2017 Yamaha Tracer 900 Review
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- čas přidán 8. 08. 2017
- 2017 Yamaha Tracer 900 Review
It's been a while coming but I finally got to ride the big Yamaha Tracer 900 thanks to the kind folks at Brian Gray's Powerbiking in High Wycombe. Stay tuned to see what I thought....
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Glad to see Brian Gray's Powerbiking helping you with demonstration bikes / reviews. I started out my riding career with them several years back (CBT & DAS) and as a dealer they've always been a great help. Ridden old and new alike, currently a 1999 Thundercat.
Love mine. Feels like a 150bhp supermoto to ride. One of the most fun bikes I've owned in 23yrs of riding 👍
+boxertwin69 I agree, a lot more fun than you would think looking at it....
Very good, well presented review and sums up the MT-09 TRA perfectly.
I've had mine for a year now and it's superb.
Local trips in Ireland or long European hauls.....it takes all in its stride and never disgraced in more 'exotic' company.
Great review, thank you. How refreshing for a reviewer to have no ego whatsoever. Detailed and informative, concentrating on the bike rather than how fast you can go while disregarding all other road users (as with so many others).
+Humphrey Humbottom Thank you Humphrey, much appreciated- TMF
I love your honest reviews. You have a really good way of presenting ! Great job.
Great review!
You're absolutely right about being surprised by this bike. The first 5 minutes on this bike put the biggest grin on my face!!! One of the best bikes I've owned. Does everything very well.
Agreed, a lovely ride.....
Planning to buy this bike soon and this is by far the most complete and informative review yet. Thank you!
Glad you found it of use! Enjoy the bike....
Another superb review Mr. MF. Also nice to recognise some familiar roads that I rode when I wore a younger mans boots!
I bought myself an MT-09 Tracer last year and it's becoming one of my favourite bikes across over a half century of riding.
I thought you review was excellent. Based almost wholly on the riding experience and feel of the bike. Not bogged down by technical jargon and nit-picking. One or two comparisons from your own experience of other marques was helpful as well.
All in all, a 'proper' riders review as opposed to some self indulgent 'expert' spouting trail, rake, power-to-weight and compression ratio's. Good man!
Thanks for the kind comments - much appreciated! All the best - TMF
Another fantastic review as always TMF and hugely enjoyable to watch. As an ex biker of similar age to yourself I'm looking to get back to it for next year after a few years off two wheels, so your reviews are really appreciated, the only problem being my list of bikes to test ride is getting ever longer! Still better to be spoilt for choice than not I guess! Keep them coming 👍🏻
Thanks Simon - it's a great time to be a new bike buyer...so spoiled for choice at the moment!
I've just found your channel this morning.. absolutely awesome and informative videos very impartial. Keep up the good work. I really want to try the MT09 to make up a nice all rounder!
Thank you Lewis and welcome along!
Lots of new designs coming out! Great to see!
Indeed - great time to be a bike buyer!
You are pure cruiser guy for sure, the way you riding clearly shows this. Cool video
Wow, it sounds great. Love the 3-cyl sound
After your review I have now gone and purchased a 2015 version of the tracer 900. Thank you for a really good review.
Congratulations Darren!
Well done ... another good wrap as always. I have been looking to downgrade from my Vulcan classic cruiser 1600cc (63 yrs young and wanting a lighter ride) and with your help, I think I have just found her. Vrrrooommm. I was thinking V-Strom 1050 XT, Versys 1000, MT10. But now with this 18 ltr fuel tank on the Tracer for touring the long distances around Australia, sports-like attributes, power, and with a good pillion seat for the boss :) It has sold me. Not too many fuel stops and more riding. Now for a test ride. Thanks mate you have been very helpful. Keep those reviews coming...Cheers from down under :) and keep well...
Thabnks - you too!
Hey TMF - love this review! I too, fell in love with the 'wired' triple engine shown at the NEC (2012 btw - time flies eh?!). Am slightly biased and love my Yammys and particularly longed for the triple engine.
