2016 Yamaha Tracer 700 Announced for Europe
Expect to see it in the US as the FJ-07
Yamaha announced a new sport-tourer based on its MT-07/FZ-07 platform for the European market. Dubbed the Tracer 700 in Europe, we expect to see it arrive in North America as the FJ-07.
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The Tracer 700 slides into Yamaha’s sport-touring lineup behind the FJR1300 and the FJ-09 (known on the other side of the Atlantic as the MT-09 Tracer, though it appears Yamaha may soon be renaming it the Tracer 900.) But enough with the nomenclature, let’s take a look at what the Tracer 700 offers.
The Tracer 700 shares the same 689cc parallel-Twin engine with 270-degree crankshaft as the FZ-07, claiming the same 73.8 hp at 9000 rpm and 50.2 lb-ft. at 6500 rpm. The fuel tank holds 4.5 gallons, and with claimed fuel consumption at 54.7 mpg, the Tracer 700’s estimated range works out to about 246 miles.
The chassis was developed from the FZ-07’s tubular steel frame. The swingarm, however, is two inches longer, increasing the overall wheelbase to 57.1 inches for added stability at highway cruising speeds. Both the front and rear suspension offer 5.1 inches of travel, just like the FZ-07, but Yamaha says it revised the settings to better handle a wider variety of riding conditions. The brakes are also similar to the FZ-07’s, with four-piston calipers and dual 282 mm front discs up front and a single 245 mm disc at the rear. ABS is standard.
For sport-touring comfort and capability, the Tracer 700 sports a fairing and manually-adjustable windscreen to help deflect the air. In front of the handlebars, Yamaha added small hand guards (Yamaha calls them knuckle guards which actually may be more accurate, given their size and placement) with integrated turn signals.
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A new one-piece stepped seat was designed to suit two-up riding for long distances. A passenger can hang on to the handholds on the tail while the pillion pegs are lower and further forward than they are on the FZ-07. The rider’s pegs are also mounted a bit higher than on the FZ-07, but seat is 1.2 inches higher than on the FZ-07, so legroom shouldn’t be compromised.
Of course, to really make the Tracer 700 a sport-tourer you’d need luggage. Yamaha offers 5.3-gallon soft side cases and a 10.3-gallon top box, though they are sold separately.
The 2016 Yamaha Tracer 700 will be offered in three colors: Radical Red, Tech Black and Yamaha Blue. It will arrive in European showrooms, priced at around 7,900 euros (US$8,950).
Yamaha’s likely not done with the FZ-07 platform either. Last week we posted spy photos of a new FZ-07-based Ténéré which we expect to see at either Intermot or EICMA in the fall.
Yamaha Tracer 700 (EU Specifications) | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-stroke, 4-valves, 2-Cylinder |
| Displacement | 689cc |
| Bore x stroke | 80.0 mm x 68.6 mm |
| Compression ratio | 11.5 : 1 |
| Maximum power | 55.0 kW (73.8 hp) @ 9,000 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 68.0 Nm (50.2 lb-ft.) @ 6,500 rpm |
| Lubrication system | Wet sump |
| Clutch type | Wet, Multiple Disc |
| Fuel system | Fuel Injection |
| Ignition system | TCI |
| Starter system | Electric |
| Transmission | Constant Mesh, 6-speed |
| Final transmission | Chain |
| Fuel consumption | 4.3 l/100km (54.7 mpg) |
| CO2 emission | 100 g/km |
| Frame | Diamond |
| Front suspension | Telescopic forks |
| Rear suspension | Swingarm, (link suspension) |
| Front brake | Hydraulic dual disc, Ø 282 mm |
| Rear brake | Hydraulic single disc, Ø 245 mm |
| Front tires | 120/70 R17 M/C 58W (tubeless) |
| Rear tires | 180/55 R17 M/C 73W (tubeless) |
| Overall length | 2,138 mm (84.2 inches) |
| Overall width | 806 mm (31.7 inches) |
| Overall height | 1,270 mm (50 inches) |
| Seat height | 835 mm (32.9 inches) |
| Wheelbase | 1,450 mm (57.1 inches) |
| Min. ground clearance | 140 mm (5.5 inches) |
| Wet weight (claimed) | 196 kg (432 pounds) |
| Fuel capacity | 17.0 L (4.5 gallons) |
| Oil capacity | 3.0 L (0.8 gallons) |
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There sure are a bunch of whiners here. Obviously you don't see the marketplace for the machine. I've been riding for 35 yrs. I've owned the anemic yet fun KLR , a rather smooth FJR, the absurdly capable DL1000 along with nearly 30 other bikes in that time. I find my taste for motorcycles ever changing. The FJ-07 would solve two issues for me. It would make a great commuter ride and an excellent intermediate tourer. I don't do as many 500 mile day rides as I used to do. I don't have to worry about my kid riding with me now that she's old enough to have her own bike. This bike seems like a reasonable solution to me.
A Yamaha Versys? or a Yamaha Vstrom?