Duel Tracer 900 GT Vs V-Strom 1000 Adventure: services included
Yamaha strikes a blow (t) with its Tracer 900 GT 2018 and its ultra complete standard equipment, suitcases included. This dynamic road with false trail airs is awaited around the corner … by the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 and its Adventure pack, in particular ! MNC duel.
Duel Tracer 900 GT Vs V-Strom 1000 Adventure – Page 1: travel in a hurry
Summer is here, and with it (re) arises the temptation to see the country on a motorcycle. Not necessarily a long journey of several weeks, the millstone transformed into a mule with tent, gas camper and all the gear laboriously strapped in. No, just leave for a few days with the minimum subsistence, with Madame and / or friends. Like that, relaxed from glans glove…
- MNC test : 2017 V-Strom 1000 XT, a super cost !
- MNC test : Yamaha Tracer 900 and Tracer 900 GT 2018, the way of wisdom
The ideal would also be to be able to savor the charms of the route, like this promising twisty section spotted on the map or the computer. A part that suggests generous angles … even "tanked" at 80 km / h. Misery: like heavyweights and young people allowed. A good way to get cash under the pretext of reducing crashes, if you want our opinion! What if you don’t want it? Well, too bad.
Still, Yamaha is launching a motorcycle suitable for "light travel + light arsouille": the Tracer 900 GT. At € 12,199, this road version of the Tracer 900 is like a sacred customer for the desires of escape with its 22-liter suitcases, its heated handles, its single-acting shifter – mounted only – or its remote preloading wheel.
-
MNC of July 6, 2018 : Smart-videos live from our duel
Not to spoil anything, it also receives a very modern color instrumentation with TFT matrices (details and in our Smart-videos above), a fully adjustable fork and even a cruise control to – try to – respect those damn 80 km / h … Not luxury compared to the spectacular output of its 115 hp 3-cylinder !
And as its look becomes more fluid and this change is accompanied by an improved screen and a significant narrowing of its handlebars (- 10 cm between each end of the handguards!), This Tracer 900 GT seems irresistible! Banco? Yes ! Although at Suzuki, the V-Strom 1000 currently benefits from an attractive offer in the form of the "Adventure" pack…
For only 450 € additional, the "" of Hamamatsu receives a gigantic top-case of 55 liters, heated grips, protection bars, long-range LED lights and a central stand (also exists in "World Traveler" version , with extra luggage). All at 13,249 euros instead of 12,799 euros for the standard model.
However, the V-Strom 1000 is also an excellent traveling companion, comfortable and dynamic thanks to its 101 hp twin. Behind its 19-inch rim with sticks and its trail "beak" hide a formidable bitumen swallower, with qualities sublimated in 2017 by means of a better bubble, new suspensions or even an ABS which refines its actions on 4-piston radial calipers depending on the inclination.
In short, there is a match between these two motorcycles which also offer similar ergonomics: legs unfolded, arms horizontal enough apart and bust straight. The body is however placed more forward on the Tracer 900 GT, thus recalling its direct affiliation with the MT-09 roadster. The handlebars of the Yamaha – straight and raised like on a trail – are thus closer, offering a perfect control of the front axle.
We charge !
As the departure time approaches, it is time to load the luggage. The Suzuki plays it downright "minivan" with its high capacity top-case inside which easily accommodate two full-face helmets! A real plus for strolling freely on the beach, hand in hand with your other half …
With the Tracer 900 GT, romantic walks will be done with helmet in hand, because you can’t slip it into your suitcases. Iwata’s coat of arms favored the size of his motorcycle over its carrying capacity. This choice is certainly sometimes penalizing, but is explained by its "Sport-GT" nature: for long-distance tourism, the FJR1300 and Super Tenere are there. !
In return, the Tracer 900 GT retains a relatively slender rear part and can especially fit into traffic without asking any questions. No risk of catching a retro when moving up the line or of getting stuck with your suitcase against the bumper when maneuvering in a traffic jam !
