Yamaha have introduced the LAMS MT-07 Tracer in 2017, as an entry level sports tourer based on their MT-07 and BikeReview.com.au have secured one as a long termer!
Yamaha have added another MT-07 based model to their LAMS line-up, this time with the MT-07 Tracer, or Tracer 700 as it will be known in some markets, and thanks to Yamaha Motors Australia, BikeReview.com.au have managed to get our hands on one for a long term test bike!
Kris picks up BikeReview.com.au’s 2017 Yamaha MT-07 Tracer Long Termer from Sean Goldhawk of Yamaha Motor Australia.
If you’re unfamiliar with the MT-07 (LAMS) you can check out our full test from the 2014 Launch, and we’ll be doing a full test on the new MT-07 Tracer in the near future, as well as a series of articles on ownership, modification, basic servicing and plenty more.
2017 Yamaha MT-07 Tracer – Based on the MT-07 the Tracer offers a Sport Touring entry level package, with plenty of great standard features.
The 2017 MT-07 Tracer is a LAMS compliant offering from Yamaha, built around the same powerplant as found in the MT-07. A 655cc parallel-twin (which on the MT-07 is right on the LAMS power to weight ratio limit – with the MT-07 Tracer weighing in slightly heavier), is a bundle of fun and very flexible.
The MT-07 Tracer features a 655cc parallel-twin engine producing 52hp.
Dual front discs are backed up with ABS, an underbelly exhaust keeps weight low and centralised, a more protective front fairing ensures good comfort for longer trips, featuring an adjustable screen.
Dual front discs with four-piston calipers are backed up by ABS on the MT-07 Tracer.
The seat is designed with a pillion in mind, with stylish pillion grab rails, a nice flat and large perch that won’t send your passenger running the first time you stop, and rubber mounted pillion pegs.
A large comfortable seat gives the rider room to move around and an ideal perch for a pillion, with grab rails and rubber clad pillion ‘pegs.
Mini-hand guards help direct wind away from the ‘bar grips and incorporate indicators, making it a stylish yet ergonomic solution; while the luggage pictured is actually standard fitment on the MT-07 Tracer!
Hand guards incorporate the indicators, helping keep wind off your hands in the cooler weather. We’ll be interested to see how they go over winter!
Panniers as standard fitment are going to be attractive to plenty of buyers and are semi-rigid, with a fabric outer and reinforced inner. We haven’t had a chance to see how much we can fit into them!
The suspension has also been tweaked for the MT-07 Tracer, to offer performance more in line with the Sport Touring theme that Yamaha are going for, with the fuel tank capacity bumped to a more generous 17L and standard rubber are Michelin Pilot Road 4s – a dedicated sport touring tyre with great wet weather performance and long wear properties. Seat height has also been bumped up slightly to 835mm.
2017 Yamaha MT-07 Tracer
Quick Ride: Yamaha MT-07 Tracer
We’ll be doing a full test on Yamaha’s MT-07 Tracer, but for now here’s my first impressions, after picking up the bike and having a quick fang.
Jumping on the MT-07 Tracer I clip my foot on the panniers, I will have to remember that next time, they are a standard feature which as an everyday rider with no car I really appreciate, especially since they lock onto the bike and look pretty trendy. The seat height is taller than the MT-07 at 835mm, but feels natural to me at 180cm, although I am on the longer legged side of things. With my feet on the ‘pegs I’ve got good grip on the tank, a relaxed riding position and easy movement around on the seat. Putting my weight through the ‘pegs is also natural.
The ‘bars are low and the dash offers easy access to information, with no electronics to worry about. ABS is standard and doing a tight U-turn to be heading the right direction is easy and confidence inspiring. A gear indicator is a nice touch and is becoming more common on LAMS machines these days.
2017 Yamaha MT-07 Tracer
With feet down or at very low speeds the Tracer feels light and is easily maneuvered, with a quick stop to get some photos proving the bike is easy to U-turn on with a tight turning circle, and handles big pot holes and gravel in turn around areas with ease.
The parallel twin engine feels a little underpowered at first, but the bike is basically brand new and I’m actually just upshifting too early – like way too early – well before the engine starts producing real torque. It’s relatively easy going at low RPM but has some real kick as you rev the engine out and wait longer for gear shifts. It’s actually quite the rocket ship ridden aggressively, and it’s easy to have fun without unintentionally breaking any laws, with plenty of go if that is your intention.
The clutch action is light, and the front brakes are forgiving at the lever at first action, but plenty strong enough once you apply more pressure. The rear lever had a bit of movement before the brake actuates, but the bike we can adjust that. There’s still enough power to stop the bike at low speeds though from the rear and I’ll have to test it out in the wet to see how easily activated the ABS is.
2017 Yamaha MT-07 Tracer
The Power Road 4 tyres are a pleasant surprise and while I wasn’t riding in actual rain most of the turn around areas were flooded, with the Road 4s happily transitioning from wet to dry and offering good grip and feel. I’m looking forward to spending some more time on them and seeing how they fare overall, but first impressions are very positive.
The suspension has been tweaked to suit the Sport Touring theme, and did feel softer than I remember on the regular MT-07, although to be honest it’s been a while. There was a couple of occasions where I experienced a jolt through the rear over a particularly big bump, but overall the ride was smooth and flowing, without any of the wallowing that softer suspension sometimes experiences.
2017 Yamaha MT-07 Tracer
It was still sporty enough that I’m looking forward to giving the bike a good run up the Old Road, particularly two-up to see just how well it’ll handle the extra weight. The pillion seat is relatively large and flat looking too, with good grips and ‘pegs, so that’ll be an area of interest.
Overall the bike is quiet, so it’d be great to fit one of those Akrapovic exhausts that Yamaha have available for the MT-07, but there is a pleasant amount of engine (not exhaust) noise once you’ve got the parallel twin on the boil.
First impressions of the MT-07 Tracer take me right back to the MT-07 which always impressed, and I’m looking forward to putting some quality time and kilometres under my belt to see just how the Tracer fares overall. Plus it’ll be great to see what modifications Yamaha will give us to fit. The MT-07 had a great variety available, and I can only assume many will fit the Tracer, hopefully with more in the works! – Kris
The MT-07 Tracer has a lot to live up to, following in the footsteps of the MT-07 and XSR700.
That was only a first impression, and we’ll be doing a full test on Yamaha’s MT-07 Tracer, so stay tuned. If you’ve got any questions about the bike you can leave a comment on our Facebook page and we’ll endeavor to answer it as quickly as possible.
2017 Yamaha MT-07 Tracer Gallery:
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