FOR MOST folk, a sport-touring bike makes the perfect compromise for their riding needs. A capable, taut chassis, with a grunty, character-laden engine that can carve through the twisties on a Sunday blast with mates – then do the commuting schlepp in comfort all week long. Add in the comfort and carrying capacity for a two-week biking holiday with the significant other and you have the perfect do-it-all machine.
And Yamaha’s celebrating its sport-touring bike range next weekend (June 9-10) with a nationwide event at all its dealers. The full range of sport-tourers – the Tracer 900, Tracer 900 GT, Tracer 700, and FJR1300 – will all be available to book for demo rides. And everyone who goes out on a demo ride gets a free Yamaha-branded USB power bank – nice.
Yamaha’s put a lot of effort into its sporty-touring range over the past few years. A lot of that is down to its new MT-based Tracer range – the 700 and 900 variants have been a massive hit for riders – as well as being critically acclaimed by the media. The Tracer has a spot-on mix, with an amazing engine, backed up by a tall adventure-style chassis design, wind-cheating fairing and long-range comfort for two. Yamaha also moved things up a notch with the Tracer 900 GT for 2018 – a high-spec version with improved suspension, hard luggage, colour LCD dashboard and a load of other touring extras. The 700 offers much of the same benefits – but in a smaller, lighter package.
All the Tracer range are massively capable all-rounders. But if you want something with an even stronger touring bias, the mighty FJR1300 is well worth a look. The inline-four engine is a real powerhouse, with masses of grunty power, perfect for compressing continents. The chassis and equipment package also makes light of big trips – two-up 500-mile days are a breeze on the FJR when needed.
If you’ve not had a spin on a Tracer or an FJR – we’d definitely recommend popping along. Most Yamaha dealers will also have other attractions and events on over the weekend – get in touch with your local showroom to find out more.
More details on the event here.
* Feature promoted in association with Yamaha.
