Long Term Review: 3 years old Yamaha MT-09 Tracer (FJ-09)

After 3 years of good service, it is time to do a retrospective on my Red Lava Tracer, as I wait for my new 2018 Tracer GT to be delivered.
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[@michaelsalsbery7162]

I've had my 2016 FJ09 for about 6 months. The steering wobble drove me crazy. After messing with lots of different things such as tire pressure, windscreens, and seating position, what ended up fixing the problem for me was taking the hand guards off the bike. I noticed there was alot of buffeting between the windscreen and the hand guards, like the air was forcing the handlebars to move. After the hand guards were removed my steering wobble was gone, even at speeds above 100mph. This is just my experience but I thought it might help others with the same issue. Thanks for another great video.

[@uchihamadara1126]

I have 2017 model with a different windscreen and also the tires from factory and I had no problem even in speeds like 220++....for me it was super stable( also I ve kept the hand guards Tho your comment may help a lot of people!

[@laexh]

Good review. Thank you. I have had mine for one year now. It's a 2016 ... I'm happy with it

[@peterjackson6228]

I'm thinking of buying a second hand MT-09 Tracer. Great video/review. I'll go check out some more of your videos.

[@samiam8779]

Thank you for so concisely explaining the leg position.

[@pabloesquivel754]

Man this is an awesome review,it is your straight honest opinion and that's what make it better. Some people may find it helpful some others won't but at the end of it I feel it is very useful for someone like me trying to get into "dual sports" motorcycles!

[@DigitalJeremy]

Great review. I've had a 2015 FJ-09 for a year, and wholeheartedly concur with the engine performance...for the price point, what you get is amazing. Thanks for the vid...very well assembled and edited.

[@CriticalRider]

Thanks!

[@rbbach1945]

CR- Thanks as usual for a great review.I've had my FJ-09 about a year and a half and am already lusting for the new GT. Will be waiting anxiously for your review,comments and mods on the GT.Don't think they will be available in the U.S. 'til Nov18. Regards Rick in Seattle

[@disekjoumoer]

Hi, I enjoyed your review. To the point and well spoken.

[@markSwitzer]

Thanks for this review! Was thinking about the 2019 Tracer, but think I may end up with the MT-10 in the end...suited up with taller windscreen comfort seat and tail box. The wobble discussion concerns me, and the comfort of the seating position, or lack thereof, reminds me of my Hyperstrada seating position. Took me a long time to figure out why it wasn't so comfortable, but your description of the MT-09 seating position clued me in to the Hyper's problem...

[@jamesbrace3212]

Good info! Thank you so much for your videos!👍 Good job!

[@markcrook4692]

Your not Stupid. Great vid.Have one myself and everything you described as good or bad is bang on.Enjoy your new bike.

[@Hapfletcher]

I have read a lot about these bikes and watched countless video on these bike....Your videos are Great......you explain in nice details

[@CriticalRider]

Thanks!

[@99len]

great review - thanks!

[@felixmutsaerts2196]

Another very nice video!! I like all you're video's very much. Iám looking forward to you're comment and the difference between the MT09 en the GT09

[@user-du1jl3xj7h]

Thank you for your beautiful review brother,,,

[@Geocometsigg]

Thanks, looking to get a early model, video was very honest.

[@rjo2020]

Thank you! Hugely informative! I am currently thinking of the Tracer 700 vs the Tracer 900 GT. So this was very helpful. I have been on the TMAX for two years. It was great, but I miss having the tank between my legs to brace on when doing tight curves.

[@CriticalRider]

Thanks!

[@nickbrown1973]

Great review, I pick up a 2016 next week. First bike in 23 years!

[@craigtruelove444]

how you getting on with it ? just bought one and curious?

[@tazzzxcsd]

Thanks for the long term review Miguel. strange, I've often done above 200kmph on my 15 Tracer on the track with no wobble, I do remove the screen and guards for track days though. I've have done 200kmph once with the Puig touring screen fitted with no wobble but thought the screen was going to snap off :) I totally agree with your suggestion that the dealer should adjust the suspension for the buyer, even if it's only the preload, very good idea mate.

