LAMS COMPARISON YAMAHA TRACER 700 VS CFMOTO 650MT CLASS WAR Yamaha and CFMoto make LAMS tourers at opposite ends of the price spectrum. But is it a fait accompli?

hat do we want? “Adventure tourers for learners.” When do we want it?W “Now!” Okay, you can stop demonstrating. The industry has heard you loud and clear and two more tourer options have recently been added to the extraordinarily diverse list of bikes now available in learner-approved form. It’s easy to understand manufacturer interest in this category: Eight out of the 10 best- selling road bikes for the past two years have been LAMS models. Where the CFMoto 650MT and the Yamaha Tracer 700 make a fascinating comparison is in price: You can ride away on the 650MT for just $6990 while the Tracer operates at the other end of the spectrum at $12,299 before on-road costs are added. This begs the question: The Tracer is almost twice the price, but is it twice as good? Conversely, what do you actually lose if you save yourself six grand and buy the 650MT?

52 LAMS COMPARISON Good YAMAHA TRACER 700 VS CFMOTO 650MT Handling Torque Light weight It’s a keeper

Not so good No cruise control Top end pricing “The Tracer leans to the touring side of the ledger

Good while the 650MT flirts more with adventure” Performance Value-for-money Versatility

Not so good High Weighty

LEFT: The Tracer pulls away in top gear roll-ons, but the 650MT accelerates harder and has a slightly higher top speed.

HORSES FOR COURSES 650MT. What this means extra 17kg. The 650MT the 650MT is on the scene. 140mm of travel and the We might as well get this around town is hyper- produces 136kW per tonne In touring situations, the cantilever monoshock has out of the way first. The responsiveness. It feels and the Tracer is very close, Tracer rider will perhaps a whopping 145mm. To put CFMoto 650MT accelerates and goes like a full-power at 134kW. The limit for have more time to think this in context, it’s more faster than the Yamaha bike and packs sprightly LAMS bikes is 150kW per about whether he really got travel than is offered by Tracer and has a higher top enthusiasm into every ride. tonne so both bikes have a six grand’s extra value as the plush BMW R 1200 RS/ speed. The 650MT’s engine Roll-ons in top gear little extra development to he steals occasional glances RT models. While there’s produces an extra 3kW and at low-engine speeds play with. at his mate comfortably no easy way to adjust almost an extra 5Nm. Game demonstrate the difference. The weight difference cruising at the same speed. spring preload on the front, over? Far from it, but it’s The Yamaha moves also impacts handling damping is adjustable. impressive nonetheless. In convincingly away from with the Tracer feeling MOTO CLASSICA Both spring and damping is a straight-out drag, the MT its brawnier companion easier to throw around This is actually CFMoto’s adjustable on the shock. is strong enough to get a although, with time and and inspiring confidence third go at a tourer but Taking the touring task little front wheel lift as it (great) distance, the 650MT in corners. With its low- its first go at a proper seriously, the tank capacity pulls away from the Tracer will eventually catch up. engine-speed grunt, lower adventure tourer. It uses is now 18 litres and two and its advantage improves It’s not that the 650MT centre of gravity, lower the one 650cc engine the seat heights are available: as speeds rise. lacks responsiveness – it’s seat height, more sports- company has that it shares 840mm is standard and a In the real world, the just that the Tracer has oriented suspension and with the road bike version, lower 820mm is available Tracer’s 665cc eight-valve bucket-loads of it. handling finesse, the but there are significant for $165 extra. parallel twin is the more What helps the Tracer will arrive at the differences in the chassis Touring comforts flexible and refined of the performance comparison destination first after a and running gear. include a big, adjustable two engines and produces is the Tracer’s weight tight and twisty section Of most importance is windscreen, a USB charging its maximum torque at just advantage. It weighs in of road, but its rider will the introduction of long- port and, as an optional 4000rpm as opposed to the wet at 196kg whereas the barely have had time to travel suspension. The but necessary accessory, a 7000rpm required from the fuelled-up MT carries an take his helmet off before upside-down fork has SHAD pannier kit. This has

