14 replies to this topic

[Quartermaster]

After twoTDM900s and an MT-09 Tracer I took delivery of a new Tracer 700 in May and have covered just under 2,000 miles on it since then. On the whole it's been a positive experience and a bike much closer in character to a TDM than the MT-09 and that's not just because it's got the same number of cylinders. For a 700 it has a huge spread of torque and is particularly strong in the mid-range where most of my riding is done. It handles well enough, sips fuel, stops, starts and can be easily wheeled around as it's quite light which, at my age, is increasingly important. Where it scores over the TDM900 is in the headlight department (well so would a 6v Bantam for that matter) not LEDs but conventional bulbs with a much better spread of light, the gearchange is slick and the fuel consumption is ridiculously low. The only downside I've found is that I have to bend my legs more and the seat could be a bit softer and roomier for a 6 footer. The screen is adjustable for height and I usually settle for the lowest setting, but in a recent 150 mile motorway blast I found the airblast on my shoulders was very tiring after a while so raised the screen which just buffeted the top of my helmet a bit and I could add 10 mph to my cruising speed.

 

It's certainly not a TDM, nothing else is, but they don't make them any more and the Tracer 700 seems at the moment to be a worthy successor. By the way, the MT-09 Tracer was a great bike but shared almost zero DNA with the TDM and had more in common with the new breed of hyper-adventure bikes. I liked it a lot but not as much as my new 700.

 

Anyone else got any thoughts on the Tracer 700?

 

 

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[tracker]

Hi, I also had two 900's great bikes, As I got older  I was finding the TDM to heavy for me, so I had a test ride on the Tracer 700 and really liked it, so deal done and I've had it for two years now. I have a few niggles, I don't like the rear hugger, it just don't do its job. I wish Yamaha would have fitted proper handguards instead of those wind deflectors.Also better suspension would be good.

But on the whole a good allrounder. The mpg is very good.

 

[Apache]

 
Anyone else got any thoughts on the Tracer 700?
[/quote]

I road tested the 900 GT twice and the 700 once. As a replacement for a 4TX the 700 is the one with the correct DNA as you say but it's too lacking in kit. If they built a GT version of the 700 (cruise control,centre stand,traction control,ride modes,heated grips,colour tft dash,proper handguards,factory luggage) I'd have one in the garage by now........I'll definitely be keeping my 2 x 4TX but having tried the various options I think I'm going to go for a Tiger 800 XRT...great bike the 700 but the TDM has still not been bettered.....imo

Edited by Apache, 29 September 2018 - 07:34 pm.

[muddy]

The Tracer 700 appealed more to me than the Tracer 900, both decent bikes, but as you say, the 700 just felt familiar and suited me better. I just like torquey twins. 

 

Well the Tenere 700 World Raid will be here early next year I reckon, so maybe that will fill in the missing pieces and add a few more. 

[Apache]

ffs muddy ,what's a tenere 700. Should I be checking it out as a Tiger alternative ?


Forget that.....too off roady ..

Edited by Apache, 29 September 2018 - 08:26 pm.

[muddy]

that's where the add a few more comes in. You know you've always wanted to add a few more don't you?

[harvey krumpet]

The Tracer 700 appealed more to me than the Tracer 900, both decent bikes, but as you say, the 700 just felt familiar and suited me better. I just like torquey twins. 

 

Well the Tenere 700 World Raid will be here early next year I reckon, so maybe that will fill in the missing pieces and add a few more. 

That's the beastie I'm waiting for. I spend more time on gravel than tar seal nowadays so it makes sense.

[wicklamulla]

yep i get the impression the Tracer 700 is the one to have,  i'm basing my opinion on time served TDM pilots who are happier on the 700 twin versus the 900 triple. Really sounds as though Yamaha have got this one roight first time round.

[ramo]

There is a Tracer 700 GT for 2019, don't know what the spec is though

[Apache]

There is a Tracer 700 GT for 2019, don't know what the spec is though

Italy already have it Ramo....unfortunately it doesn't match up to the 900....just factory luggage and a centre stand. Might be enough for most though..

[Robodene]

FWIW, I have read of the Tenere coming in two versions - one more for the road....

The 700 is much about the superb engine -Tracer or MT. Has the feel of the TDM but relatively (weightwise) more torque.
Three years after purchase, it's still the bike for me. Such fun!

[Quartermaster]

Italy already have it Ramo....unfortunately it doesn't match up to the 900....just factory luggage and a centre stand. Might be enough for most though..

 

I managed to get mine in a promotion in May which included hard luggage, power socket and tank bag at no extra cost, so a "no brainer" really.

[harvey krumpet]

FWIW, I have read of the Tenere coming in two versions - one more for the road....

The 700 is much about the superb engine -Tracer or MT. Has the feel of the TDM but relatively (weightwise) more torque.
Three years after purchase, it's still the bike for me. Such fun!

And where did you glean that pearl of info?

 

I'm eagerly watching the ADV Rider thread on the bike and have put this idea forward a few times. Makes sense, XT, TT. Spy shots seem to show two different incarnations of the bike, the world raid prototype and a humbler street model. If Yamaha do not produce a world raid, full bore, ADV bike they will be a laughing stock. My hope is for a couriers favorite and a desert basher.

[Muppdog]

There are two versions. A fully blown off road one they called T7 and a road one, the Tenere. There are loads of clips on YouTube. Not been hearing much of the T7 lately although it was introduced before the Ten. Might just be another marketing tool. The bike exists though and goes like the clappers.

Rob

[muddy]

The only bike Yamaha are promoting with the CP2 engine is the Tenere World Raid, as far as I've seen. I'd be very surprised if they bring out a street version when they've already got the Tracer. With the new Africa twin out and the KTM 790 Adventure twin that's being introduced, I think that the competition Yamaha are aiming to nick sales from. 

Edited by muddy, 01 October 2018 - 09:05 am.