2018 Yamaha Tracer vs. Tracer GT | Review - Which one to buy?

The Yamaha Tracer 900 is one of the best sport-touring motorcycles on the market. It comes with an irresistible fun-usability-price mix, so it's now wonder that the Tracer 900 is a hit. However, we took it out for a test-ride to see what's new for 2018. And more than than, we put it against its better-equipped version - the Tracer GT.
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[@frankstocker5475]

I bought a GT had it for 4 months. You hit the nail on the head with this review. You get what you pay for it's a great package, could have some improvements but then you are talking Multistrada money.

[@signkutter9218]

I hear Yamaha is considerably less expensive to maintain/repair

[@eilliwwasniahc]

So many motorcycle review videos only show the view from the riders perspective, while the rider rambles aimlessly into a wind-noisy microphone... Thank you so much for breaking that trend with your multiple camera angles and intelligent dialog! Great video.

[@mikecurly3229]

It’s the best KZbin channel about motorcycle! Good luck to you and best regards from Russia!

[@Kendoji1]

One of just a handful of channels where I first click like, and then watch the video. I know every video is going to be great. :)

[@zenrising3314]

A really nice review on what must be the ugliest motorcycle paint job in recent history. I thought they forgot to paint that white panel on the Tracer 900 and thought they should have made it the same colour of the tank. Then I saw the colour of the tank, vomited wildly, and decided the front panel is better off white. Honestly, that 'Lego Grey" colour is the worst thing to ever happen to a motorcycle. It looks bad on the MT-10 and even worse on the Tracer. Just awful. Why do they do this? You could throw a dart at a colour palette and literally any other colour it hit would be better than that plastic gloss grey.

[@lucyferina]

zenrising log all the things that could be wrong with the bike the color is the least important, you can get a cheap wrap and in 1 hr have any look you want, and you get to keep a great bike without sacrificing any performance....

[@Finterifyell]

I love my tracer gt! Save up for the Gt version, you get so much extra which is worth it.

[@STIjojoSTI]

Can you make a review Tracer GT 900 VS KTM Adventure 790? Which one is better?

[@andyhawker1]

I thought it was a good review, very thorough and a balanced view.

[@ailijase8]

Overall, very good review. Nice presentation skills man

[@rosendo3523]

Really useful comparison review - thankyou

[@alexandrubau777]

Great review guys! Really enjoyed it. Asfalt uscat! 🇷🇴

[@donnyazoff980]

Great video mate, I really enjoyed it!

[@ebikepk]

Excellent Review !

[@georgenewman5860]

Nice review, very helpful!

[@2lbsTrigrPull]

2:40 your left pannier is open. xD

[@jrvlvr9741]

I have an older gl 1500 and went with the stock tracer.

[@konstantinosmaounis798]

Good job guys

[@shirokazama]

Guys I am watching your channel for a long time now and I have a question. You are from Romania, then why are you using miles and feet when you are reviewing bikes? Can't you use km's and meters? I'm just curious.

[@DriveMagRiders]

Bogdanel is using miles, Cristian is using meters. We'll have to set a single unit. :)) He's using miles because we have a lot of followers from the US and the UK. Only 0.5% of our audience is from Romania.

[@shirokazama]

@@DriveMagRiders And what about us from the rest of europe guys? You are international :)

[@MarMont67]

I am looking to buy a bike and i was wondering what do you suggest between Tracer GT and BMW S 1000 XR, which one has the best wind protection. Thx great video... Multso mesk!

[@Motovibes91]

S1000XR is on another level. Everything about it is more superior. It is also 7000 euro more. Two weeks ago I bought a 2019 Tracer 900GT but if I had the money I would go for a 2020 S1000XR

[@sighheinrich]

How fast did you drive to get highway instability? I've driven about 170kmh on my Tracer GT with full sidebags without any instability.

