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Yamaha MT-09 Tracer in the top test

Grace, space, pace

Elegance, space, speed – the former model of the British car manufacturer Jaguar could also serve as a target for a dynamic touring motorcycle. The individual test clarifies whether and how many of these properties the new Yamaha MT-09 Tracer has in itself.

Colleague Bildl suspected it: “There are attachment points on the steering head for a fairing bracket.” This is the conclusion of the MOTORRAD top test Yamaha MT-09 in November 2013, further model concepts would be offered in view of the convincing performance. Now, 14 months after the lively MT-09 with its wonderful three-cylinder propulsion system has turned the sporty middle class upside down, Yamaha is already pushing the fourth 09 variant into the showrooms with the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer.

Yamaha MT-09 Tracer in the top test

Grace, space, pace

Can convince the tracers in the wild?

In any case, Tracy’s key data are correct, which has already helped the standard 09 to a resounding success: in the case of the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer rated power 115 hp, weighed 212 kilograms ready to drive, and all at a competitive price of 9595 euros. The competition is either tougher or weaker or more expensive or all of the above. For just under 10,000 euros, the price question is: Grace, Space and Pace – can convince the tracers in the wild and build on the success of the MT-09?

Bilski

The driver’s seat of the Tracer is two centimeters wider and longer and offers a pleasant amount of freedom of movement.

GRACE. Elegance, beauty, grace – is a matter of taste. Undeniably, however, the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer can be recognized as a touring Yamaha. The sleek headlight face is reminiscent of the old Fazer and FZ series and still looks dewy, even if perhaps a bit over-designed. You don’t have to love air inlet dummies and carbon fiber imitations, but the sharp lines and elegant proportions of the tracers look very harmonious. The Yamaha fun bike is particularly impressive in the “Race Blu” color variant that we tested with the blue rims and anodized fork tubes. And thus quickly to more tangible test criteria.

SPACE. Space, space. It is needed for larger trips alone or in pairs, and that was not necessarily the main discipline of the Basis-09. But whoops! With manageable changes, the puristic, some would say spartan MT-09 curve milling machine has become a long-distance motorcycle. The driver’s seat of the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer is two centimeters wider and longer and, compared to the compact body of the Basis-09, offers a pleasing amount of freedom of movement. The wide, perfectly cranked handlebars stretch out towards the driver on long arms. By turning the riser, the handlebar can also be moved forward ten millimeters, which gives tall riders a little more space.

Seat of the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer also adjustable

Because the seat bench, which is also adjustable at 845 or 860 millimeters, is a good deal higher than that of the Basis-09, there is also a more open knee angle. The knee joint on the tank also fits young and old. Shorter pilots can use a lowering kit to reduce the seat height to a low 815 millimeters. Thanks to these adjustment options, drivers of almost every stature will find a seating position that is really suitable for long journeys, upright and comfortable. The wind protection works fine, the narrow disc, which can be adjusted in three positions by hand wheel, keeps at least the worst wind pressure from the driver. The fat hand protectors of the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer should turn out to be a cosmetic gimmick in the event of a fall, but help to keep the airstream away from the stylus surprisingly well in the cold season. The pillion can also look forward to a comfortable spot. The 09 rear, which has been extended by a full 13 centimeters, enables fatigue-free driving thanks to the wide second bench seat and lower passenger pegs. Maybe not around the world, but certainly into the long weekend and back.

No, the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer is not a baby FJR, nor does it want to be. But the compromise between comfort and sport for driver and pillion is something that Tracy hits pretty accurately. This also underlines the elegant, because inconspicuous, holding device for the luggage system, which holds side cases (25 liters each) or soft bags (14 to 21 liters) available as accessories.

PACE. Pace, speed, and the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer has damn good genes for them. Much has been written about the famous 847 cubic three-cylinder of the MT-09, and if anyone out there has not yet heard the good news, here is a brief summary: pressure from the cellar like a two-cylinder, a wonderfully sinewy center, then fiery turning up to over 10,000 revolutions like a four-in-line. The best of two worlds combined in three cylinders – the crossplane triple inspires with full thrust in every situation. Even if the triple in the tracer has to fire a good 20 kilos extra weight from the corners, the start is still fascinating. This is also proven by a look at the performance, which the Tracer outlines as a real pulling miracle. This enables both lazy kilometers to be eaten and dedicated loading, depending on the pilot’s taste.

Naked bike

Yamaha MT-09 Tracer in the HP driving report

A lot of motorcycle for little money

read more

Tourer

Yamaha MT-09 Tracer in the top test

Grace, space, pace

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Tracer drives more relaxed than her naked sister

The manners are also right, the equalizing triple runs around with little vibration and almost silky at the top. In addition, Yamaha has taken the criticism of the MT-09’s responsiveness to heart and has done a lot of work on the mapping of the three-pot for the application in the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer. There are still three driving modes that can be changed using a switch while driving: standard, the more aggressive A-mode and B-mode, which cuts the peak power by around 10 hp and provides a very tame throttle response.

