Why I chose the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer 900 FJ-09 Owner Review

[@GaryGSF]

I bought one. The best bit is how it handles. It is light and stable. The big wide bars enable it to change direction with ease. In only 800 miles I have gelled with the bike and confident in it's abilities. Hope you enjoy yours.

[@SkyRider365]

Thanks Gary I've just watched your new video on the Tracer.

[@jacko123]

Just bought one as stable mate to my R1, I swapped a speed triple R for the tracer, lack of wind protection and all or nothing performance of the triumph, made me realise I've made the right choice. The tracer even though only done 50 miles is brilliant, more comfy, torque everywhere any gear, maybe not as good handling, but the triumph had top spec ohlins front and rear. The tracer is in my eyes an all rounder and yamaha to me have revived the old fazer 1000 back, which is good. I can ride this bike as a hooligan yet load it up, missus included and cover miles like I did on my fazer. Great job Yamaha. More fun to come when the tracer is run in fully

[@SkyRider365]

+Jacko 123 Hey so glad to hear from another satisfied Tracer owner. The MCN has given it the title of best all rounder of 2015 so we can't be too far off. Would be nice to see you on motrider.com too. Ride safe!

[@timhickey9898]

I took your comments on board about the Honda VFR800X and sat on 1 and you were right,did not really like the V-strom that much and I am not a big V twin fan and when I test rode the Versys I just loved it.I Thank you again for your videos and reviews and I think the best advice I have received so far is make sure you ride it before you buy it because you will only know if it suits you when you are sitting on it.Thanks again and safe riding.Cheers mate

[@SkyRider365]

Hi Tim. It's good to hear that you have found a bike that's right for you. Bikes are very personal things so all of us have different opinions. Speak soon.

[@clanmac66]

There is the reason why this is the best selling bike in the UK, good looks and great value compared to the competition. Triumph Tiger 800 XRX is nearly 10k otr if you include heated grips. That's more than a brand new Vauxhall Corsa! Silly prices for mid range motorcycle.

[@SkyRider365]

Yeah totally agree. There are so many great bikes but when you put things in perspective it's hard to justify spending as much as a brand new family car on a bike. If one has a lot of money then of course go for a GS or multistrada. I'd quite like one myself if I win the lottery. :)

[@Evolcanova]

@@SkyRider365 Hi, thanx for your excellent videos! Please im in a dilemma between tracer 900 gt and multistrada 950. What to buy ? Thnx

[@neintje8275]

I have a 2016 tracer , did change the mirrors and traded them for a set of the tracer 700. These mirros are longer and fit the bike perfectly.

[@sk8nsanta]

I too upgraded from a CB500X, really enjoying the FJ-09 so far!

[@SkyRider365]

+sk8nsanta Yay another happy owner! The CBX is good as a first bike or city commuter but the Tracer (FJ-09) has everything. Well almost.

[@cbr125rcanada]

Is the Tracer as off-road worthy (relatively speaking) as the 500X though?

[@SkyRider365]

Honest Skeptic no it's a road bike but the CB500X is also a road bike with adventure styling. I get what you're saying though and it's the 500x would win the off road battle in my opinion.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Mostly it's a matter of how much ground clearance, suspension travel, and wheel size a particular bike possesses. Usually bikes that track better off pavement are those with 6-1/2" or more clearance, 5-1/2" or more suspension travel, and 17/19" wheel combinations or larger. Fork rake angles that are more raked out are more stable running dirt/gravel as well.

[@gazworld1808]

My mate has had is tracer for just over a year as his first bike and he loves it 😁👍#gazworld 🌍

[@RossCam05]

Looks well with the Givi box, been tempted to get one myself! Great vid dude and you got the best colour! Keep them coming.

[@SkyRider365]

+Ross Cameron Thank you Ross :)

[@theimaginarygarage]

The new bike is looking good SkyRider!

[@SkyRider365]

Thank you I'm really pleased with it.

