Yamaha India has registered the 'Tracer' brand name in the country. This could mean three things. First, Yamaha may simply be registering the name here, which was originally done in 2017. Second, Yamaha may launch the existing Tracer 700 or Tracer 900 which are sold overseas, or the company may be developing an India-specific Tracer on similar lines.
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Yamaha may launch the Tracer 700 or 900 in India.
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It could also be developing an India-specific Tracer on an existing platform
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Yamaha India currently doesn't have a multi cylinder motorcycle in its portfolio
If Yamaha decides to launch the international model, the Tracer 700 and the Tracer 900 are the two possibilities. The 700 is based on Yamaha's 700cc platform, with a twin-cylinder engine that makes 73hp and 67Nm. On the other hand, the Tracer 900 could serve as the flagship sport tourer for Yamaha India with a MT-09 based three-cylinder engine that makes 119hp and 93Nm.
Another probability is Yamaha has simply registered the Tracer name without any numerical suffix. Which hints at the possibility that the company might be planning a unique India specific model. The company has already used its international nameplates like FZ and Fazer on India specific models and the Tracer might be next on the list.
The existing FZ25 platform could be used for this purpose. A Tracer 250 would use the same engine and chassis but perhaps with a half-fairing, upright ergonomics, wide seats and provisions to mount luggage. It could also get a long travel suspension and additional ground clearance to handle bad roads or even a light off-road trail.
While it is too early to say what Yamaha India's plans are, it'll be interesting to see if they launch a more affordable 250cc sport tourer to take on the likes of the Dominar 250.
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