I'm so pleased to have finally got my own - not done many miles yet as the weather is pretty average atm but am really loving it. Thx again for the honest review - helped me make up my mind that I defo needed one!
Stay shiny side up, R x
Wow was that 2012!!! Where did that time go!!!!
Great review, a bit of a 'dream' bike for me. I can't wait until we have some nice, gently used FJ-09's on the market in the U.S. for around $5K. One of the best features in terms of maintenance and reliability is the 28,000 mile intervals for valve clearance inspections and/or adjustments.
Yes i wish I'd mentioned that - good call.....
Good review and I appreciate that you share the context and backstory to put the machine into focus better.
Cheers Scott as ever.....great bike this one, have you tried one??
I've been thinking about changing my 1200GS for something a bit more manageable now I've turned 70 and having seen your excellent review I think the Tracer is the bike for me. I love the GS but it is big and heavy to move about although no problem once on the move. I did the NC500 on it last June and had a few dodgy moments on the slow twisty bits! Now I've seen your video of the Tracer my mind is made up. Thanks again and keep up the good work.
Glad to be of assistance Dave!
I’m 74. I just got back from 90 days doing the Alps on a T700. It is too high for me. I was six feet. Now 5’ 10”. My inseam is 30. I have the T700 in France. I’m going to get the Tracer GT here because there ain’t too many places to make use of the T700 in the USA and the are thousands of miles apart. I don’t like real dirt anyway. This bike is a much better street bike than the T700. And I would have no issue with it in paved switchbacks.
I'm looking to buy a bike as a present for myself. So this holiday season. I will binge watch TMF journalistic reviews 😆. As always. Thank you Sir.
Sounds like the perfect holiday! ;0)
You talked through the bike very well, most other reviewers don't stop to show the bike. Good job!
Thank you!
Just added some Barkbuster Storm hand guards to mine today, easy to fit and I really wish I'd done this a lot sooner. Handlebar width is reduced a few inches making filtering easier and the overall ridiculous bulk of the stock guards is gone, looks much better now. Also, the guards actually protect from the cold now, all five fingers were fine on a ride out today, I could probably ditch my heated gloves and rely only on the heated grips.
I know im asking randomly but does any of you know of a way to get back into an instagram account..?
I was stupid lost my login password. I love any assistance you can give me
@Anson Emmitt Instablaster =)
@Maverick Gavin i really appreciate your reply. I found the site through google and Im in the hacking process atm.
Seems to take a while so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
@Maverick Gavin It worked and I now got access to my account again. Im so happy!
Thanks so much, you really help me out !
@Anson Emmitt No problem :D
I've had a 2015 for nearly 4 years and I've yet to find a bike I like better. Great review!
Thanks...
Excellent review as always, thanks! I have a Suzuki GSX S1000F which i am tired of (mainly the rubbish, choppy suspension and snatchy throttle) so have been deliberating over a new 'Bike for all'. Have been considering a BMW S1000R, MT-10 and at the last minute the Tracer 09. Your review has nailed it for me .... Cheers again, keep up the great work! 😊 👍🏻
+Simon Harvey Cheers Simon - you won’t really go wrong with either of those bikes, all superb...
Nice review. I test rode a 2018 MT 09 and loved it, but this might be better, as I dpn't really want a hooligan bike and I like a bit of weather protection, ie.fairings.
Thanks for the review. Really interested in this bike, but not available in U.S. until second half of 2018. Looks like I might have to wait longer for a new bike. Cheers! Keep up the good work!
How odd is that! ....and thanks for watching - TMF
Yet another great, to the point, informative review. Thinking about swapping my Versys 650 for the FJ-09/Tracer. I thoroughly enjoy long rides, but being from North GA USA, I need a bike that can handle the twisties as well. I believe this bike would fit me well.
Yes excellent machines these!
Great review, I've had this bike for a year now and I can confirm that it is great bike.
Glad we agree....
You are not in a Court of Law : No need to confirm.
Yamaha makes phenomenal machines
Cheers for the review TMF. Nothing mentioned about wind buffering or high speed wobble on motorways? Top two groans on the forums.