Very well balanced and responsive, the Yamaha plays with clutter with a certain insolence in front of the Suzuki. Its 17-inch front wheel and lower center of gravity are all assets in its favor, as is its wheelbase of 1500 mm against 1555 mm for the V-Strom 1000.
As a result, the Tracer 900 GT won the prize for handling against a Suzuki yet docile and quick to turn. And this despite the noticeable loss of liveliness of the new Yamaha, which results from the impressive lengthening of its swingarm: + 6 cm compared to the 2017 Tracer, without any other modification to its geometry. !
The goal ? Improve its stability and channel its front end, heckled at very high speed on the old model. Mission accomplished since the new Tracer 900 is now more straightforward on its downforce at high speed. Same satisfaction for its Hamamatsu rival: the V-Strom 1000 is a real rail.
Which one do you want? No "saddle" there !
The kilometers pass comfortably on the Tracer 900 GT and the V-Strom 1000, sheltered by their windshields with similar features. The deflection in the high position is sufficient to protect the bust and most of the shoulders, as well as the helmet up to eye level. No parasitic turbulence, nor "thrust" in the back are to be deplored.
This level of protection is ideal for cutting the road in summer, but will show its limits on the motorway in the middle of winter … It is not a completely isolated "veranda" like on a maxi-trail or an authentic road! Certainly, but these big bikes are not as fun as our two duetters, in addition to being much more expensive…
The Yamaha screen shines with the simplicity of its new manual height adjustment, in the form of a "clamp". That of the Suzuki varies in tilt under the pressure of the hand, but moving it in height requires tools. No tools are needed, however, to change its saddle height since it ignores this feature, unlike that of the hand-adjustable Tracer 900 GT !
Adjustable saddle or not, the V-Strom 1000 and the Tracer 900 GT disappoint with their rather mediocre seating comfort … A hundred kilometers is enough to curse the lack of softness of their padding. What an incongruity that motorcycles intended for travel are hardly more comfortable than a sporty roadster !
The least pleasant is the Yamaha, whose saddle yet redesigned does not convince: its too narrow and slightly sloping front part encourages people to step back to get around the problem. Unfortunately, by dint of moving backwards, the heels hit the passenger footrests which are set very – too – close to those of the pilot. This lack of space is even more penalizing in a duo, especially for "big sizes"…
In the winding or during maneuvers, the Tracer 900 GT, on the other hand, does appreciate its narrowness between the thighs, which it owes in part to its smaller capacity tank (18 liters against 20 on the Suz ‘). Its well-designed shapes encourage you to become one with the bike when the pace increases.
The V-Strom 1000 has a slightly thick silhouette compared to the slender Yamaha. Its pot-bellied tank reinforces this feeling, even though it admits only a few extra kilos: 232 kg against 227 kg for the Tracer 900 GT with its suitcases (215 kg without). At least on paper…
Because strangely, Suzuki announces the same weight for its standard V-Strom 1000 or Adventure. As if the robust protections, the top-case, the bulky fog lights or the control unit of this optional pack weighed nothing ?! A full weight around 250 kg seems more realistic and in line with our feeling with the handlebars in hand.
Torque-packed 2-cylinder, life-loaded 3-cylinder !
With 1037cc versus 857cc, the twin-cylinder of the V-Strom 1000 has the displacement advantage over the three-cylinder of the Tracer 900 GT. Its architecture also suggests solid pickups, and this is exactly the case: the twin is very beefy from 2000 to 4000 rpm, where it reaches its peak of torque with a solid 101 Nm..
The champion of the big raises in the first third of the tachometer is the Suzuki! A strong argument for duo rides, especially since its flexibility is remarkable for a twin (1500 rpm without hiccups up to intermediate ratios).
But the three-cylinder of the Tracer 900 GT shows even more going, on condition however to select – while driving – its injection map "A" (like "Arsouille"?!). In this case, the Yam ‘stands up to its rival at all speeds, including 50 km / h in 3rd at 2,500 rpm (2,750 rpm on the Suz’).