54 trademotorcycles.com.au 55 LAMS COMPARISON YAMAHA TRACER 700 VS CFMOTO 650MT “The weight difference also impacts handling with the Tracer feeling easier to throw around”

a clever attachment design, has Bosch fuel injection is durable and is certainly and Continental ABS worth the extra $500. as standard. Unlike the Two models of the 650MT Tracer, it also offers two are offered, one with the mapping modes: sport and panniers and one without. touring. Around town, it The CFMoto 650 parallel was difficult to pick any twin is a direct copy of difference between the possibly the world’s most modes but on the highways, underrated powerplant: the touring mode felt Kawasaki’s DOHC parallel smoother. The bike the twin. Introduced in 2006, 650MT replaces actually the engine has featured had three modes – one in Kawasaki’s own ER-6 specifically for rain. It’s and Versys models but has curious that it didn’t make been the engine of choice the cut for the new model. for lightweight road racers ever since for its strength TRACER RACER and reliability. In the early days of LAMS, Kawasakis with this some manufacturers engine filled positions simply put throttle stops Yamaha calls ‘knuckle but it’s disadvantaged two to 10 at this year’s IoM on existing models to guards’, which double as slightly by fork dive under Lightweight TT that was satisfy compliance and the wind deflectors for your brakes before cornering. won by Michael Rutter on result felt like the original hands. Combined with the When the brakes are an exotic Italian Paton. bike had been shot with a screen, rider comfort is released and throttle is Oh, wait a minute – Paton tranquiliser dart. Yamaha’s considerably enhanced. applied, the change in uses stock Kawasaki 650 655cc version of its twin Typical of Yamaha, there the bike’s attitude can be twin engines as well. has had deep engineering is an extensive array of disconcerting. Racing at the IoM is input and is a great stand- factory accessories for The other side of this probably the cruelest thing alone engine. owners to personalise their coin is the 650MT has you can do to a bike, but It has a 270-degree ABOVE: Semi-soft panniers mounts. Were the bike ours, a very comfortable ride if you aren’t using this crank with an uneven are standard on the Tracer, we’d fit heated grips ($306), over rough terrain and engine, you won’t finish in firing interval giving it but the 650MT’s are bigger probably the heated seat unsealed roads, which is the top order. It’s fast and a distinctive sound but and more rebust. ($675) and definitely the just what you’d expect from as tough as nails. also assisting in ramping taller screen ($255). a good adventure tourer. Just to prove the CFMoto up torque from very low Adjustable spring and version is cut from the revs. The basic engine is to two-up, high-speed the Tracer’s touring ROAD RAGERS damper settings on the rear same cloth, CFMoto has shared with the MT-07 and touring stability. credentials. On the road, some shock and damping on the had factory-backed racers XSR700, but the bike has Suspension travel at While we’re fast differences between the forks will allow owners to at the IoM for the past four ‘Tracer’ family features the front is 130mm and accepting ABS as standard bikes became immediately set the bike up just for their years with a creditable P14 including a 50mm longer Yamaha claims rear on bikes now, along apparent. The CFMoto weight and circumstances. in this year’s Lightweight , giving it a suspension travel of with that the Tracer has 650MT is set up for The Tracer only has race and a highest race wheelbase of 1450mm and 142mm. Fuel capacity is some thoughtful touring adventure touring with long spring preload adjustment position of 11. increasing rear suspension 17 litres (up from 14 on the features like standard travel front suspension. It for the shock, but Yamaha The 650MT’s engine travel, which contributes MT-07), which underlines panniers and what can be ridden very quickly, has been making bikes

56 trademotorcycles.com.au 57 SECOND OPS LAMS COMPARISON CHARRIS: “It’s not that the 650MT lacks responsiveness – YAMAHA TRACER 700 VS CFMOTO 650MT The CFMoto is pretty good to ride, but it’s just that the Tracer has bucket-loads of it” the Yamaha is on another level. No cruise control option on either, however.

KAZ: That price gap is impossible to ignore!

CAM: Where are the compromises, Groff? The 650MT seems so cheap it makes me nervous.

ROOTH: Jeez, I sure hope you get more than an extra headlight for that $6000. That difference would pay for a quick lap of Australia.