[@laexh]

Wobble does not happen on all fj-09 bikes... Yes, happens in some. Mine is 2016, does a mild non serious woble at 170 kms /hr, when there are strong winds or in the back of a truck

[@paulkiley4667]

Very helpful review on what is a great sport tourer. I bought the 2019 model this year, brand new old stock if that makes sense. I have to say I'm extremely happy with the bike even though I agree with a lot you've said especially the screen buffetting. This I found too much to bear so I added a screen extender, 100% improvement. The suspension I find pretty good but then I'm not a really hard rider. Overall a very capable bike and I know I've made the right choice. Yamaha almost, almost, got it right with this one. All the little tweaks that it needs have hopefully been addressed with the Tracer 9...!

[@RRatedCustoms]

Good insight. I am considering a used one as a second bike.

[@adamedwards8847]

Great review Thankyou

[@beanburnham01]

Switching out the screen and hand guards stopped the wobble for me. Ohlins suspension helped too.

[@itsallabouttheridekeepingi4449]

Great review , I cannot wait to the 900 GT when it comes to Australia and I will be trading my 2014 Triumph Tiger 1050 Sport. It has 45,000kms now

[@AlexOnibokun]

Is it still available? I am interested

[@petervanderheyden1505]

Great Review, very helpful information. perfect.

[@dylangrieveable]

One thing to note: my bike used to wobble. I realized that my rear tire was out of alignment. Don't trust the swingarm marks- they are incorrect on my bike. I used a motion pro alignment tool- fixed.

[@Michaelmx338]

good review - no wobble on my 2017- crazy fun bike

[@robertpolkamp]

Michaelmx338 Me neither on a 2016. The factory had a slight misalignment in the rear axle adjuster markers. Once you know where the proper alignment of the front to rear wheel your set.

[@saravanak24]

Mine 2016 FJ 09 does not wobble either. I frequently do 170 - 175 kmph. Very smooth and Love it..!

[@1Beeontheroad]

There is a information that n 2017 they renewed the front springs. Renewed ones said to be progressive and more stiff ? Could anyone confirme ?

[@plllot9713]

about the wobble. I test rode a 2017 new at the time tracer and it had a wobble during acceleration. then I bought 2015 tracer and it had the same thing. I did a few things while I've had it and it completely went away. no wobble even on hard acceleration or at high speeds. 1. I aligned the front fork! for some reason the shocks were out of alignment so had to loosen up the bottom triple clamp and the steering stem top nut and set it straight (the bike was from the first owner, full service history, maybe it came this way from the factory, or maybe they messed it up when recalling steering bar clamps) 2. I PROPERLY adjusted the whole suspension (SAG and rebound setting)...that's a big suspect! 3. changed rear tyre! I don't know if it's a matter of the tyre itself or maybe the wheel alignment was off, but something tells me that might have had some influence so yeah, this are three main suspects for the wobble to go away. I need to underline I'm quite fit (I mean I'm a light guy, some 75kg). If the wobble is mainly due to suspenion which we all know is a bit crappy in tracers, heavier chaps might have trouble setting it up properly. they didn't extend the swing arm without a reason, did they? even with my 'pensioner' style of riding I can easily lift the front wheel off the ground. something tells me the softness of rear shock might have something to do with that. all in all, apart from rusty bits I'm extremely pleased with my 3 year old tracer, especially I'm not experiencing any wobble anymore. If I did..I would probably get rid of it as it's too dangerous in my opinion. I can definitely exclude the aerodynamics as a reason for the wobble, that's for sure!

[@joshuanathan3954]

Eric Forman great

[@fazerman50]

Spot on video but I think there is no such thing as a perfect bike, this bike has it's faults but I just love my red 15 plate. I have had memory foam put in the seats which has helped a lot, but see your point about the peg position. The best mod I have had is a suspension upgrade, nitron R1 rear shock and K Tec front springs and valves and professional set up it's a completely different bike. I have no plans to part with mine at the moment but am really looking forward to all of your reviews on your new bike.

[@dennisthemenace7321]

Nice video! I’m thinking about getting this bike soon. I’m a nice weather/hooligan/group type of rider and would like to do some long distance touring with my girlfriend ( separate bike ) in the future. Hope this bike will do fine for my type of riding..

