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Yamaha MT-09

Yamaha Tracer 700 is the next big thing in Adventure bikes

Yamaha has been hitting home lately when it comes to building impressive bikes. It’s MT-09 range of bikes have been very well received, the MT-09 Tracer and its three-cylinder engine is especially being hailed as one of the best touring bikes in the industry now.

But the show must move on and this time Yamaha has done it yet again with the Tracer 700. The touring variant to the MT-07 range of bikes seen in these photos here for the first time.

An obvious evolution to the popular MT-09 Tracer, the smaller Tracer also works along the same lines as its bigger sibling; a bigger fuel tank, taller ride height and practicality to make it one of the most anticipated dual-purpose bikes of the year.

It is powered by the same 75bhp twin-cylinder engine from the MT-07 and is largely the same mechanically, except for the taller and re-engineered suspension.

Yamaha MT-07 is already available in Malaysia at about RM36,000, Tracer 700 could soon follow.

It does however have a longer wheelbase thanks to a swing arm that is 50mm longer for a total wheelbase of 1450mm. Yamaha says this is to increase stability when riding with a pillion or added weight.

The new Tracer 700 is also a relative lightweight with a kerb weight of just 196 kilograms.

Yamaha sent out a press release to the world’s motoring media this morning, and in it Yamaha described the new Tracer 700 as:

“Excitement has been engineered into the Tracer 700’s DNA, as its compact and lightweight chassis features a tubular steel frame that has been developed from the highly acclaimed MT-07 platform. This minimalist design instantly established a strong reputation for its agile handling and responsive character, and the Tracer 700’s newly developed chassis features a range of exclusive refinements that are designed to enhance its versatility and comfort while retaining a strong sporting heritage.

“For a more stable riding character at higher cruising speeds – especially when riding 2-up with luggage – the Tracer 700 is equipped with a 50mm longer swingarm to give a wheelbase of 1450mm. To suit its long distance role, the 130mm travel front and rear suspension systems feature revised settings for smooth and responsive characteristics in a variety of conditions. Dual 282mm front discs with four-pot calipers and a 245mm rear disc deliver powerful and responsive braking performance, and ABS is equipped as standard.

“These chassis refinements – combined with a class-leading wet weight of 196 kg – ensure that the Tracer 700 is ready to excite in every corner, and yet can be transformed into a serious long distance tourer with the addition of a range of Genuine Yamaha accessories.”

It’s not known yet if and when the Tracer 700 will be available in Malaysia. But with the MT-07 already available here at about RM36,000 in CKD form (read about it at our sister site here), Hong Leong Yamaha, assembler and distributor of everything Yamaha in Malaysia, is in a good position to finally give the very-capable Kawasaki Versys 650 some decent competiton.

Yamaha MT-10 ‘Tracer’ ruled out

No plans for ‘Tracer’ touring version of the Yamaha MT-10 streetfighter. (more…)

Yamaha MT-09 CKD gets new colours

HLYM announces availability of new colours for 2016 Yamaha MT-09 CKD model. (more…)

Yamaha MWT-9 concept bound for production?

Sources report that the Yamaha MWT-9 concept three-wheeler will head for production within a year or two. (more…)

EICMA 2015: Yamaha XSR900 expands MT-09 range

Alright, should the controversial Yamaha MT-10 not suit your tastes, then look no further past this, the Yamaha XSR900.

Previewed as the Yamaha MT-09 Faster Wasp concept just weeks earlier, the new XSR900 not only sees Yamaha expanding the MT-09 naked’s range, it also now joins in the ranks of Yamaha’s “Sport Heritage” line as well.

Sitting above the MT-07-based XSR700 model, the Yamaha XSR900 revealed at EICMA 2015 features the brand’s iconic yellow-black speedblock paint scheme, with much of the Roland Sands Design (RSD) concept’s lines being retained as well.

Underneath, all remains business as usual as it retains the MT-09 base bike’s chassis architecture and 847cc triple-cylinder powertrain. However, like the updated 2016 Yamaha MT-09, it gains with a newly added traction control feature and offers three selectable riding modes as well.

There’s also an assist and slipper clutch feature as well lifted from the updated 2016 MT-09. Other notable features include a pair of 41mm inverted front forks, an adjustable shock, as well as radially mounted brake calipers with ABS.

Yamaha also stated that a wide array of accessories will be made available for customers when the bike’s sales commence in March next year.

Check out more photos of the new Yamaha XSR900 in the extensive gallery we’ve prepared below.

Yamaha XSR900

Sources: Asphaltandrubber / MCN / Visordown

Roland Sands Yamaha MT-09 Faster Wasp unveiled (with video)

The ever popular and acclaimed Yamaha MT-09 has gone under the knife with Roland Sands Design (RSD), resulting in this special one-off Faster Wasp custom concept.

With the reveal, Yamaha further added that this custom is hinting at its newest model based on the MT-09 that will debut at EICMA 2015 this month.

Back to this RSD special, it joins the Yamaha brand’s range of Yard Built custom machineries that are usually followed closely by production model. This RSD-built special follows the footsteps of Shinya Kimura’s Faster Son custom concept (the XSR700 preview) and the Deus Eau Rouge (XJR1300 Racer preview), and it now charts a new chapter in the Yamaha Faster Sons trilogy.

It is plain to see that the Roland Sands Yamaha MT-09 Faster Wasp is more than just a tribute to the famed black and yellow speed-block donned on Kenny Roberts Senior’s legendary TZ750 race bike. Underneath the bespoke aluminium bodywork and is the MT-09’s acclaimed 847cc in-line triple and lightweight aluminium frame. Also exclusive to the Wasp are a whole host of cycle-part updates that are not found on any production model.

Being an RSD creation, it sports plenty of the design firm’s signature elements and traits. These include the hand-fabricated aluminium petrol tank, tail section, intake scoops, radiator covers, front number board and front mudguard fender. The custom also sports a prototype Clarity timing cover, rearsets, rear brake reservoir and case guards, plus chain guard, timing plug, axle sliders and fuel cap.

Sources believe most of these will likely be available as official, or RSD, accessories for the incoming new Yamaha model. Other notable bits and pieces include the Wasp’s forged aluminium wheels, Two Bros Racing stainless steel header with an RSD Slant muffler, Renthal sprockets, Performance Machine radial brake calipers, an RSD radial brake master cylinder and Spiegler brake lines, as well as a custom leather seat is made by the Bitchin Seat Co.

Also primed are a set of RSD Nostalgia handlebar risers plus Renthal Fatbar handlebars with RSD Traction grips. The chassis is further enhanced too thanks to Öhlins fork cartridge kit and rear shock tasked at providing better bike control.

You can check out more of the Roland Sands Yamaha MT-09 Faster Wasp in the video we’ve attached at the top or by browsing the extensive gallery we’ve prepared below.

Roland Sands Design Yamaha MT-09 Faster Wasp