[@blurglide]

It's like a BMW S1000XR, minus one cylinder, that doesn't break the bank or leave you stranded. They even look similar. Excellent all-around bike.

[@SkyRider365]

Tracer is definitely a great choice. Ride safe.

[@vageliskoios1062]

No it's not..BMW better build quality and suspensions..

[@blurglide]

@@vageliskoios1062 I'm sure the suspension is better, but BMW's are far less reliable. Lower build quality. It's the only reason I chose a Yamaha instead. I'd honestly rather have the BMW if I thought it'd be dependable and without ridiculous maintenance costs

[@vageliskoios1062]

@@blurglide not only the suspension mate.. Overall is a better maschine.. I didn't heard problems about XR.. Yes overall we can say that the Japanese are more reliable but what about build quality, suspensions the feeling of riding? Which model do you have? My best friend has the 2016 model and the bike after 170 km is shaking.. The plastics are not the best and the suspensions are low cost.. The positives are the engine and the brakes.. About this price is a very good choice.. Maybe I will buy it as well but XR is on another level..

[@blurglide]

@@vageliskoios1062 BMW has about 4x as many reliability issues as Yamaha according to consumer reports. That suggests either worse design quality, worse build quality, or some combination of both . www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&sxsrf=ALeKk01_A_Tkv-4gaG39cTGPgC69P3FgkA%3A1586872332964&source=hp&biw=2102&bih=1186&ei=DMCVXs3HOMqttQb785TQAQ&q=motorcycle+reliability&oq=motorcycle+reliability&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQAzICCAAyBggAEAUQHjIGCAAQCBAeMgQIABAYMgQIABAYMgQIABAYMgQIABAYMgQIABAYMgQIABAYMgQIABAYOgQIIxAnSioIFxImMGc4M2c3Mmc3NWc3NGc2OGc3M2c3Nmc3MWc3MGc3NGc4MGcxMzhKHQgYEhkwZzFnMWcxZzFnMWcxZzFnMWcxZzVnNWczUIYMWLYlYMQnaAFwAHgAgAGUAYgBzg2SAQQxOS4zmAEAoAEBqgELZ3dzLXdpei1pbWc&sclient=img&ved=0ahUKEwjN_dSNiOjoAhXKVs0KHfs5BRoQ4dUDCAc&uact=5#imgrc=v7XpiRviHWpRtM

[@triv7252]

I 'downgraded' from a Triumph Explorer 1200, love the Tracer, it's lighter and easier to ride faster. I don't miss the cruise control, the only time I ever used it was though average speed control areas.

[@scottlee7970]

Good to steer clear of Triumph for reliability sake. My Tiger 800 had a failed oil pump and nuked the engine. 14,000 miles only.

[@billybill7450]

Own it for a year and can't think of anything better for my 1 day trips includding bad roads and gravel!

[@exothermal.sprocket]

V-Strom 1000 perhaps, especially off pavement with the 17/19" wheel combo and dirt tires avail.

[@kerobi88]

I'm hesitant and don't know what to choose.....Fj09 or strom1000 I had an fz07 and the suspension on that was shitty ...or designed for a rider weight of 150lb ...I'm 220.... Does the fj09 have the same issue ?

[@darrylcliff5810]

Just brought one . Awesome so far , wind noise abit load but ace other than that

[@SkyRider365]

I've had mine for over a year now with 5000 miles on the clock. Still awesome :)

[@gazworld1808]

Great video mate , have mt09 but still may consider the tracer for touring on , will be doing a review myself on the mt09 soon 👍even the trip to Scotland 👍, thanks for the info #gazworld 🌍

[@kyjelly5524]

I like this bike but the Africa twin seems cool too.

[@briancawkwell7296]

These have just gone on 0% finance hp only for 3 year . Offer is on till end of September

[@oklahomahank2378]

The rear section was designed to look good with the hard six bags.