[@flyingbrick219]

I have exact the same model (for 2,5 yrs), even bought same engine crash bar as you (saw it on your eary video), BUT have to say now I don't agree with you at most of the issues you complained. I don't have wobble at all, even at 225 km/h. Of course, I did adjust my suspension at very begining. Windscreen - only issue that I have is wind noise, otherwise is good. Seat-hard at the begining, but it softened and it's perfectly fine for any type of riding. The only thing I disslike is a bit too hard suspension on bad road surface. Engine is 5+ as you said yourself! Cheers mate.

[@67tomma]

Mine is 2016 it has the wobble

[@frankstocker5475]

I bought a Motocam on Aliexpress Euro160. it works great, I just let it run in the background for security reasons. I see you bought the Blue bike it looks great.

[@CriticalRider]

Thanks. Do you have any footage of those cameras? I need to investigate these solutions...

[@17405pop]

I must be lucky. Had mine for two and a half years now and ridden all over Ireland plus a huge chunk of Europe and no wobbles and, I've occasionally gone well over 200 kph. It's one of the most 'honest' motorcycles I've owned in over a half century of riding. No major problems at all.

[@tellerx5487]

You still have it man ? I wanna upgrade from my r6 to tracer for the reason r6 let me 2 times now its broken transmission I think or something else in the engine. My question is the tracer reliable i wanna do trips in my country Greece..

[@adrianiles6019]

Great review, btw your Englisch is perfect ! Gut gemacht .

[@CriticalRider]

Danke!

[@frankstocker5475]

I'm doing the same, sold my Tracer for the new GT Raven Black. I'm getting the suspension adjusted for my weight at the dealers & will be changing the tires for Metzler Roadtec 01, tail tidy, smart turn indicator system, Led flashers, Cam camera front & back, Top box Givi, that's about all for now, I'm looking at exhausts Arrow or the new Akropovich sport, need to hear them first. Enjoy your new bike. Frank.

[@CriticalRider]

Thanks, you too! Which cameras will you install? Will they be running all the time like dashcams? I replaced the D222 for Pirelli Angel GT before even picking it up - I wanted to try the Roadtec 01 but the dealer didn't have them.

[@chippingsodburycycleworksh2946]

Basic suspension (sag) is set for the bike, not the rider. If what the rider needs doesn't fit within the parameters of how the bike needs it set for it's height and handling then that involves changing to heavier or lighter springs / oil and aftermarket shocks. The newer GT will have some adjustability for compression and rebound, but sag is still set for the bike to have travel below and above it's static sag settings to stay in contact with the road and soak up imperfections too.

[@meoffjack]

My Tracer 700 2016 wobbles at around 180kmh and my 900 2018 also begins to wobble at around 180kmh. It sucks but it is what it is. I like to ride fast on the Autobahn and this happens almost every time I ride the bike. Also, the 900 is extremely loud. My head is right in the buffeting area on the 900. The 700 is a bit better in that regard. I tried to get rid of the wobbling by not riding with the panniers on both bikes but that doesn't help. On the 700 I can get rid of the wobble by leaning forward with my head and shoulders directly behind the wind screen. On the 900 I still haven't figured out how to get rid of it. So in my opinion your assumption that the wobble is related to fairings/windscreen, wait distribution and aerodynamics seems to be right. At least in my experience. I ride both bikes with the original windscreens. No aftermarket stuff.

[@wtw100]

I ride without a screen or hand guards. No wobble what so ever. The bike is balanced for my weight. I can ride and comfortable all day.

[@spanatko]

i´ve bought the same model in 2015, done 60k on it so far, the screen is shit - get rid of it, the seat is very zen-like but i got used to it, you can unlock another 20 BHP on the bike with a new ecu map so if you feel like going berserk with it - you actually can.. the wobble well, yes if the tank is empty you will get the wobble in high speeds, other than that the bike is awsome, im looking into the new model as well.. ride safe & have fun

[@Jambome]

Great owner review. Noted the rust in the background of your topic highlights. Is it controllable?

[@CriticalRider]

Yes, but you need to stay on top of it: ACF50 or other anti-corrosion treatments regularly. I didn't (not used to salt on the road, never had this before).

