Ducati Multistrada 950 vs Yamaha Tracer 900

We wanted to find out if you really needed a big 1200cc adventure bike to go all Charley Boorman.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

And with the coming of the 2019 Tracer 900 GT, the gap closes. TFT, q-s, cruise control, heated grips, up-spec suspension, better seats, better wind flow over the front. It's going to be a class act in the 850 class.

[@zguy95135]

The nearest Multi when I bought my Fj was near 10K more. I've had my Yamaha for three years, just about 50k miles and it's been amazing. Near zero maintenance, fun, fast, reliable. I doubt a Multi would have been working nearly as well for me.

[@theonlyDougBlack]

The format of this review is really informative and useful.

[@MrPilgrim609]

I wouldn’t even attempt to ride to the corner shop on a Ducati without wondering if the electrics were going to pack up. Tracer every time. But I’m biased because I’ve got a 2016 MT09, Shock Factory rear shock, flashed ECU, Akra full titanium system, and it is an absolute weapon, love it😀

[@michals1108]

same

[@jgoncalves237]

Done 6000km on my Tracer. I love the bike. In the city handles like a 250cc, when you ride it fast feels like a superbike. Have not done adventure riding, but I believe it is not designed for that. Against: suspensions are too stiff in my opinion. Maybe because it has such a strong engine, but one generally do not run it full throttle. Another thing, the fuel gage is deceiving, because when it first decreases one level, you are half tank. Neutral: the clutch could be more precise (this has improved a bit over time), the engine warms a lot (I live in Portugal and in the summer the fan is always on). For: amazing engine, handles fantastic around corners, build quality, such amazing value for money.

[@majormassenspektrometer]

The Tracer is a Sport Touring bike, not ADV...

[@TheAskme32]

The multistrada engine is a lot more hot during summer days.

[@stonesie81]

Buy the Tracer, add a nice shock (Nitron, Ktech, Maxton ect), have the forks valved and sprung to suit and you have the magic carpet ride and a grand left in your pocket for a quick shifter and exhaust. Or just spend it on petrol.

[@triv7252]

and it won't break down!

[@chriswheeler3108]

Now all that is avail factory with the Tracer 900 GT!!! With electronic cruise....

[@markmay7821]

@@chriswheeler3108 the tracer gt is basically the same price as the multistrada. And still has inferior suspension and is much less comfortable. Plus its still not an adventure bike. The Ducati is stupid fun sliding around on gravel and absorbs bumps like a klr. The tracer feels verts sketchy on gravel and would have to come almost to a stop to absorb the same bump.

[@specialcircs]

It's going to be really interesting to pit the Ducati against the forthcoming Tracer 900 GT....

[@juansibold]

I live in South Africa and I just got my Ducati 950S multistrada, I have just over 1000 miles. I’m very happy with it, very smooth, no vibration. Overall I’m happy with this machine

[@devonjon]

Still got it? South African looking for a 950S ;)

[@juansibold]

@@devonjon hi Devon no I don’t, unfortunately I had to exchange it for a BMW GS1250. I had a couple of issues with the bike, gear box and the radiator, I had to wait for up to 6weeks for spares so I wasn’t happy with their turnaround time.

[@revcole7]

So, the Ducati has a better suspension ('Like a magic carpet') , better electronics, stonking Brembo brakes, looks better, mirrors, the reviewers both agree BUT, the better bike is the one that is cheaper? Wish I had known that from the start and I would not have wasted 11 minutes of my life!!!

[@andreigireada9525]

Would have like to see the side bags in the comparisson and what they do to the ride quality, otherwise thanks for a great review! And also, what about carriyng a passenger? Which one would be more comfortable for a 2-4 hours ride?

[@alinorman]

1 thing reviews never mention when throwing around pricing is the maintenance costs. I sold my monster purely because i was quoted in the region of £800 for it's next service. It just didn't mean that much to me to warrant that kind of investment. Ducati costs more, and costs more year on year.

[@beanburnham01]

I put an Ohlins shock, andreani cartridges, GPR exhaust and a remap and I LOVE my tracer. It's not an ADV, more of a nimble sports tourer type. I consider it more of a touring supermoto

[@thepassionofthegoose5472]

My thoughts exactly. Fantastic bike.

[@rob121212blue]

What year tracer have you got?? Cause they changed the suspension for the 2017 model.. which is what I’ve got. And I really need to make adjustments to my suspension

[@gnominattor]

You can, but still looks very cheap.

[@pavelmullo244]

In Finland Ducati is 20k euros and tracer is 13,5k and gt version is around 16k. The question is Ducati worth that price difference or is it more about brand value?