Hammer House of Horror, I used to love those Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing movies when I was a kid. The Tracer is sweet, but I am happy with my 1050 Tiger.
I’ve just got myself one, I’ve be out of biking for 20 plus years, it’s an absolutely amazing bike, so much torque, I’d recommend one to anyone. It’s like a 125 with a massive power plant.
Do you think I'd be OK jumping straight to one of these from a ktm 350 dirt bike?
@@socialising6037 I don’t see why not, you’ve had plenty of experience on the KTM I take it? It’s all down to your right hand at the end of the day, it’s a pretty fast bike, it’s not too heavy and it handles reasonably well.
@@jimjoelliejack yh put about 2500 miles on it been riding for nearly 3 years on the road it doesn't hang around gets up to 75 in couple of seconds just don't want to lose to much acceleration, did start off by looking at the Honda cb650r or the cbr650 but on the videos I've watched the power doesn't come in till your right up the revs, where as on my dirt bike it's instant pull. Thanks for the reply
Glad you like it TMF
big fan of your channel
have had my Tracer 900 now for a couple of months and have to agree with all your comments, great bike to ride, traded a Ducati 1098s for the Tracer and had a Kwaka 1000 and now have the two bikes in one with the Tracer
+Ash Boyd Nice one, thanks Ash...
I sold my motorbike and bought a replica of Glenda Jackson's skull. I'm going to seal all the holes and fill it with goat snot.
Knacker Are you off your medications again?
Love my tracer, I have 3 bikes and when I want a big smile on my face that's the one I pick. Mines a 2015 with 9000 miles and don't have any rust yet despite living in Yorkshire. Seats a tad hard that's my only complaint but I've got a air hawk now so it's better.
Nice one Garry, loved that bike.....
Looking at it's competition I like the design and overall characteristics of this!
+Phantom Rides :0)
Phantom Rides I like the Triumph Tiger 800. So much better than others in class. Plus cruise control on X models.
Great review as always. Glad you enjoyed the bike. I love mine. Feel the same about the headlights. However whilst you rode in the day you perhaps didn't experience just how good that single light i, it's the best I have ever encountered on a Motorcycle so far. When filtering I tend to put on high beam during the day and have had car drivers fold their mirrors in as the light is so bright, but at least I know they know I'm coming. Addicted to the triple engine. Only downside I can find for the Tracer is what out there is better, what do I go for to replace her with so far nothing has ticked as many boxes as she does.
Nice one Charlie - out of interest have you ridden the XSR900?
Late commenter! But I should say that I've just bought one of these and your review was bar far the most informative. I had an Mt07 here in Aus that I wrote off recently (that was a fun surgery to rebuild my finger) and I'm so excited to have a bike that's more "serious" haha! I did Sydney to Melbourne (2000km round trip) on an R3 and my God it will be much more comfortable on a tracer! Keep up the great work!
Congrats Joe and hope the finger is fully fixed! All the best - TMF
I LIKE THIS MORE THAN THE TRIUMPH Great vid mate
Great review as usual. I have this bikes older brother XSR900 and its great.
Yes I loved the XSR900, did you see my review of that? - amazing machine....
Top review again, thanks TMS. I thinks it's a little frustrating that the current fashion is for 'transformer' styling which irks me more than a little. I've had an '02 TDM 900 since new and it still meets my needs after 135,000km but the Tracer would be absolutely perfect if it just looked 'nice' not bitsy with things stuck everywhere... oh well, I have a '96 T'Bird cafe to get my triple thrills on and the TDM for touring. Where will the next fashion come from I wonder?
+Chris Heggie Luckily I quite like the transformers look, but completely take your point - thanks for watching - TMF
oh TMF you make shopping for a motorcycle so FUN! ~ except i can only get ONE bike and that still a year or so away.. so, i'll have to listen and watch (and eagerly await) more of your video reviews! (many for second or third time) ~ meantime, this bike is #1 contender (with a bullet ! )
Great review. I have done a few multi-day trips on mine and you will have to get a better seat. The stock one is like a plank after a few hours riding. Also, most people will have to add mirror extenders to be able to see properly. The rear stock tire will be shot around 12000 kms. Love the bike.
