my perspective, a windscreen in it's low position should keep wind off of my chest and in it's raised position, should direct the wind to the top of my helmet. If it can't achieve that, then don't have one.
Thanks for posting this video. Very timely as both are in my sights as a potential 'next bike'. I do wonder what else Triumph have up their sleeves for this platform, surely there must be a 660 ADV coming eventually?
Did I miss it, did you mention the price of each bike? In the real world 🌎 where we have to part with the shekels it’s about cost and if there is a difference between the two is the winner X-amount better than the other . Plus what deals are available in each bike. Can’t help thinking Yamaha may be more open to wheeling and dealing than Triumph, but I could be wrong. Top vid as always.
The bikes these days are all so good...Quite often I think it will come down to brand loyalty. I have owned a yamaha and had a bad experience, and that always puts me of the yamahas. (even though I am planning my next scooter to be the T max) It is undeniable that Triumph are producing amazing value for money bikes... So for me, I think I would go for the 660.
Sentimentality also plays a big part. Dual sport bikes were often featured in 80s movies, e.g. Charlie Sheen plus an XL350R in The Wraith. So I had an XL250R as a teenager and now have an Africa Twin. It's no coincidence!
You forgot to mention the weight.. Tracer 7 is 10kg lighter which is quite a lot, and parts availability should be better too. For those two reasons I'd choose the Yamaha
Did I see that Yamaha have cheaped out on the standard front forks (very dated) whereas the Triumph has USD's fitted. Surely got to be a major difference there.
You’ve missed the CBR650R! Rode the then brand new tiger sport 660 and agree the gearbox in particular is a smooth silky piece of genius. But in every other way the tiger sport and Yamaha tracer 7 or mt7 etc all lacked the power and smoothness of the Honda, it’s build quality and excitement! The other two on test rides were just dull in comprising. In the middle of a European tour on my Honda chasing my son on his Ducati V4S (ex BDB racer) and he’s not got bored waiting for me as I scream along the unrestricted German autobahns at a top speed including fat me and panniers at up to 148 MPH. Yess he can do 200+ but he’s enjoyed the trip too (over 3000 Kim’s) and the CBR650R in the alps was a revelation. Smooth and stable in the corners be they fast and sweeping or tight hairpins. Despite being an old got (56) / new first big bike it’s amazed me at how capable it is and how few aches and pains I have from it despite 4 hours plus days at high speed or with lots of twisties I get off feeling surprisingly fresh! It’s even doing surprising well on fuel (except today 39 mpg indicated but that was all at 180-200 kph with spells even faster so call it 125 mph average! It’s also not missed a beat with lots of fuel, two clean and lube the chain and regular cleaning and tyre pressure checks (not needed to adjust yet)! Excitement and top end capability alone with Honda build the CBR deserves consideration as the sportier end of mid size sports tourers in the company of the capable but slightly dull Tiger Sport and Yamaha. In terms of Power I thought as a new full license holder this year I wouldn’t want more power for years to come than the Hondas 94! But chasing a ducati on autobahns I had to answer my sons question you’d like more powers now with a yes already. Conor if then I would have thought that with the tiger and Yamaha as soon as I rode the Honda. All great bikes but I think anyone who want sport in their sports tourer would be mad not to ride the Honda. The Honda gearbox is great but defiantly it as gorgeous as the Tiger Sports, but add the Honda Quickshifter (I self installed, it’s easy if your practical) and it’s still great under lid if not as silky as the triumph. Would be my only criticism.
I agree with almost everything you say however, the one thing I feel the CBR is missing against the 660 is the two way quick-shifter. Whilst having the ability to quick shift up the box is all well and good I prefer the ability to quick shift back down again as well, especially when you have ended up heading towards a corner a bit hot it just makes sorting it out that much quicker and easier.