[@oscargonzalez5733]

awesome

[@sighheinrich]

Thank you for this video. I had speed wobble on my XSR, which is one of the reasons I sold it. Have you tried the GT more, since making this video? I have one waiting in the store for me, but the wobble scares me a bit..Should probably be fixed with the longer swingarm but who knows.. I also had the vibration in the handlebar and footpegs. It kind of went away after 8000km on the XSR. I'm ready to fill the handlebar with sand/bb's and put on grip puppy and FJR1300 foot pegs

[@CriticalRider]

I haven't tried the GT again, since I'm traveling for work this week. I don't have any wobble on my XSR, only on the '15 Tracer. I think suspension adjustment is very important.

[@b-do9667]

Hi, I know they made the swing arm 6cm longer to reduce the handlebar wobble, but does the new 2018 version have a new position for the footpegs (a more advanced one)? Thanks man

[@CriticalRider]

Hi there. No, the footpeg position is the same. The passenger seat got a new footpeg support that is 33mm longer (lower).

[@MrKdr500]

My 2017 Africa twin get a death wobble at 190kmh, i took off the hand guards to try and it didn't help at all.... Rarely need to do those speeds with a 21in front wheel so i just live with it.

[@dazadorph45]

The genomic set up, the frame swing arm, and fork angels are different between 2015 and 2018 models. I found th 2015 model has wheels being blown out from under you when you are two up or full luggage. The weight limit on the bike is a choice of two up or luggage, not both so it's not a tourer for two up with luggage. Not sure how the new model has changed on that so you can have two up and with luggage. I changed the tyres to mitchelin road 5. Has made a good difference on the handling and feed back I felt through the bike. I found the tyres were fitted when I bought the bike just felt like they kept sliding around and no real grip confidence. I changed from a triumph tiger 1050 2010 model to the tracer 900 2015 model this year.

[@pilyomotoride7781]

Did you have problem witb cam tensioner,headbolt replacement and the exhaust valve problem.

[@GrumpyGarry121]

I also have the 2015, agree with everything you said. For the brakes I think they are great but lack a bit of feel, a little spongy, I am thinking of installing some braided lines. For the screen I added a clip on deflector that transformed it for me, no more buffeting. I also had the wobble at around 100mph in the first couple of weeks of ownership but had forgotten about it until you just mentioned it, I have set up the suspension so maybe that helped? Just done 700 miles around Scotland in the last 3 days and my arse was on fire the whole time, I have a air pad but forgot to take it with me 😶, also seen the new bike has cruise control, I wish mine had.

[@CriticalRider]

I did 9 days in Scotland two years ago, and 11 days in Ireland last month, and my butt was fine. It's the highways that kill it for me. I'm not sure the braided lines will help, they only make a difference when the brakes are really hot. You might want to try so EBC HH pads, they seem to be very good from what I've been reading - you'll find them with a quick search on eBay.

[@GrumpyGarry121]

Critical Rider the brakes are good, work well but they lack feel. I have a couple of other bikes have braided lines and you can get a real solid feel.

[@epiphonesg007]

EBC HH pads also give you better feel and more bite when they are a little warmer. OEM brake pads work better cold.

[@mrcadetsky]

Hey! Great review! Keep posting man... I do have a 2019 Tracer 900 and have around 8k kms on it. I just have a question on adjusting the rear suspension. When I tried to do so some body part blocked the original shock wrench of the bike as I wanted to rotate it. I checked the manual of the bike, and it indicates that I'm using the wrench through the right gap! and yet it just didnt work for me. No matter what angle I tried something got on the way of the shaft of the wrench... I even tried the other side of the bike and yet I failed to turn my wrench properly so that the rear suspension tightens or loosens... I never had such difficulty with any of the bikes that I previously owned.. I just wanna ask how you guys do it?

[@CriticalRider]

I now have a 2018 GT, which has remote adjustment. I can't help you with your question unfortunately, maybe someone here can.

[@paulkiley4667]

I had the very same problem, no matter what position I tried. Something is always in the way! Bad design, error on our part, whatever, I still can't get that damn wrench in the right position!

