Yamaha Tracer 9 GT review : Touring performance & pillion comfort (2021)

After a 450 mile tour through Wales on the 2021 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT, we tell you what it's like for the rider whether they're alone or with a pillion. Specs, comfort, engine performance, brakes, suspension, economy and more in our exhaustive test...
00:45 Pillion opinion - what's it like on the back for two full days?
07:55 Tracer 9 engine & exhaust sound
15:37 Solo touring and rider perspective
23:50 How much can you carry?
26:12 Outtakes
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[@MickBla]

Honestly, this is the sort of bike review ppl need and appreciate! Great work! For 'normal' riders a 'normal' user perspective is the most important one! And you delivered just that! The bits where you did show your riding error when loosing a balance are also cool, as normal ppl do that! Thanks again for making one of the best ever bike reviews on KZbin! 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks SO much, that's really kind! Cheers, John

[@davidbaldwin1538]

I do a lot of two up touring so it’s great that you focus on pillion comfort - which the majority of reviewers ignore.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

I try to do as many as possible as so many people do at least want to take their partner out every so often. It's great to be able to have the whole family involved and this really is an impressive bike two-up, so I'm glad we got the chance so early. Cheers! John

[@Ironhawx]

Those women must really love their men to have their buttocks punished for hours on a pillion seat. I believe the Tracer is really a solo tourer, I use the pillion seat to strap on luggage.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

@@Ironhawx After two days on there, Helen disagrees - this is as much a two-up tourer as it is a solo one.

[@piyabudmakaraphan7191]

That's the main point for any bike

[@RyanJamesODonnell]

Exactly. Currently looking at trading up my Ninja 650 for something that can carry my fiance comfortably for more than an hour. Hard to find that information in reviews, but the tracer is at the front of the pack after this one!

[@martinlloyd7563]

The husband and wife dynamic really works for these reviews, it's something different 👍

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Great - thanks! Glad you liked it. Cheers, John

[@PP-wz7mp]

Very artificially...

[@CBRboy1717]

It's amazing that your 360 camera caught that jet blowing by you. Cool moment. Also, your pillion seems like an absolute peach. She's awesome.

[@timmo3351]

So cool!

[@SzilvasiFerike]

Helen dribbling the beer is the highlight of the video 😁 and her honesty about preload adjusters and other gadgets are refreshing 😂

[@bradleyalexander5821]

I’ll say this again, it’s a bit hard to get past a scuba diver staring back at me from above the handlebars. Apart from that, it’s a beautiful motorbike. 👍🏼 😎 🇺🇸 🌎

[@pasihaaraoja68]

I have ordered red one... Wait to see the bike early June !

[@Oscar240z]

Really useful video. Congratulations on Helen smiling and nodding through your technical analysis as she must have been seriously bored. My wife would have buggered off

[@bennettsbikesocial]

She's got used to it! Cheers, John

[@fragu123]

Funny, my wife soaks those technical analysis up like a sponge…. she is an engineer and also likes to ride her own bike…. different world, isn’t it…

[@Mockle07]

Fantastic review and great to get a pillion’s opinion. P.S. I hope you realise that you’re punching 😉

[@od917]

This is the best no BS review I've seen .Great job. Looking forward to more on this bike.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks a lot! All the best, John

[@vaibhavhalgekar914]

Amazing review... Especially the pillion inputs... Cheers...🙏

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks a lot! Cheers, John

[@ferociousfrankie]

Sounds like a winner, my next bike most likely.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Brilliant! What do you have now? Cheers, John

[@cgeo3380]

Great review! Would love to see you review a budget touring bike with a pillion such as the Benelli TRK502. It's an amazing all day touring bike and with a top box it's great for pillion comfort!

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Will aim for that! Cheers, John

[@geextar]

Awsome review. While i don't ride two up, i realy love that expanded pillion review of you, thats a nice thing not many testers do. My tech camo one should be ready at the beginnig of june :D Can't wait to explore the alps with it :D

[@dankeglock]

We need a Tracer 10.