[@dmandhelen]

Isn’t “quality” defined by how well something lasts under stress or “use “ as in this instance... it’s strange how bike reviewers have gone on about the “ quality “ of Italian bike components over others ... yet the reality is that these parts are renowned for failing consistently over the years ????..what really is “ quality “..??

[@BoogieBubble]

Very very smart what you said mate. Stay away from Italian products people , take it from a guy that lived with an Italian car and a bike. And also i think they forgot the fun factor as well , which is big on my list for choosing a bike. But yeah Japanese reliability over Italian easily. Great comment mate, i agree 100%

[@filthymcnastyazz]

dmandhelen used to be renowned, sme as japanese cars

[@JpOcDenver]

You're describing reliability and durability. Quality could be how nice is the paint, the gaps in the panels, how nice does the dash look, the suspension feel, other finishes, how does the switchgear feel, is the windscreen optically correct, etc. just cuz a bike lasts forever and is reliable doesn't make it a quality piece (cough, Honda, cough). Just a thought.

[@dmandhelen]

RoadRunner It depends whether you see “quality” as a real or abstract thing... I totally agree with what you say in terms of how things appeal to our senses... which is important..!! but in the “real” world .. senses apart .. the real quality of something is its ability to withstand pressure or use .... what would be good is if we could have both .... Italian design and passion for style made in Japan... maybe 👍👍👍👍...

[@jaspersilus]

Its about percieved versus actual quality, an Audi has huge percieved quality, a Lexus has actual quality! A Ducati or even BMW will NEVER be a match for a Japanese bike reliability wise, saying that Id have the Multistrada!😂

[@prof.2248]

Yamaha Tracer 900GT ! , lighter, better engine and top reliability brand motorcycle in the world.

[@im8980]

Can't deny, it's the truth.

[@ampm9771]

What? 950 15,000km 1st, 30,000km valve check. What's Yamaha's again?

[@davidstancu2963]

@@ampm9771 40k

[@robertpolkamp]

12.200 miles in 6 weeks on the Tracer and not even a flat tire(new rear tire however). It is lightly sprung so not a two up bike and even solo packed with gear it is best to preload to the max but other than that the Tracer is brilliant and reliable.

[@OramFly]

I love my GT but the chain strength is dogshit! 3,500 miles mines been stretched twice to needed adjustment even with a scottoiler. Rusting starting to appear in the crevices on the swing arm and header pipes starting to corrode despite good care. Safe to say it’s just been chopped in for a BMW R1200RT LE

[@josech]

Interesting video. In my country (Costa Rica) the price difference is about USD$6,000 which makes even harder to justify, but at the same time I don't feel crazy about the Tracer looks. Guess only driving one I could convince myself.

[@MariaFernanda-zn2nk]

Awesome video!! :) I had a 1200 Multi and also a 950 Multi. Now I have a V4 Pani, a motorcycle with sooo much power, that for my riding stile, it works more as a mobile piece of art than as a fun machine for the streets. Having said that, I would like to own the off-spring of a Multi 950 with a V4 pani. Maybe a Multi 750 V4. :)

[@SololaneMvlog]

I had the pleasure recently to test drive the multistrada 950. I think I had the base model so maybe comparing to the one you guys had it may have had less equipments but I really did not like it specifically because of two things: it vibrates like crazy....I wouldn’t travel like you say to Marocco on a vibrator lol and most importantly I had the engine pushing against my ankle on the right side so if you want to back brake I had to do it with my foot slightly in a diagonal position which is so weird and wrong for a bike of this price!

[@DFZ28_]

is there a big different between the torque/push of two the bikes?? I know that the ducati has more torque on the papers, but is there really a big difference that can be felt?

[@Imotopilot]

Great review amigos! I enjoyed the fact that you included a rider that isn’t necessarily a hardcore this rider or that rider. Ducati is trying to appeal to a broader market. It took me 12 years to warm up to buying a Ducati. Now I have two Multis and a Guzzi in my garage. Cheers!

[@Timon0808]

Please, what jacket is wearing Aaron ? Many thanks :))

[@BMRTV]

It's not just the sticker price. What does it cost to run/own these bikes. Can you do the maint yourself or do you need to take it in to the dealer, etc

[@ivor1957]

Vibrates very well and electrics are even worse. Pushed mine home twice in a week whilst still vibrating in harmony with the bike. Never again will I look at a Ducati.

[@artmchugh5644]

Ivor Garton I bought a 2011 1200 s touring with 40.000 miles on it 15 months ago it now has 63.000 miles and works fine !

[@Dranreb865]

@@artmchugh5644 so you are saying IGOR IS A LIAR?

