Test Yamaha Tracer 900 and Tracer 900 GT 2018: the way of wisdom
Unclassifiable, the Yamaha Tracer 900? This sporty road bike derived from the stormy MT-09 roadster mixes genres … with success: 35,000 sales in Europe since its release at the end of 2014, including 7,000 in France ! Its first evolution tends towards more rigor in addition to introducing a new travel variant, the Tracer 900 GT. Testing.
Tracer 900 and Tracer 900 GT test – Page 2: captioned photos
- New look. This is the first stylistic evolution for the Tracer 900, called MT-09 Tracer when it was released at the end of 2014. Its refined front part is more slender, less "choppy", as are its side vents and the trim of its tank. . The latter, with a capacity of 18 liters, receives a welcome protection at the crotch to prevent scratches. Lighting remains entrusted to LEDs.
- New look (bis). The rear fender is redesigned, as are the grab handles – wider and set back – and the passenger footrests, which are further apart. The distance between the driver and passenger plates is however too small: the feet frequently touch each other, preventing the driver from placing the front of his boots on his footrest..
- Saddles. The density of the pilot and passenger seat changes … without really convincing: the comfort is average, lacking softness and thickness. The rider saddle is adjustable (without tools) from 850 to 865 mm (+5 mm Vs 2017 due to the new padding). However, the adjustment remains quite laborious since it requires removing the passenger seat, removing a plastic wedge – difficult to reach -, then finally actuating the seat release lever..
- It does not bubble. The windshield benefits from an enlarged curve at the bottom to shelter the bust, half of the shoulders and most of the helmet. The old system of height adjustment via two knobs – not very practical – gives way to a "clamp" very easy to access when driving. Just press this handle (circled in red above) to unlock it with one hand, then move the bubble over an amplitude of 5 cm.
- Hold on to the bar ! The width of the handlebars is reduced by 16.5 mm and the overall width – from tip to tip – by 100 mm (10 cm!). Advantages: the ergonomics are more natural – the old handlebar was too wide with its 950 mm at the end of the handles – and protection gains because the arms are less apart. Finally, it makes it much easier to get back in lines in congested city centers. !
- Retro. The mirrors have a new design and their mirror is lengthened by 30 mm: visibility to the rear gains significantly, to the benefit of safety when overtaking.
- Long arm. The aluminum swingarm is extended by 60mm to improve traction, but especially the stability that was previously heckled at high speeds. As a result, the wheelbase goes from 1440 to 1500 mm, but the rest of the geometry is the same: the caster angle remains at 24 ° and the caster at 100 mm. Yamaha was careful on this point, even if it meant frustrating those who appreciated the extreme liveliness of the previous model….
- Security net. The standard traction control can be configured on two levels (1 or 2) when driving, throttle off, from the "TCS" button on the instrumentation on the Tracer 900 (on the left above) and via a rocker on the left stalk on the Tracer 900 GT (right above). This disengageable system when stationary intervenes with finesse and gentleness. The stock tires, Dunlop SportSmart D222, perform poorly on cold or wet ground: the TCS is not a gimmick in these cases. !
- Senior. Apart from the lengthening of the swingarm, the chassis is identical to the previous model: a die-cast perimeter aluminum frame recovered from the MT-09. Logical, since the road stems from the roadster! This frame, made with care, combines two parts bolted together at the level of the steering column and the axis of the swingarm..
- Convenient. This is one of the strengths of the Tracer 900: its hyper-supplied standard endowment with regard to its price of € 10,599. In addition to its screen, its adjustable handlebars and saddle, the Yamaha has a 12V socket, adjustable maps while driving (gas cut), a central stand and case supports. Its clutch is now equipped with an anti-dribble system.
- On the crutch. A standard center stand is good. An easy-to-unfold side stand is even better: here, the lug is attached too close to the left footrest, forcing a painful gymnastics of the boot to access it. To be reviewed during a next development !
- Instrumentation. No change on the dashboard of the Tracer 900 model 2018, still monochrome type with remote controls on the handlebars. This rectangular instrumentation – chiped at the – offers good visibility. Fuel gauge, gear engaged, time, engine and air temperatures, two trips and a consumption indicator are among the information presented. It’s not the happiest on the market, but it’s complete and easy to learn.
- Instrumentation (bis). On the Tracer 900 GT, the instrumentation is entrusted to a TFT matrix color panel, the same as on the and. This dashboard is as complete as on the standard version, but it is less gloomy and more upscale. On the other hand, its inclination does not facilitate reading because it requires you to slightly lower your gaze. In addition, navigation is less intuitive than on the LCD screen of the standard Tracer 900.
- Three-legged fire. This is the other major asset of the Tracer 900: its 847 cc in-line 3-cylinder that is lively, powerful and available at the same time! This strong-tempered engine always develops 115 hp and 87.5 Nm. Its ardor can be regulated via three maps: A, B and Standard. The "Standard" mode is perfect for everyday use, but it significantly slows the take-offs of the 3-legged. For arsouiller, the "A" mode is recommended, even if it generates jerks. Mode "B" – the softest but very castrating – is not useless in the rain. Only complaint: vibrations that tickle the hands and feet from 6000 rpm. Caoucthoucs on the footrests would partly solve the problem…
- Brakes. The Tracer 900 renews its two 298 mm floating discs at the front, which are bitten by radial 4-piston calipers. The device – powerful and dosable – does not lend itself to criticism and receives a light ABS (3 kg). At the rear, the single 245 mm disc is pinched by a single piston caliper: the response under the pedal lacks conviction and the power is a bit tight.
- Tracer 900 GT. This unprecedented variation – in the spirit of the late La – is characterized by its rigid 22-liter suitcases. In addition to the TFT instrumentation mentioned above, this Tracer 900 GT also receives as standard the single-acting shifter of the MT-09 (when upshifting only), a cruise control and heated grips..
- Suitcases. The luggage of the Tracer 900 GT is in the colors of the motorcycle and can be opened with the ignition key. Their width does not exceed that of the handlebars – practical for the interface – and they are easy to disassemble. You can slip a pair of boots into each, but no helmet. Another advantage for travelers: Yamaha France confirms to MNC that it is possible to install a top-case at the same time as the suitcases.
- Spring for the GT. The Kayaba suspensions of the Tracer 900 GT are also more advanced: preload wheel offset at the rear, while its fork with golden sleeves is fully adjustable (preload and rebound on standard). The additional cost of 1600 euros (12 199 € against 10 599 €) appears reasonable given the additional equipment.
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