Okay, so it's not very exciting to look at and the spec sheet is a bit ordinary, but the Yamaha Tracer 700 should be the ideal sports-tourer for newer, younger riders looking for an affordable machine
Yamaha have unveiled their new Tracer 700 sport-tourer that's based on the MT-07 and is a relatively simple, affordable machine which is also suitable for younger, less experienced riders. Powered by a 689cc parallel-twin that produces 75bhp and 68Nm of torque, the Tracer 700 isn't exactly an R1, but according to Yamaha, its engine's 270-degree crank delivers an uneven firing interval, which contributes towards strong acceleration and improved levels of traction.

While based on the MT-07's chassis, the Tracer 700's frame has been tweaked for sport-touring duties and has been optimised for two-up riding with luggage. The bike gets a longer swingarm, revised suspension settings (with 130mm travel front and rear) and dual 282mm front discs with 4-piston calipers for optimum braking power. ABS is standard.
The Tracer 700's 17-litre fuel tank should give it an acceptably long range (Yamaha have not quoted any fuel economy figures) though its ready-to-ride weight of 196kg seems to be a bit on the higher side. About 160-170 kilos would have made the Tracer a bit peppier. The windshield is manually adjustable and the stepped dual seat looks about right for comfortable long-distance riding. Yamaha are offering a range of useful acces...