[@artmchugh5644]

Bernard Bernabe I'm saying mine is fine 😄

[@speckledperch4158]

@@Dranreb865 No, just that he may have an lemon.

[@ef.chionidis]

It might have been a badly serviced bike (or something even worse) but let me assure you that I've been driving a Multistrada 1260S '10 and had no complain or problems whatsoever! I'd been riding a TDM900 previously and let me tell everyone that there's ABSOLUTELY no way one can compare a Ducati with a Yamaha... Don't you have the extra money to spend, yes go for the Yamaha. But if you have it, don't hesitate. You're never going to regret it, nor will you ever return back to any previous bike you might had. It's that simple! :)

[@MakTheSank]

Yamahas are more reliable than Ducatis, end of story. If you want a comfortable touring experience with sexy italian looks and great torque go for the Ducati. (more money, less reliability, weaker top end) If you want a street bike turned into a touring machine with Industrial/Futuristic looks and amazing engine from bottom to top(flashed ECU) with lower cost and higher reliability go for the Yamaha. BOTH amazing motorcycles. Other choices: Triumph Tiger 800Xcx for more offroad experience, and wait for the new BMW 850GS. If it has a twin engine with 95~horsepower ,upside down forks and electronics borrowed from the 1200gs it would be very interesting to see battle-ing in this category.

[@markmay7821]

Most of what you said is true. The tracer has two more horsepower, but ten lbs less torque. It's about 25 pounds lighter, but I think the extra torque would make it a pretty even race. The msrp of ducati includes 1000$ towards any farkles you want to put on. Side cases and a center stand, or cruise with heated grips, crash bars and skid plates etc. The tracers price does not. So the price gap would close up once you outfitted the tracer with the same equipment. Yes jap bikes have always been more reliable. But these new gen ducatis (after audi bought them) have been pretty bullit proof so far. Both great bikes. but for the extra 1500-2 grand I'd chose the more comfortable bike with much better suspension and is a true adventure bike ( also handles like a sport bike). Its hilarious fun on gravel, where the tracer feels pretty sketchy trying to have fun on gravel. It absorbs bumps almost as well as my klr. the tracer is more akin to my versys. The versys I would have to come to a complete stop over a tree root, where I can take it in 3rd gear on the multi. But it doesn't sacrifice any on road handling. It's really an awesome bike

[@pomentx1]

well said

[@UneasyRider]

Are both better than the Z1000SX for touring around Europe?

[@ajayrathnaraj]

Both bikes are good looking

[@hishamuddinkassim8778]

Which one depreciates in value the most?

[@chriscooperCRF300]

Tested both bikes and I'm pleased to say both bikes are very good. Realty is Japanese bikes are becoming same price as European bikes now days, with that said I bought the Ducati 950 👌🏼

[@Sirsethtaggart3505]

I bought a Niken GT, partly on your excellent review. It is the best sports tourer available, but rusting on its fiddly, trellis frame, has really knocked my confidence in Yamaha products. It's now blown a fork seal. Disappointing is an understatement. Catching up with the Tracer in a couple of years would be interesting, to see how the components last. Seth.

[@citizenpmd565]

The Ducati with touring pack about £12,250 . New tracer GT will be £10.6k approx on the road with panniers, heated grips, cruise control, quickshifter, centre stand, touring screen and TFT display (coloured) . The Ducati just got bent over big time.

[@donnyazoff980]

I just sold a 2016 1200S Multistrada and bought a Tracer 900 GT and it was the best decision I have made. It’s lighter, uses almost 30% less fuel and there is nothing between the two performance-wise. But the best bit is I know the Yamaha will always start when I want it to and wont cost $2000 for a service.

[@Agislife1960]

I noticed that both headlights on the Ducati burn, I guess they might be dual filament bulbs for high/low beam, While the Yamaha uses one light for high and one light for low, so does that mean that the Ducati has better lights at night. Also excluding saddle bags do the bikes have any secure under seat storage for small valuables like Phones, wallet, wrist watch etc. sometimes when you go to a beach or a lake where you're getting into the water that's important.

[@stevenbinns121]

Got a mt09 tracer 2016 10000 on clock new tyres two service stamps plus some extras Yamaha heated grips front and rear extenders crash bars auxiliary socket and still got change from £7000 love the ride love the colour red Ho and a top box with the same key as ignition happy days 😀👍

[@tdmtam]

These were 2 of the 3 bike that were on my short list, the other being the Triumph Tiger Sport. The Tracer is great value for money and the triple engine is a peach. Brakes are excellent as well. The suspension on this years model is a welcome improvement over the previous year model. The Multistrda’s suspension is in the next league and the brake are that bit better over the Tracer. I preferred the V twin grunty low end stomp of the Duc but it’s £2k more than the Tracer and that is before you add a centre stand. The 950 Multistrada touring would have been my choice. But I got a great deal on a Tiger Sport.