Both bikes also share be a mechanical engineer of looking down on the THE BACK POCKET 5.5L/100km, reducing its ABOVE: It can be hard to find in a relatively upright to open and close them. Tracer and its pilot and As usual, our test fuel range to 330km. Saner the cold and Charris isn’t helping. seating position. Both Pillion comfort is line- there’s generally more consumption figures riding would produce much BELOW LEFT: Both screens have manually adjustable ball although the accessory room on the bike, making were higher than normal better results, although offer height adjustment but the screens but neither screen heated comfort seat for the it potentially more because they include CFMoto’s claim of a range Tracer screen is easier to adjust is really big enough to offer Tracer and wider pillion comfortable for taller performance testing and of 400 kilometres would on the move. significant protection. seat base would probably riders. The downside is, some sustained high-speed require very judicious use They’re better than get it over the line for those relative to the beautifully riding. Regardless, the of the right hand. for a long time and the nothing, of course, and, in traveling long distances in balanced Tracer, the Tracer returned 4.73 litres The design of the CFMoto stock settings are very the case of the Tracer, the cold climes. 650MT feels a little top- per 100km, giving it a range 650MT engine is now 11 appropriate for both solo screen is complemented by heavy. Shorter riders will of around 360 kilometres. years old and the Tracer and two-up riding. The some wind protection of the ERGOMANIA enjoy the Tracer’s more The 650MT has a litre extra benefits from much bike lends itself better to rider’s hands. The 650MT These bikes are both compact dimensions. in its fuel tank but recorded newer technology, which sports riding on good roads, needs this feature but presented as long-distance Yamaha claims a seat but when the going gets inexpensive, aftermarket transports so potential height of 835mm compared tougher, the 650MT comes options are available. buyers will focus on with the 840mm of the COMPETITION into its own. The Tracer While panniers are comfort and ergonomics. 650MT, but the Tracer looks Kawasaki Versys 650L leans towards the touring standard on the Yamaha, While the riding positions lower than that. CFMoto $10,199 (plus on-road costs) side of the ledger while the they’re light and won’t are similar, there are subtle offers an 820mm seat height 649cc parallel twin 650MT flirts more with survive much banging differences. option for a modest $165. 41kW (55hp) at 8000rpm adventure. or misuse. Yamaha calls The 650MT is a bigger Both bikes offer the 55Nm at 5500rpm Both bikes benefit them ‘semi-soft’ (hard bike than the Tracer. It’s technology to move the 210kg (wet), 19L fuel tank from excellent original- inner, soft outer) and longer by 12mm, wider handlebar forward or Royal Enfield Himalayan equipment tyres: Michelin they’re really only suitable by 29mm and higher by a back according to the $6990 rideaway Pilot Road 4 in the case for the light loads you substantial 62mm. Thanks preference of riders. 441cc single of the Tracer and Pirelli might take for a weekend to the extended swingarm There is reach adjustment 18kW (24hp) at 6500rpm Scorpion Trail IIs for the away when you’re staying on the Tracer, the 650MT for the brake lever on the 32Nm at 4000rpm 650MT. Brake feel on in pubs. The $500 optional has a 35mm shorter Tracer while the 650MT 182kg (wet), 15L fuel tank the Yamaha is sensuous panniers on the 650MT wheelbase. The 650MT’s allows adjustment for and effective while the are solid and attached to a height allows for 30mm both levers. Suzuki V-Strom 650 650MT is less sensitive substantial frame. They’re more ground clearance Instruments are full- $13,490 rideaway and requires more easy to attach and look enhancing its rough road digital on both bikes with 645cc V-twin concentration, but the raw like they’ll go the distance. suitability. the Tracer getting the nod 35kW (47hp) at 8500rpm power is there in the end Also, for a pleasant The rider on the 650MT for its less cluttered and 56Nm at 4000rpm when you need it. change, you don’t have to actually has the sensation easier-to-read presentation. 216kg (wet), 20L fuel tank

