Hi, i just watched this after just buying a 2020 tracer 700, you nailed it so right, I'm 54 years old, I still have the first generation R1, a xsr900 abarth, a old thunderace and just sold my old 89 xt600, like you said this bike is everything I need, I have put a large screen and it does make a difference, great review, thanks bike world
Beautiful riding shots. That's art! You are spot on about older riders. I'm 52, I've been flying through the streets for decades and have started slowing down a bit. This one is on my radar if I need a replacement for my old SuperHawk.
Very interesting review - thank you. As a 60 YO who currently rides a Tracer 900 GT (which was itself preceded by a 2017 Tracer 700) I'm mightily tempted by this new model. I really liked my previous model Tracer 700 but was seduced by the sheer power and performance of the 900 when I took a test drive. Much as I like the quick shifter, A&S clutch etc the 900 is just too quick for me to ride with any real enjoyment. Who wants to be throttling back when they hit 3rd? I like the idea of something a little more lightweight with the focus on the updates you highlighted. All I need now is for the dealer to open up again!
I have the 18 touring model. I have enjoyed two trips to Europe on it , very capable, light weight, good fun bike and the new model seems even better. 👍🏻
I'd say John is right up there, but i also appreciate Dave Moss's humour and foul language, currently residing over at 44T. These two are imo the best two out there in the English speaking bike journo world. Couple of good German channels, but you need er to speak the lingo.
Thanks John - great vid as ever and what a nice looking machine, I hope to get a go on one at some point in the post virus future! PCP....oh no, one of my personal pet hates, I'm kind of hoping you guys aren't going to be pushing it (like MCN tends to) in the future - who wants a rented bike, what about joy of ownership!!! (semi joke: I know it works for many people, just not for me)...great stuff, hope you manage to keep yourselves busy, stay safe and I look forward to the next video....all the best.
Hi, you're right, PCP works for some people. Similar to leasing a car, once you get your head around non-ownership it can work. Unless your paying for something and not riding for months, but when would that ever happen! We just managed to get out of Tenerife before it got serious, all well and safe. Hope you're OK?
The thing I hate about all this 'PCP Malarky' is that it is so misleading, blinding would-be punters with 'only this amount per month', but giving no indication at all about how much deposit you actually have to stump up first, and then how much the final payment is at the end. People so gullible, they don't spend one second to just sit back and go: 'hold on, I'm going to end up paying THIS much in total for this bike???????' Nope, they just hear 'only £89 per month', and then just dopily leap in, without any concern for the total cost. But hey, manufacturers gotta make money some how - they just won't be making it that way from me!!
@@GarryMcGovern Absolutely agree with you my friend, all we ever hear is the monthly amount never the total cost and there are people out there who would jump into this and then end up disappointed when they realise it costs a lot more than they thought. Surely someone who makes videos intended to inform bikers should make it clear what the total cost is.
For once I disagree with TMF. People these days stream music and film; they don't feel the need to own the CD/DVD. Most of us are paying mortgages for their entire working life; you never actually own a property, you just have the use of it (and are responsible for it) all the time you keep up the payments. PCP is just another way to borrow money. There are other ways, but in the end you chose the one that enables you to do what you want. Anyway, If you have the cash to buy outright, you should be investing it, not wasting it on motorcycles!
I think you're bang on the money with the Tracer 700 appealing to older riders John. I'm 58 and it's a strong contender for me. But I am worried that this may be yet another model not coming to Australia.
It's got the super fun engine of the MT-07, a nice sporty look, a high, well suspended stance of an hypermotard and a reasonable price. I'd say it's candidate for the youth as well.
yeah, 10k for a bike that needs at least 2k extra for a pair of decent fork. Yamaha is trying extract gold out of shit by making it adjustable! They only fool their customers with "that engine" What 72hp at 9000rpm? 😅
Please don't misinform others. MT-07 and tracer 700 are plagued with bad rust problems, specifically swing arms. Please go and check MT-07, tracer 700 forums (issues sub-section and search swing arm rust) and inform yourself before buying anything pricey.... All MT-07 models form swing arm rust within a year after replacing it under warranty multiple times. This is a cheap bike I acknowledge that but rust on a new bike is simply not acceptable for me personally.
Thanks for another great review. And speaking of midweight, great value tourers, can't wait for an updated Versys 650 - if Kawasaki ever does update it, lol.
Realistic biking on a realistic budget and realistic running costs without all the fancy electronics to go wrong. Please don't start pushing PCP. Renting a bike does nothing but push up prices as manufacturers add the odd £10 or £15 a month on the rental which people will pay, and which in turn raises the purchase price. Look at the rocketing prices of new cars since the introduction of PCP. Most people now can't afford new cars, all they can do is rent them! Game, set and match for the manufacturers!!!
Seems like the perfect commuter/weekend warrior/short trip rig! Looks great, too. The 900 GT has been in my sights for the summer, but will have to ride this, first. Might be more than enough. Thanks for the great review.