[@Yama_Apri_521]

I bought the 2018 GT when it first came out and it was an absolute revelation. I used it as a daily commuter, to ride to my parents in Andalusia, Spain, and it was both faultless and comfortable. My Spain rides say it all for me. I like a challenge, so I leave my home in London, go through the Chunnel, and ride all the way to my parents in one hit; 1500 miles, which takes around 26 hours on a good run. I have a few days ok the pool, then ride back. I’ve never had a bike I can ride that kind of sustained mileage on. And whilst I’d say there’s an element of mind over matter with such trips, I’ve struggled to break 4-600 miles on other bikes. My lease expires in a couple of months and I’ll be trading up to the Tracer 9 GT. I just hope it will be a worthy replacement for the outgoing model. My only changes are a Yamaha heated seat, hand-guard extensions, an MRA spoiler on the stock screen (to clean up the airflow) and a high level satnav mount. Lastly, thanks for the video, I really enjoyed it and look forward to seeing more of this model.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks so much! That's some great use you've had out of the 2018... you're going to love the GT! Cheers, John

[@Yama_Apri_521]

@@bennettsbikesocial As going abroad is probably not going to happen for a while, I plan on doing some UK ‘challenges’ when I’ve collected the new GT. John O’Groats to Lands End in 24-hours and things like that. I’ll have to make some videos and stick them on here.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

@@Yama_Apri_521 Brilliant - please do get them shared! Cheers, John

[@grey_tracer5283]

How would you rate the wind protection of it? I currently own a Sports Tourer (Tracer 7 GT), but the windscreen is too low/the seat too high - which gives me the feeling that the wind hits my head straight instead of going over it. Instead of reducing wind noise I feel it just makes it worse..... I'm really questioning myself, should I give the Tracer 9 a try or switch to an ADV-Bike (usually lower seat + higher windshield)?

[@bennettsbikesocial]

It's not bad, but it depends on you height. Check out the best mods video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4K8e2pjmsytmsU

[@andybucher452]

Great honest review John. And we all know 'happy wife happy life'. So if H is happy after riding a day in crappy weather that says a lot. Well done and thank H for her contribution. It is exactly what 99% of pillions care about. Cheers Andy

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks a lot! All the best, John

[@soupdragon1]

Very in depth review looks like a great touring bike.

[@petervan-huysse5803]

I really enjoyed the variety of really useful information and I love listening to Helen’s point of view. The way she just says it as it is in such a funny but really informative way (as she spills beer down her chin) is just brilliant. Sooner or later I’ll be buying a new bike and it’s probably going to be a Tracer or whatever else makes my short list BMW/Kawasaki? Could you do me a favour and test the non GT as well with Helen, it will be great to compare value for money against the extra bits and bobs.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

You can follow everything here: www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/bikes/long-term-test-bikes/yamaha-long-term-test-bikes/tracer-9-gt-2021 Cheers, John

[@terrybrooks7140]

Good video it is important to know what pillions think the demographic now a days is older and do take there partners on the back and also have the money to buy new bikes.ps me thinks your punching above your weight with your young lady 😁

[@IanTed]

Great real world review, complements to your lovely pillion for pretending to be interested in the tech stuff😜.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

She's well practiced in pretending to listen to me! Cheers, John

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

Very in detail pillion review. As you mentioned the comfort seat for both, it is not worth the upgrade? Thanks for your opinion.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Helen and I didn't think it helped us, but it will depend on your bum! If you can, try one at a dealer. Cheers, John

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

@@bennettsbikesocial Thanks.

[@alanround829]

Where did you find a girl that loves this stuff? And looks like that.....well done mate!!

[@michaelduffy431]

Love this review for your honesty in about your own frailties in regards to riding. Likewise tho and cannot wait to test ride this bike on your feedback. Cheers

[@baldy1020]

Great Review and interesting info see you do a lot of the roads in wales i do which was nice and your just down the road from me :-P

[@bennettsbikesocial]

There's some stunning scenery around there! Cheers, John

[@davehenderson3247]

Please tell us more about the odd shape panniers, especially in regard to 2-up touring? Nice to have both of your opinions on the bike, most useful for couples buying a bike.