[@papi2shampu4u]

Someone in another comment mentioned the left one was open, maybe it was catching wind inside

[@valentinscernavskis2386]

Hi, realy enjoy your videos! In your opinion, wich of tripples is better and why? What pros and res? YT900GT or Triumph tiger 800xrt/xca?

[@DriveMagRiders]

I would go for the Triumph. Better bike - engine, suspension, comfort. But it's also more expensive

[@patximendizabal5150]

@@DriveMagRiders I own a 2011 Triumph Tiger 1050 SE. Would it be worth to change to the Yamaha or of a new Tiger 800xrt/xca?

[@vsimileac]

2019 900 GT please. guys. 2018 is now outdated. The new one has even cruise control and many other options included.

[@DriveMagRiders]

Vsimileac I think we re talking about the same bike

[@GalambaPortugal]

I have the normal tracer 900 and i decide to buy this one because the GT was almost 2000 euro more in Portugal and i don't travel that much😂 i puted two side cases from shad and i think the bike became even more preety than the GT. The bike is great! 😀

[@derekmarkovic]

Anyone know where this was filmed?

[@DriveMagRiders]

Hello. It's in Romania - DN-01A road

[@j.dniotis3216]

Yamaha Tracer GT or BMW 850gs? please reply....

[@szeriman13]

John Niotis I don't know how the 850, but the 800 is more off-road oriented. From those two my feeling is that the tracer is more sports bike than a touring and the gs is more off-road than onroad. just to confuse you more.

[@SerendibRider]

John Niotis . Apples and Oranges! Yamaha Tracer GT is a high revving sport touring bike with 17” rims and street tires whilst the BMW F850GS is an off-road biased adventure motorcycle with large rims (21” and 18”) dualsport tires and long wheel travel. I don’t think they are comparable at all.

[@georgenewman5860]

If you are going off-road get the 850GS. If you enjoy sporty riding, get the Tracer. If neither, get a car. :-)

[@keepingup2952]

Romanians speaking perfect English, and we can't get Mexicans right next door to do that.

[@MrNevo7]

Guys, absolutely perfect review, all true. And if somebody want the Tracer, of course take the GT.

[@leroyjones769]

Love the reviews ... detailed and honest👍

[@johnsmith-mm1vt]

Agree

[@gregreynolds5576]

What separates you guys from all other bike reviews is the fun you bring to it. Keep it coming!

[@mrvwbug4423]

I test rode the GT and honestly felt the throttle response was extremely smooth, maybe the US spec bikes have different tuning? My only minor complaint about the Tracer was the passenger pegs, but you can always take them off. I liked the GT enough that I am seriously considering it for my next bike.

[@billhamilton7524]

so you test drove a usa bike ?? or something dif

[@frankstocker5475]

You forgot to mention the quick shift & centre stand. Show me a better bike for the price with all those extras. Keep up the great work guys.

[@vincentcausey8498]

I'll show you a better bike for the price - IMHO, Triumph Tiger 1050 Sport. It has a more powerful engine at 106 Nm torque compared to 86 Nm for Tracer, and the same price in the UK. You don't get fancy tft screen or heated grips, but does have cruise control, and riding modes.

[@rightwingsafetysquad9872]

@@vincentcausey8498 unfortunately not available outside Europe.

[@furiouspat3956]

Great pics, great reviews, great subjects choice, you're definitly the bests. Amicizia di Corsica

[@trekkydelirium-vroom5821]

Yamaha: please bring the Tracer 700 & Tracer 700 GT to USA & to Canada ! They are not sold in America 😪

[@xlthumper]

They are now!!! Going to test one in spring for sure

[@xlthumper]

@Kevin Barlage sorry. I totally read the post wrong. Lol. My bad

[@750rocketman5]

@Kevin Barlage I believe they'll be here this year

[@prof.2248]

Tracer 900 GT is the best sport tourer bike on the market , engine,weight,quality, reliability. Amazing bike.

