New Yamaha Tracer 700 sidelined for Oz
Updated middleweight tourer unveiled at EICMA in 2019 not viable for Australian market – at least not yet…The revised and updated version of Yamaha's Tracer 700 revealed at Italy's EICMA motorcycle expo last year won't be coming to Australia anytime soon.
Australia-only spec
The current model Yamaha Tracer 700, or MT-07TR, is produced specifically for the Australian market, with its downsized 655cc parallel-twin engine qualifying it for our Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS) so it can be legally ridden on a learner or provisional motorcycle licence.
Released in Australia in 2017, the Australian model produces 52.1hp (38.3kW) at 8000rpm and 57.5Nm at 4000rpm, compared to 75hp (55.0kW) at 9000rpm and 68Nm at 6500rpm for the 689cc HO (High Output) variant sold in other markets, primarily Europe.
The updated 2020 Yamaha Tracer 700 sports several improvements, including: fresh styling; new headlights, screen and bodywork; new instrumentation; and LED indicators integrated into its hand guards. The suspension is now adjustable at each end, while the seating has been revised for both rider and pillion.
Related reading:
2019 EICMA: Yamaha Tracer 700 and TMAX 560
2020 Yamaha Tracer 700 Review
2017 Yamaha Tracer 700 Launch Review
Not feasible
"I can confirm that the new Tracer 700 is not coming to Australia immediately," said Yamaha Motor Australia's Marketing Communications Coordinator, Chris Dobie, leaving the prospect of its introduction at a later date a possibility, if unlikely.
"When Yamaha Motor Australia ordered the original Tracer 700 back in 2014 we specified a LAMs-compliant 655cc capacity only, which did not retail in large numbers," he continued.
"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 Australia, but unfortunately the Tracer 700 did not secure a retail foothold."
Mr Dobie said the European market had proven more receptive "to the benefits of a relatively small-capacity, lightweight tourer".
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