Great real world info My17A - cheers!
Great review! I traded my 2013 FJR1300 for a 2017 Tracer 900 (FJ-09 in the US) in June and you can imagine how nimble it seemed to me coming from the FJR. I did a video myself about the switch and also described the Tracer as a hoot. I love it! I thought I would agree with you about the headlights when I first got the Tracer but now I like them. The left is the low beam and the right is the high beam. When the bright switch is on, both are illuminated and you can ride like this in the daytime if you like. At night, having both on really illuminates the road very well from close up to a long way off. With the brights off and only the left light illuminated, you still have great visibility at night. In every way, the night time visibility is better than the 2013 FJR. I suspect that having the low and high beams in two different headlights simplifies designing the reflectors for the LEDs and makes them more efficient. By the way, in addition to the slipper/assist clutch, the 2017 Tracer has an improved ECU with much better fueling and an improved suspension relative to the 2014-2016 models.
Cheers Daniel - always great to have an owners feedback and glad we concur!
FJR1300 used to be my dream bike... until the XSR900 came out :) which seemed more manageable coming from a Fazer 600.
I also went from an FJR to a Tracer, what a difference! I still miss the FJR on the long fast highways but this one also takes you to your destination quite well, and once there it's a world apart!
Daniel Graham 2015 fjr owner, would consider the fj09 if it had cruise control. I can do 800 miles a day with ease on the fjr. My other bike is a honda cb1000r so yes going from the fjr to the cb its quite a change. But nothing beats all day comfort of my fjr.
You must be as interested as I am in the Tracer 900 GT then!
Brilliant review. Thinking about changing my z1000sx to either this or a Ducati 950 or a Tiger Sport.
Great review as always.
Did you? I am a former z1000sx thinking of this or another z1000sx haha
@@ondank I did. Ended up with a tracer900gt
I really enjoy your videos as I like how you blend both the passion of riding a bike and the practical aspects of the ride and ownership experience. I do have one request: would it be possible to insert a clip or photo of you on a bike so that we can see your riding position (while in motion) and stationary with feet on the ground? Not sure how you would go about this since you are a one man production crew, but I suspect a You Tube superstar such as yourself can figure it out!
Hi Brian, thanks for your vote of confidence and recognition of my one man crew limitations.....all I can say is I'll think about it!! Cheers for watching....TMF
Great review, thank you. Following the review and the wonderful triple sound track ( I'm that old I've owned 2 XS750's, don't really know why 2? sounded great with 3>1 , sadly that's about all. . . and a K75s . I My current 1450 Roadking sounds great and actually a good ride. However, so heavy to move around manually . . . probably not the best option with health issues. . .
your bike reviews are outstanding, imagine a lot of dealers falling over themselves to loan you their motorcycles.
Thanks Martin - if only that were the case (Kawasaki? Ducati? Aprillia?? - Local dealer doesn't eve return my calls/mails)....
Well that's their loss int' it.
Just book a test ride in the same way anyone else would, they don't need to know you film your ride.
Shame on these other dealers. TMF, Blade Motorcycles in Abingdon [if it's not too far from you] will let you test ride their bikes . They are good people there so check them out if you can. They do Kawasaki, Honda, Ducati and Harley Davidson motorcycles so you have a good choice there. I test road the new Z900 they had and wow what a machine. It was an absolute blast. Anyway, it's just an idea since your having difficulty with some of these other makes. Happy biking.
So no chance of testing the Multistrada 950 for a comparisson? Would be great to get your impression of the two.
Really detailed walk around as usual but today you left the left side of the bike in the dark. A few places on the way in appeared to have a brighter opening to show both sides. Also perhaps a display of the centre stand may have been helpful to lift that left side. Having said that I have waited awhile to find such a comprehensive review of this bike our local dealer used only one word to describe this Tracer "Fun". Thanks for the more comprehensive second opinion.