[@MotoXplor]

You scored with Helen, I'm in love with her too! Anyway, I think I'll be getting this bike. Looks like just what I need. Love the looks too! Thanks for the review.

[@paulocorado4234]

Nice review. Wonderful communication skills, as usual. May I ask, how do you compare the seat heigh of the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT, lower version, with the kawasaki versys 1000 se, lower version as well? As you may infer, I'm a short leg.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

I'm afraid I haven't ridden a lowered Versys so couldn't honestly say. I'd assume it'd be close as the Versys isn't over-tall anyway, and has a pretty good stand-over height. Cheers, John

[@Michael-Masi-2021]

I just got the new GT+ Comes with adaptive cruise control, radar linked brakes, auto front-rear brake distribution, What a bike!! Quite possibly the greatest bike for sale this year/decade. The only changes I would love to see from the factory are 1) self cancelling indicators (turn signals) 2) keyless everything including panniers 3) blind spot monitoring 4) automatic seat lowering at low speeds, like the Harley has 5) autonomous driving... Ok ok, I'm joking about this last one.

[@Fehr270]

Thanks for including the pillion, mine will be paying for half of it when we finally buy one. I almost never ride myself anymore. Would you suggest a stiffer spring to start?

[@bennettsbikesocial]

We haven't needed one, so I'd stick with standard at first, and crank the preload up, then see how you get on. Cheers, John

[@Grahamvfr]

Great comprehensive review,.. Proper opinions, none of your standard journo speak eg :confidence inspiring, well balanced, does everything you want blah blah zzzzz. Great job!!

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks Graham! Cheers, John

[@nickrider5220]

Looks like your new bike's arrived ! Looking forward to your video on how good it is solo, on roads you know.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks very much! I'm stripping it down shortly for the next video, where I'll go into more detail on everything. Cheers, John

[@Richard-dh8ny]

Excellent Review. You mentioned that the 2021 Tracer isn't silky smooth for Motorway driving. What sport touring bikes in the same category would you say are silky smooth?

[@johnreed3402]

Great reviews on tracer 9gt fot 2up back road bimblings, and A road blasts. At 5ft 4, I have to be choosy (and over 60yr old hips) 😮😂

[@SlickMotoMike]

Frustrating to find a adventure motorcycle that is affordable and not claustrophobic so knees have a nice 90°c angle my gladius is a streetfighter and i take me mother whom is 60 has health problems and find it extremely hard to mount on or off and the pegs are placed horrendously high like not ideal and seat very uncomfortable. I have taken many pillions and all havd said the same. Me mother is 5 foot 3. What do you recommend if you had a motorcycle that is on finance worth £3,500 has nearly 7,000 miles and Immaculate condition and want to buy a new motorcycle like a suzuki vstrom or honda vfr crosstourer

[@stanton20002]

Thanks so much for reviewing this one. I've been waiting a while for it. I'm getting rid of my fat bob for something similar to this. Not sure if it will bee too tough an adjustment in terms of power. Again, great video. Helen was really cool, too!

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks! Let me know what you choose in the end. Cheers, John

[@67daltonknox]

Foot pegs are still too far back for touring.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

How tall is you pillion?

[@scodaworldtraveleradventur1199]

Your old bones avg rider can't manage to balance heavy bikes or fast bikes despite light weight wifey lol great review 👍 Yamaha tracer 900 undisputed sport touring king from 2015 ❤️❤️

[@tap9083]

How did you get around the Pillion peg position. My feet are too long (US 13), and I step on her toes, she has tiny feet (US 4.5) Is there a way to reposition passenger peg out a bit. When I am on the balls of my feet, My heel is resting on the Passenger peg

[@kevincraig8257]

Im going to pickup the 2022 got a little off like 2000 I hope there might be an option for the instrument panel panels did Yamaha build the split screen for some kind of joke

[@thomasgilvarry8179]

Hi mate. I am considering a FJR1300 but I'm worried about the weight and ease of use. I do one major European 10 day tour a year and the rest of the time its short rides near home. I want cruise control and luggage and reasonable weather protection and occasional pillion use. Would you recommend this bike for someone (59 yrs) like me? Enjoyed your vid! Cheers , Tom.