In contrast to the base, in which not only sensitive people like to travel in B-mode for a clean line, the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer already impresses in standard mode with gentle throttle response. Fine! Because Tracy works exceptionally well with it, the biting A-mode was actually only used for test purposes, while the tame, but by no means weak B-mapping was found to be a sensitive addition when driving in the rain just above zero degrees. The rough response is off the table, but another 09 characteristic, namely noticeable load change reactions, which Tracy has inherited. The noticeable play in the drive train tells of the dictation of the red pencil, just like the somewhat clumsy shiftability of the transmission. Not earth-shattering and given the low price, but not perfect either. The clutch works inconspicuously and with little manual force, but the non-adjustable lever is difficult to reach with short fingers. And the driving behavior?

The rear is slightly higher due to the harder spring rate

As with the coordination of the injection system, the developers also started with the chassis where there was still room for improvement. The external components have remained the same, but tighter springs and dampers ensure that the sometimes rocky MT-09 substructure is now perfectly full. Because the rear is a little higher due to the harder spring rate, the effective steering head angle is now 66 degrees, one degree more than the already crisp and jittery MT-09. Nevertheless, the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer drives more calmly, more neutrally and more precisely, ultimately more relaxed than its naked sister.

How it comes? In addition to the aforementioned streamlining of the set-up and the additional weight, the Dunlop D 222 fitted as the first tire (front special identifier "L") is responsible for this. This is far less designed for jagged handling than the Bridgestone S20 of the MT-09 and harmonizes well with the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer. The Dunlop quickly builds up good grip even at low temperatures, but does not provide too differentiated feedback. Another negative aspect was the high righting moment when braking in an inclined position. Nevertheless, the overall handling is wonderfully light-footed. All in all, the pace is definitely there with the Tracer, only in a more dignified, less aggressive form than with the MT-09.

ABS irritates with rough control intervals

In the braking section, the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer also scores, albeit with slight drawbacks. The front radial pliers on 298 discs grip very well and are easy to dose with little manual force. The rear brake system works inconspicuously in the best sense of the word. On the other hand, the function of the anti-lock device was noticeable. The ABS irritates with rough control intervals, which in extreme cases can result in a certain unpredictability. An example: During the brake test from 100 km / h, the system usually reduced the brake pressure a little early and for a long time, wasting valuable meters. In some cases, but always under identical measurement conditions, the ABS allowed stoppies and thus required the pilot to release the brake. Admittedly, it is usually not a problem in everyday life, ultimately the ABS does its job reliably. Still it works better, and hardcore late-breakers should be prepared for this peculiarity.

As it should be for an all-rounder, the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer doesn’t show any weakness in everyday matters either. A low consumption of 4.8 liters per 100 kilometers, thanks to the 18-liter tank, allows for stages suitable for tours, even if the last liter needs to be dripped into the fuel drum with the patience of an angel. The cockpit – it comes from the XTZ 1200 Super Tenere – has a somewhat rustic charm, but offers a multitude of functions (two trip meters, oil and outside temperature, gear indicator, clock) and good readability even in sunshine.

All articles about the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer

Criticism in detail, but completely successful

The Yamaha MT-09 Tracer also has a traction control that can be switched off on board. Although this is a fairly simple system, it works quite well on wet roads and gravel. There is also a twelve-volt on-board socket for the navigation system and – a big plus for real touring riders – a main stand. With a bright light bar, the driving lights bring a lot of light onto the road, but around it even more shadow, which is a little nerve-wracking when cornering at night.

The bottom line is that the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer remains, despite criticism in detail, an all-round successful motorcycle that is convincing in many aspects. Your three-cylinder engine is and will remain a poem, and with a new set-up it is even more fun. And the concept opens up new target groups with its tourist orientation. The Jaguar slogan "Grace, Space, Pace" is thus largely hit, and at an extremely attractive price.

Technical data Yamaha MT-09 Tracer

Bilski

The three-cylinder engine of the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer is and will remain a poem, and with a new set-up it is even more fun.

Set up

Bilski

The traction control of the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer can be switched off.

Country road
fork
Rebound: 7 clicks
Pretension: 3 rings visible

Strut
Rebound: 2 clicks
Preload: Level 4 of 7

All revolutions counted from the closed position

Compare Yamaha MT-09 and Tracer

Bilski

With minor modifications, the MT-09 becomes a tracer. Nevertheless, both reveal quite different characters.

