Had one a couple of years ago and toured Scotland doing 1600 miles, it's a cracking little bike, I say little but it's not really that little, but the issues you have picked up early on in your review number one the seat was sorted by getting Yamaha's comfort seat, and that screen turbulence, with a lot of trials and tribulations, I found that the cut outs to take the handle bars on full lock was mostly at fault for the majority of the turbulence, for which I made collapsible winglets, and as you suggested a little flip screen for the top sorted most of it out. The engine is an absolute peach though, and having found I like the adventure type bike I then traded it for a 1200 GS, and have since traded that for a 1250 GS ADV, which was an upgrade of course but a lot more money to boot, and I do miss the lightness compared to the gargantuan GS. So all in all very good value do it all bike, with very cheap Yamaha servicing prices I have to say..
@@chrishart8548 I first had a 1200 GS TE, then a 1250 GS ADV exclusive, I can just about flat foot it which is best with a heavy bike even though the weight is very low I think it's advisable, mine is the normal chassis, I'm 5 foot ten with a 32 inside leg, but being 64 years old not as strong as I once was, still manage it relatively easy though.
@@stephenpotts8170 I've only rode a 2015 r1200gs adventure. Te spec I've only sat on a normal r1200gs didn't like how wide the gsa looked but it was really good to ride. Don't see how I wouldn't like the non gsa version. I ride a 2014 F800gs in blue. Had it from new. Dynamic pack, comfort pack, led indicators, bmw hand guards, aux lights. Tinted screen from the later sport model. Probably could have got an r1200gs te LC back then maybe. I'm hoping the lightweight of the 800 means I can still ride it well into old age.
I've got the Tracer 900 2020, ridden it for 7 month now. and it's one of the best bikes I have ever owned. A tourer with a hooligan engine!! It will be interesting to hear what you have to say about this bike, coz it's not perfect :-) Thanks a lot TMF,
Well yes, I've made some mods. Givi 2139DT huge screen, 1" up 1" back on the handlebars and I had to move the rear footpegs back and down to make room for a correct rider foot position.
Hi Andy Firstly it's nice to see you experimenting with the 360 camera. I use them while coaching so that I can show students any issues. They don't have the absolute quality of a GoPro but sometimes getting something at lower quality is better than missing it all together, for me at least. (RoadSmartBiker) Now to the main point, I'm delighted that Yamaha are finally talking to you and especially that you've got this bike for a long term test. I've been considering this as my next bike since the launch and I trust your judgement more than most. One key factor for me, as a riding coach, is the fueling at low speed on a whiff of throttle. It needs to be smooth and not snatchy so it would be good if you could include some low speed testing from a closed throttle to just applying a sniff of gas. The sort of stuff that you have to do while trickling along in traffic. Thanks in advance, Chris
I have the 2018 GT900 (and love it) but it is interesting that Yamaha have not addressed the two main issues with the bike (seat and wind buffeting) on the new model. If you look at the majority of reviews and any Tracer forum 99.9% of the gripes are the seat and screen. Personally I don't have an issue with the seat (done lots of long days with no issue, must have a titanium bum!), but the screen/ wind buffeting is/was a right pain. I've solved that by using a short MRA sports screen in the better weather and a HUGE Puig touring screen with 'lip' for poorer weather. But it annoys me that manufacturers still put out bikes that owners have to fix issues with by experimenting / buying aftermarket items. I don't agree at all that "Yamaha have but a lot of thought into the aerodynamics on thsi bike" as you state, I don't think they've considered it at all!! - Great engine, gearbox, tech spec etc. If you can solve/ accept the wind buffeting issue then it is a cracking bike.
I also fitted a shorter sports screen on mine, which solved the buffeting issue for me too, people always tend to go larger which often makes it no better or worse.
I love my 16 plate tracer , I love its looks, it’s engine and its handling. I’m not too keen on the look of this bike but I’m sure it grown on you. Great video as always.