[@macrae1985]

That Southern Fanny trail rides round potholes while we have the big playground(Scotland and Cumbria).

[@Madharr234]

Both bikes not adventure proper, those are sport touring bikes

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Nope. ADV to the core. ADV isn't a narrow genre, it's actually very wide. Mostly tall and narrow, and long suspension travel defines them and beyond that it's a matter of wheel sizes. There simply aren't any touring or sport touring bikes on the market that feel like or do the same things in the same way as the ADV. They are the multi-tool of all motorcycles.

[@Madharr234]

Lifted_Above nope. The rules has been change now. The ADV section are using dual purpose tire or 60% on road 40% off road and big accessories likes pannier and crash bar everywhere as standard. Ducati and bmw also realize that ADV are expensive than standard sport touring. For this category they are using multistrada 950 not 1200ADV and tracer not super tenere for ADV Purpose.

[@JinKazama92]

Manufacturers call it whatever they want even if it doesnt fit in the right category. To be honest ADV is just a fan made category. the right word for adventure is Dual Sport Riding/Bikes. The word Adventure is generic in nature. So it is not wrong to assume that an adventure bike must do great on both road and off road.

[@pauldavison7105]

No sport touring bikes are are things like the Honda vfr or triumph sprint. Not quite sports bikes with panniers. These are adventure touring maybe but not sports touring.

[@markmay7821]

The tracer is definitely. But not the multistrada. It absorbs bumps like a klr. Plus the rake and wheelbase makes it stupid fun on gravel. I can drift that thing for days.... the 950 is the best all round adv bike you can buy

[@peterlewis968]

I would take the Multistrada every time, I agree you don't really need 1200 cc for adventure, but when I ride my bike ( which is not often enough) i like something that little bit special. I think the 950 Multistrada gives you that. I don't own one, but it would be a possible replacement for my 1200 GSA when the time comes.

[@ajy1w479]

And it is.

[@Grahamvfr]

Yea nice watchable review, with regard to seat height (4mins in) the multistrada may well have a lower seat, but its width pushes your thighs wider (oh err!) so that's negates the lower height ie you get your feet flatter at standstill on the tracer.

[@dougiequick1]

Btw HOW does one compare "the quality of switchgear"? lol just by looks and feel? I would think one would have to compile reliability data and some kind of measure for feel vs function ...a "low quality" switch would fail much earlier than a higher quality but you cant tell such sitting on bike and clicking its switches.....just saying idk maybe you are right but I aint convinced

[@vinjofin1972]

What about the KTM 1090 adventure?

[@saddle8bag]

Go with the Duc and give the children rides as Christmas presents.

[@topgun8683]

It's the Kawasaki Versys 1000LT for me !

[@Supernova12034]

yawnline 4

[@FanOWater]

You should redo this comparison with the 900GT. Cheers

[@your_royal_highness]

Vs 950s

[@eastbaymauiboy]

Which ones quicker/faster??!!

[@stewartclough4866]

Mate bought a tracer just over twelve months ago. After 40 mph if you took your hands of the bars it shock its head. He took it back to the dealer and they were not interested. He is only a small fella. He did take it round Europe. Sorry he chopped in his 1000 fazer. You should not be upgrading the suspension when you have bought it new. I did suggest to him to take it to Kais Suspension.

[@johnfragos7660]

Your mate should have somebody that knows what he is doing to measure the sag of the bike and calibrate the suspension to his weight...

[@BojcB]

Music/Song info Please cant find anything with Shazam, Soundhound, Google sound search...

[@musamusa2961]

Thank God I will buy one of each of them

[@travelinben1966]

If the Yami was shaft drive,it would be in my stable now.

[@nicorosberg1]

I'm 6'1' and a little north of 95 kgs/210 lbs and I've never faced this instability issue that people keep talking about. From what I've read, it's either with people installing after market windshield or handguards or both. By the looks of this video, the bald dude owns a ducati or proud to be European he feels he's a bigger man(?) and so the moment he gets on the Yamaha he's going to kiss the pavement without tweaking the bike. Build quality of a Japanese vs an Italian, we'll take the Japanese any day, oh and the low maintenance bit too!

[@johnfragos7660]

The tracer needs setting up for every individual driver, since factory settings are not ideal for everybody..If it is setup properly, and with decent tyres, there is no instability problem... The wise man spends some money on upgrading the suspension of the tracer and goes touring...

