Yamaha Tracer 700 Review (2020)
What Is It?
The Yamaha Tracer 700 is an A2 licence friendly sports tourer and is powered by a Euro 5 compliant liquid cooled 689 cc parallel twin engine, producing 72.4 bhp at 8,750 rpm and maximum torque at 6,500 rpm. A2 restricted it makes 46.9 bhp at 6,500 rpm.
Specs
- Seat Height: Average (840 mm / 33.1 inches)
- Weight: Average (196 kg / 432 lbs)
- Economy: Good (60 mpg / 4.7 l/100km / 21.2 km/l)
- Range: High (220 miles / 354 km)
- Power to Weight: Average (0.367 bhp/kg / 0.274 kW/kg)
- Top Speed: High (120 mph / 193 km/h)
Pros
- Pillion friendly
- Comfortable
- Cool dash
- Headlight
- Handling
- Value
Cons
- Limited electronic aids
- No centre stand
- Wind protection
- Brakes
- Screen
What Is It Like?
About me
I'm a 48 year old male, 5’10”. I got my first bike when I was 10 and this is my 8th bike.
Why did you choose it?
I like Yamaha and wanted an all-rounder, after a 16 year gap since my last bike. I prefer twin engines and had an £8,000 budget.
What is good about it?
The handling is unbelievable for the price. Engine is decent, comfort is good and value is outstanding.
What could be improved?
The brakes are not incredible, wind protection is not as good as you’d think and the Akrapovic exhaust is stupidly expensive.
What is the economy like?
60+ mpg is a surprising bonus and I hadn’t even considered it before buying!
Any mods or upgrades?
The exhaust will be changed in the spring. I have removed the unnecessary rear pegs and handles to reduce weight.
How is the engine?
It’s good without setting my world on fire, as I'm used to superbikes.
How does it handle?
Handling is undoubtedly the Tracer's best asset. It's incredibly planted and you can chuck it around with a grin on your face.
What are the brakes like?
Average. They work but don’t inspire me.
Is it comfortable?
Very comfortable. Wind protection is poor, though.
How reliable have you found it?
100% faultless so far.
What's the servicing frequency and cost like?
First service was okay at £140 I guess.
To sum up
The new Tracer 700 is better than expected. It has to be top of anyone’s list looking for an £8,000 sports tourer and as a biker returning after a long break, I couldn’t have chosen better.
- Richard C, 2020
Price Guide
Add Your Review
Do you own this bike? We would love to hear anything good, bad, unexpected or that you have changed plus anything that a prospective new owner might find interesting or useful.