Traveled: Yamaha Tracer 700
The place was not chosen by chance, and they wanted to say something very directly and out loud. The MT 07 in touring version or officially named Tracer 700 is not afraid of a single passage!
The field-proven CP2 twin-cylinder engine with an offset shaft and therefore very good torque and flexibility is the heart of the MT07 platform. But they didn't stop at minor adjustments. A new frame, a longer and more comfortable suspension, a new seat and driving position that is more upright, with more legroom and, of course, more comfort. I didn't even expect anything other than very easy and agile handling, as I have driven quite a few kilometers with the MT07 and XSR 700, which are part of this family. This gene was retained and successfully crossed with traction in the direction of travel, just like a touring bike. For peace of mind in all corners, the Tracer 700 has been fitted with a longer swing arm, and the rear shock mount has also been redesigned. In millimeters, this means a taller seat at a height of 835 millimeters and a 1.450 millimeter wheelbase. As a result, the pedal-seat-handlebar triangle is more comfortable for long rides compared to the MT07, which is nevertheless a sportier bike with a lower seat and handlebar. For my height of 180 centimeters, the motorcycle was comfortable enough, and I sat on it for eight hours with lunch breaks and two cups of coffee, and then, not too tired, got in the car and drove home for another four hours. If I had to hop on the Tracer 700 and ride around Europe, I wouldn't even think twice as it can handle the task. I have no complaints about comfort, but I have to point out that anyone taller (over 185 inches) will probably feel a little cramped. Sam would also like the handlebars to be slightly wider, which would give me even more control over the bike, so that I can take a more "masculine" stance in the corners. Just like supermoto bikes or big touring enduro bikes.
But you can check if the size is right for you simply by visiting the Yamaha showroom, where you can check if the motorcycle is right for you. In addition to the Tracer 700, Yamaha offers the MT09 Tracer, which is larger in number and of course more powerful.
Aside from the ease of driving, price is the main selling point of the new model, which offers an entrance to the world of Yamaha sports and motorcycles and thus to the world that opens up to you when you go on a longer motorcycle trip. ... This is very convenient, especially if I measure it in terms of "meter or kilogram of a motorcycle per unit of euro". Yamaha is putting the Tracer 700 alongside the BMW F 700 GS, Honda NC 750, Kawasaki Versys 650 and Suzuki V-Strom 650, and maybe we can find another comparable model.
On paper, the 689cc inline-two engine with 270-degree firing angle displacement is capable of developing 74,8 "horsepower" at 9.000 rpm and 68 Newton-meters of torque at 6.500 rpm. In real life, that is, through eight winding high mountain passes, where we climbed almost to the height of Triglav, he paints a smile on his face. If I believe you that I drove most of the corners in magical third gear and rarely shifted to second when the corners were very closed, I'll tell you everything. The engine is phenomenally agile. In fourth gear, it accelerates to very high speeds, which can be on the verge of safety in the Dolomites and are especially unsuitable during the cycling season. To be honest, the engine is unlikely to need first gear, it is so maneuverable. Acceleration is very lively for the middle class of sport-touring bikes. Also due to the favorable weight. Ready to go with 17 liters of fuel, that's enough for more than 250 kilometers of driving, and with a little caution, you can expect 350 kilometers without stopping. In a test in which the pace was dynamic, but not sporty, the on-board computer showed a consumption of five liters per hundred kilometers. After driving 250 kilometers, two lines are still visible on the fuel gauge.
That they still needed to keep the price popular can be seen in some of the standard equipment. The switches for viewing the data on the sensors are not on the buttons on the steering wheel, but on the sensor, the suspension is not fully adjustable or, say, electronically adjustable, the height-adjustable windshield must be adjusted manually. The transmission is not as fast and accurate as, for example, in the MT09. Above average workmanship for this class, as well as an above-standard level of original equipment, including standard ABS, hand guards with turn signals that weigh a lot in cold weather and give a modern look, a very comfortable seat and a pair of passenger handles.
As with Yamaha, you can also customize the Tracer 700 to your liking. Accessories are available for a sportier look and character, or for a comfortable ride, where you get a pair of side suitcases, a tank bag, fog lights, a more comfortable seat, and a larger windshield. In any case, the first accessory will be the new Akrapovic exhaust system from Yamaha's catalog for a few more masculine tunes.
Summing up my impressions of the Dolomites, I must admit that I did not expect that I would get so much pleasure from riding a mid-range motorcycle. The engine is fantastic and the undercarriage is very light and reliable. They did a great job in developing this bike. I was even more annoyed by the cyclists who were busy preparing for the traditional race in the Dolomites. But after the lunch break, the people in the spiders went to a well-deserved rest and recuperation. Empty roads during the day were much more fun. The price is a little over eight thousand - you can get a lot of motorcycles for this money.
text: Petr Kavčić, photo: factory