[@nicorosberg1]

Agreed, but it doesn't mean the stock setup will take the rider down! I've ridden stock for a few months before really understanding and making the changes that I felt were needed for me and me alone. Once I got 2 up, it'll be back to doing the same thing. Yes, getting a suspension upgrade is a big plus but I don't buy this crap about the factory setup is meant for "small" men.

[@dale-fi1fi]

True ducati broken andddd another broken part il pass yamaha all the way

[@emotio2008]

Yamaha Tracer 900 GT

[@incognito8219]

I love the fact that you're putting the Yamaha against the "big brand" Ducati and not against simialr tier brands like the Benelli or Triumph. Surely the Yamaha shines a light to when the BMW f800gs. I personally pick the Yamaha.

[@ricardorodrigues3508]

1:37 why are they riding with their arms like that? are they handicaped ??

[@vinjofin1972]

🤣🤣🤣

[@Marco-cl9pb]

They look so funny lol

[@stevenharris4432]

Ricardo Rodrigues I noticed that very strange

[@NinjahPenguinZ]

Thats actually a comfortable position for hard twisties on an mt09 :(

[@xcg1234]

@@NinjahPenguinZ Nah they just wanna look cool for the camera but instead of cool it's awkward.

[@duncanmurrant7364]

Ive just bought 2017 Tracer 900 3000 miles on the clock, The Ducati is £2000 grand more. No brainer for me, you get what you pay for. Thanks for the review..

[@sharpcsc998]

I run a Tracer, I changed the suspension and its miles better. If you take a pillion look elsewhere. The weight is right over the rear wheel (which is why the new GT has 60mm longer swingarm) and I broke a seal on the rear shock! Great engine which needs an ECU reflash! Why? More power and another 1000 rpm on top - pretty damn quick now. Standard tyres ok, new Metzeler 01 are just the best!

[@thebrad271]

I don't understand why people don't like the Oem Dunlops. I scrapped the foot pegs on the rev limiter(190kph) and i'm still alive and well. Now i have a Bridgestone S21 that is almost done. I'll put an S22 soon. Did not see much change going from stock to Bridgstones. Liked both.

[@putputray4195]

Regarding cost, what about maintenance schedule? My Ducati Scrambler has a shorter cycle and I can feel it in my wallet as well...

[@marcoaurelio6941]

Ahahhah i was about to ask that!!

[@bjlwijnen]

I have got a MTS1200. Surprisingly no one talks about the crazy expensive maintenance every 24K km's. In NL's you'll pay around 1200,- euros for the big maintenance including valve check/adjustments... Suppose it'll be the same with the MTS950 as it is a similar testastretta engine...

[@webmasterhelpguide]

Which dealership's did you film at?

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Lewis Tisdall that was P&H in Gatwick Lewis.

[@tlotlosenai7304]

I'm new to the whole riding world. Is the Yamaha beginner friendly?

[@johnfragos7660]

Yes it is... For a properly schooled rider with functioning brains between his ears...

[@expatbiker6598]

I've lost count how many times I've watched this video. The best comparison in like for like sports tourer bikes.

[@johna6968]

If I'm thinking Adventure bike, I'm not thinking mt09. Enjoyed the review even tho I didnt quite get the Morocco/Manchester thing?

[@mcgregorglasgow9810]

Jay B Once they got to the end of the video, I realized that they were talking about commuting vs. touring. Manchester would be a quick jaunt while Morocco would be a multi day long distance outing.

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Thank you!

[@johna6968]

I'd be half tempted to take the Yamaha, as its half a chance of getting you back..

[@SuperBikesince1977]

Sorry Jay, sometimes things make more sense in my head than they do when they come out of my mouth. The point I was trying to make was that the Yamaha would be my bike of choice for shorter journeys (Manchester is half a day away for me), but I'd take the Ducati for a longer trip, like Morocco (three days away). Hope that helps. JH

[@johna6968]

SuperBike Sounds fair enough to me.

[@kevinwestwood6668]

Tracer is a sports tourer,not an adventure bike,ive done loads of tours on my tracer never had any problems,its built to a budget,yamaha could make it a lot better,but naturally the price will go up,the 700 tracer is also a great little bike.

[@billgoldbergmania]

Own and commute year round on a Tracer 700. I've had for for a year now, no complaints at all, can't even nitpick anything, it's extremely reliable. It's also really good fun on the twisties.

