Yamaha’s ‘sports-touring’ iteration of its MT-07 is an important bike. First introduced in 2015, following the arrival of Yamaha’s MT twin roadster in 2014 (which in turn followed the modular MT-09 triple the year before), it’s proved a big hit (as has the bigger Tracer 9 variant of the MT-09), with three generations since contributing to over 40,000 units sold.
The Tracer 7 is also Yamaha UK’s fourth best-selling big bike (behind the MT-07, Tracer 9 and MT-09). Now the onset of Euro5+ regulations means all have required updating, including two variants of the Tracer 7.
The key change is the new ride-by-wire throttle, which allows the CP2 engine to be tuned to improve its exhaust and noise emissions, to satisfy Euro5+. Performance is largely unchanged – not that there was much wrong with the old one – but that’s just the start.
As before, there are two models: the base Tracer 7 and a more premium, touring equipped GT. Both get new dashboards and switchgear, uprated suspension and brakes, plus fresh styling, but the most significant change of all is probably a significantly roomier riding position, larger, more stable chassis and more premium feel.
The result is bigger, classier, better equipped and, considering the price, significantly more appealing, so much so, in fact, that, especially with the GT version, customers may conclude they don’t need the (significantly more expensive) Tracer 9 after all…
The Tracer 7’s engine hasn’t changed much – but it probably didn’t need to anyway. The ‘CP2’ crossplane crank twin remains one of motorcycling’s best motors for its blend of easy grunt, entertaining 74bhp power and unintimidating flexibility.
The enforced Euro5+ changes, primarily by introducing a new ‘ride-by-wire’ electronic throttle (which in turn facilitates cruise control, optional quickshifter and new TFT dash/switchgear combo) does slightly improve the power curve but not noticeably.
The end result is as good as ever, easy yet punchy, refined and flexible and mostly sufficient with three modes (Sport and Street and a third Custom option) to choose from. The CP2 unit might not give the character or power of Triumph’s latest Tiger Sport 660, but that bike isn’t as able an all-rounder.
Elsewhere, braking is much improved with the addition of new radial-mount calipers, as is general handling. The revised frame offers 13% more rigidity, there’s a 40mm longer swingarm for added stability, new 41mm KYB inverted forks replace the dated looking conventional items found on the previous model, while there are even new, stronger wheels shod with quality Michelin Pilot Road GT 6 tyres. Ride is plush enough.
It is impressively controlled and no longer feels slightly budget; stability is noticeably improved, due mostly to the longer swing arm, yet, although less nimble (and also 500g heavier), it’s still light, agile, intuitive and great fun through the twisties.
One of the biggest changes of all with the new Tracer 7s has been to the bike’s riding position in terms of roominess, sense of substance and, as Yamaha call it, ‘maturity’. Grips are now 35mm wider and 30mm higher due to the new handlebars; the TFT dash is positioned higher, the screen of the GT version is a whopping 90mm taller (and 1mm thicker to avoid flex) with both models’ screens now manually adjustable through 60mm.
Both also have a new two-piece seat, which is also adjustable by 20mm. The tank, at 18 litres, is one litre larger, too. The result is noticeably roomier, larger and more substantial, making the Tracer 7 feel a more grown up bike, which certainly appealed more to 6’3” (190cm) me as the old one seemed a little compact. It’s also most noticeable on the GT version with its much taller screen and 15mm higher saddle, which is a result of thicker padding.
Practicality-wise, all things considered, it’s hard to think of a more versatile bike on sale today – especially for the money. The base version, at £8,804, pretty much does it all and now has heated grips, adjustable screen and seat as standard, yet can also be accessorized with tall screen, tank bag, top box and more.
The GT offers even more. For £10,104 (at launch) you also get panniers, a taller screen and centre stand, with the result being a far more credible two-up tourer than before, with lots of extra class via premium touches and finishes. Whether commuting, scratching, touring or just as a great all-round bike that’s easy to ride, sufficiently invigorating and entertaining both new Tracers satisfy on every level.
Aside from riding positions, equipment is the key area of improvement on both new Tracer 7s. With their engines/chassis mostly identical, the main distinction between the two is their equipment levels, although both are more than satisfactory.
The standard, cheaper, Tracer 7 now has Yamaha’s new 5” TFT dash and switchgear (which on the whole is good, although its ‘rocker’ style indicator switch remains annoying). There are also three riding modes, switchable traction control, new 41mm KYB preload/rebound-adjustable inverted forks, new radial brake calipers, cornering ABS, LED lights, a height adjustable seat and a manually adjustable screen (although this is a little small).
The £1,300 pricier GT adds colour-matched hard panniers (each capable of taking a full-face helmet); 90mm taller screen; 15mm thicker saddle; rear remote preload adjusting knob; centre stand; gold-finished forks and more premium badging and paint finishes.
Considering the luggage alone might set you back the best part of a grand, I think the GT represents pretty good value. In addition, three accessory ‘packs’ are also offered which include the likes of different screens, further hard and soft luggage and cosmetic items.
A big part of the Tracer 7’s appeal has always been in budget pricing and, with the base model starting at £8,804 and the GT at £10,104, that remains the case with these new versions. But while it also remains punchy, entertaining and versatile, what has changed is their sense of stature, quality and big bike appeal.
In being roomier, classier and better equipped, the new Tracer 7s have not just grown – they’ve ‘grown up’ and no longer seem as diminutive and basic as before. The GT especially makes its bigger brother, the c.£17K Tracer 9 GT+, seem excessive, expensive and almost unnecessary.
But although much improved, the two new Tracer 7s are not perfect: the engine, although able, is aging and a touch underpowered (but that’s being picky); the indicator rocker annoys; the base version’s screen is too low and its styling isn’t as cohesive as some rivals. Overall, though, as an affordable all-round, proposition, these new Tracer 7s are brilliantly capable and excellent value for money.
2025 Yamaha Tracer 7 specification
(GT model in brackets)
Price: £8,804 (£10,104)
Engine: 689cc twin, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, liquid cooled
Power: 72.4bhp (54kW) @ 8750rpm
Torque: 68Nm (50lb-ft) @ 6500rpm
Transmission: 6-speed, chain
Frame: Steel diamond
Suspension: (F) 41mm USD telescopic forks, preload and rebound adjust (R) preload and rebound adjustable single shock.
Wheels: Cast aluminium, (F) 17 x 3.5in (R) 17 x 5.5in
Tyres: Michelin Pilot Road GT 6 (F) 120/70 x 17, (R) 180/55 x 17
Brakes: (F) 2 x 298mm discs, four-piston radial calipers, (R) 245mm disc, single-piston caliper. Cornering ABS
Wet weight: 203kg (212kg)
Wheelbase: 1,495mm
Seat height: 830-845mm (850-865mm)
Fuel tank: 18 litres
Fuel consumption: 53.5mpg (measured)
Service intervals: 6000 miles/12 months
Warranty: 36 months unlimited mileage
Contact: https://www.yamaha-motor.eu
Words: Phil West
Photos: Yamaha