[@grizzlystr3445]

I own a BMW R1200gs and want less weight/height and this is on my shortlist, together with the xr900 ? Great first ride review 👍

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Nice - let me know how you get on. I think we'll see a bit of a shift in the market with more people going from big adventure bikes to more manageable machines like this. Cheers, John

[@convertorx]

165 against 117bhp- would you stop comparing the two- the BMW is a lot more expensive- the fact that you mention the MT in the same sentence as the BMW is a complement to it.

[@robertlee8042]

Funny watching her, a Brit, drinking an imported beer-the quintessential American blue collar totally undistinguished tasting beer.

[@alrightdave6135]

I have loved my 2015 Tracer. 42,000 miles travelled since new and 30 countries visited. Am interested in the new one. Great review. I will forward this to my missus.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Brilliant! I honestly think you'll love this one, having ridden the original to Belgium around 2015 or 2016 - it was great, but this is even better (though I liked the old clocks better). Cheers, John

[@beanwithbaconmegarocket]

Great review. Been eyeing the Tracer and the Ninja 1000 for my next touring bike. I think the Tracer might win due to comfort but I'm very tempted by the Ninja horsepower.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Both great bikes. The Kawasaki didn't used to have the load capacity, if I remember correctly, and I'm a bit obsessed about having the option of panniers AND top-box. Cheers, John

[@glennollerenshaw8466]

Really good to see two up vids my wife rides but loves being pillion and she watches most the videos and is always asking if there are two up comparison vids Cheers guys keep up the good work.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks very much! Cheers, John

[@justjeff4173]

Nice review. I'm glad that Yamaha increased the load capacity. Last year the Tracer was at the top of my list but I had to cross it off in favor of the Versys 1000SE which I am totally happy with. I had an experience similar to yours on my versys - stalling while climbing an incline, for me in second gear. I'm coming from a ZRX1200 which is a torque monster and would have handled the task easily in 3rd gear. But at 5'8" with a 30' inseam over I went and lesson learned. Luckily case guards saved the day.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Glad you were okay! Cheers, John

[@aldvex8541]

Hey jeff im between versys 1000 and tracer 9 gt + ! I want it for touring 2 up with luggage, whay would you pick now after living with the kawa ?. I come from triumph 1200 xcx which gave me a hard time due to oil leaks ...

[@justjeff4173]

@@aldvex8541 Hi Aldvex, the only Tracer I've ridden was a 2017 FJR900 during one of Yamaha's test ride days. I would take the '19 Versys 1000 SE hands down over the FJR. But the new Tracer is a different beast and honestly I would have to talk myself out of getting the Tracer over the V1K. But there's no denying the comfort of the V1K for 2-up riding and the smoothness of the engine. I guess test rides are in your future lol. Good luck and ride safe :)

[@aldvex8541]

@@justjeff4173 thanks jeff !!

[@teneretraveller8980]

Great review and answers every question i might have. 2 up tours are often overlooked. As is the luggage capacity, and that's important. How many out there are overloaded and don't know it? Happy travels

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks very much! Cheers, John

[@waynehollins2165]

I won't buy a 2021 t9 because of the ugly 4 odometer come on Yamaha someone was smoking crack at your resource center

[@stephentalent]

The kind of bike review 95% of us want (& need). I’m tired of track dogs…sorry gods…& wheelie ‘merchants’ offering opinions those of us who actually buy bikes have no interest in (or need of). Kudos guys :)

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Cheers! All the best, John

[@24567442]

great honest review again John. wish I had one of these as a pose to my SP 09

[@nicholaschai4458]

Looking forward for more videos

[@InterimExec]

Thanks for doing two up. So few reviews bother and it matters.

[@smtsslt7468]

Such a meaningful review for me as I’m looking at my next sport tourer which I guess this is. Often I watch reviews for entertainment value only but when I’m after guidance on a purchasing decision, it’s this type where the reviewer is off the bike and really drilling down that is such a help and you (2) do it so well. Thanks John.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks very much! Cheers, John

[@bigt7559]

Pick mine up tomorrow can't wait!!