[@veriitas33]

Reliability I go for yamaha. Had the the 1st gen fz09 here in US. Thinking of getting tracer because of wife lol she's been riding along with me and she's not liking fz09

[@SuperCheesyMan]

I have a 2016 Multistrada 1200s. Gosh what a bike ! Build quality and design are so much superior to the Tracer GT

[@signkutter9218]

Haha...ok ...

[@glynwebb9724]

Sat on both and the multistrader is far higher!!!

[@andrewandlm]

Sound sensible review

[@OldManTony]

I would have seriously have considered the multi when I bought my Tiger 800, the tracer just didn’t have the build quality of the Tiger, the multi just might have if it was available then.

[@DanielMores]

I didn't understand the part at 3:25 ... going to Marocco vs going to Manchester. What is that supposed to mean? Ducati is the better long distance bike? Better support?

[@johnfragos7660]

Me too...It is very open to interpretation when taken on its own. From the rest of the discussion it comes out as the Ducati being more comfortable

[@dratilhelvetedotlol]

The stock MT-09 Tracer seat is a very litterate pain in the ass - take my word for it, I've done nearly 23000km's on mine.. Lovely bike, but it needs a few extra bits and pieces to make it good.

[@MakTheSank]

yes i think he meant it as a more comfortable bike.

[@filthymcnastyazz]

Journalistic alliteration for one. Also morocco is futher away, for him. Last, the implication being that the roads in his own country are better so the duke coukd cope better with decaying surfaces.

[@andybryant9105]

I love my Tracer and it develops 120 bhp

[@gurkanozkan8038]

both are good bike. i prefer the tracer !

[@johnengland8619]

Thanks for sharing0

[@Zimmermann310]

None of this two bikes would be my choice. Suzuki V-Strom and the Honda Africa Twin are more reliable as the Multistrada and more proper build bike as the Tracer 900.

[@Butterzai]

Tracer 900 and Multistrada Both bike have very different wheelbase that make a difference in term of stability. 1440mm vs 1600mm Old Tracer 900 wheelbase is no longer than the Mt09 that make it more agile, lighter but lack of stability compare to Ducati which is a Big touring bike (Ducati wheelbase is even longer than R1200gs) it more stable but it is a long wheelbase bike that make it lack of agility compare to Tracer. NOW .. New​ Tracer900 is longer swing arm to increase wheelbase and it more stable now but it still shorter than Ducati. Both bike are great but they are very different bike.

[@peterhatfield5632]

Can anyone tell me what the music is that starts at ~ 0:52?

[@evileyez77]

try using the Shazam app

[@thepassionofthegoose5472]

How you use your ADV bike depends on where you live. Most from California (that I know) do the very thing you'd imagine doing on them adventure wise. I'm a day from Baja and a day from BC, with endless trails in several mountains the middle. Net/net, any three-day weekend allows me time to ride one in the exact manner the designers had in mind and be home for work on Monday covered in desert sand or mud. The Starbucks ADV poseur is definitely a thing, but that doesn't mean lots of ADV bikes aren't used with gusto offroad. Cheers.

[@isottatokio]

i choose simply the look of mts. great testastretta engine great high end bike

[@Renzsu]

For those in the know, how is the Tracer 900 in crap weather at highway speeds? I'm looking for a new commuter bike, but would also have some weather protection. Are the fairings and screen enough to shield you from most of the rain?

[@thebrad271]

Buy a car man.

[@karlbratby4349]

Build quality and parts fitted to shall we say my Yamaha my10sp is awful, after 3 months Ive got rusty bolts, pitted aluminium , brake disc studs rusty , the amount of components that have been affected by just a few times of being caught in the rain is really bad even my dealer has made a claim under warranty. Then there is the squeaky bad fitting seat, the most useless mirrors on any bike I’ve ridden. I could go on but the bike is going and in its place is a multistarda enduro . They are chalk and cheese in terms of quality and feel and not just mass produced rubbish . Yes you do pay for a premium product but for me who values quality it’s worth it

[@madeulook5421]

Karl Bratby I call bullshit on your claims because having worked at a Ducati dealership I can honestly say that I have never seen bigger heaps of crap in all my life & before you reply take this into consideration... Honda & Harley were also sold at the same dealer & it was a constant stream of Ducati & Harley for warranty issues where as Honda warranty was very very rare

[@karlbratby4349]

I would agree on the harley for sure, and to a point after owning for a month the ducati has started to let me down, wont go into the details but the dealer had it back and its staying there. Had BLADE SP earlier this year, 2016 model, amazing bike but the combned ABS failed twice and had no brakes despite dealer fixing twice, after this i found out it was a design issue, It was traded for the mt10sp which was an ex demo, dealer replaced all the corroded parts. the Multi has been replaced with a bike I always discounted but had one for a week on trial and all the scarmongering people tell me is probably just that, it doesnt give me the passion of the Ducati or the crazyness of the mt10 but it just does it. 2018 GS adventure

[@JinKazama92]

what the hell is a blade sp?