In "Standard" mode, on the other hand, the road cousin of the MT-09 gives the Suzuki a few lengths at the bottom of the tachometer … before recovering in the blink of an eye in mid-range! Then the Tracer 900 GT forgets its rival above 7000 rpm: its additional 15 hp and less kilos make the difference, as well as its more recent engine design. The 3-legged is a real ball of nerves !
The opportunity to regret,, the lack of more pep in the towers on the V-Strom 1000: its acceleration loses its tone from 6000 rpm and settles strongly as it approaches the red zone. It’s a torquey and pleasant engine, but has too much inertia and linearity to compare with the three-cylinder from Iwata..
The Yamaha sport-GT drives the point home with its single-acting shifter, always nice to go up a gear without disengaging between two curves or two red lights. Too bad, however, that this system is "catchy" under 4000 rpm, like the gearbox for the rest … The Suzuki benefits from a much smoother selection.
Finally, the injection of the Tracer 900 GT now reaches a correct level, which almost makes you forget the jerks of the first generations of MT-09. It is not yet total transparency, but its management of the gas net nevertheless arouses less criticism than that of the Suzuki, rougher when re-opening..
Focus on the virolos
Who says dynamic road bikes, says dynamic road sections! This is even the basic premise of this duel: to oppose two machines capable of moving around … quickly! To this little game, the Yamaha responds immediately present, well helped by its more modern chassis and its 17-inch rims..
Note, however, that Yamaha Motor France had well prepared "our" bike: the unconvincing original Dunlops were replaced by the excellent sports tires Bridgestone S21, which fit among others the last. Just that !
In addition, its suspensions were particularly well sharpened compared to the standard settings, considered too flexible and questionable cohesion by MNC during its press launch. The amortization compromise this time favored "Sport" over "GT", unlike our contact in Spain!
With more preload, firmer hydraulics and more efficient tires, the Tracer 900 GT is like a metamorphosis: we find a playful motorcycle that likes to twirl around in curves without restraint, before coming out of it with a bang thanks to its 3-leg fire !
Only a slight tendency to lock on the brakes and an agility behind compared to the previous model signal that its "excesses" have been curbed via its new swingarm. The narrowing of its handlebars also plays a role, with a lower 2017 lever arm that is mostly felt during entries in a very tight curve..
Faced with so much versatility morning of fun, the Suzuki is struggling … The V-Strom however makes up for it with its cushioning comfort, more progressive than that of its rival. Adjusted for arson, the Tracer 900 GT suspensions lack smoothness to perfectly meet its sport-road specifications..
MNC has therefore softened the damping of the Yamaha, with mixed success … The Tracer 900 GT quickly goes from too much hardness to too much softness, an adjustment which refers to the movements observed during its press presentation. The good news is that its suspensions are very sensitive to interventions, a guarantee of quality and the possibility of finding the right compromise. !
In addition to cushioning comfort, the Suzuki is also superior to the Yamaha in terms of its rear brake, which is more powerful and adjustable. An asset that is all the more valuable in that when cornering, the V-Strom 1000 is surprisingly quick to correct a trajectory. The Suz ‘appears in this precise phase less physical than the Yam’, while it requires more effort in all other cases..
The explanation? Its rear tire 150 mm wide against 180 mm on the Yamaha, pledge of less resistance. And also a great economy when it comes to changing gommard! In addition, the Yamaha pays here the counterpart of its extended wheelbase: what it gains in rigor, it logically loses in improvisation capacities..
Under the asphalt, the sand ?
The fact remains that even "calm", the Tracer 900 GT remains a formidable machine with sensations with which the spiral sections are savored. Despite all its qualities of "rolling", the V-Strom 1000 can not say the same: its engine – certainly torquey – is less expressive and its chassis less agile.
