Disappointing news for the Yamaha Tracer fans: the new, 2nd generation MT-07 Tracer (also known as Tracer 700) will not be available in Australia in the near future. Yamaha Motors Australia have confirmed this in response to an OzRider query.
More Than Just an Entry Level Sport-Tourer
The MT-07 Tracer was introduced in 2017 and is built around the popular MT-07. It was sold in Europe with a 698cc parallel-twin engine and in Australia as a LAMS approved bike with a 655cc engine.
The Tracer 700 was designed as an entry level Sport-Tourer. Yamaha’s aim was to attract more riders to the category and to appeal to both new and experienced riders. The company built the Tracer 700 as a lightweight, affordable, naked Sport-Tourer with impressive specifications.
It was a lot more than just an MT-07 with new bodyworks and fairing. Yamaha made an effort to adjust the MT-07 platform to the Sport-Tourer category. The Tracer 700 has a longer swingarm, improved suspension, larger fuel tank, tougher sub-frame, and taller seat and handlebar for more suitable ergonomics. It is fitted with panniers as standard.
The Australian version of the Tracer 700 – the MT-07TR – is LAMS approved. It has the same 655cc parallel-twin engine as the MT-07LA.
The Tracer 700 has received an endless number of great reviews and it has been very popular in Europe. It has plenty of power and torque, performs well in corners and is very stable. Riding position is comfortable for both rider and pillion even on long rides, which is what you expect from a Tourer. It is very versatile and performs well on weekend rides, long trips and even daily commuting.
New and Improved 2020 Model
Three years after introducing the Tracer 700 Yamaha unveiled the 2nd generation of their popular Sport-Tourer. It received a serious facelift with aggressive design, new front fairing and new front LCD lights. Larger handlebars provide improved control of the bike and underneath there are LED blinkers. The new Tracer 700 has a new 41mm cartridge fork, improved suspension and new rear adjustable shock (preload only).
The capacity of the engine remains 689cc but is now Euro5 compliant. Yamaha have achieved this with a new engine management map and new exhaust system (which according to Yamaha even sounds better…)
Yamaha also made changes to the ergonomics and riding position. The seat is a bit higher and offers more comfort to both rider and pillion passenger on long rides. A completely new LCD screen with black background makes the screen more visible and readable.
Not Coming to Australia
Unfortunately the new 2020 Tracer 700 will not be available in Australia anytime soon. We contacted Yamaha Motors Australia to inquire and received the following reply from the Marketing Manager (MC/ATV/ROV Division), Sean Goldhawk:
“I can confirm that the new Tracer 700 is not coming to AUS immediately, along with the MT125 and TMAX Tech Max highlighted in your report.
“When YMA ordered the original Tracer 700 … we specified LAMs 655cc capacity only which failed to secure a retail foothold here. Encouraged by the success of the 655cc LAMs model MT-07LA we thought we would be able to build a market for an entry level touring bike here in AUS, but unfortunately the Tracer 700 did not sell in large numbers.”
It appears the European market is more receptive to small touring motorcycles than the Australian currently, and according to Mr Goldhawk, Yamaha Motor Australia is working on changing this.
Let’s hope this change will happen sooner rather than later and we’ll all see the new Tracer 700 on our roads soon.
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I bought a MT-07HO last year only because the Tracer had the LAMS motor otherwise I would have bought one of those instead. LAMS riders aren’t looking for an entry level tourer like the Tracer I think most would be more likely to get something like a ninja 650 with panniers, its the more experienced riders looking for a cheaper lighter tourer.
I think Yamaha erred by releasing the tracer as lams only surely this restricted its appeal l would have definitely bought a full powered model now I have to look at other brands. Tom.
If the new Tracer 700 comes to Australia in the full power version I will buy one. Perfect all-round street bike for me. Love the sound of the CP2. New shape looks great. Fingers crossed.
Unfortunately Yamaha confirmed the Tracer 700 is not going to be available in Australia. I agree the unrestricted version would have been popular if they did.
As a mature aged rider looking to down size from my Honda ST1300, the Tracer 700 would be on my list. I agree with previous sentiments that the decision by Yamaha to put a mid size tourer as a LAMS motorcycle was a poor decision. Learners would not go for a tourer style motorcycle. Fact. Rethink this decision please Yamaha. Cruise Control also needs to be standard equipment on any tourer.
I really think Yamaha Australia are missing a great opportunity here
I have previously owned both a TDM 850 & 900 and would welcome a lighter more nimble version ( especially if it had an 18inch front wheel )
AMD I really don’t want or need the Tenere , if I want to do dirt riding ? I will buy a WR450