Cheers Dallas, sorry about the shortcomings but hopefully I gave you more insight than the dealer!
I'm waiting for the GT but I don't like the gold forks, Yamaha should give the option for black forks like on the standard Tracer 900. Thanks for the great review.
Thanks for watching Frank!
I think everyone is excited about the upcoming Tracer 900GT. I'm hearing June for N. America. Can't wait!
Great review , this was off the radar for me but looking to replace my street triple so I will get a test ride
+puds boi Well worth a go, it might surprise you. Great to hear from you again - it's been a while!
I loved those Hammer studio films.R.I.P. Sir Christopher and Peter.
Great review TMF.👍👍
Yes they had a certain charm about them didn’t they....
@@TheMissendenFlyer
Yes,they did.I need to add those films to my collection.
I must say, I was quite worried when I saw your vid pop up, I've not long put a deposit down on one of these in the black. Hopefully picking her up a week Saturday. I'm biased but, great review TMF and thanks for not ruining my day. RSM8.
Cheers Ben - you'll be fine, you made a great choice :0)
Great review as all ways now do one for me monster 1200 might be my next bike
So many nice bikes to choose from these days unless you are a brand specific fan boy ! Once again nice review sir!
+T Sav Thank you :0)
Thanks TMF, your review answered many of my questions. The 2018 MT-09 Tracer GT is definitely on my shortlist for a good step up over my current '12 Wee-Strom. Now that you have ridden the Versys 1000 (and I've watched that review) may I ask, which did you prefer more, the Tracer or the Versys as a good all rounder?
Both feel very different - the Tracer is light agile and fast, the Versys a bit more "grown up" - I preferred the Versys actually, mainly due looks, but I'm probably in a minority there....
How can it be an all rounder if it's not really useable off road? I currently have a TDM900, I guess it must be similar. Thanks for the review, top video!
Love your reviews and been watching them for a while now because I want to switch to a lighter bike. Currently riding a BMW R1150RT. Only thing I miss in all these reviews is how the Tracer 900 performance when riding with a passenger.
Yes I can't answer that one I'm afraid....
Put a body on the back.
Your right about the weight, it feels very nimble and rides like a supermoto. The engine is definitely the star of the show. I felt a little sore after a few hours in the saddle on my trip back to Calais but I toured 2 up with no issues. Had the Vstrom 650 and this think felt ballistic when I moved to the Tracer. It gets a bit flirty when you push on and the screen is poor but I'm 6'3 so I guess I'll always struggle. I'd love to hear the differences between my 2015 and the new model. Fueling isn't great on mine but I heard they improved it on the new model.
Yes I didn't notice an issue - great bike, really liked this one. Thanks for watching - TMF
TheMissendenFlyer keep up the good work. Enjoying the reviews!
Good review as per usual, I have those tyres on my mt09 and find them awful when they’re not hot or it’s cold out, did you notice the same? Love that triple engine punch
To be honest no, but then I only rode the bike for a short while - luckily a problem easily fixed though eh?
Nice review, I think the American version will be my next bike. My last bike was a Valkyre. The wife and I really liked that bike but I think I’d like something smaller and sportier when I’m alone ridding. Been looking at the 3 versions of this bike and I think this version meets our needs best. I like that I can mount bags to it for longer day rides. My wife’s cousin and her husband ride with us on long all day trips, the bags will make a nice addition in that case. They have a big ultra classic Harley that’s fully dressed. My Valkyre was a standard without bags or a trunk.
Thanks for watching and for stopping by! All the best - TMF
This is the second really good video review of this bike ...tempted to think it's actually the great bike which makes these reviews so good ..haha well in fact obviously this review and video is excellent too. Thank you very much. But yeah seems a great bike - and cheap-ish and a bloody centre stand. gawd.
I don't think you can go far wrong with one of these....
Indeed, it's amazing how little gems can arise. The quality, the design, seems like some very clever people were involved with this bike. Makes me think that just as music producers are often a signifcant part of good music (and are then renowned) - maybe we should do more to follow the lead engineers or teams involved with creating the best motorcycles.