There are 2 things that made me buy Tiger 900 GT Pro instead of Tracer 9 GT. That single LED really annoyed me and I just couldn't like that split screen look & feel. Tracer is still a great bike though, amazing engine. Good day!
💯 that split screen is a dealbreaker for me. I’m thinking of getting the Rally Pro so that I could take it off-road. Any findings from your ownership so far? Any pros or cons?
@@aimenalwan Honestly not too many bad things to say about it. It's actually a fantastic bike for the money. My older Tiger 800 XCx had metal covers around fog LED's which made them look bigger and heavier, but I'm just being pedantic lol. Still a great engine, AMAZING breaks and suspension. I was tempted to go Tracer way, but I'm glad I stayed with the Tiger line. It looks mean.
@@aimenalwan love my 900 gt pro. I am road only but it is lighter and easier to manoeuvre than my old 800 tiger. Love the advanced suspension on the pro models and the brembo brakes are a big improvement. My partner also says it is a really comfortable pillion ride. Plenty of torque too.
@@fazerstorm-oap I totally agree, brakes are crazy compared to my 800 tiger. I kind of regret not buying rally pro version, but I'm a bit vertically challenged so I'd constantly be scared to death dropping it at a red light lol.
Great to see Yamaha UK on board 👏 I'm a massive Yam fan owning an MT10 and XSR900. My only minor gripe is I do think the 900 engine has quite loud gearbox whine. Carol won't let me mount our 360 camera behind her; says it makes her backside look big 🤣
Brilliant video. It felt like 10 minutes. They’re a great bike. We did 420km/266miles for blood bikes here in Ireland. Our group was led by bikers on these bikes. They come into their own on bad surfaces- Granted, I was on a 20 year old Pan. The Tracer GT lads left me. Only on auto routes could I catch them. Thanks Mr.Fly !
I was stoked when I saw this video pop up as I've grown tired of the press launch people just gushing over the bikes they rode in controlled environments! The footpeg placement is something about the 2020 Suzuki 1050 bikes that I've seen people mention. Just jams you in the calves when your feet are down. Those Suzuki 1050 owners rave about the bike though, so it must be something you just grow used to. I've really wanted a Triumph 900 Rally Pro or GT Pro because everyone adores that triple engine. I live in the midwest of the US and the Triumph dealer network is sadly very spaced out. Gotta travel multiple hours to reach a dealer. This Tracer 9 GT is now near the top of my shopping list because I have numerous Yamaha dealers near me, the triple engine is more powerful, and it's less expensive! I'm quite excited to see the content you keep rolling out for this. Thanks for your videos!
I'm really enjoying your videos. All presented in a lovely calm manner, honest, and with wonderful editing that's easy to take for granted. The Tracer 9 GT is a bike that interests me personally. It seems to be brilliant for everyday riding. Looking forward to your thoughts in the time you have with it.
Had the Tracer version before, lovely bike but agree screen not best. Puig one with aero foil works brilliantly and no wind 💨 did Switzerland on it, fab bike.
Great first ride, shame you can’t have its direct competitors on test too. On my short list for next bike as finding Gs just too tall & heavy. Look forward to your thoughts after a couple of weeks in the saddle 👍
I am so glad to see thak you will have this bike as long-termer! I have already ordered mine 9GT and waiting for it to be delivered, so it's a great help to get your experience. Looking forward to upcomming videos :)
Have been waiting for this review, eager to know how you get on long term. Odd timing too; was only in a dealership yesterday picturing one in my garage…!