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Fantastic - must be one of the first in dealers. Let us know how you get on. Cheers, John

[@bigt7559]

@@bennettsbikesocial yes think it was and I'm lucky as my dealer says if I left ordering it any later then I did it be around August time I'd be picking up. Will do and my wife's looking forward to getting on the back after this review 👍 Also hope the lower seat hight helps me out as I'm not much taller then your better half! 🤞🤞

[@bennettsbikesocial]

@@bigt7559 Even though I'm lucky enough to have one on loan, sitting down in the garage, I'm genuinely jealous of the excitement you must have at the moment, waiting to go and pick it up! Enjoy!

[@martinhughes9769]

Bike seems to do all that you ask of it , however those clocks what was Yamaha thinking about,

[@CeeRTee]

Really good review thank you. I look forward to the solo stuff but me and the mrs found this very helpful, more reviewers should follow your lead and have at least a small passenger section because it doesn't matter how comfy a rider is on a tourer/sports tourer if the poor pillion is in agony behind you.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks very much! Yeah, I think you can get so much more out of a bike if you can enjoy it with the family. Cheers, John

[@daniilrusanau5849]

Loved the fact that you have brought the pillion's opinion on! It was really interesting to watch, thanks guys!

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks - glad you liked it! Cheers, John

[@Lolpyyy]

Great review and looking forward to seeing more videos about this bike. I've been riding my MT-07 for 2 years now and last year I was already on edge to get something a bit more touring friendly that still works for fun rides. I was really warming up to Tracer 9 but it lacked a lot of features I wanted but I had a feeling that would get changed with euro5. So I waited and it looks like it paid off :). Now just waiting for local stores to get demo bikes so I can test ride it and hopefully finally upgrade my own bike.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Good call - I'd guess you'll love it, but let me know how you get on. Cheers, John

[@Banditmanuk]

Definitely the best and most comprehensive review I've seen come out of this Yamaha launch. I liked the previous model that I test rode and this is just a step up again. I know your wife prefers this to the XR. Does this mean the Beemer gets replaced? Surely as a solo rider the XR is more fun to ride?

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Tricky one... This is very, very close in solo riding enjoyment because I can't get near using all the potential of the XR on the road, whereas with this I can feel like I'm working it a bit harder. On the other hand the BMW has some really nice details and touches that make it feel more premium (as you'd hope, given the extra cost). The problem I have with the XR is that height, which leaves me lacking confidence at times, so I'm planning on getting it lowered by Cymarc. If that doesn't work, at the moment it does feel like I'd want to buy this. All that's nagging at me is the idea that maybe, just maybe, there'll be a Tracer 10 one day. That motor, with a low stance still and a proper load capacity could be outstanding. Cheers, John

[@Banditmanuk]

@@bennettsbikesocial Arr, as a 5 year long MT10 owner, I would love a Tracer 10. More tank range and a little more touring friendly.

[@keremkarabal9024]

Hi John, I watched your review months ago because at that time i was thinking to buy one of theese Tracer 9 GT's. Thanks for your all comments. This is the best review on the whole web brother.. Anyway, I decided, ordered and finally delivered at August 2021. After my aprox. 3 k KM riding and of course after 4 months... I have some doubts about this bike. Let me try to explain, i do not have any idea how can i do it... 1) Bike's head is shaking / wobbling after 225 km/h, bike's front part getting lighter / feels unsafe... Tires pressures checked, calibration of electronic suspension checked, all riding modes opened (TCS, LC, SC and all other extras). Tried with triple luggage, thought that this may be the reason. So, I demounted teh side cases. Tried with only topcase, and the result was same. So, demounted the topcase and this time bike hanged on till 240/245 km/h... So, i think with my bike, it is impossible to see the highest speed of the bike. Important Note: Actually, i am not a fan of that speeds... maybe once or twice a year and of course at special conditions i can try that speed range but i paid for the whole package and i want to be sure that all package must be ready between my legs... 2 ) This item is my biggest concern. I can hear (and also feel) a scratchy / whirry sound at aprox. 3500 revs coming from the from panel or head of the bike... That sound is not coming at 1st or 2nd gears, but i can hear at all other gears. Already went my dealer, showed and they agreed.. but they have not any explanation about it. They are saying the, "maybe some electronics opening after 3500 revs, and that sound is coming from there, so it is normal" . But, surely i did not convinced. Did heard a sound like that? It is only coming while accelerating smoothly... For example, at 3rd gear, try slowly accelerate from 55 km/h to 70 km/h.. that sound is coming somewhere between 58-65 km/h and suddenly stopping. Did you heard or experienced anything about these issues?