Thank you TMF got a new 2017 in the same blue today. It was new but old stock 4,000 (AUD) (2,200 GBP) off the current price. Your review helped me decide. Thank you.
Glad to be of help!
@@TheMissendenFlyer I had a Honda Transalp Xlv700. So what does a 62 year old man need? More power of course!
@@broncosgjn I'm older than you and still ride : my bike and my misses.
@@erikroberts1899 you dog!!!!!!!!!!!!
Great review my man.I wish it has cornering abs tho.and I wish it has a TFT display and it would be a perfect bike.
Cheers Lawrenz - what’s the betting the next version of the bike will have a TFT display?
Ha! I thought you'd like it. I'm loving mine. Just done a 2300 mile tour of Scotland no problem. An easy bike to live with. I particularly value your opinion as you have experience of so many machines and give unbiased and honest comparisons. I have a couple of gripes. The first bar of the fuel gauge is longer than all the rest and does nothing for 60 miles then disappears. Not very helpful. At least it has two trip recorders so you can reset one when you fill and monitor fuel range that way. My other gripe is the hardness of the seat. I speced the optional "comfort" seat but still found that too hard. I had it modified with a memory foam pad insert, which makes all the difference for long days in the saddle. When we took the cover off there was only about 5mm of soft foam over the hard foam base!
Yes a few have mentioned the hard seat - I didn't notice it but then I didn't do a 7 hour day on it! ....and yes it's annoying when fuel gauges do that, I think it's a common issue....thanks for watching - TMF
John, I test rode a 2017 model and found the engine vibration under acceleration to be a bit rough - is that normal for these bikes and does it smooth out with mileage?
I've come to it from a lifetime of twins, so it feels turbine smooth to me.
Ha OK fair enough - I am coming from a Triumph Explorer which was so smooth it would almost send you to sleep! I found the Tracer very smooth under 4000rpm then it would get rough up to 7000rpm - I think it's a characteristic of that Yamaha triple to be honest. I was seriously impressed with it and will have a new one in the next couple of weeks.
Bought myself a 2018 Tracer about a month ago. Love it. I do agree with your own experience. Keep up the good work with your reviews!
i test redid the bike an fell in love with it...my next bike will be this
Looking forward to you reviewing the new 2018 Tracer 900 GT which will have heated grips, taller wing screen and cruise control which are missing from the current model.
It's a new model, so the other models wouldn't have them would they,
Hi ive got a CB500X & i still love it but when im gonna get a bigger bike: its will shurely be a Tracer 900
I've had my 2016 MT-09 Tracer (as they are here) for about 7 months now (got a discount for end of year model) and have thoroughly enjoyed it. I've done a few thousand miles of mainly twisties with some urban errand running and some expressway/motorway and it's been effortless.
The only minor note is that the 12V socket is on a 2A fuse, so don't try running any electric pump or similar from it! :)
+Gura Hamu Glad you are enjoying it Gura, great bike....and good tip re the 12v socket....
Cracking review as always! So, for a premium, capable and fun all-rounder - this or the Ducati Supersport then?
Well I've not ridden the Ducati Supersport (yet) so for now, this has to be it...
Great review as always, TMF. Could you pitch this bike as a realistic alternative to bikes such as the BMW GS (albeit the Yamaha having far fewer bells and whistles), including in relation to pillion comfort and load carrying?
Yes sure it could be, it delivers 90% of something like a GS but at probably half the cost (once you've specc'd up a GS - nobody buys the base model)
TheMissendenFlyer .. on May have bought one of these 2017, i was interested of your opinion... Thanks for great review, have been waiting for it! ride safe!
Do you agree with my summary?
absolutely YES, I agree. I have done just over 2000miles on it and I have same things to say... i have owned few bikes before including sport tourers, and i think in my opinion Yamaha Tracer 900 is very first bike i really like so much and by the way, you can get the bike for affordable money.