[@SkyRider365]

+Blasters Fan I've kind of forgotten about how the rear looks now as I can't see it when I'm riding the bike :)

[@anjin73]

Btw Today I bought brand new tech black Tracer 90! Lucky me!!! :)

[@lawrencebrendawatson9893]

Outstanding value-for-money here in Oz at AUD $15,300 otr including hard panniers. Downsides for me after some five months of ownership - dreadful seat, even after adding an aftermarket one from Seat Concepts (USA): crap suspension, definitely made down to a price: annoying, intrusive, and distracting engine whine. Upsides were stonking engine performance: light weight: and handling and 'flickability'. But these good points were not enough for me to keep the bike - a pity, as I really enjoyed some aspects of it. IMHO - it is NOT a sport-tourer, as propositioned by Yamaha. If it was a cocktail, it would consist of one drop of touring vermouth in a bucketful of sport gin (or vodka) - shaken, not stirred, of course! But if I had enough dosh I'd buy another and spend what it takes to fix these faults. A work still in progress, I think: or if you prefer, a flawed execution.LW - Brisbane, Australia - March 2016

[@SkyRider365]

+Lawrence & Brenda Watson Very interesting and true summary of the tracer. I couldn't agree more.

[@lawrencebrendawatson9893]

+Sky Rider Strangely, I have just (early April '16) bought my second Tracer and have done most of what was needed to fix the issues (all of which remain on the newer bike). Biggest cost - AUD$550 for a new Bagster seat. Fixed suspension to now 'OK' standard. Engine whine seems much less on this new bike - maybe in the intervening 12 months I've gotten deafer. I'm happy this time round...

[@MilhouseisonPC]

A few years later and there is the gt version of the tracer upgrading all these things

[@anjin73]

Had EXACTLY the same dilemma tiger or Tracer ... the breaking point were ... brakes :) which are spongy and not reliable in triumph whilst in Tracer they are superb! Look&feel also for Tracer - while sitting on test Tracer I really was feeling Like on my own motorcycle .. on tiger it was a disaster... poor cornering ...: ar least accordibg to me ... really drammatic

[@JP1970]

Great video...I just bought one myself. Subbed!

[@fionayang8592]

great review keep it up. I have same colour

[@SkyRider365]

+Fiona Yang Thanks for watching! It's the best colour in my opinion :) Please join www.motrider.com if you fancy chatting to other Tracer owners and share a few pictures of your bike. Ride safe.

[@paragoncafe]

Interesting that ALL the negative points you mentioned about your Tracer are positives on the Tiger (mirrors, hand guards, cruise control (2016), tail end, windscreen (adjustable), seat, bigger tank..... Yes, Tracer has better power to weight ratio, but I think the Triumph is better in all those points above, any many more. Interested in your thoughts? cheers.

[@SkyRider365]

Scott Dempsey I'd be happy with either bike to be honest but for me the Tracer had the edge. Plus the triumph sales guy wasn't as helpful as Yamaha. £1500 saving was totally worth it.

[@raico001]

vry good choice m8

[@SkyRider365]

Thanks buddy I've had very satisfying 700 miles so far.

[@keithd87]

What is the lowest height possible if i change the seat, lowering kit and lowering it from the front forks as well? I'm 1.62cm and as standard I could only place my toes on the floor. Also, anyone I discuss this bike with said that Tripple engines are unbalanced and should not consider the bike for similar reasons. any thoughts?

[@chincemagnet]

Will the seat off of the Tracer mount up to a regular MT-09? If they sold that in the US, I’d have bought one of these instead and taken off that hideous bit on the back.

[@buraQraQ]

thnx

[@paragoncafe]

I'm torn between tiger 800 XTR and the Tracer... HELP!!!?? Tracer looks more sporty / contemporary, however the Triumph comes across as a more refined engine... Correct? Also, I think the Tiger may be better for pillion and long rides whereas the Tracer better in urban environment... Opinions, anyone? Thanks.