Thank you for this review. Really enjoyed! You're spot on with assessment on coming to the end of riding and or experienced bigger cc platforms...I really like the tracer 700..but sadly not coming to the states. Currently picked up a jewel of a motorcycle, the fz6r...2016...a fantastic steed and brings a smile to my face every time I'm on it.
Wow, exactly the same here! Been lusting for this Tracer 700 but it's not available in U.S. Though Yamaha teases us on FB. Tired of waiting so I bought a 2016 FZ6R. Haha and it is fantastic for me!
I have a DL1000XT VSTROM but I want one of these. Turns out, I don't need 100 horses, don't need off road ability, but do want the upright riding position and the overall practicality. Plus it's £3000 less then the new 1050 VSTROM.
Fantastic review John with much insight into this 700 tracer. Just what i needed to hear. I would like to get a test run on one. I was on those road last September although on a 400 scooter, but the surfaces are brilliant and real good corners. Keep up the good work.
An intelligent bike. 75hp is more than enough. Who can actually squeze those 75 hp most of the time on the road? Nice handling bike at a reasonable price. Cheers!
If you use 75hp 1 up you will be going over the speed limit. 2 up is a different story could take longer than you think to get to 70mph (it will get there)
That exhaust joint in front of the engine looks bad! Other than that I was suddenly interested since I am now looking for a good medium-sized bike! I am 67 and been on bikes since 1966......
Aussie versions of the Tracer 700 come with an oddball 655cc engine to fit our new rider laws. The Tenere 700 has the full size engine. I’m hoping this comes here in the full power version as to me it’s not really a bike a learner would hanker for. Mind you there’s always the 900 I suppose.
Picked mine up on Friday, have the exact model and colour as in the Video part ex'd a GSXR 600 K5 which i still miss. I have found that with Spirited Cornering you will Deck the Centre Stand if it is fitted, will be removing mine in the near future. It does Handle Great and the Comfort is Superb, (Been Riding Sports Bikes all my Life). Gearbox is a bit Clunky but that may be me but according to a few Forums it's a Common Theme. The Screen is a Problem with Buffeting, it's actually better in the lower position for me, i'm 5ft 8". Fuelling, i'm getting 70 mpg pretty easily. Power Wise, more than enough for the Road. Only other Niggle that i and a Few others have found is that the Indicator Switch is to Small, you End up Pressing the Horn by Mistake Initially but i am getting used to it.
Wonderful review! I've been really excited about Tracer 700 when it was first announce & been looking at it as my next bike upgrade since I really love the CP2 in the MT07. Unfortunately, Yamaha announced they going to release the Tracer 900 in my country. It seal the fate that I would never see 700 here. As for 900, I feels like it is a little overkill for my needs and my wallet. Such a shame... for a 185cm person, there is very little bike that I can fit in well and comfortable so choices can be limited.
Finally a manufacturer gets it, all the computerization of bikes has gone too far. Not everyone wants to pay a premium for a tech you don't understand, all I want is a good looking bike decent useable power. And a fuel efficient engine. Also wide Tyres for the sake of my own vanity. Long may this trend continue.
Damn, that's a good review, thanks - production, comment - is all good as I've seen. Can't help but think your point of looking for a bit less risk and parking your arse on this applies to a Niken. Which would likely be similar to mine. :)
Now it looks like a bike who isnt owned by blokes called Ken. Got to admit, I'm 29 and would consider one, although for nearly the same money you can get a Tenere 700, which has the off road trick up its sleeve as well.
I was confused for awhile talking about quids (???? sounding like a brit and driving on the wrong side of the road).. What's a quid anyway.... The roads area bit mountainous (unlike Britain) and sunny, warm and somewhat civilized with guard rails... It looks beautiful well designed for the road and the city..... The ground clearance with the muffler trough the bottom makes me a little doubtful that it can be used as an dual use bike since you can trash that pipe trough the mud, sand and rocks off road.... Also the range on the gas tank is on the real low side... Would be more comfortable with at least 350 Km range and the exhaust a la Ducati trough the side and under the seat trough the back would be ideal.... But that is life, nothing is perfect!...
I've got this bike last month second hand (it's from 09/2020) and I use it mainly from daily conmute. I use it on low revs at city and secondary roads but over the legit limit on highways. I have yet to go into reserve. yesterday I fueled it up with 340km done and there were still 3 liters on the tank (I guess the reserve will start with 2.5L left, I will know soon). My average consume since I reset it 15 days ago was 4.2L per 100km.
This new Tracer 700 looks very seek to me from top to bottom, any idea when Yamaha will align its Tracer 900 GT with this fantastic design language, because if Yamaha updated its Tracer 900 GT, I will get one.
Nice review. When giving PCP numbers, it's a bit meaningless without the deposit amount though. So if you do give numbers again, it'd be good to have the full picture 🙂
He just state it, you get only 250 Km/tank.... That's with only 90 Kilos load, after you add your gear another 60 Kilos you will only get 200 Km tank at best.... For adventure, the pipe under the engine would be crushed off road...