[@kostasmilo2562]

What about the triumph tiger 1050?

[@staninjapan07]

What a great video, thanks a lot. I bought a new Tmax DX last year and when I visit the Yamaha dealer, I always find myself longing to return to a manual 'regular bike'. I had a 2013 V-Strom 650 for 5 years and loved every single thing about it, and in fact I am disappointed that I traded it in for a scooter (even on that is comfortable and smooth with a passenger, although far too noisy). I mention my previous bike as I am not sure I did the right thing swapping it for a scooter, and if I go back to a regular bike, I might get this GT you featured.

[@Chris-vq5vr]

Ce faci??!! 😂As always a great review. Greetings again from 🇦🇺 Australia... see u soon Romania 🇷🇴 😍

[@DriveMagRiders]

Hello Chris. We're waiting for you. Write us and let's have a beer!

[@pgclift51]

Great review - I found it very helpful & I got to see a piece of Rumania. Very well done.

[@vdphitman]

I love my Tracer 900GT it's the best

[@fredoc9125]

"Another day at the office"! Enjoy!

[@AST4EVER]

When you said "Don't consider him IT GUY" I was like "you're reading my mind 🤔🤔"

[@SaabAholic]

Cool bike! I owned a 1980 XS850 triple and it was an amazing machine. I may have to sell my 2009 FJR1300 and get the GT!

[@disekjoumoer]

Honestly, if I was going to do a lot of long distance touring I'd get a Kawasaki Versys 1000 or a Suzuki V-Strom 1000. They don't have the power of the Yamaha and they're heavier, but they're a lot more relaxed, and being bigger, carrying a pillion is easier. Maintenance will be cheaper, too.

[@mrvwbug4423]

Maintenance on all 3 should be comparable, if anything the Versys is probably the most expensive of the 3 as it only has a 15,000mi valve check interval where the Tracer is 24,000mi. Both of them will carry a pillion better than the Tracer, but if you're riding solo that doesn't matter too much. I've ridden both the Tracer and V-Strom and they have completely different personalities. The V-Strom is slightly more comfortable, but the Tracer is still quite comfortable. The Tracer handles better, much more lively, the V-Strom has slow steering response, but once it is leaned over it is pretty solid. The Tracer actually has much smoother throttle response, the V-Strom is a little jerky and the Tracer is quite a bit quicker. The Tracer GT also has cruise control, heated grips, tft dash and a quickshifter as standard, and still sells for the same price as the Versys and V-Strom which don't have any of that.

[@samiam8779]

disekjoumoer V-Strom all the way! Only wish it had cruise control. Mind you then it might suffer from a jerky throttle that a lot of ride by wire bikes seem to have.

[@brno221973]

I carry pillion on my GT all the time & we love it, fast, stable, comfortable & all the gadgets you need. I absolutely love it & riding solo it can give a lot of sports bikes a run for their money.

[@georgenewman5860]

I haven't ridden the Versys 1000 or V-Strom 1000 but I suspect you are correct. I did a 3,000 mi trip with full camping gear last summer and my 2015 FJ-09 handled it fine but I think it is more biased toward sport than touring. For me 400 miles in a day on it is about the limit. Overall the bike suits me well as 90% of my riding is commuting and shorter trips. I absolutely love the light sporty feel and the engine responsiveness and sound. I've heard complaints about the throttle but I totally disagree. I love the quick responsive throttle and I think most people will have no trouble with it once they get used to it. I've done about 22,000 miles and all she has wanted so far is oil changes, tires and a new chain at around 16,000 mi.

[@alexwotherspoon5630]

Great review 👍 Question....... I know they are slightly different but how do you feel the standard tracer compares to the MT09SP? They are similar in price and the 09 gains the ohlins and KYB front but looses out on the fairing. Do you think it better to go with the MT09SP and a decent aftermarket screen and hand guards. Not sure I can afford the GT unfortunately 😏 I know the larger tank and better comfort of the tracer makes it a proper tourer but they do have the same engine? Cheers for any help 😉

[@정원우-z5j]

Hey man i like the ratio of this video. I don’t know what camera and lense you used in video but it looks awesome. Plz use this setup in every other your video.