Great review... I was waiting for you to shift to 'A' mode or animal mode, when I rode one in 2014 found the engine seemed too powerful for the back end and weedy chain, just as well it has traction control! Hooligan bike oh yes!.
Robert Bates oh Yeah. traction control OFF and mode A... you will be surprised how fast front wheel comes up :-)
The two vs one headlights thing I've heard is basically what you said but the safety reason has to do with perceived distance. Because a bike's dual headlights would be somewhat close together a car motorist could think its another car a fair distance away and in reality its a bike that is almost ready to pass by in the other lane. I agree with you though...does look bizarre...kind of like when LED daytime running lights shut off while the indicator is flashing.
Great channel.
I’d like to ask if you felt this MT09 Tracer had the Snatchy throttle at low speeds, the MT09 (naked) appears to suffer with?
Keep up the good work
I didn’t notice it Chris no...,
Love your reviews. Am wondering how you think this stacks up against the Triumph Sport 1050? The Tracer just seems like such a good value package. Would appreciate your thoughts. Cheers
The Tiger Sport feels much more substantial, the Tracer 900 is much more agile and probably quicker. Personally I prefer the Triumph but I know I’m in a minority on that!
Fantastic review!What a great bike,but if budget is not a problem,would you go for this instead of the Multistrada 950??
+nicolas rap Dunno, I'm yet to try the Multistrada!
Spot on ,seat is so hard I can only do a hour and a half in the saddle before a stretch your legs stop is needed , 3000 miles and it gets faster and smother . I can see myself owning this bike for many years.
Yes a fun, light and great value bike - I really liked this one....
in my opinion seat is a bit hard, decided to buy Airhawk 2 Medium Cushion and it is much more comfortable for longer trips i would say, without Airhawk used to do 1.5hours riding then took a break. Airhawk helped me a lot, now i can do 6 or 7 hours riding with no problems at all. On my 2017 Tracer 900 got spot lights which are really strong when riding at night through country side :D
The headlight thing ruins bikes for me.
Yet another great review, and thanks for the detail.
+Sismodium you’re very welcome!
The 900 Tracer was the wallet friendly option of bikes I was looking at to replace my trusted TDM900. Pretty much everything you say is what I thought. The suspension is improved on the 2017 compared to the 2015 bikes which I found did rattle your teeth ( loads of guides online on how to improve that thought).
Yeah its a great bike - excellent value and brilliant fun.....
Great review. Just bought one and picking it up next weekend. Cannot wait. Trying to curb my excitement by watching reviews but it isn’t helping!
Exciting times waiting for a new bike eh?
TheMissendenFlyer the greatest time! Makes the world seem to stop though.
Well done as usual
Thank you...
Great review thank you, question ...so is this bike a more modern TDM 900 esk type of bike which was another great bike?
Err I wouldn't say so no not really....more of a fazer type bike IMO...
Top stuff. Enjoyed the watch.. been waiting for this for a while!
The headlights are LED.. not sure if that makes a difference to why ones on and one isnt.. but they do work really well at night... one focused nearby and the other high beam. Better headlights than the VFR800Vtec, which takes some doing.
Surprised you got on with the screen. Thats one of the biggest complaints with these but easily fixed, fortunately. You must just be of the right height :D.
Oliver Taylor my 04 triumph had a single headlight and had to be converted to show both. It's quite common on dual headlight bikes.
As mentioned a driver's depth perception is affected so it's difficult to judge how far a rider is away with both on but at least they should see you.
what i mean with them being LED's, is that they'd have to be BI-LED's to function with both on and get high beam. Theres quite abit more to that than having 2 LED's the same and having the reflectors different to simulate different beam sets. Alot more expensive to do i should think.
Not quite as easy as H4 halogens as the reflectors work different in LED's. The LED is actually at the top of the reflector and shines down.. rather than in the middle. A H4 works a 2 different length bulbs to get the focus on hi/low
Yeah I'm relatively short so if a screen is going to work, it tends to work with me. As you say, easily fixed though if you are taller...
i'm only about 5 foot 8 (my legs are short mind LOL).. i've swapped the screen to the Givi D2122s and its still abit crap i think but im living with it because i dont fancy an actual windscreen on my bike. lol.