I am sufficiently cynical to believe that any manufacturer that sells “comfort” seats is ripping its customers off. If they know the original seat is sufficiently uncomfortable to offer an alternative, why fit it in the first place, unless they just want to extort more money? Enough electronics to run a rocket ship but can’t get basic ergonomics right. “Bargain” prices aren’t so cheap once you have to replace the seat, sort out the screen, fit protectors…
You have opened a can of worms here.. I have just bought F900XR (waiting delivery) after a 2 hour test ride solo and two up, I said great bike but that seat!!!! Of course I was then offered the comfort seat, I saw the price and said no thanks, but on refection I should have said "I will buy it with comfort seat at NO extra cost" But yes the manufacture is saying "our stock seat is bloody uncomfortable, so we offer you a nice upgrade at a megga price"
Another great review. As far as the panniers being a little trick, they were for me the first couple of times as well. Turn the key to the right from the locked position to open and to the left of the locked position and the handle flips up for removal. I just picked my new Tracer 9GT here in Sunny Florida USA. Thus far it’s been fantastic. Loved my previous 2016 Yamaha FJR 1300, and 2012 Super Tenere prior. I feel like if those two bikes had kid the Tracer 9gt would be it. Thank you for doing such informative reviews and videos. Keep it up👍🏻
I’ve got the 2018 model, and now run without the screen on at all, it’s much quieter and smoother, but for touring I put the massive Madstad screen on, and hope no one recognise me 😬😬. The seat starts to push your man jewels into the tank after a few hours which becomes rather annoying 😳, but for the money it’s superb. Hope you can get Mrs Flyers opinion on the pillion for us 👍👍, great to see you on a Yamaha.
Good review TMF… 👍🏻 That seat (yes it is on the hard side, but you soon get used to it) on your bike is in it’s high position, I could tell that straight away from your ‘walk around’.. Also it’s a 19L fuel tank, according to the owners manual. I’m getting between 53-57 mpg average with mixed riding. I’ve now had mine for (in Tech Kamo) 3-1/2 weeks & clocked up 1,300 miles! Wonderful machine, no regrets at all swapping the BMW R1200rs for this bike! Looking forward to doing some UK based touring on it in Aug. The only gripe I have with the bike is that screen, the amount of buffeting & wind noise that it creates is absolutely terrible from 40 mph & above!! I took mine off completely after the 3rd ride on it, I find it much better without one on it at all, to be free of that constant annoyance on long rides.. However, I will need a screen for touring - so waiting for a decent aftermarket replacement for it.
Fantastic video on so many levels!! As soon as I clicked through I was thinking, “excellent a Yamaha! They finally came to their senses and are working with TMF now”! I know you previously mentioned not being able to work with Yamaha, and that this bike comes directly from Yamaha UK and they have lent it to you for a few weeks is excellent! The Tracer 9 is not for me right now, but to know you may be on other Yamahas is great, as I bought a brand new one last year, and 100% take your videos into consideration when purchasing (hope Yamaha knows this). Hopefully you can get on the R7 at some point. Another plus is the new cameras, great to see you trying those out looking forward to more from that as well! Icing on the cake has to be, that was me that mentioned in the comments about starting your turning test on the line of the parking bay!! Worked well if I do say so myself,!
Picked mine up Saturday, I had a 900 gt 2019 plated version previously. Yamaha made a great bike even better, I’m looking forwards to your views long term of it 👍
I had the previous version. A nice bike let down by finish and build quality. By the sounds of what you are saying, they have fixed that, which is good. I traded mine for a new Indian FTR/S, which is a whole different game...
Great to see you out on a Yamaha! Really like the look of the new Tracer 9 GT, definitely a contender for when I upgrade from my MT-07. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts after living with it for a few weeks 👍🏼
Thought that'd be a scheduling error! Happens to the best of us 😂 Was going to the ABR Weekend too but Covid said no...see you next time. Hope was good!