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Hi there... really sorry to hear this! I've not had any instability problems, including with full luggage and a pillion, but I haven't had it up to 140mph. Getting up to just under 100, I've certainly found it fine (on private property, of course). All luggage brands will say your shouldn't try to hit top speed with it fitted - it is affecting weight bias and aerodynamics - you have a big lump on the back pulling at the rear, effectively trying to lift the front, which will make it lighter. I wear earplugs, but with them out I have noticed a slightly clattery sounds from the engine on the two I've ridden, but it does seem totally normal. It's also a fairly well-established motor, so it hasn't concerned me. I'm nearly 5,000 miles in with the bike and have had no issues at all, but I am really sorry you're not enjoying it! Hope you get it sorted soon. Cheers, John

[@keremkarabal9024]

@@bennettsbikesocial Dear John, thank you very much, both for your time and also priceless comments. The sound is not a mechanical one, it is absouletly an electronic sound coming around 3.500 revs from the head of the bike, somewhere from front panel or nearby. Anyways, Hope I will find a solution for that sound, which drives me crazy everytime. Best wishes from Turkey, drive safe and take care.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

@@keremkarabal9024 I will keep a listen out for that, but I can't imagine what it could be. Hope you get it sorted! Cheers, John

[@davidwilliams7220]

My fave bit, Helen admitting she hadn't smacked his helmet ha ha

[@douwe4549]

Very nice wife you have, congratulations!

[@77archibald]

Great review. You answered a lot of questions I would have asked👍

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Great - thank you! Cheers, John

[@dazadorph45]

What is the carry capacity with pillion and rider and fully loaded luggage?. Most bike bumph that most bikes have do not state this. I have the MT09 Tracer 2015 abs version, love the bike but I can only have a choice riding with pillion or panniers, or top box. None at the same time.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

That's a key point of the new bike - it's covered in here. Cheers, John

[@MrBiggles]

Great review 👍🏻

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks very much! Cheers, John

[@Steve-motorcycles]

Great, informative, enjoyable review. Good stuff👍👍

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks very much! Cheers, John

[@mrcintheuk5596]

Variable seat height, screen, centre stand, good mpg, full luggage capacity, comfortable and easy to ride. Good grief, if it carries on like this manufacturers will start to make practical bikes!!! From my point of view all the electronic suspension and other electronic gizmos can be dropped. They're just very expensive when (and they will) they go wrong.

[@wynnmorris6270]

and, God forbid, mudguards that work!

[@nitinsharma12]

i wish triumph made something like this..

[@MillfieldWheels]

Any chance of a quick comparison with the BMW F900XR

[@bennettsbikesocial]

It's on the list of thing to do... cheers, John

[@acherouvis]

Great review, I like your review. The fact that you have had the Tracer for a period of time provides us with great insight. I recently purchased a 2022 Tracer 9GT. Motorcycles on my shortlist were the Kaw Sx1000 GT, Suzuki GSX1000 GT plus, Tiger 900 GT Pro, BMW GS 850 (I owned the F900XR), and a few others. The Tracer wasn't even on my radar. The SX 1000 and the GSX1000 great motorcycle insurance costs were very high, my experience with BMW and parts availability in the states and cost of maintenance eliminated the BMW's. I am a huge fan of Triumph. I own a Speed Twin and absolutely love it. But I wanted to get something more touring capable. It was a toss up between the Tiger 900 GT Pro and the Tracer. I do think the Triumph's build quality and off road capability is better on the Tiger 900 but realistically , I'm not Ewan McGregor. Most of my riding is on the road. It was a difficult choice, but Yamaha had great promotions on the Tracer. With that being said, throw in the great reviews and Yamaha quality, I chose to go with the Tracer 9GT. I love the bike, there are a few quirks about it, but it is a brilliant motorcycle. I've been following your reviews, so I can't wait to see what you recommend for accessories. I just installed Heed engine guards. I might swap out the windscreen for something smaller. But for now I am just going to ride the Tracer and enjoy it.

