A semi-faired touring-focussed version of the MT-07 has been spotted testing in Milan, Italy. Though the Japanese manufacturer hasn’t confirmed this yet, we can expect this new model to be christened MT-07 Tracer, along the lines of its bigger sibling - the MT-09 Tracer.
Though the heavily camouflaged test mule doesn’t let out a lot of details, the semi-fairing bears an uncanny resemblance to the MT-09 Tracer. It gets a tall adjustable windscreen and a taller handlebar. The elongated single piece seat replaces the step seats from the streetfighter, while the footpegs have been repositioned to offer a more comfortable riding position. As the rear section sports panniers and a rack for top box, we can safely expect Yamaha to strengthen the chassis to make the MT-07 Tracer capable of taking on the extra payload.
Mechanically, the MT-07 Tracer will use the same 689cc parallel-twin engine, which puts out 73.8bhp and 68Nm of torque through a six-speed transmission. Except for some changes in the preload settings, the suspension setup will also be carried over from the MT-07 streetfighter.
The MT-07 Tracer will be unveiled later in the year, as a 2016 model. It will compete with other faired touring motorcycles like the Benelli TNT 600GT, Kawasaki Versys 650, Honda NC700X and the Suzuki V-Strom 650.