Sorry to hear about the finger trouble Andy. Hope you are making a speedy recovery!! I'd noticed there was a little less content over the last week or so. I thought it was because the Fatboy had taken you hostage. ;-)
Great to see you reviewing this bike TMF, it's on my list of bikes to test ride this year as I'm looking to change from my 1200GS that I've had for ten years. All I'd ask is that you take the bike in a long day or maybe a few days touring in Wales to properly assess how it feels on open/uncluttered roads and how the seat feels after a good ~350 mile day in the saddle. My only observations with the bike from what I've seen so far is that the dual display is a little contrived when one decent sized TFT would be a better solution, the colour schemes aren't great (just blue on the wheels😦) and it seems that the screen is going to take some fiddling with at additional cost to make it function as intended. Looking forward to your longer term review of this bike. Have fun😉👍👍
Having a Yamaha for the last 14 years, I`m kind of a simp. I really prefer an analog gauge but as much as people don't like the look of the display on the FJ 09 I kind of like them. They remind me of the eyes of the robot from Short Circuit. I hear the engine is awesome and it is one of my favorite models Yamaha is currently making. I will probably keep my current Yamaha, but go for a more premium brand like BMW or Triump for the feeling and experience while I'm in a position to enjoy it. I like all bikes, but found that I hold onto them for the long haul and am willing to invest more for top spec, fit and finish in a long term bike now. We'll see though as time goes by.
Hey TMF! Great that you’ve finally managed to get a deal with Yamaha. And what an excellent bike to start with. Huge equipment list for a reasonable price. Definitely on my list pending your findings!
Great review, suggestion for shorter riders who would like one of these is after market drop links which are available. You’d have to balance out the front though by adjusting the stanchions accordingly. There is the other option which is to get an XSR900. It has the same superb triple engine. Thanks for another great review Andy
I've just taken the plunge and part exchanged my 2018 Vulcan S for the 2019 model (unregistered so brand new) Tracer 900. Not the GT, but that doesn't bother me. It's my first bike over 600cc and what a bike it is! That engine is just a peach and just so eager and powerful. I was a bit worried about the seat height of the thing at first but I've been fine with it so far. Coming from a sports cruiser style bike the handling is the best bit, and the Vulcan handled well enough to be fair but the Tracer is in another league entirely! I agree on the screen, that needs sorting somehow though and I see Yamaha haven't cracked it yet on the new model. Great review as always.
If you only have one bike - looks like a top candidate! Looking forward to your long-term reviews. Hope you enjoy what seems to be very thoughtful rig. (And check into an aftermarket screen/deflector like Puig or Ermax, and the touring seat - should do it!). Thanks for a great review!
This has the most fun engine I ever tried on a motorcycle, what an absolute monster, what a glorious sound. Unlike twins it growls (furiously) and unlike 4-cylinder it growls ALL THE TIME, even at the bottom. And that additional kick at 7000 RPM... I wasn't a huge fan of the previous 900 GT because it had too much power compared to its torque so I found myself at crazy speeds without feeling it. But on this one power and torque seem better balanced so you can really feel the push, and though absolutely hysterical the engine gives me a better feeling of control. Not sure it is ideal for daily use on bad roads and in heavy traffic though (I live in one of those countries), because it always wants to go, or rather it makes you want to twist that throttle to hear that incredible sound, it's a constant invitation to sin. This bike is quite something, I thought only Kawasaki knew how to make a proper motorcycle, but I'm proven wrong. Well done Yamaha.
Hmm, yes. That looks such a lovely package and sounds so good, an FJR alternative/replacement maybe 🤔. I’ve never found a screen that I am happy with and you can invest such a lot of time and money trying to tune them to suit. Very glad to see that Yamaha have found you, congratulations !
Yamaha have indeed woken up over the past few years! May have to speak to Sam at Brian Grey's for a test ride. The clocks do remind me of the 80's film 'short circuit' for some reason. The one light thing now is getting to be a bit of a bore, but it does have a proper key! Overall it looks good value for money. Looking forward to the follow up vids!
As a tracer 9 owner, your seat is on the high setting in this video. Also the bike is classed as a Sport Tourer. So not much of a suprise that it is sporty hehe. Thought about buying the 850 Sport, but it lacked features and it's a different class of bike. More of an adventure tourer. As a taller person (6 feet) I have the seat in the lower position so I can flat foot it and it gets my torso a bit lower = less wind buffeting on my helmet
The buffeting windscreen seems a common thread among reviewers of this bike. From what I can gather from Tracer 9/900 forums, the madstad screen and bracket works absolute wonders. If much of your time is spent in motorways/freeways/expressways, most people recommend not staying with the OEM screen.