[@pushkartravels]

Doing good 👍all videos wow

[@jgdaprem]

2:30 , your left luggage in the back is opened... pfff , but the review is cool :-p

[@tihomirpavlovic3621]

Very good review...

[@Reapwhatsown]

Great review, thanks.

[@ZeroneRaven]

In Japan where I am right now, one side case is around $750.. so $1500 for both, get out of here with those prices This isnt some rich brand supercar amazing quality leather luggage, its some plastic panniers goddammit

[@devaanshpatra4116]

Niko Bellic

[@itsallabouttheridekeepingi4449]

fantastic review " Paull from the land of Aus "

[@DriveMagRiders]

Thanks, Paul!

[@T_QQQ]

👍 from Korea

[@standandeliver8376]

What a great review. Very professionally done and very informative. I have the 2017 Tracer that you reviewed last year (same colour too). How would you say the 2017 model compares with the standard 2018/9 model? Other reviews only compare the 2015 original with the Tracer GT.

[@DriveMagRiders]

Hello. Sorry, but we don't have an answer here. The differences are small and we should ride them head to head to spot them.

[@standandeliver8376]

@@DriveMagRiders Ok, thanks for the reply.

[@froehlcj]

2017 is the better buy than the 2018 standard model, as it has partially adjustable suspension at the front and the shorter swing arm that makes it more sporty

[@standandeliver8376]

@@froehlcj thank you! Interesting, I didn't realise the standard 2018 Tracer has no rebound adjustment. Personally, I like the feel of my bike with the shorter swingarm but I guess it's one of those things that polarizes opinion.

[@kevinroberts2395]

I'm always perplexed when an 'after market' accessory, e.g. wind shield, is better than a factory one. Here in Australia, Yamaha offer a larger windshield as an optional extra, as they do with a more comfortable seat. For goodness sake, just offer the best screen and best seat as standard equipment. By offering the optional extra, you are acknowledging that the 'standard' offering is 'sub-par'. Yamaha, lift your game please. I found the standard wind shield to be completely useless and the standard seat to be hard, way too hard, to be a serious touring seat. Loved everything else about the mid-size tourer.

[@joevidya]

The GT, 2 years from now, when it's cheaper than the regular Tracer 900. Standard mode purposely gives the bike throttle lag so you you don't power wheelie, which ends up making it uncomfortablely jumpy. My 2016 FJ09 does the same thing.

[@bigbang1985]

2:08 is it me or the exhaust pipe is rather close to the ground?

[@adityagohil4212]

Big Bang Duke Now that you have mentioned it...

[@vromogata3807]

I would choose the GT because of the better paint scheme...but it doesn't justify the price so far... We'll see... I love it that imma trade my Harley 48 for it.

[@RonaiHenrik]

I wonder how much more the maintenance costs are related to the TDM900A. Thinking about an upgrade from a 2005 model to the Tracer GT

[@rideswithhoover9789]

Thinking of trading in my TDM900 in on one are they worth the money they are asking for them , here in Australia they around $20,000 ride away .

[@andybryant9105]

I have a 2015 MT09 TRACER but it's not standard and no buffering from the wind as I have a bigger screen

[@marccheshire2271]

Good reviews, considered opinions. Its good having the thoughts of a taller and shorter rider. I would need reading glasses to see all the detail on the GT's dash!

[@MrAndrew1953]

Rather than the panniers I'd prefer a 56 litre Givi top box, useful storage for holding your helmet other gear.

[@stevekitella4781]

Good job, the gt is superior hands down! No reason to buy standard, the money saved is not worth not having the options of the gt!

