Yamaha Tracer 7 (2025 - ) review

As before there are two new Tracer 7s, comprising the base model and more premium, touring-prepped GT. Both combine Euro5+ compatibility and electronic updates already introduced on the MT-07, these enabling modern conveniences like cruise control, the option of a quickshifter and a new TFT dash and switchgear. There’s more to it than that, though, the new Tracer 7 also getting a stronger and more rigid frame, longer swingarm, new wheels, fancier forks, uprated brakes and new styling. The result is bigger, classier, better-equipped and, considering the price, significantly more appealing. So much so, in fact, buyers may consider they don’t actually need to extend to the significantly more expensive Tracer 9!

Perhaps the biggest change of all. Where the old Tracer 7 could feel a little ‘dinky’ for taller riders the new version is a far more substantial, roomier and mature feeling machine. The grips are now 35mm wider and 30mm higher, the dash is taller, the GT version’s screen is a whopping 90mm bigger and both this and the standard one can be adjusted through a 60mm range. Both also get a new seat, which you can adjust by 20mm. Peg position is the same, though with rubber grips for the pillion for extra comfort. The tank is a litre bigger, too. All of which suited your 6’ 3” tester, especially on the GT with its bigger screen and extra padding in the seat for a slightly taller position. The standard version, meanwhile, feels more nimble, sporty all-rounder than full-blown tourer.

For the money, it’s hard to think of a more versatile bike – and that applies to both versions. If you want an affordable all-rounder the standard one starts at a smidge under nine grand, retains the sporty verve of the original but can be accessorised with a taller screen and luggage if required. For just over 10 grand the GT gets all this, adjustable rear preload via a remote knob and is a far more credible two-up tourer with lots of additional premium touches. Whether commuting, scratching, touring or just as a great all-round bike that’s easy and entertaining to ride both Tracers satisfy on every level.

Engine-wise, the Tracer 7 hasn’t changed much, but didn’t need to. The 72 horsepower CP2 twin has been one of the best motors launched in the decade since the original MT-07 arrived, its entertaining mix of punchy power and easygoing flexibility powering sales of 400,000-odd to date when you include the wider family of bikes like the R7, XSR700 and Ténéré 7000. The new ride-by-wire throttle opens the door to cruise control while the power curve has been improved slightly, too. In isolation it’s more than sufficient for solo use, though might struggle a bit two-up and the Yamaha lags behind class rivals like the (also recently updated) Triumph Tiger Sport 660 with its 81 horsepower triple. Braking-wise, the new Tracer 7 is now bang up to date, with new radial-mount calipers replacing the previous design and evoking no complaints.

Along with its engine, frame, brake and wheels upgrades the Tracer 7 also gets much improved KYB inverted forks in place of the dated conventional ones used previously. The monoshock at the rear has also been updated, both ends adjustable for preload and rebound while the GT gets fancier looking gold fork legs and a remote adjuster for preload. Ride quality is plush, controlled and no longer feels as budget as it once did, to the benefit of stability. Another 40mm in the swingarm probably helps here as well, albeit at the slight cost of ultimate agility on twistier roads. It’s still fun to fling around, though, helped by the standard equipment Michelin Pilot Road GT6 tyres.

Although more premium than before, both new Tracers are still keenly priced and, with performance unchanged, running costs should be unaffected. The relatively modest power may lag behind some rivals but should be easier on consumable parts like tyres, brakes and chains while fuel consumption at an enthusiastic pace was well over 50mpg.

Both new Tracers are updates of long-proven machines with impeccable reliability records. The CP2 engine is solid and trustworthy, the changes place no more strain or load upon it, the chassis is stronger than before and the suspension and brakes are higher quality, proven items, too. Even the new TFT dash and switchgear are the same as introduced on the MT-09 with no causes for concern reported. Never say never but build quality is high, Yamaha’s reputation is excellent, and nearly all of the componentry is already tried and tested.

As with most current Yamahas, the 2025 Tracer 7 and 7 GT both come with a standard, manufacturer-backed, three-year warranty covering all parts and labour from first registration. Electronics aside the engine essentially unchanged so intervals are the same 6,000 miles/annually as before with the more expensive valve adjustment coming at 24,000 miles.

Equipment levels are the main difference between the standard Tracer 7 and the GT, building on an already decent base. Both are built around the same 5.0-inch TFT interface and Yamaha’s latest switchgear, slightly annoying rocker-style indicator included. There are also three riding modes, switchable traction, the improved forks, new radial brake calipers, cornering ABS, LED lights all round and, as mentioned, adjustment for seat and screen, though the latter is rather small on the standard model. The extra money for the GT scores you colour-matched hardcase panniers each capable of carrying a helmet, that taller screen and seat, centre stand and a generally more premium look with those gold fork legs and more besides. There are also three accessory packs comprising screen options, tank bags and top cases with themes like Urban, Tour and so on. All of it works well and seems good value.

The Tracer 7’s appeal as an entry-level, budget-friendly and more practical version of the fun-focused MT-07 roadster has been clear since the original launched back in 2015, and explains its success. Key words here are ‘entry-level’ and ‘budget’, though, and while this new version is roomier, classier and better equipped neither model feels as dinky as before. Both are more refined than ever, though, and have all the tech you really need. In fact, they’re so good the GT version in particular makes its bigger Tracer 9 GT brother look expensive and almost more than you need. There are still irritations – the engine is getting on a bit, that indicator toggle is annoying and the styling is reminiscent of ‘Toothless’ from How To Train Your Dragon. Niggles aside as affordable all-rounders both Tracer 7s remain up there with the best.