Besides its heavier weight, its 19-inch front wheel partly explains this difference, making it a little clumsy compared to the Yamaha. The more adventurous will console themselves by planning a few "off-road" sessions thanks to this trail rim…
But at the risk of disappointing them, the Suzuki is moderately convincing except asphalt. Blame it on its non-disconnectable ABS which does not fit well with off-road driving, its limited ground clearance or its plastic engine spoiler and its original tires with the road profile (Bridgestone Battlewing BW501).
The Tracer 900 GT – yet more road-going in design – is in the end hardly less comfortable! On dry roads, the Yamaha does honorably thanks to its lightness and its large suspension travel, at the origin of its "hybrid" aspect between roadster and trail: with 137 mm at the front and 142 mm at the ‘rear, it actually only gives about twenty millimeters to the Suzuki (160 mm front-rear).
Verdict: clash of generations
MNC readily confesses: the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 is a popular motorcycle in the editorial staff. Le Journal moto du Net appreciates its pragmatic and accessible side, this desire to turn its back on excessive sophistication and overkill in order to concentrate on the essential. In this, the Suzuki is on the same line as Honda with its Africa Twin, less off-road capabilities..
But this confrontation with the Tracer 900 GT gives this "brave" Suz ‘a shot of old: more fun, better equipped and less expensive (12 199 € against 13 249 € with the Adventure pack), the Yamaha "Trace" inexorably towards Success. And this, with a joyful joie de vivre thanks to its punchy mill !
Iwata’s coat of arms deserves a real nod for having judiciously negotiated the "post-economic crisis" turn with his MT-Tracer family. Recall that Yamaha started from a blank page to develop this engine block – a new 3-cylinder – and the chassis around.
Significant investments that bear fruit… when they are precisely lacking in the Suzuki. Because in the end, this match won by the Tracer 900 GT illustrates this clash of generations: the V-Strom 1000 does not deserve, but simply shows the effects of a more dated design….
- Continuation of our duel Tracer 900 GT Vs V-Strom 1000 with our photos captioned in .
Related articles
-
Duel Tracer 900 GT Vs V-Strom 1000 Adventure: services included Yamaha hits a big blow (t) with its Tracer 900 GT 2018 and its ultra-complete standard…
-
V-Strom 1000 Adventure Vs Tracer 900 GT: Smart-videos live from our MNC duel Updated in 2017, the V-Strom 1000 benefits this year from a very enticing…
-
Duel Tracer 900 GT Vs V-Strom 1000 Adventure: services included Yamaha hits a big blow (t) with its Tracer 900 GT 2018 and its ultra-complete standard…
-
Duel Yamaha Niken GT Vs Tracer 900 GT: the good three (wheels) plan ? A motorcycle is two wheels, a handlebar and a motor. The proof, we have always done…
-
Duel 790 Adventure Vs Tenere 700: Site takes the bets, okay ? Unbeaten on the ( Paris ) Dakar for 18 years, KTM is launching a new trail-type motorcycle…
-
Duel Tracer 900 GT Vs V-Strom 1000 Adventure: services included Yamaha hits a big blow (t) with its Tracer 900 GT 2018 and its ultra-complete standard…
-
Comparison test Multistrada 950 Vs Africa Twin Vs V-Strom 1000: right on target Since its release in January 2016, the Honda Africa Twin has met with a…
-
Duel Kawasaki Z1000SX 2017 Vs Yamaha Tracer 900: all-in-one The Kawasaki Z1000SX is an excellent sport-GT motorcycle, made even more versatile in 2017…
-
All Duels – Duel R1200GS vs V-Strom 1000: Suzuki stands out – Trail V-Strom 1000: small but strong
R1200GS vs V-Strom 1000 duel: Suzuki stands out The V-Strom 1000 soon arrives in Suzuki dealerships but is already measuring itself on Site against the…
-
R1200GS vs V-Strom 1000 duel: Suzuki stands out The V-Strom 1000 soon arrives in Suzuki dealerships but is already measuring itself on Site against the…