Thanks for the review on the tracer,by any chance have you done a review on the honda nc 750x i did look through your videos but couldnt find anything i am torn between the 2
No I've not ridden one yet - sorry....
Yes Yamaha were very clever to change direction with there bike range, I think it is in direct competition with Triumphs Tiger 800 right down to the triple engine !! Its a great bike at a real world price with out a doubt!
+Neil Cole Agreed....and good to hear from you as ever - TMF
love this bike
Yes it is a corker...thanks for watching and for stopping by once again - TMF
I'm trying to decide between this bike or a V-Strom 1000...looking to do some commuting to work, longer weekend destination type tours and 2-up riding.
Seeing that it is a Sports Tourer I think it should have cruise control.
The MT10 has it & that's more of a sports bike, suppose it's to do with cost.
Another great review👍
+ODanboy You’re probably right...
ODanboy upcoming Tracer 900GT in mid 2018 will have cruise control, heated grips, center stand and improved wind screen
Thabks for a great review. I am about to trade in my xj6 diversion F for one of these. Could i ask how it feels at the high speeds? About 20 mins of my commute is on motorway and I'm a bit concerned about the lack of fairing on this compared to my diversion.. I like the protection the diversion gives me. How does this compare?
+Kyle Graves I used to have a diversion too - the divvy is better at weather protection (slightly)...but the Tracer 900 is so much better in every other way - power, agility, handling, acceleration...you'll love it.
Great review. Is the tracer actually bigger than the mt09 or does it just appear bigger due to the larger fuel tank and wide bars ?
I think it just appears bigger for that very reason....
Great review....Thanks
Thanks for watching....
I'm thinking of getting one as well in the hopefully not so far future. Can you please let me know how do you think the windshield fares? I've been riding on my 2003 F650GS and I can tell you that at over 100km/h the wind is really noisy and begins to be bothering after some time riding with it, besides not being able to hear the intercom while riding, I always have to stand up on the pegs so I can hear better.
Edit : I will be opting for the tall windshield just in case
I hope you will review the newly updated 2018 Tracer 900 GT soon. Not many reviews of it in English out there yet.
Yes I hope so too....
Like the reviews but how about info on basic maintenance eg chain adjustment, wheel removal, air filter change, oil and filter change.
Thanks - have you seen my videos on changing oil, filters and chain cleaning? I will try and do more of this type...
Nice review. Just a little too cramped for my long legs, otherwise great bike. Would love to see a you do a review of the Versys 1000.
Nearly switched off at the end there TMF, agree with you about lights. Did I spot a small wheelie at 7.17.Something else I am quietly impressed with maybe, do you memorize all the specs or are they written down.
Entirely done from memory (yeah right!)...
I would be interested to see your take/review of some of the 250/300cc Adventure bikes coming out now.
As soon as I can get hold of them to review, I will!
Any plans to test the Yamaha Super Tenere in the near future? Interested in how it compares to the 1200 GS & KTM offerings. Keep up the wonderful content!
Yep - December the 18th that one gets published (yes I know, I have a schedule and everything!!)
TheMissendenFlyer thank you sir. I look forward to the review
As a VERY experienced rider in my mid-fifties, I’ve been looking at the XSR900, but keep hearing the adjective “INSANE”. I wonder if this FJ09 might be a better buy. Looks like the bikes are near identical, mechanically. I’ve watched your excellent videos of the other CP3s. How do they compare for comfort, performance, and value? I’m mostly a weekend rider and want to do a few over night trips.
I’m really interested in your opinion. Thanks, and keep up the good work!
Both great bikes - go with the one you like the look of most (I’d have the xsr myself)....
Obviously a nice bike. (OMG did I really say that about a Yamaha!?) Not sure about the square dials though?
A great watch as ever! Cheers, Jon.
Can a dial even be square? Thanks for watching - even though I was riding a Yamaha....
Suppose it can - in a roundabout sort of way. :-O