There’s something undeniably magical about Yamaha’s CP2 engine. I’ve been a fan from the start. I’ve owned not one, not two, but three MT-07s over the years—and to this day, I’m still not entirely sure why. Maybe it’s the engine’s torquey, eager personality, or the way the whole platform strikes that sweet spot between simplicity and soul. Whatever it is, Yamaha got it so right.
I’ve ridden the whole CP2 family tree—the MT-07, the retro-cool XSR700, the rugged Tenere 700, even the sporty R7. But one variant has always eluded me: the Tracer 7. It’s the sport-touring sibling of the MT-07, built for long-haul comfort without sacrificing that hooligan edge we all secretly love.
It’s also a bike that Yamaha has never officially brought to the US—and that just doesn’t sit right with me.
Because now, for 2025, Yamaha’s gone and given the Tracer 7 its biggest update yet. And guess what? Still no US launch. And also, not even in the Philippines, where I’m from.
Meanwhile, our friends in Europe are out there living the dream. Let’s talk about what we’re missing.
First, the heart of the beast: the beloved 689cc parallel twin. Still putting out a modest but punchy 72.4 horsepower and 50.2 pound-feet of torque, but now wrapped in a Euro 5+ compliant package. It’s the same engine we know and love, but in this application, Yamaha’s tuned it for touring—smooth throttle response, relaxed cruising, and that addictive midrange grunt. A 270-degree crank gives it that V-twin character, and new for 2025 is a ride-by-wire system that unlocks cruise control, traction control, and riding modes.
Yes, actual riding modes on a CP2 platform.
You get three to choose from: Sport, Street, and a customizable one that can be dialed in for wet roads or chill rides. Traction control can be turned off if you’re feeling spicy. And there’s a full-color 5-inch TFT display to manage all of it—complete with smartphone connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation via Garmin’s StreetCross app. USB-C charging port included, of course.
The chassis has been updated, too. Yamaha revised the steel backbone frame for better rigidity, and stretched the swingarm by 40mm for improved stability. The front suspension’s now a pair of 41mm upside-down forks—adjustable for rebound—and the rear shock (on the GT version) gets a remote preload adjuster for when you’re packing a passenger or loading up the panniers. Michelin Road 6 GT tires come standard, which is a nice touch.
Comfort-wise, Yamaha’s taken it seriously. The handlebar is now 30mm taller and 25mm wider, creating a more upright and relaxed riding position. There’s a new two-piece seat with adjustable height, and a redesigned windscreen that cuts down on buffeting. The GT version adds a taller, thicker screen, heated grips, rubber-mounted pegs, and a pair of hard cases big enough for a full-face lid each. Oh—and a center stand for good measure.
Gallery: 2025 Yamaha Tracer 7
So let me ask again: why can’t we have this? The US gets the MT-07 and the R7. We even get the Tenere 700. But somehow the most versatile member of the CP2 family gets left out. It’s light, capable, and packed with features that make it one of the most balanced bikes Yamaha’s ever built.
Whether you’re commuting, touring, or just blasting through twisties on a weekend ride, the Tracer 7 seems to hit that perfect Goldilocks zone: enough power to have fun, but never so much that it becomes a handful. For riders like me who’ve grown up with punchy twin-cylinder motorcycles, it feels like the natural evolution. And yet, here we are, drooling from afar.
Maybe one day Yamaha will see the light. Until then, the Tracer 7 remains the one that got away.
Source: Yamaha