Picked up a 2024 Tiger 660 about 5 weeks ago. Unfortunately, I went strictly off RU-vid reviews. Dealer did NOT allow test drives and I did not know anyone that owned one. Cons: 1st gear is absolutely USELESS Excess heat from the engine to your legs No cruise control PISS POOR windscreen design Violent wind buffeting 70mph+ Mirrors are far too short and vibrate, making your field of view blurry Tank is not steal, limited magnetic tank options Exhaust. Any aftermarket requires FULL exhaust switch, no slip on availability Maintenance costs. Expect $400+ oil changes with double and triple those costs at 10k and 20k miles Horrible resale value My bike is a 2024. Walk out, over $10k TTL, freight, prep blah blah 4 weeks after purchase, the highest trade-in value offered was $5300 Pros Torque Comfort Upright seating position Looks Triumph reliability Would love to hear feedback about Tracer 7 owners or test rides
@TMF (or anyone)The question I have for both bikes is do they both have enough grunt for pillions. They both seem to have plenty for just me but this size of motor can feel a bit wanting two up. What do you think?
Would choose the Tracer 7 because that engine is much better sounding than a 3 cylinder. And while both look great, the Tracer is the best looking of the 2.
Nice comparison.... I've just done 600 miles round Cornwall on my Tiger 660 and loved every minute of it although my Mrs says the pillion seat is too high on it and doesn't find it comfortable so would try before you buy if taking someone on the back.
Love both bikes. Both nimble, great engines and gearbox. The Tracer 7 in Australia comes with a TFT and optional quick shifter. We do not have a close Triumph dealer so it's the tracer for me.
You didn't say much about how they are to move about at low speeds, pushing in and out of garages etc, which for lightweight me is a big consideration. Having tried both I'd say that the Triumph feels like a small big bike and the Tracer feels like a big small bike. I like small bikes so it's the Tracer that'll be going in my shed soon.
🤦♂ Gutted Andy but good review nevertheless. I suppose I just prefer twins. Strangely enough I find the Yamaha standard seat more comfortable than the touring seat.
I am riding the Tiger 660 in Vietnam with big love. So beautiful when standing in garage, so exciting when riding with the triple sound. I changed to Pirelli block tyre. It’s perfect for the poor road conditions riddled with sands and holes and occasionally bombarded by tropical rain here.
Always enjoy your videos very much. Regarding this one...since I prefer the looks of the Triumph, the choice is much easier for me (just purchased one for my wife this past weekend). :)
Hi, and I did not notice you comparing braking power. No big deal, they are surely excellent on both bikes. And anyway, braking only halts momentum, eh?
I don't know if I'm the only one but I think the Triumph looks like a CBF1000F. I've not ridden either but from looking in the flesh, to my eyes the Triumph gave more of an impression of being built to a budget than the Yamaha when you looked closely. These bikes seem to be the spiritual succesor of the Fazer 600 which at the end of the 90s was a truly awesome bike, only had the advantage of carbs over fuel injection, for those of you young enough to have only ridden fuel injection, well balanced carbs were a thing of magnificence, they were utterly analogue and beautifully smooth.
When I had a look at the Tiger 660, well they could improve the pillion seat, and it's a bit too high. Well according to Mrs Karl ( osh ) ! Otherwise I could have been interested. So it's still the Tracer 9 GT that I'm really interested in. I NEED a 120 degree triple engine !
And they both lack the cruise control even as an optional paid upgrade so you have to spend more money to get the next model up. When I e-mailed Tiger UK about it a couple of years ago they arrogantly replied most riders dont use it, on a bike that's good for touring..
Great review Mr Flyer of both the Triumph Tiger and the Yamaha Tracer, it hard choice to choose between them both. I’ll have the free one which it is lol. Well we can only wish. I like you model motorbike collection in your studio they like mine.
I have a Tracer 7 and love it .Couldn't get a test ride on a Triumph So had a spin on the Tracer .job done. Had A triumph Street Triple R great bike but time to slow down.
Had a 765 R Street Triple ,thought i would miss the power .but apart from overtaking and lunacy the tracer 7 is better for me in every way. You can easily empty the tank 200 miles before you need a break.Never a had a twin before always had in line 4s.Given up chasing the horizon just enjoying the ride now
Great comparison! Although I much prefer the looks of the Tiger 660; the Tracer has a weird "blunt" look and gap between the side panel and nose pieces. Chacun a son gout as they say!