[@Flex1664]

Great review gentlemen, I enjoyed that. I own the 2017 Tracer 900 (the exact one you reviewed last year) and i still dont agree with the much listed problems... Mind you, this is only my second bike. Yes the throttle is snatchy, but isn't that just another skill to master? Completely relaxed arms and silky smooth throttle control put you in charge of that amazing engine, it's something ive been practicing over the last year, and it gets better and more fun each week. I think too often this bike is reviewed as a (sport)TOURING bike, where in my eyes it's a SPORT(touring) bike. they just added some extra gimmicks to the original MT09. Cant have it all. I'm still very much in love after a year!

[@georgenewman5860]

Totally agree, the reviewers that complain about the twitchy throttle would get used to it in a day or two. I have the 2015 FJ-09 and I love the precise and responsive throttle. You just have to learn to give small and smooth input and the reward is that you need less twist of the wrist to get wide open throttle. Totally agree also that it is biased toward sport rather than touring. It is a very engaging and responsive bike that I look forward to riding every chance I get!

[@paulb6295]

Outstanding review that covered all relevant issues with these two bikes. Subscribed.

[@witosarlaw]

Good bike

[@Shahar_C]

Great comparison, thank you guys ! Beautiful Romania :)

[@michals1108]

After yesterday's test I decided to buy this bike, great machine

[@mkalimala3564]

Are you guys facing each other on face.....?

[@davyecc1]

Yup great bike but it is a Sports tourer not an Adventure bike.

[@pawelbu4672]

great video, thank for review. Needs to visit Romania with my bike !

[@jigrodrigues]

None. Make an effort and get an fjr or a super tenere, even if used.

[@johnnygross4415]

if it weighs that much less than the 1000 verysy, sells me

[@Motovibes91]

B Mode also lowers the power by 10 hp

[@CastleBomb44]

Great review. Does anyone have a link to the background music?>

[@Alexandr86rRus]

Твой английский просто ппц какой забавный

[@mickleblade]

Good, honest review, it's a shame about the boring grey colour though. Note, there is also a Yamaha Comfort seat, a bargain at 300 each! [sarc]

[@bigliftm]

will buy a gel aftermarket saddle for a lot less

[@yvesmukoie550]

Le Yamaha tracer gt 900 le plus rapide j'aime bien gt 900

[@fa6529]

Looking forward to ride Transfagarasan and Transalpina! Any tips?!

[@DriveMagRiders]

Fanis check wether the roads are open. They are usually closed until June or something. And avoid the weekends - it s very crowded

[@fa6529]

DriveMag Riders 😃thanks!

[@g18210]

Excellent review

[@Greggspies]

Great review real professional job cheers sir

[@sauravkrg]

Kindly review the Yamaha Super Tenere 2018 Raid Edition

[@frankstocker5475]

You win.

[@zrx4me1]

very good review.

[@craigwatkin4721]

Great review guys. UK

[@johnnygross4415]

price in USA?

[@333gew]

really nice review guys !

[@rzu7120]

I test rode a Tracer 900GT. It had the touring windscreen and "comfort" seat. I was probably less impressed than most people. The larger windscreen wobbled a lot when riding, and the seat felt too squishy. The tank didn't fit my legs well, and wasn't comfortable. Performance seemed a bit muted compared to the MT-09. I'm still considering it, but I would need another test ride to make my decision.

[@mrvwbug4423]

I liked it, the demo bike I rode had the touring windscreen and comfort seat. I didn't notice any wobble with the windscreen, and honestly could probably do just fine without the comfort seat. The riding position seems a little odd at first, but found it is quite comfortable, less stress on the knees when compared to the fairly high pegs of the Versys

[@G91YS]

I don't know what to choose: Tracer 900 GT (and I love that new Phantom Blue color for 2019), or the VFR800X Crossrunner. The latter hasn't been updated for 2 years but still, feel attracted to it xd.