58 trademotorcycles.com.au 59

LAMS COMPARISON YAMAHA TRACER 700 VS CFMOTO 650MT

explains the different fuel CFMoto has just one efficiencies. A consolation message but it’s compelling: YAMAHA TRACER 700 CFMOTO 650MT for 650MT owners is that you can fulfill your dream ENGINE: ENGINE: at an average of 10,000km of touring on a TYPE: Liquid-cooled, DOHC, TYPE: Liquid-cooled, DOHC, eight- each year with petrol costing very competent, reliable, eight-valve parallel-twin valve parallel-twin $1.20 per litre, it will take new bike with a two-year CAPACITY: 655cc CAPACITY: 649cc & : 83 x 60mm the Tracer owner 66 years warranty for less than $7000 BORE & STROKE: 78 x 68.6mm COMPRESSION RATIO: 11.0:1 COMPRESSION RATIO: 11.3:1 (and 660,000km) to get back ride-away. With currently FUEL SYSTEM: EFI FUEL SYSTEM: EFI the extra money he paid for 80 dealers nationally and his bike in the first place. a growing market, it’s not PERFORMANCE: PERFORMANCE: POWER: 41kW (55hp) at 9500rpm susceptible to the usual POWER: 38kW (52hp) at 8000rpm TORQUE: 57.5Nm at 4000rpm TORQUE: 62Nm at 7000rpm MARKET FORCES criticism of new entrants Anyone doing Marketing that dealer support will be TRANSMISSION: TRANSMISSION: 101 would question the lacking. Get used to seeing TYPE: Six-speed TYPE: Six-speed price difference between the the brand name. CLUTCH: Wet, multi-plate CLUTCH: Wet, multi-plate FINAL DRIVE: Chain FINAL DRIVE: Chain Tracer 700 and the 650MT At the top of the LAMS on the assumption that, for segment, the Tracer will be CHASSIS & RUNNING GEAR: CHASSIS & RUNNING GEAR: the LAMS segment, price fighting it out with its sibling FRAME: Diamond, engine as a FRAME: Diamond, engine as a stressed member would be critical. Yamaha, MT-07 and Triumph’s Street stressed member FRONT SUSPENSION: Telescopic FRONT SUSPENSION: Telescopic however, has other fish to Triple S as the best LAMS fork, non-adjustable fork, adjustable damping, 140mm fry. It’s looking at entry-level bike money can buy but, REAR SUSPENSION: Monoshock, REAR SUSPENSION: Monoshock, tourers, sure, but it knows with the latter two fitting adjustable for preload adjustable for preload and FRONT BRAKES: Twin 282mm damping, 145mm they’re not teenagers and will into the performance naked’ discs with four-piston calipers, FRONT BRAKES: Twin 300mm be cashed up enough not to niche, the Tracer has a very ABS discs with four-piston calipers, pay too much attention to good argument for claiming REAR BRAKE: 245mm disc with ABS twin-piston caliper, ABS REAR BRAKE: 240mm disc with the sticker price. Besides, it’s the best all-rounder twin-piston caliper, ABS by normal motorcycle in its segment and a great WHEELS & TYRES: standards, $12,299 isn’t all motorcycle in its own right. WHEELS: 17 x 2.5-inch (f), 17 WHEELS & TYRES: that expensive. If the price isn’t an issue, x 4.25-inch (r), 10-spoke cast WHEELS: 17 x 3.5-inch (f), aluminium 17 x 4.5-inch (r), 10-spoke cast It’s also looking at other there’s your bike. TYRES: 120/70 R17 (f), 180/55 R17 aluminium buyers as well: older riders The CFMoto 650MT (r), Michelin Pilot Road 4 TYRES: 120/70 R17 (f), 160/60 R17 who are having trouble with doesn’t go home without (r), Pirelli Scorpion Trail 11 DIMENSIONS the size and weight of their its own trophy: in terms & CAPACITIES: DIMENSIONS current mount but want to of LAMS value for money, WET WEIGHT: 196kg & CAPACITIES: keep touring; riders who it’s currently unbeatable SEAT HEIGHT: 835mm WET WEIGHT: 213kg want one bike but it needs and will be the platform on WHEELBASE: 1450mm SEAT HEIGHT: 840mm (820mm optional) to be good at commuting which many touring and FUEL CAPACITY: 17L WHEELBASE: 1415mm as well as touring; and adventure stories will be OTHER STUFF: FUEL CAPACITY: 18L existing LAMS owners who written by new entrants to PRICE: From $12,299 ($NZ13,999) want to step up but don’t riding. There isn’t anything plus on-road costs OTHER STUFF: PRICE: $6990 rideaway yet feel ready for a Munch it can’t competently turn its COLOURS: Radical Red, Tech Black COLOURS: White, blue Mammoth. Yamaha knows hand to including losing your or Yamaha Blue WARRANTY: Two-year/unlimited substantial portions of these licence with its 175km/h- WARRANTY: Two-year/unlimited kilometres customer bases have the plus top speed. We’ll be kilometres BIKE SUPPLIED BY: BIKE SUPPLIED BY: www.CFMoto.com.au money and are prepared to watching its development www.Yamaha-Motor.com.au pay for perceived quality. with great interest. • 60