[@billgoldbergmania]

I have the Tracer 700, ride it every single day to work. It looks brand new after 20k km. You can only tell it's not new by the exhaust pipes colouring and some corrosion on brake lines bolts.

[@epausman]

And how about maintenance? I will bet that the Tracer is more reliable and the maintenance is a lot cheaper than the Ducati. I will take the Tracer any day.

[@Ritalie]

The instability may be the tires and a normal amount of flex in the swing-arm and frame. The Avon Storm 3D tires are known to cause severe speed wobble, weaving, handling issues. The tire issues are never talked about, because the manufacturers don't properly test the tires, they are "computer designed." If you see a strange tread patterns, and if you have a tire with longitudinal tread that runs lengthwise, in the very center of the tire, where it makes contact with the asphault, then you need new tires. Don't use these tires. The problem is, the grooves in the tire, do affect handling, and they can affect handling when the road has grooves in it. I've read countless stories of people who had bad handling issues, then switched to a more expensive, more common tire, and the handling was 100% solved. Avoid Avon tires at all costs. Cheng Shen tires don't have handling problems, but the harder compound can be dangerous. I had a really weird instability in my bike, where it felt "loose" like the swingarm was loose. I changed tires, and it went away. I put a used front tire on my Ninja 600 and when you would decelerate, it would gently wobble, if you weren't holding the bars. I am convinced that a lot of tires sold today have dangerous tread patterns. The tread should not run longitudinally, parallel to the pavement on a motorcycle, because it affects the steering and the feel of the steering, which obviously affects the handling.

[@johnmaquiran4278]

This is my dream bike DUCATI MULTISTRADA 950, but this bike is just for my eyes only, like a dreams that cant have, poorly to say im just a simple poor man just dreaming a bike that cant even reach 😢

[@Evolcanova]

You will get it if you want it bad! Wish you good luck from the heart!

[@ampm9771]

The difference between Multistrada and tracer is that with that Yamaha you have to spend another 2k to get an exhaust system to make the bike sound and look proper. and probably another 1k to replace the cheap plastic parts that come loose due to vibration.

[@vageliskoios1062]

Plus 1k for the suspension

[@nicoskyriacou6647]

Before you buy. RESEARCH on cost of service, how often, recalls, reliable,

[@markmay7821]

Every 30,000 miles for the ducati. And reliability seems stellar on the new gen ducatis after audi bought them

[@driveguy]

You mention the suspension is better on the multi. When on the fun and windy sections, that's a key aspect. My commute happens to be a great cotswold route, and the ride is so good. The only downside is you have to properly set up the suspension for the rider. I bought the multi based on how it made me feel. It's my first bike as well. Perfect choice, that I can get away with, before marriage and children.

[@opmike343]

The Multi is an amazing motorcycle, and is skyhook is pretty unparalled right now for a "street" suspension. I think you'd find (if you haven't already) the FJ-09/Tracer has a pretty pathetic chassis and suspension in comparison. It's shocking the contrast.

[@garmit61]

Having recently ridden the 700 and 900 Tracer and the 800 Tiger and the Tiger Spor,t, I loved the engine in the small tracer but the chassis was just too small and cramped and the dashboard reflected the sun straight into my eyes when the sun was behind me. The 800 tiger was utterly gutless and like all triples runs much hotter than a twin, so was unpleasant in the traffic in the hot weather we have been seeing this week. The only mode that delivered anything like respectable power was Sport. Why even bother with the others. I’ve never owned a bike without a throttle cable and I found the power delivery on the 900 tracer and Tiger Sport 1050 was really twitchy especially at low speeds. On the Tiger Sport the fuelling in the mid range in Sport mode was bordering on dangerous, either off or on in a way that I almost wondered if they had introduced VTEC. I really wish these companies made a decent Sports Tourer twin or triple instead of these over technical bland bikes. I think I need to test the Ducati.

[@ajy1w479]

When it comes to money we all have our limits. The 950 brings the multistarda to an affordable place. And that place out shines just about any other bike. Once you spend time on it you will come to understand the value. The motor, the sound, the ride, the performance are all equal in excellence. The tracer is a fun bike, wheelie wheelie, but it stops their. The Ducati is as much fun wheelie wheelie and you do everything else well that you would like on 2 wheels.