Same base, different character

The magic of the modular system makes it possible: with a few modifications, the original MT-09 becomes the Tracer. Although the technical substructure is almost identical, the two bikes differ relatively significantly in their handling. This is how you can build cheap motorcycles: develop them once and then use as many identical parts as possible in different models. In the case of the MT-09 and Yamaha MT-09 Tracer, the core of the entire substructure – frame, motor, wheels and brakes, swing arm, fork – is practically the same. The fairing and cockpit, a higher and very wide handlebar, the tank that has been enlarged by four liters and the rear that has been lengthened by 13 centimeters are new. These modifications have increased the weight by 20 kilos, but among the mid-range all-rounders, the Tracer is still one of the lightweights at 212 kilos ready to drive.

The Yamaha MT-09 Tracer seems more sedate, more mature, despite the same base. In addition to tighter springs and dampers, which bring more calm to the chassis, this is due to the first tires with Dunlop D 222. Subjectively, the driver’s posture also has a clear effect: On the MT-09 you sit more front-wheel -oriented. That makes you want to sharpen curves, but tires faster. The upright, comfortable sitting position of the Tracer makes you more relaxed. The modified injection mapping is just as relaxed. In contrast to the somewhat toxic throttle response of the basic MT, the Tracer accelerates gently even in standard mode. The bottom line is that the conversion work on the tracer is doing very well. Thanks to the increased dimensions and the changed ergonomics, the utility of the tracer also increases enormously – it offers space for two as well as useful wind protection and is therefore also suitable for longer excursions. In contrast to the recently released MT variants Street Rally and Sport Tracker, the Tracer offers real added value. In short, it is the more mature MT-09.

MOTORCYCLE measurements

Bilski

Engine: MOTORCYCLE test course, values ​​from the brake test from the three best driving tests averaged; Reference: motorcycle from the respective category with the previous best values.

Performance
Top speed *: 210 km / h
acceleration
0-100 km / h 3.4 sec
0–140 km / h5.5 sec
0-200 km / h 13.1 sec
Draft
60–100 km / h 4.0 sec
100–140 km / h 5.0 sec
140–180 km / h 6.2 sec
Speedometer deviation
effective (display 50/100): 48/97 km / h
Tachometer deviation
Display red area: 11,500 rpm
effective: 11,600 rpm

consumption
Country road: 4.8 l / 100 km
at 130 km / h: 5.4 l / 100 km
theoretical range of road: 375 km
Fuel type: Super

Dimensions + weights
L / W / H: 2200/950/1385 mm
Seat height: 845 to 860 mm
Handlebar height: 1130 mm
Turning circle: 5840 mm
Weight with a full tank: 212 kg
Payload: 178 kg
Wheel load distribution v / h: 49.2 / 50.8%

Bilski

transmission.

This is what Schmackes looks like: always over 70 Nm torque! Even from the bottom, the three-cylinder pushes hard, from a good 5000 tours the post really gets going. The engine always feels like more displacement and enables superior driving performance. The fact that the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer showed a little less performance than the MT-09 may be due to the low mileage of the test specimen (around 1000 km) and the series spread. We didn’t miss any performance.

Driving dynamics

Handling course I (fast slalom)     
Lap time 20.1 sec
Reference MT-09 19.6 sec
Vmax at the measuring point       103.3 km / h
Reference MT-09 110.5 km / h

Not quite as nimble as its sister: 20 kilos more weight and a higher center of gravity slow down the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer a bit compared to the MT-09, but in itself the handling is nice and light-footed.

Bilski

Brakes.

Not great, but sufficient: The braking hardware itself works perfectly, but the roughly regulating ABS of the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer prevents a better result. The two delay diagrams show how differently the anti-lock device can act. Note the drastic decrease in the delay in the blue diagram – shocking second! A maximum of 9.0 m / s² is only satisfactory.

Brake measurement from 100 km / h Remaining speed 23.2 km / h
Braking distance 42.9 m
Reference Suzuki V-Strom 1000       40.6     

* Manufacturer information; 1MOTORRAD test course, values ​​from the brake test from the three best driving tests averaged; Reference: motorcycle from the respective category with the previous best values; 2 Power on the crankshaft. Measurements on Dynojet roller test stand 250, corrected according to 95/1 / EG, maximum possible deviation ± 5%.

competitor

Honda

One of the main competitors of the Tracer: the Honda Crossrunner.

