Choosing between the Yamaha Tenere 700 and the Tracer 700 can be a tough decision, guys. Both bikes offer unique capabilities and cater to different riding styles. The Tenere 700 is built for adventure, with its rugged design and off-road prowess, while the Tracer 700 excels as a sporty tourer, offering comfort and agility on paved roads. Understanding their strengths and weaknesses is key to making the right choice for your needs. This article will delve into a detailed comparison of these two fantastic machines, helping you determine which one best suits your riding preferences and intended use.

Engine and Performance

The engine is the heart of any motorcycle, and both the Yamaha Tenere 700 and Tracer 700 share the same potent powerplant: a 689cc parallel-twin CP2 engine. This engine is renowned for its torquey character and smooth power delivery, making it incredibly versatile for various riding conditions. However, the way this engine is utilized and optimized differs slightly between the two models, impacting their overall performance profiles.

Yamaha Tenere 700 Engine

In the Tenere 700, the CP2 engine is tuned to emphasize low-end torque and mid-range grunt. This tuning is crucial for off-road riding, where immediate power and control are essential for navigating challenging terrains. The Tenere 700 delivers a punchy response at lower RPMs, allowing riders to confidently tackle steep inclines, sandy paths, and rocky trails. The throttle response is also calibrated to be more forgiving, reducing the risk of unintentional wheelspin on loose surfaces. While the top-end power might not be as aggressive as on the Tracer 700, the Tenere 700's engine is perfectly suited for its intended purpose: conquering adventurous landscapes.

Yamaha Tracer 700 Engine

Conversely, the Tracer 700's CP2 engine is tuned to provide a more exhilarating experience on paved roads. While it retains the same torquey characteristics, the Tracer 700 boasts a slightly more responsive throttle and a stronger pull in the higher RPM range. This makes it ideal for spirited riding, overtaking, and enjoying twisty roads. The Tracer 700 also benefits from a smoother power delivery at higher speeds, enhancing its capabilities as a comfortable and capable tourer. The engine tuning complements the Tracer 700's sporty character, making it a joy to ride on long journeys and weekend getaways.

Performance Comparison

When comparing the performance of these two bikes, it's essential to consider their intended use. The Tenere 700 excels in off-road scenarios, where its low-end torque and controllable power delivery provide a distinct advantage. Its ability to crawl over obstacles and maintain traction on loose surfaces is unmatched by the Tracer 700. On the other hand, the Tracer 700 shines on paved roads, offering a more refined and engaging riding experience. Its stronger top-end power and smoother high-speed performance make it a better choice for long-distance touring and spirited riding. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on where you plan to spend most of your time riding.

Chassis and Handling

The chassis and handling characteristics of the Yamaha Tenere 700 and Tracer 700 are significantly different, reflecting their distinct purposes. The Tenere 700 is designed for off-road adventure, while the Tracer 700 is optimized for on-road comfort and agility. Let's examine the key differences in their chassis and handling.

Yamaha Tenere 700 Chassis

The Tenere 700 features a lightweight, high-strength steel frame designed to withstand the rigors of off-road riding. Its long-travel suspension (approximately 8.3 inches in the front and 7.9 inches in the rear) provides excellent absorption of bumps and ruts, ensuring a comfortable ride even on the most challenging terrains. The Tenere 700 also boasts a 21-inch front wheel and an 18-inch rear wheel, which are ideal for navigating obstacles and maintaining traction on loose surfaces. The bike's relatively high ground clearance (9.4 inches) further enhances its off-road capabilities, allowing it to clear obstacles without scraping the undercarriage.

Yamaha Tracer 700 Chassis

In contrast, the Tracer 700 features a more road-oriented chassis with a shorter wheelbase and a lower center of gravity. Its suspension is stiffer and offers less travel than the Tenere 700, providing a more stable and responsive ride on paved roads. The Tracer 700 rides on 17-inch wheels both front and rear, which contribute to its nimble handling and precise steering. The bike's lower seat height (31.7 inches) makes it more accessible to a wider range of riders. The Tracer 700's chassis is designed to prioritize comfort and agility on paved roads, making it an excellent choice for touring and commuting.

Handling Comparison

The Tenere 700's handling is characterized by its stability and predictability on loose surfaces. Its long-travel suspension and large wheels allow it to absorb bumps and maintain traction, even in challenging conditions. However, its off-road-oriented design can make it feel slightly less precise on paved roads compared to the Tracer 700. The Tracer 700, on the other hand, offers sharp and responsive handling on paved roads. Its shorter wheelbase and stiffer suspension contribute to its agility and stability in corners. While it can handle gravel roads, it's not designed for serious off-road riding. The choice between the two depends on your preferred riding environment. If you plan to spend a significant amount of time off-road, the Tenere 700 is the clear choice. If you prioritize on-road comfort and agility, the Tracer 700 is the better option.

