700 Tracer Observations

[Nissbird]

ST is in for a new rear wheel rim and swing arm repair after a spoke came loose. My dealer got on the case promptly and let me have a 700 Tracer as a loaner.
I am set on shaft drive bikes but when the 900 and then 700 Tracers came out I found myself quite interested in them even though I would not swap my ST for either of them. Having said that I road the 900 a few months ago and liked it but the 700 has been a different story, so I thought I would give a list of things I have noticed about the 700 Tracer compared to the ST:


Its a good looking bike
Its much lighter but feels more top heavy, not sure why this would be
The screen does not provide enough protection and seems to direct the air directly into my face causing considerable noise
I prefer the shape of the front seat to the ST
The rear seat is not good enough for any long distances
The engine has a broad torque range
The fuelling is very good - no snatching
On the road its more nimble and flickable
To high for my 5' 6" and I cannot see how the rear could be lowered
Puny instrument display
Fairing vibrates too much
Throttle wrist suffers earlier than on the ST
I know the ST costs twice as much but I can't help feeling the Tracer was built on the cheap when I look at the switches.

 

[Sierra1]

I wonder why they don't send that to the US....

 

[WJBertrand]

I wonder why they don't send that to the US....

I thought they did, just with the FZ-07 name instead of calling it "Tracer". Or is the Tracer a completely different model to the FZ-07?


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[Checkswrecks]

I thought they did, just with the FZ-07 name instead of calling it "Tracer". Or is the Tracer a completely different model to the FZ-07?


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Made me curious so Googled and found it's the same basic bike with some different details. Non-US only for now.
http://www.cycleworld.com/2017-yamaha-mt-07-tracer-sport-touring-motorcycle-review-first-look#page-2

 

[greg the pole]

There wouldn't be a market for the FJ-07 if you want to call it that.

The FZ-07, and FZ-09 sold well for Yamaha. They are dirt cheap, fun as hell (wheelies, yeah, they do them all bloody day) but are basic (see cheap as hell).

I've had close to three seasons on my FJ09, 18k km or so, and quite frankly love the bike. Stock suspension was complete shit. For a potent motor, it wasn't even close to a match.
No I wouldn't have it as my only road bike, but I wouldn't rush out to buy the FJ07 if it ever came available. With the larger spaces, and distances (Canukistan)
the 7 as a light duty sport tourer would not likely cut the mustard. Mostly because the stock FZ07 is light, and the motor copes well with said weight. Add 30-40 lb's and the story might be different. The 900 has zero worries.
https://thetenerist.wordpress.com/2016/08/30/four-day-blast-on-the-fj09/

I'm still waiting patiently for the T7. Hopefully it's not made of pig iron, and tips the scales at the same weight as the AT. That would suck with a 75 hp motor.

 

[Sierra1]

I thought they did, just with the FZ-07 name instead of calling it "Tracer". Or is the Tracer a completely different model to the FZ-07?

For the most part it is. Reminded me more of an FJ than a FZ. Of course, there's not a big difference between them; just some plastic. It all marketing.

 

[greg the pole]

For the most part it is. Reminded me more of an FJ than a FZ. Of course, there's not a big difference between them; just some plastic. It all marketing.

it's meant to be a smaller FJ. For the record, the FJ rides much differently than the FZ. Where the FZ is flighty and stupid wheelie happy, the FJ is more planted, and less wheelie happy. If it's marketing, it worked for me. Sold my FZ, and bought an FJ.

 

[troop]

Have an FZ-09 and love it. In hindsight, if I bought the FJ (I was torn but opted for more hooligan) I might not be considering a ST. MT-07 Tracers are getting rave reviews in Europe. It's already a mfr bike, so bringing it here makes perfect financial sense, esp for the new(er) riders as well as the experienced.

 

[Donk]

Tracer = FJ. The FJ is fun as hell but not up to the same tasks as the S10. With 17" front and rear tires its not really intended for off road. Also it can't provide the comfort of the S10 when doing big miles. It can blast through the twisties and has decent weather protection for weekends and shorter trips. Different horses for different courses! IMO Yamaha has hit home runs with all of the new batch of bikes and I think sales numbers support that.

 

[greg the pole]

Tracer = FJ. The FJ is fun as hell but not up to the same tasks as the S10. With 17" front and rear tires its not really intended for off road. Also it can't provide the comfort of the S10 when doing big miles. It can blast through the twisties and has decent weather protection for weekends and shorter trips. Different horses for different courses! IMO Yamaha has hit home runs with all of the new batch of bikes and I think sales numbers support that.

That's why I have both! ::015::
https://thetenerist.wordpress.com/2016/06/29/one-really-long-term-review-one-short-term-and-a-bunch-of-ramblings/