When riders ask me which middleweight touring motorcycle I would recommend, they often expect a single answer. After years of travelling across the Balkans and guiding riders from all over the world, I’ve come to realise that there are two completely different ways to travel by motorcycle. Some riders love the road itself—the corners, the mountain passes, and the thrill of every twist in the tarmac. Others simply want a motorcycle that will confidently take them anywhere, no matter what lies ahead.
That’s why, in my opinion, two motorcycles stand out in today’s middleweight touring segment: the Yamaha Tracer 7and the Suzuki V-Strom 800. Neither is the “better” motorcycle. They simply excel at different styles of travel.
The Yamaha Tracer 7 – For Riders Who Love the Road
I often describe the Tracer 7 as a road-focused Ténéré. It combines Yamaha’s brilliant CP2 engine with lightweight handling and genuine touring comfort, creating a motorcycle that feels perfectly suited to European roads. Whether you’re riding through the Alps, exploring Montenegro, or carving your way along the Croatian coast, the Tracer 7 feels alive on twisty roads.
The magic of the Tracer isn’t its horsepower. It’s the way it makes you feel. The CP2 engine is responsive, full of character, and incredibly engaging. Combined with the bike’s low weight and agile chassis, it delivers a sporty riding experience without encouraging excessive speed.
That’s exactly why so many riders love it. You don’t need 150 horsepower to have fun. The Tracer 7 proves that every mountain pass can become an unforgettable ride with the right motorcycle.
Modern equipment also makes it an excellent touring companion. Cruise control, fully adjustable suspension, comfortable ergonomics, luggage options, navigation, and the availability of Yamaha’s Y-AMT transmission make it one of the most complete road-focused touring motorcycles in its class.
If your riding is almost entirely on asphalt and you enjoy technical mountain roads more than long motorway days, the Tracer 7 is exceptionally difficult to beat.
The Suzuki V-Strom 800 – Confidence for Every Journey
The V-Strom 800 approaches travel from a completely different direction. Instead of focusing purely on road performance, it focuses on confidence.
The standard V-Strom 800 offers a combination that is surprisingly difficult to find today: genuine adventure-bike comfort without becoming oversized or intimidating. The comfortable riding position, balanced chassis, cast tubeless wheels, and 19-inch front wheel create a motorcycle that feels equally happy on motorways, mountain roads, poor-quality tarmac, and occasional gravel.
This is the kind of motorcycle that encourages long-distance travel. Whether you’re riding solo, carrying a passenger, or loading the bike with luggage, it remains comfortable and predictable throughout the journey. The engine deserves special mention as well. Smooth, engaging, and full of usable torque, it perfectly matches the bike’s relaxed touring character. Perhaps the biggest compliment I can give the V-Strom 800 is this:
It inspires confidence. Everything about the motorcycle feels solid and built to last.
For riders who value comfort, versatility, and reliability above outright sportiness, it’s one of the strongest choices currently available.
Two Different Ways to Travel
Although these motorcycles compete in a similar price range, they serve different purposes. The Yamaha Tracer 7 is the motorcycle for riders who love the road itself. It rewards every corner, every mountain pass, and every twist of the throttle. The Suzuki V-Strom 800 is the motorcycle for riders who love the journey. It offers confidence, comfort, and the ability to keep going regardless of road conditions or destination. Neither philosophy is better. They’re simply different.
Which Motorcycle Would I Choose?
If my trip involved endless mountain roads across the Balkans, the Alps, or the Dolomites, I would choose the Yamaha Tracer 7. Its lightweight handling, playful character, and road-focused setup make every kilometre enjoyable. If my journey involved crossing countries, travelling two-up, carrying luggage, and occasionally leaving perfect asphalt behind, I would choose the Suzuki V-Strom 800. Its versatility and confidence make it an outstanding all-round touring motorcycle.
Final Thoughts
Many riders spend too much time comparing horsepower figures, electronics, and technical specifications. In reality, choosing the right touring motorcycle is much simpler. Ask yourself one question:
What kind of journey do you dream about?
If you dream about chasing mountain passes and enjoying every corner, the Yamaha Tracer 7 is one of the smartest motorcycles you can buy. If you dream about exploring new countries, carrying everything you need, and never worrying about the road ahead, the Suzuki V-Strom 800 is equally impressive. Both motorcycles deliver something that matters far more than prestige or outright performance.
They make you want to keep travelling. And in my opinion, that’s exactly what a great touring motorcycle should do.