[@redbandit4558]

Hey...a very fair review ... once again agree with every comment here....i traded the screen for an MRA one which seems to work a little better... any chance you can ping me the link for the add on lights ? Not sure if these can be bought in Europe ...i am in the UK... seat...... well i again followed your lead with the Tourtec gel pad which isn’t too expensive for the added comfort .. i personally wish the front end was 10kgs or so heavier as the bike doesn’t handle well at very low speeds ,handling traffic lights for example ... thanks again ... pls keep the review coming .

[@CriticalRider]

It seems I can't paste a link in the comments anymore. KZbin guys keep sticking their heads up their butts more and more, unbelievable. Anyway, thanks for your comment. For the hand guard lights you just need to search for Dzell on eBay and they should pop up.

[@scottloftin1730]

Wobble: replace the front brake rotors. They are warped. The hand guards and windscreen are static. They wont cause a wobble.

[@ovidiuandrei8087]

Any problems with the rust during these years ? Thx

[@CriticalRider]

A little bit, you can see some images on this video.

[@mrd7341]

I have the same Tracer at the moment ... 35.000km on it now but it's time for something new ... thinking about trading it for a red XSR 900 with high exhaust.

[@CriticalRider]

Check out my videos on my XSR900. It's a hell of a bike, so much fun! Very different from the Tracer, even though they're almost the same bike.

[@mrd7341]

Watched all of them already ^^ Love the high exhaust ;)

[@wickedleeloopy2115]

They build a budget bike with a great motor....

[@massimobargagna5641]

3 years and no adjusting thee afresses suspetion? I hear the new tracer 900 gt all the problems you mention will be fixed

[@CriticalRider]

"Do what I say, not what I do". But like I mentioned, the wobble only shows up at around 170-180, and I don't really ride at those speeds, so I never felt the urgent need to fiddle with the suspension. However, I remember I adjusted the front suspension very early, I increased the rebound damping, which made the front less nervous. Funny how I completely forgot about that and now suddenly pops in my mind. I need vacation...

[@MrJulianbowden]

The MT range seems to be classed as budget bikes .I don't personally think there's anything budget about spending over 10 grand on a bike .few days ago I sat on the new GT lovely bike . Would love to part ex.... so tempted but still loving the 700tracer .

[@CriticalRider]

Compared to a 1200 GS, it is a budget bike. The GT is certainly less budget-friendly though...

[@MrJulianbowden]

Critical Rider yes but the GS is screaming midlife fat bald small manhood owner all day long 😀😀😀🇬🇧

[@progste]

You see bikes costing more than a car these days, I don't like this trend.

[@CriticalRider]

Well, there's way less people buying bikes today, so the development cost is higher per customer. Look at the 600 supersports, manufacturers don't even bother anymore. Yamaha kinda launched a refresh on the plastic bits but more investment than that is worthless.

[@progste]

Critical Rider I think the reason is also that they put all sorts of electronics on it and they have to follow very strict regulations for their engines while still having them run fast.

[@oknevals]

So, getting wobble on 470lbs with tall screen at over 100mph? Even not taking suspension in account, that is pretty much recipe for all kind of problems. I had "wobblish" issues on my cb500x with tall screen when riding 70-80mph especially at wind gusts. Couple of times I was swiped across bounds of lane while cruising at 75. Once I put stock screen which was 7" shorter, the bike was rock solid at over 90mph. Still issues riding in high wind but, it is pretty much for every light weight bike.

[@CriticalRider]

I got wobbles when riding above 180 km/h, with both screens. I rarely hit those speeds so it wasn't a huge problem for me, but it sure was an existing problem. Yamaha extended the swing arm on the '18 model which solved the issue.

[@michaelksiezopolski]

Within 3 years I am doing more than 150000 miles... Lucky you doing just 12000-13000 miles. If you would ride for a living as I do, you would change your bikes more often...

[@mook16v]

You described the seating position perfectly, that’s exactly how I feel, the lower half is an MT09 Naked Street bike & the upper half is a touring bike, nothing feels right on this bike. I personally think the bike is terrible and by far the worst bike I’ve ever owned, uncomfortable, terrible on fuel, poor handling & falling apart with corrosion, just a poor bike all round. I’ll be so happy when I open the garage door & don’t have to see it. I’m trading up for a Tiger 900 GT Pro.