[@DriveMagRiders]

kellyozore the Tracer feels sportier and faster, but the vfr is more comfortable. So it s up to what you want

[@crushitall]

So what was Your decision? I have same problem - GT vs Crossrunner...?

[@G91YS]

@@crushitall crossrunner! Bought in May 2019, 25000km, I love it! Such high quality I'm glad I took it instead of Tracer900. :)

[@crushitall]

@@G91YS Thx a lot mate! You use it for touring or maybe in city traffic? I am looking foor universal machine mainly for city use , sometimes travelling...

[@G91YS]

@@crushitall yes I use it for commuting mainly (city and highways) but I go on a road trip 1 or 2 per year in Germany or France, it's comfortable and sporty at the same time. I'm at around 5,2l/100km. It's quite a nimble bike when you get used to it!

[@rideswithhoover9789]

Can’t wait 👍

[@captainaverage721]

Really like the Tracer 900 range problem is im 5ft 8" so might struggle with getting feet down?

[@sabbage100]

Graham Stewart you need to go sit on one

[@CharlieboySLONDON]

I just bought one off a guy who was 6"7 and he had it raised 2 Inches , im 5"8 and can still touch the floor. Im about to put standard Links back on but is definitely OK for our height.

[@rramirrezz]

well done review folks! thank you!

[@shebuelben]

Wow!

[@rideswithhoover9789]

Nice reviews guys , when are you going to do the new r1250 gs

[@DriveMagRiders]

We're working on the video review as we speak. ;)

[@STIjojoSTI]

Is this faster than an Africa Twin?

[@DriveMagRiders]

Yes.

[@leandroglorio8777]

Why those ugly turn signals?, led tecnology looks much better

[@DriveMagRiders]

Leandro Glorio they come as an option

[@frizenfreeze]

Euro regulations. Aftermarkets come in the form of yamaha factory options, light tech, evo tech

[@ibrahimfathy9174]

Where is this place you're shooting at? Is this channel Russian?

[@catalinpietrar6288]

Romanian

[@ibrahimfathy9174]

@@catalinpietrar6288 English is an official language there?

[@catalinpietrar6288]

No. Oficial language romanian. It is in english for a bigger reach.

[@petebusch9069]

This bike has potential but I'm 5' 8" and its too tall, the name Tracer really lame, the 900 looks like goo, and those blurple colored rims looked really cool at first but now look really bad to me. I really hope Yamaha will continue to develop this bike into something that is more desirable The biggest deal killer is the seat height.

[@joevidya]

Yamaha offers a lower seat for the tracer 900. I have it on my 2016 Fj09, makes the seat from 33.3 inches to 32.5.

[@anonymousanonymous8306]

They don't make a lot of bikes to fit manlets because riders enjoy cornering clearance. Harley has the seat height you're looking for.

[@Sega_is_all_i_cd]

I rented the Yamaha Tracer(non GT) and it was nice. Not too heavy. Not big overall but far from small. A lot of torque and it really gets up n go on the freeway. The clutch and throttle is very responsive. Motor is loud and vibrants a little. Exhaust sounds decent. Good on gas. Sits pretty high(I am 5’ 10”, I have a sport bike 1000cc thats sits about an inch or inch n half lower). Love the center stand. I don’t really like the mirrors on the Tracer, being attached to the bars. Side bags are kind of small and they wont hold my helmet but my jacket will fit. My wife is on the fence of being a passenger on the Tracer. For her its not better than a Harley Road or Street Glide ride experience but it’s definitely better than being on my sport bike. I felt that the Tracer is more easier to control when counter balancing in almost every lean I went into. Pretty comfortable motorcycle. Handle bars sit a perfect height not fatiguing my arms. The seat is pretty firm. The key is a little difficult to turn while in ignition. If you like the way the Tracer looks this would be a great motorcycle to have. It’s Yamaha so you know its going to be reliable!

[@leesjs]

love the reviews but please spend some money on the hero7