Agree that looks on a bike are very important and while the Triumph is not a bad looking bike, the Tracer nails the looks. I also don't like the color options on the Tirumph.That said, the Triumph sound for me is great. You don't even need to look out the window to know there's a Triumph riding past. Bad news if you are a criminal on a Triumph I guess. Looked at both of these but recently ordered a CB500X in Matt black. Never owned a bike before but what is surprising is that you can't 'customise' your order in terms of color like you can with a car where you have 20 or so choices.
Andy i totally agree with you if i also had the choice it would be the triumph just for the engine i love the triumph triples that's not me saying the yamaha is a bad bike it's not but the yamaha triple is also very good too it's just a sound thing and the best of both worlds .
I'm very interested in the windshield effectiveness at highway speeds. Would you have any information comparing the two? Mainly concerning buffetting (which manufacturers seem to always forget about).
Thank you Mr Flyer, what a great comparison. Both of these bikes seem to be very popular atm and I can see why. When the time comes for me to slow down a bit and it's farewell to the "striple" r, these are just the sort of thing I shall be looking at. although they may well both be e-bikes by then lol. :>)
Hi TMF, loving your Alaskan adventures, I'm working in Anchorage at the moment & boy is it cold now, I can't wait to get back to warm Blighty! If you have any contacts at Triumph maybe you could prod them on the following. Although the Tiger 660 Sport is a great bike perhaps for rookies etc., we can't understand why they didn't bring out a higher-specced version using the 765 engine & a competitor say to the Tracer 9GT? The 660 is just underpowered for me (touring, two up) & I'd like the addition of lean-sensitive TC & ABS etc., etc. We understand that the price point would be higher but there is certainly a gap in the marketplace for Triumph to enter here. I've spoken to all my mates & we'd be very happy to buy a bike from Triumph of this spec & pay good money for it too if they could keep it in the ballpark figures of the Tracer 9GT or the Kawasaki Versys 1000.
I'm having the exact same quandry. I've just passed my theory test and have my DAS booked. Question is which bike will I go for the Tiger or the Tracer.... Triumph has a good community around it and a lot of work friends ride Triumphs, plus you have that tripple engine. The Yamaha on the other hand looks better imo and you can possibly get a better deal.
Hi from New Zealand 🇳🇿 Another great video.. Just finished watching your Arctic Circle trip.. Invite you to ride the roads sometime on this side of the world.. Just bought 82 BM R80G/S so roll on summer..Cheers Grant
Thanks for this. Good to know. I planned to test ride both but found the Tracer 7 is no longer imported to New Zealand. Inexplicable. Easier for me I guess.
It would have been useful to have talked about luggage and how it fits and what it costs. Also centre stands. I think you may have covered this in the individual reviews. However a good comparison Andy and interesting to watch. Thank you
Phase 1 of my Tracer7 project just completed... and I put a fork leg through a brand new radiator...never rains but it pours, more work!(radiator guard was in the post too!!).
Loved this episode I think I would go for the triumph. Because of the triple cylinder more free revving less vibration. I own a 2021-R1250RT and would like another one for short trips. The bmw is a bit heavy for me but love it for longer trips. Really liked the trip you just had on the Honda. We are planning a trip in 2023 if all goes well. England and Europe. All the best from Australia love your honest opinions of the bikes you test.
Great video, thank you for making it. I'm currently looking for a budget commuter/longer distance bike to stable up with my 1200 Speed Triple. I've test ridden a 660 and it was lovely. Tracer 7 is being ridden tomorrow... anyone know if the tracer (GT) has heated grips as standard as i cant see them as an option but they appeared in this video! Lack of QS on the Tracer might be a factor as i'm lazy; especially on long rides :)
So… rode both back to back yesterday, placed an order for the Tiger. The Yamaha felt very agricultural in comparison, discovered I dont like bikes without a slipper clutch (all my previous have had one) and the dash and general plasticy ness of the Tracer just made it a less pleasant place to be. The Tiger however was a dream to ride in every aspect and for me knocked the socks off the Tracer. I wanted to like the tracer as the styling’s a bit funkier.