Features and Technology

When it comes to features and technology, the Yamaha Tenere 700 and Tracer 700 offer a blend of practicality and modern conveniences, although their focus differs based on their intended use. The Tenere 700 prioritizes essential features for adventure riding, while the Tracer 700 emphasizes comfort and rider aids for touring.

Yamaha Tenere 700 Features

The Tenere 700 keeps things relatively simple, focusing on providing the necessary tools for off-road exploration without unnecessary frills. It features a basic LCD instrument panel that displays essential information such as speed, RPM, fuel level, and trip data. The Tenere 700 also comes standard with adjustable suspension, allowing riders to fine-tune the ride quality based on their weight and riding conditions. One notable feature is the switchable ABS, which allows riders to disable the ABS system for off-road riding, providing more control in loose terrain. The Tenere 700 also features a rally-inspired windscreen that offers decent wind protection, though it's not as comprehensive as the Tracer 700's windscreen.

Yamaha Tracer 700 Features

The Tracer 700 boasts a more comprehensive suite of features designed to enhance comfort and convenience on long rides. It features a more advanced LCD instrument panel that provides additional information such as gear position, fuel consumption, and ambient temperature. The Tracer 700 also comes standard with a taller and wider windscreen that offers excellent wind protection, reducing fatigue on long journeys. Other notable features include adjustable suspension, LED lighting, and a 12V power outlet for charging electronic devices. The Tracer 700 also offers optional accessories such as heated grips and saddlebags, further enhancing its touring capabilities.

Technology Comparison

In terms of technology, the Tracer 700 offers a slightly more advanced package compared to the Tenere 700. Its more comprehensive instrument panel, enhanced wind protection, and available accessories make it a better choice for riders who prioritize comfort and convenience on long rides. However, the Tenere 700's switchable ABS is a valuable feature for off-road riding, providing riders with more control in challenging conditions. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your priorities. If you value simplicity and essential features for adventure riding, the Tenere 700 is a great choice. If you prioritize comfort and convenience for touring, the Tracer 700 is the better option.

Styling and Ergonomics

The styling and ergonomics of the Yamaha Tenere 700 and Tracer 700 are distinctly different, reflecting their intended uses. The Tenere 700 embraces a rugged and functional aesthetic, while the Tracer 700 exudes a sporty and touring-oriented vibe. Let's delve into the key differences in their styling and ergonomics.

Yamaha Tenere 700 Styling

The Tenere 700's styling is inspired by rally bikes, with a tall and slender profile, a high-mounted front fender, and a minimalistic design. Its rugged appearance conveys a sense of adventure and off-road capability. The Tenere 700 is available in a range of colors that complement its adventurous character, such as Yamaha's signature blue and a more subdued matte black. The bike's overall design is functional and purposeful, with every element serving a specific role. The Tenere 700's styling is sure to appeal to riders who appreciate a rugged and utilitarian aesthetic.

Yamaha Tracer 700 Styling

The Tracer 700 boasts a more sporty and refined design, with sleek lines, a sculpted fuel tank, and an integrated fairing. Its styling conveys a sense of speed and agility, making it visually appealing to riders who enjoy spirited riding. The Tracer 700 is available in a range of colors that accentuate its sporty character, such as Yamaha's iconic red and a more sophisticated gray. The bike's overall design is modern and aerodynamic, with a focus on comfort and aesthetics. The Tracer 700's styling is sure to appeal to riders who appreciate a sporty and refined aesthetic.

Ergonomics Comparison

The Tenere 700 features a more upright riding position, with a relatively tall seat height and wide handlebars. This provides excellent visibility and control, especially when standing up while riding off-road. The Tenere 700's seat is relatively firm, which is ideal for long days in the saddle, but it may not be as comfortable as the Tracer 700's seat for some riders. The Tracer 700 offers a more relaxed riding position, with a lower seat height and a more comfortable reach to the handlebars. This makes it more accessible to a wider range of riders and enhances comfort on long journeys. The Tracer 700's seat is also more plush than the Tenere 700's seat, providing additional comfort for extended periods. The choice between the two depends on your preferences and riding style. If you prioritize off-road control and an upright riding position, the Tenere 700 is the better choice. If you prioritize comfort and a more relaxed riding position, the Tracer 700 is the better option.

Conclusion: Which Bike is Right for You?

In conclusion, both the Yamaha Tenere 700 and the Tracer 700 are exceptional motorcycles, but they cater to different riding styles and preferences. The Tenere 700 excels as an adventure bike, offering ruggedness, off-road capability, and a no-nonsense approach. It's perfect for riders who crave exploration and are willing to tackle challenging terrains. The Tracer 700, on the other hand, shines as a sporty tourer, providing comfort, agility, and a refined riding experience on paved roads. It's ideal for riders who enjoy long journeys, spirited riding, and a touch of sophistication. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your individual needs and priorities. Consider where you plan to spend most of your time riding, what features are most important to you, and which bike best fits your riding style. By carefully evaluating these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose the Yamaha that's right for you. Happy riding, guys!