[@SkyRider365]

Scott Dempsey I'm not sure about pillion comfort on the tiger but can confirm it's decent on the Tracer with the wide seat. I took my dad on the back and he said it's miles better than the CB500X I had before. Your other points are correct though. The Tracer is a bit mental like a young kid but Tiger is like a grown up man.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Wait until mid 2018 as the 2019 Tracer 900GT is supposed to be released. Fully adjustable F/R suspension, longer swingarm, better seat design, LED headlights, better fairings, better bars and hand guards, cruise control, TFT display, quickshifter, heated grips. No word on price yet.

[@pilyomotoride7781]

How's the suspension with the bike loaded or with passenger? Planing to buy 2016 new for 7600$

[@madmax8889]

I understand everything you explained. There was only one extra thing that I needed and that was the ability to take the misses sometimes. To me the versus beat the tracer just on that department. As I'm selling my lovely car :( :( Lol Are the videos now going to stop since you bought your chosen weapon? Lol

[@SkyRider365]

+Mad Max “MadMax889” 889 Sorry about the car :( I'm lucky to have it as well as the bike so I can get through the winter in cager style. Versys definitely is a more comfortable bike so she will be very happy indeed. There will be more videos and test rides in the future for my lovely subscribers. I'm thinking a Yamaha R1 next, seriously.

[@madmax8889]

+Sky Rider blimey a R1. That's going to be interesting. Would love to see that one in person lmao lmao Yeah selling the car as don't really use it anymore and I can get a cheaper one from work. But basically now married need to get a bigger house so that's what's on the cards.

[@SkyRider365]

+Mad Max “MadMax889” 889 I guess so. Keep an eye on the channel :)

[@billybill7450]

You were praising so much that even bypassing biker looked at it 3:22 :-)

[@SkyRider365]

+Billy Bill Or they thought my new bike has broken down ;)

[@balsara675]

well noticed

[@NiekkieNick]

I really like the looks of this bike and thinking of buying one and sell my BMW R1150RT......BUT.......is the Yamaha a good bike for touring with a passenger?? The reason I bought the BMW R1150RT a couple of years ago was because my girlfriend really likes the comfort of the BMW. I noticed the footsteps of the Yamaha for the passenger are placed quit high compared to the BMW. Will the Yamaha be a bike where my girlfriend could step on easy if she is used to the BMW? This will be an issue for us. I think she will be having trouble stepping on this bike. Maybe you could give some advice in this?

[@RyaNewGame]

Get another bike for her :D

[@enjoymusic4895]

this vs versys 1000?

[@awrebyawe]

How do you think this would be as a first big bike for a 26 year old, 6 foot 3 guy that weighs 17 stone? I've been riding an MT-125 and love it, want to stay in the MT family and although the MT-07 appeals to me, I'd like something with some touring capability so I can take my fiance on trips and rideouts with me.

[@SkyRider365]

It's an excellent bike for most people. I did 150 miles today on the motorway and didn't feel tired after that at all. I think you need to try a few big bikes before committing to a certain brand or model. The Kawasaki Versys 1000 is great bike for taller/bigger riders or Suzuki V strom 1000. Don't worry about the engine size as you'll grow into the bike very soon. The MT07 would be too small for you I feel and no fairing. If you fancy the triple engine then try out a Triumph Tiger 800. There are so many good bikes out there you just need to try them all and decide which one is for you. Let me know if there's anything else I can help.

[@awrebyawe]

+Sky Rider thanks for the great advice, I've sat on quite a few but not test ridden any yet. The Z800 and Z1000 felt the best to sit on for me, but they would be selfish purchases and the fiancé hates the colours offered. The Tracer seems to tick all the right boxes of what I'm looking for. Thanks again for the advice and great video, glad I found your channel, will be watching more

[@The72windsurfer]

Hello, may I please ask what is the make and model of the rear case carrier you have installed ? Many thanks.

[@SkyRider365]

The72windsurfer Givi top box and carrier for monokey V47

[@Robin-sc1lf]

OK I have a few questions. Can someone please tell me what the difference is between the MT and the MT tracer? Apart from one is naked and the other has panels and a screen. - Is the tracer more of a touring setup? - Is there any difference in suspension, ride settings and engine capacity etc - Does it set it up as a more adventure bike if you threw on some nobblies.