Honda crossrunner
Four-cylinder V-engine, 106 hp, weight 245 kg, 0-100 km / h 3.7 seconds, Vmax 209 km / h, consumption 4.8 liters, 11,990 euros

MV Agusta Stradale
Three-cylinder in-line engine, 115 hp, weight n / a, 0-100 km / h n / a, Vmax 214 km / h, consumption n / a, 14,165 euros

Triumph Tiger 800 XR
Three-cylinder in-line engine, 95 hp, weight n / a, 0-100 km / h n / a, Vmax 210 km / h, consumption n / a, 10,340 euros

MOTORCYCLE scoring

Bilski

The Yamaha MT-09 Tracer is undeniably recognizable as a touring Yamaha.

engine

  Maximum
score        		Yamaha
MT-09 plot
Draft 40 27
acceleration 40 28
Top speed 30th 15th
Engine characteristics           30th 25th
Responsiveness 20th 15th
Load change 20th 13
Smoothness 20th 14th
coupling 10 7th
circuit 20th 11
Gear ratio 10 9
Start 10 9
total 250 173

Was good, got even better: The drive of the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer likes both casual mileage as well as sporty gasping. Thrilling, acceleration and characteristics inspire. The previously criticized response behavior is also no longer an issue. Yamaha has limited the top speed to 210 km / h for safety reasons (straight-line stability at high speeds). The shiftability of the transmission is not perfect, but overall the triplet is a piece of cake from an engine.

landing gear

  Maximum
score      		Yamaha MT-09 Tracer
Handiness 40 29
Stability in turns 40 27
Steering behavior 40 28
feedback 10 7th
Inclined position 20th 17th
Straight-line stability 20th 14th
Suspension tuning in front 20th 13
Chassis set-up at the rear 20th 13
Adjustment options undercarriage    10 4th
Suspension comfort 10 6th
Driving behavior with a passenger 20th 14th
total 250 172

Low weight and crisp geometry – that results in light-footed handling. The Yamaha MT-09 Tracer runs its course more tightly dampened and therefore more stable and neutral than the standard MT. The chassis is made simple and offers preload and rebound adjustment options, but it works cleanly and solidly. At most, the response of the spring elements could be a bit more sensitive. The lean angle, however, is good, as is the handling with a pillion passenger. Especially in view of the price, a coherent chassis that doesn’t really matter.

everyday life

  maximum number of points       Yamaha MT-09 Tracer
Ergonomics driver 40 31
Ergonomics pillion 20th 14th
Windbreak 20th 10
view 20th 13
light 20th 12th
Furnishing 30th 28
Handling / maintenance       30th 18th
Luggage storage 10 2
Payload 10 4th
Tidy 30th 23
processing 20th 15th
total 250 170

It’s amazing how much more space and comfort the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer offers – for rider and pillion passenger. Both benefit enormously from the increased dimensions of the tracer, with which one can certainly travel. The windbreak isn’t great, but it is enough. When it comes to equipment, Tracy really hits it: ABS, traction control, main stand, twelve-volt socket, extensive cockpit, adjustable seat height, etc. In addition, there is a good range and good workmanship.

security

  maximum number of points       Yamaha MT-09 Tracer
Braking effect 40 31
Brake metering 30th 26th
Braking with a passenger / fading 20th 13
Righting moment when braking    10 6th
ABS function 20th 10
Handlebar slapping 20th 12th
Ground clearance 10 7th
total 150 105

The effect and controllability of the brakes are great, but unfortunately the ABS function is not. With shirt-sleeved control interventions, a fall with the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer is normally prevented, but improvements can still be made here. The righting moment when braking is also annoying, but this is due to the otherwise decent Dunlop D 222.

costs

  maximum number of points      Yamaha MT-09 Tracer
guarantee 30th 15th
Consumption (country road)      30th 20th
Inspection costs 20th 15th
Maintenance costs 20th 9
total 100 59

Consumption is low, the inspection intervals the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer is 10,000 kilometers, the costs are kept within reasonable limits.

maximum number of points     Yamaha MT-09 Tracer
Overall rating 1000 679
Price-performance note     1.0 1.1

The straight one just missed: Thanks to the full point yield and low price, the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer is one of the bikes with the best price-performance ratio.

Conclusion

Bilski

With manageable changes, a focused naked speedster became a fun all-rounder with an enormously wide range of uses.

With the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer, Yamaha achieved a convincing success. With manageable changes, a focused naked speedster became a fun all-rounder with an extremely wide range of uses. Thanks to consistent further development in the crucial areas, the Tracer is also the better MT-09 and offers a lot of motorcycle for the money, so the three-cylinder fun bike is sure to find many friends.

Offers for the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer

Used Yamaha MT-09 Tracer in Germany

The Yamaha MT-09 Tracer, also known as the Yamaha Tracer 900, has a good price-performance ratio right from the factory. This gets even better on the used motorcycle market. There you can find Yamaha MT-09 Tracers in top condition and at low prices: Used Yamaha MT-09 Tracers in Germany

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