[@jollibeetilao3604]

No regret,revs your heart

[@flyingrv6]

My $1500 2009 KLR650 won't die no matter how hard I beat on it. That's adventure on a budget. Parts are dirty cheap and available everywhere.

[@levis5230]

That's a pretty good deal for an 09

[@stevenharris4432]

So your saying the yams a shopping bike and the duke a proper bike

[@MianCowell]

head shake at high speed got ironed out before the tracer did it? methinks you need to speak to tracer owners!

[@SaabAholic]

I thought the Tracer was a Sport Touring bike?

[@thepassionofthegoose5472]

It is. Seventeen up front is a recipe for disaster in most nontarmac situations. For reference, I've taken a Honda VFR across a desert on mostly dirt roads out of necessity, but that doesn't make it a "good" idea. A 19 will give you significantly more control is the loose stuff, while a 21 will turn your touring bike into a large dirtbike if suspended properly.

[@SaabAholic]

Ok, that makes sense. I did take mine down a gravel road for three miles on Saturday and it did ok. I would have been more nervous on my FJR1300. 🤠

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

IK miles a year. Leisure rider. What can he possibly know?

[@laurencedesmet2806]

That was my thought - I do more than that each and every month of the year!

[@greggferns3278]

Thats the automatic reaction,but if he has the cash and is looking for a new bike,he will be representative of a cross section of the bike buying public,so therefore his opinion does matter,whether we agree with his opinions or not

[@surenzlimbu2401]

Just 1 k

[@chrisredfield3240]

Is that less than 100 miles a month ?

[@frizenfreeze]

Or only be riding during the summer months. Which is a majority of riders these days. They need to enjoy every bit of riding during that window.

[@spearfisring]

Finally all we 'll sell our bikes for a R 1250 GS

[@adambainbridge1047]

So everything was better on the ducati, but you both picked the Yamaha because of cost? Would a Ducati win against anything ever?! Haha

[@xlthumper]

The problem is most of the time the cost of that better is not worth the extra cost. Where I love the Ducati is way more expensive than the yamaha and less reliable. So no the Ducati probably will not win lol

[@wombal177jim]

Tracer any day or night

[@phnx4life]

Where's the Versys 650 ?

[@TheSenna76]

In the rear view mirror 🤣 No offense, mate, great bike.. Have fun ✌

[@Brad-RB]

Please do this review again with the 2019 900 Tracer GT & the Multistrada 950S

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Brad Bilski hey Brad, we’re riding the 950s this week. Look out for the vid coming soon.

[@Brad-RB]

@@BikeWorldTVshow Sweet!

[@georgepotter1280]

Obviously they don't know how to adjust the Tracer mirrors

[@yveskirpach3439]

wonderful comparison. Getting the opinion of just a normal driver is so much more than by journalists who get to ride the latest and most powerful day in day out (not to diminish test rides by professionals) in our family we ride an MT09 and a 1200 Pikes Peak. The Yamaha is by far the easier bike to ride. But it is just a bike, like many others. The Ducati is completely different, once you get used to its way of working, you will not go back. The purchase price should always be reduced by the resale value but also the maintenance costs to evaluate the financials. A Ducati is very expensive to service. But given shorter intervals, the Yamaha is not much less. Emotionally, the difference is however huge: every time you look at a Ducati, you dream. You stop the bike along the road, you feel people's eyes. You join the club, you are part of it. You just have this pride of ownership, which you will not get with the Yamaha. And this can never be paid.

[@johnfragos7660]

Shorter yamaha intervals? You are wrong there Yves.The Tracer 900 needs a valve check every 40 000 kms.. Oil change according to the service manual every 10k - I would do that twice every year for any bike, whether Yamaha or Ducati.. There is no contest between servicing costs and service intervals between these two, the Yamaha is way cheaper to maintain. It does lack a good suspension, but that is nothing some Ohlins gold cannot fix to a level similar or better to the Ducati... I understand what you say ebout the emotion aspect and respect it. That is what keeps Ducati afloat after all. I totally sympathise with you on that , but for many people with not great funds, a European tour ,or a weekend tour without any problems is going to give them more things to dream . And that is why motorcycles like the Tracer are vital... Young people cannot possibly buy 1200 Multistrada's.. They may be able to afford a used Tracer 700/900, most probably a mt-07, and that will keep motorcycling alive...

[@baz9438]

Two great bikes, for me Yamahas reputation for reliability and price should make it favourite. I'd have the Ducati! 😆

[@kanenas6447]

Excust above the wheel = adventure. Bellow = not adventure. Simple!

[@bobtranquilli9985]

Both lovely bikes, but too much plastic cladding on the Ducati's engine!