[@SkyRider365]

The Tracer has more travels in the suspensions and a taller bike than the naked MT therefore it's going to be more capable than the MT for 'adventuring' however it's more of a sports tours for the tarmac. Tracer has a different sub-frame for luggage and pillion passenger. I can't remember now if the MT has traction control or is it just the Tracer has the on/off traction control. The naked one is lighter therefore feels more powerful but the seat is harder on the MT.

[@Robin-sc1lf]

Hey thanks for the information Sky Rider and ElCoco1984 much appreciated. I dont think the tracer is for me, it seems like quite a tall bike like most adventure bikes. Seems you need to be 6 foot to ride one comfortably. Test rode the MT-10 the other day and it is a monster. Loved it but have to wait 2 month at my local Yamaha dealer to get one.

[@balsara675]

magnificent

[@SkyRider365]

+balsara 675 Thank you sir!

[@carlosandleon]

Needs an sm beak

[@m0bob]

I am trying to decide between V-Strom and Tracer, tough decision.

[@SkyRider365]

Have you made your mind up now? If it's comfort on top of your list then get the V-Strom. If you want performance then pick the Tracer as it's the bonkers one out of the two.

[@paragoncafe]

I'm bored with my 650 VStrom Rob. Am looking at Triumph Tiger 800 and the Tracer. The VStrom is a super comfortable and easy to ride bike, but not much 'get up and go'. Hope that helps....

[@m0bob]

Thanks for your reply. I am nearly 60, haven't been on a bike for a while (My last bike was a Pan European). I am going to wait until winter departs and then decide what to do, cheers.

[@vdjelement1]

i hv one max speed is 160km.but very easy to ride.i nvr ride bikes easy & smood like Fg 09

[@SkyRider365]

+Praque Forqsk Some people have experienced a wobble at various speed exceeding 105mph. Have you?

[@Elite_Nobes]

Those wheels look amazing? Is that color from the factory?

[@SkyRider365]

+SuzukiRider82 Yes it's kind of grey and the race blu version has more fancy colours. I prefer mine though.

[@tudorfanman2620]

Wow, so all you see out of your mirrors are your elbows! And you BOUGHT this bike? Hope you're still alive!

[@voodoo304]

what kind of top case is that? also what is the capacity?

[@SkyRider365]

Givi V47. 47 litre capable of 2 full face helmets.

[@voodoo304]

Sky Rider Thank you!

[@bikershub1290]

I have just ordered the MT09 Tracer...... from Brian Greys as well! How are you still finding it?

[@SkyRider365]

Absolutely LOVE it still. What colour have you gone for? Any extras?

[@bikershub1290]

+Sky Rider i have gone for the red, for some reason i like my bikes to be red! Got yhe heated grips, low seat because I'm a short arse, engine sliders and the exhaust! Hoping to pick it up wednesday!

[@SkyRider365]

Biker's Hub wow did you get the full Akropovic? NICE

[@bikershub1290]

+Sky Rider oh yes! Will be making a few videos on it mate when I get pick it up :-)

[@TheSenna76]

Biker's Hub Hi there, can I ask you what your inseam is and how much lower is the low seat?

[@billdrumming]

What about the Kawasaki versys 1000 ?

[@SkyRider365]

+billdrumming Lovely bike the Versys 1000 but a bit heavier and more expensive.

[@billathwal9887]

+Sky Rider even including the panniers ? For long tour, crosswinds the heavier bike may be ok. I'm test riding the Yamaha this week

[@SkyRider365]

+Bill Athwal Let us know how you get on with the test ride. If you do decide to buy one then join our forum at motrider.com

[@priyadharshinianitha4768]

+Bill Athwal fjjfjl

[@CptSlow89]

ducati supersports s or this hmmmm :/

[@arifaytan29]

how tall are you?

[@SkyRider365]

Aytan Market Arif Aytan 174cm

[@ResusBlade]

why you choose it...because you don't know to choose...