I've got one last week. While braking the engine(not going over 5k rpm) my fuel consumption is around 4-4.1 L/100km which should be around 68-69 mpg. I think if you go a little bit higher on the revs it should fit under 5.5 L/100km which is ~51 mpg. It can easily do 300km+ per tank unless you're reaching the red field on every gear change.
As always John a absolutely top review, I would have a garage full of bikes you have reviewed, which is really just a testament to how good you are . My only criticism, is a lighting one , was a little dark , with that bright background, kind of gave you a silhouette kind of look , 😂 or what da fuck do I know , cheers boys just what I needed
Hi Sean, agree with you. Due to the travel restrictions our camera guy (me) didn't go on this one, it was shot for us by a Yamaha crew, not our usual standard. Thanks for the support!
So did you and the other U.K. bike magazines all plan on shooting in the same place and having nearly the same format or was that a result of Yamaha decisions?
I like the idea of a small bike like this one (A bit like CF-moto really), because I owned an A65 back in the day and I have a XS 650 Yam in the Garage now. But I think I would like a bigger twin than this (I have 3 other twins beside the yam), that is around the 950 mark and because they have the XTZ 1200 super tenere, I would have thought it would be a breeze to make a Naked twin also. But alas, you can't have everything can you. In fact I think they visited they had a sports bike that was an 850 with 270 degree firing intervals at one time, that became a 900 tourer, now discontinued these past 5 years.
Pcp on bikes is a really bad idea. Look at what it has done for the car industry. High mileage car with unrealistic values on autotrader, You trash the bike for 3 years and then get a new one, whilst the second hand market is filled with worn out trashed bikes.
Ye, nice look. However - for 2014...16 it could have been good news, but for 2020 - ☹. Yamaha has saved more than improved. No slipper clutch. No normal start swich ( same old 💩ty one ). Front LEDs are nice, but lit up the road less than the bulb on MT07. ....
It is a shame how Yamaha always goes cheap on suspension. My 2019 Tracer 900 GT is not what I expected. Had to spend $5k more to finish the bike. Now I regret buying a Yamaha when I could have a much better bike for the same price or less. Plus Yamaha did a bate and switch. They advertised the panniers come with the bike. After I paid Ed for it and picked it up at the dealership they said "No that is extra, and we can't get the panniers or any accessories..." My next bike will be a Triumph or KTM
@2 Wheels N' Stuff I tried every bike available on the market. My first choice was the KTM 790 but closest dealer is 12 hours away so I settled on this bike. Dealership was only 2 hours away. It is the tallest seat I could find to fit my 34" in seam and bad knee. Also upgraded the seat for more height. To be fair I knew going in that the suspension was engineered for a 175 lbs rider. My point is that Yamaha needs to engineer to suit the average rider weight of around 190 lbs, more so with this bike that is for a taller rider. And just because the GT models are almost fully adjustable dose not mean that they suit every rider nor does it mean that it is a good or adequate suspension, in this case it is a little better than the horrible suspension on the standard Tracer 900 model.
Also the other parts that need to be replaced as soon as possible for safety are the tires, chain, brake pads and lines. Needs USB chargers on both sides. Needs kickstand pad/extension. The wheels are poor quality. The windshield is less then adequate. Should come with more tools of better quality, needs to come with radiator guard and K&N Filter... There is no excuse for all of these shortcomings.
Someone please tell Yamaha that they should stop making ugly updates for motorcycles that looked way better when they first came out. Yuck on that extra cat on the front manifold. And that ugly looking front. Bwah
Honestly, it's a good bike for riding! No fairings, lower displacement, and no MT/FZ all add up to lower cost of ownership as well as insurance. $7,000 makes the Honda monkey bikes look like 🙈🙉 for the price. Plant hands buy these bikes out here in Texas for commuting and for the price, this is going to be dang near impossible to beat... I really feel for the guys who bought those bikes and have to get on the interstate with cars/trucks going 80 MPH. (Damn you Google for making me delete my comment because you insert phrases instead worse than you guys words!
Yamaha will never have my money trying to sell bikes with RUBBISH components. in 2020, no riding mode, no traction control...etc yamaha still lives in stone age, not because they believe in back to basic, it's because they are convinced that their fans would buy whatever garbage Yamaha throw at them.
I would love to buy a Tracer 900GT, but all the Tracers have this schizophrenic riding position - adventure/tourer high wide bars with sport bike rear sets tucking the foot pegs up behind your butt. This is not suitable for touring. WAKE UP YAMAHA.
And if anyone has any brains they wont buy one ....its a matter fo time before Yam brings out an MT 10 Tracer, the Tenere is THE worse selling adventure bike WAKE UP YAM !! the MT 10 was rumoured for this year but nop they missed the opportunity if and when it does come out it will outsell the GS if they give it 21+ lts of fuel and luggage the size of GS luggage not the pathetic tracer 900 gt hand bags !