[@thunderhayes5151]

Hi ,I'm looking for some help ,I'm not a motorcycle guy but my uncle who I took care of for the last 8 years of his life has left me 2 Yamaha bikes RD 250 and 350 LC . The 350 is 81 reg all original black and red . I have all the paperwork for both bikes . Question is would it be better to have them looked over ,restored to road or sold as is ? They've been dry stored for over 30 years as far as I'm aware he greased and oiled them regularly I have no clue what you do with them . He use to start them regularly until his health left him housebound . I use to have a guy come round start them up the 250 started misfiring if that's the right term but up until 12 to 18 months ago both bikes started . Bikes were his passion but he was an English bike snob hence why to Japanese bikes left in a garage . So my question is restore against the value of the bikes or sell as is . Running but needs restoring ?

[@ArverneTracer9GT]

Thanks for this interesting video. I am looking for a motorcycle with a good quality / price ratio to ride in duo with my wife mainly. It looks like this bike is the right choice. A friendly greeting from France. I subscribe to your channel.

[@pilyomotoride7781]

Which one is more comfortable for doing long ride trip the gen 1 xr or the 9gt?

[@bennettsbikesocial]

S1000XR for me, T9 for Helen I reckon. Cheers, John

[@MadChalet]

Thorough review, and thanks for bringing up the lighting, it's important and too often overlooked. But I'm skeptical, you had more fun on the Tracer than the Multistrada? Than the Super Duke GT? (I know, they're different classes of bike$ - that's the problem with sweeping statements. :-) ) Cheers!

[@janoddvarbraadland9787]

Great review. Im planing to purchase a new Versys 1000 or the new Tracer 9gt. Could you please make a coparison of these two bikes. Both sport touring bikes more or less in the same league, and you have experience with both. Compare all day comfort, engine, fun factor, nimblenes, long houl touring etc. The Treacer is ligher bur does you feel it on your daily use.

[@kevinrobb86]

I have watched lots of reviews on this bike and by all accounts its a great bike but I just can't get used to the way it looks but I've not seen it in the flesh yet so maybe I'll change my mind as I did on the HD Pan America...{edit} looking at it I would like to see it with aluminum boxes with blue-black highlights

[@SortItOotMan]

Funny thing regards comfort. My own 2019 GT - I found the seat gave me a sore arse. I moved the seat up to the higher seating and that cured the problem. I have short fat hairy 29" legs and the factory comfort seat optioned. The peach is still that CP3 motor, it's a belter! The brakes are adequate. Beware of OE Dunlop tyes they're barely adequate.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

The Bridgestones on now are great! Cheers, John

[@SortItOotMan]

@HahrtDood It's not scary, try one for size.

[@jsbianco33]

Just want to say I really appreciate this kind of content. I am in the process of replacing a 2020 striple because my partner can’t stand to ride it. An 08 vfr is the only thing leaving the garage, and to me that just seems a shame. I am now solely shopping by “what will I like that she’ll like as much or better than the honda” and there’s just not enough good pillion content out there. Don’t suppose you two could hop on a KTM SAS real quick and give a comparison?

[@michals1108]

I tested few bikes and tracer is my No1 so far , I'm on versys 650 ATM and if would be looking for upgrade then tracer would be my choice

[@robbikebob]

Looks nice...apart from those clocks... I really hate those clocks. For some reason, they give me eye ache when I see them in a way old twin clocks never did. The numbers are too small and the odd shape jars.

[@pistolpete6321]

Fantastic review video! Great job as usual!

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks a lot! Cheers, John

[@BigCarKilla]

Mossey is a legend 😂

[@wilsonkee2078]

Compare to 2019/2020 Tracer GT, is the new 9 Gt lower in seat height over the 2019/2020.