[@laexh]

I'll add a couple more needed modifications. Skid plate is very important, otherwise high street bumpers will hurt the Carter bolt. Tires... Dunlop original tires are hard and don't work at all on light off road. I changed by Continental trial attack 2. Indeed sitting position is uncomfortable for long rides. Just ordered handlebar risers... Hope they improve comfort

[@MOTOROLA_YT]

Hey. please tell me turn signals from aliexpress?

[@CriticalRider]

No, they're official Yamaha accessories

[@spanatko]

"I have never adjusted the suspension to my weight..." well... then...

[@tooresttrikie6744]

do you have a similar thing to us in the UK, we have a test called the MOT where brakes, steering, emissions, tyres and other things are tested! after 3 years old, then every year on the bike or cars (lorry, bus etc) 1st road registration date! in other words when you first take it home!

[@CriticalRider]

I live in the Netherlands and here there isn't motorcycle inspection. But I'm from Portugal, and there the government is in the process of starting those. Just another way for the government to take more money, during the public discussion it was shown that technical problems are the cause of less than 1% of the motorcycle accidents.

[@tooresttrikie6744]

We have had the MOT in the UK for decades. It is a leak requirement every year after a motor vehicle is 3 years old. Any motor vehicle btw

[@tooresttrikie6744]

Legal not leak 😂

[@CriticalRider]

They exist for decades as well in Portugal and the Netherlands, but only for cars, not motorcycles (I think there's also something for heavy vehicles).

[@tooresttrikie6744]

Ah OK often wondered. But that means you could buy a bucket of bolts? Yes it is a "hidden tax" but not such a bad one potentially?

[@robsonenduro3316]

damn, don't yamaha even test their bikes before release?

[@bzipp365]

Issue 1 Issue 2 Issue 3 Issue 4 and 5 and 6 Fuck it, get the Triumph!

[@G91YS]

Tracer 900 GT, Crossrunner, or Tiger 800 Xrt ? I cannot decide :(

[@CriticalRider]

The Tracer is faster and more fun to ride than the others. It's also the least comfortable, but it's better than before with the new GT version. The Tiger is a great touring bike but it misses on the fun side of things, its engine is just ok and the long, soft suspension doesn't allow for pushing hard. The Crossrunner no one even talks about... that should give you a clue.

[@G91YS]

​@@CriticalRider Thanks for your answer. The Tracer is the cheapest of the three, but if I max out the options (heated comfort seat, headlights, etc.) I'm still at around 14.5k€. The Tiger Xrt has a LOT of options included in base price and the dash is just the best looking one. And great screen. As for the Crossrunner, indeed less popular but the people who test it are usually pleasantly surprised. But the Crossrunner does not have cruise control or other nice technology (heated seat since I ride all year long) and that's annoying to me. Plus it's impossible to test ride in Belgium (no dealer has it). I think my choice will either be the Tracer GT or Tiger. But i'll stick with my XJ6 Diversion for a few months to make up my mind...

[@G91YS]

@@CriticalRider By the way, why no videos anymore? I liked yours! You could do a 7 months review of the GT :)

[@CriticalRider]

@@G91YS not a lot of free time these days, unfortunately

[@topgun8683]

Did you know that life is better with horsepower !

[@CriticalRider]

Yes it is!

[@Yonex333]

You are Portuguese!

[@CriticalRider]

How do you know?

[@Yonex333]

Critical Rider I can se by the use of some specific words and because i usually have a good sensibility detecting Portuguese accent, behind the English.

[@CriticalRider]

I'm joking a bit because I said it many times, I have many videos in Portugal and never hid the fact. Good catch though, if you didn't know.

[@Yonex333]

This was the first video i saw from you. Great Work!

[@Fj09Orgforum]

Just shared this on tracer900.net Are you a member yet? We have a videos section to put great vids like this. It's where FJ09 owners hang out.

[@CriticalRider]

I'm a member but I don't participate. I found it too US-based.

[@Fj09Orgforum]

@@CriticalRider members from all over the world, check the member map