[@bobjones8864]

Your partner has a great knack with her camera which is an amazing device I never saw the stick it was on. Great review I especially enjoyed your pilion

[@jamiekirkpatrick3634]

Your stomach come up... That's a normal thing? Wow there's a partner to piss off

[@phillipcharlton3404]

I have one there a Swiss army knife of the bike world its great fun and I love it

[@bennettsbikesocial]

A perfect description! Cheers, John

[@MB-ub5ns]

It amazes me how narrow that road is. In the US, that road would be a bicycle path 😀

[@patrickmatthys699]

Best review of this bike because of your pillion! We are now on a V-Strom 650 2012 and are looking for more comfort for my wife, who prefers being a pillion too. Could you ask your wife which bike she would prefer (not talking about the looks): the Niken or this Tracer? My wife likes the Niken, saw the video of you two of course and was wondering about your wife's point of view on these 2.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks! It's so long since she went on the Niken she can't really say. Possibly the Tracer has the edge. Cheers, John Hope this helps anyone else wondering though: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpXYmIV_qpJ7mtk

[@patrickmatthys699]

@@bennettsbikesocial Thanks a lot for your fast answer! Saw the video already and was indeed very helpful.

[@gibbedyg9369]

I can’t find any info about pre-load settings for a given weight. I read people saying you can’t possibly ride solo at 100kg on this bike.. but then I see reviews like this where pillion ride apparently handles great. Can someone help me out here. With 50L top box and pillion I’ll be adjusting luggage to keep it under the 193kg max. Do I just max out pre-load on front and rear. Is that how it works?

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Yes - just wind the remote adjuster up and see how it feels. You can measure static sag, but just crank it up. We found it was too soft with both of us on, so I wound it up then was fine with it. Cheers, John

[@gibbedyg9369]

@@bennettsbikesocial Thanks John. Currently on 4/20 turns/clicks front/rear.

[@aldvex8541]

Hello , coming from tiger 1200 would you choose the new gt + or the versys 1000 s ? Mainly highway miles and some country roads . Need to explore europe !!

[@bennettsbikesocial]

I honestly couldn't say as its so personal. GT I'd mote fun on backroads by a touch, if that helps. Versys a bit more luxurious. Cheers, John try this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWa2e4JsqdeasJo

[@aldvex8541]

@@bennettsbikesocial thank you !!

[@ridewherever]

Would look more slick in the gloss black with the blue stripe continuing around it.

[@Conradc187]

Great review, helped with all that pillion information.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Glad it was helpful!

[@aaronlee0203]

Can you answer if the shifter can be used as GP race shift (reverse shift)??? Thanks

[@Marc-NZ]

awesome review!...

[@xforce52]

Hi I was looking for a new do everything bike... jack of all trades master of none! I needed a year-long commuter!, weekend Warrior! an occasional continental Tourer!.. so I decided to take the plunge and take a Yamaha Tracer 900 GT out for a test ride and was instantly blown away with how well it performed and handled, I went home and picked up my wife and thought there's no way this little toy of a bike would handle both of us but boy was I wrong! My wife said how comfortable the ride was and how stable it made her feel! Which Is exactly what you said with you and your wife!.. So now I'm feeling jealous with the new model and might have to upgrade next year!...thanks keep up the great vids you both do!.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks very much! The 900 is still a great machine, but this really has moved things on even further. Cheers, John

[@benashton1011]

Really great review!

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thank you! All the best, John

[@racebmw]

Hi, I must say that its a great review especially with Helen’s feedback as pillion rider. Can’t help to notice that she is wearing the K7 hood jeans, my wife is about the same height and size, wondering if the k7 jeans she’s wearing the inside jeans length is 28”? Thanks

[@bennettsbikesocial]

I can't check at the moment, but Hood can adjust the jeans to any length you want, and will gladly help if you drop them a line or call. Cheers, John

[@racebmw]

@@bennettsbikesocial Thanks! Yes, already contacted them recently, but since Helen have them, just wanted to confirm the length before ordering with hood. 😊