Very nice bike Andy, thanks for the ride. The fact that Yanaha have given you a long term loan is a feather in your cap! I'd let you try my bike (Street Triple R 2021 Low) as your reviews are so detailed and interesting - It would be a good comparison to your own Triple imho. Looking forward to your next video. :>)
Morning Andy. That looks like a very decent bike. Yamaha’s are always a bit under the radar but in my experience very well built, very solid, and the triple is a perfect engine for the road. Looking forward to the other vids on this one.👍
I've been looking forward to this one. Previously owning an MT09 I feel a certain loyalty to the engine which is why I'm inclined to choose a Tracer next, however is by far the best colour choice in my opinion. Can't wait to see your long term review 👍🏻
@@stevecade857. On that basis, should we be saying that only one manufacturer should get the credit for the inline-4, another for the parallel twin, another for the v-twin? A good few manufacturers have had a go at the triple over the years. I’m just not really getting your position on this.
@@motosnape I specifically mentioned the modern triple. No manufacturer was making one when Triumph brought them back into vogue. Yamaha have also found success with the engine format that offers a good mix of twin and four cylinder characteristics.
@@stevecade857. I just think that if Rob feels that he’s particularly happy with an engine (or any product, for that matter), whether it be totally unique, or if it bears a resemblance to competitors, then it’s okay for him to say “I love this engine”. A good example is Kawasaki, they have a reputation (deserved, I think) for creating some of the most visceral and characterful of the in-line 4s, even if they had invented the in-line 4, I’d accept that others may place their loyalty, elsewhere. Triumph are great, by the way.
The seat is one of the most important things on a bike to get right yet Yamaha continually get it wrong. They've been making them painfully uncomfortable since the FZ 750/1000 of the 1980's.
I had a ride on the Ninja the other day, it was perfect. I was going to try the yam and tiger 900 but I don’t think I’ll bother. Not that keen on adv style bikes.
I know this comment is old, but the Ninja does NOT come with bags as the Tracer does. Plan on spending another grand plus to get color matched bags on the Ninja. The Ninja will be higher to insure and way less versatile and comfortable.
In the US we would call this bike a sport touring. I think it lands at a size and weight that's great. I use the panniers to carry my helmet, when I park, to keep it out of the sun and rain.
Nice vid Andy. Interesting bike with a great motor and now decent frame. Not fully sold on the looks but that screen is an issue that should have been sorted by now. For this money though I would personally take the highly rated Kawasaki Z1000 Ninja sx. I prefer that bikes looks and panniers. It's seat is far more comfortable and the screen looks and works far better. Take care mate and I look forward to your further in depth review of this machine.
The 360 camera is brilliant. I have had my 2015 tracer for 4 years, a common issue is the seat is very uncomfortable. Best to buy cycle shorts as yamaha Comfort seat is also rubbish in my opinion. Great video, look forward to more.
Absolutely excellent first impressions review Andy thankyou. What do you think of the vibrations? I always thought the older models were quite harsh through the rev range. Cheers and take care!
I see these quite often with a massive windscreen on them so they look kind of odd. Yamaha should have put an electric windshield on it for a sport tourer. I took a look at this version a few years ago but it’s too small for 2 up long hauling. A great motor but here in Canada it’s only $2500 more for the FJR1300 which seems like a better deal 🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️ a great Sunday morning watching the Flyer zoom thru the countryside whilst drinking my morning Coffee 👍👍👍👍
If you get a chance I'd like to see some close ups of the lit up dash boards. Very intriguing. Not a big Yamaha fan in general but you got my attention on this one.
I have a 2019 Tracer 900 GT and I absolutely love it! There is no way that I would trade it for the 2021 Tracer 9 GT. The grotesque front fairing and instrument cluster styling as well as the Ducati-esque panniers are a no go for me.
Thanks for the video, any chance we can get Mrs flyers opinion at some point too? As this is a potential 2 up touring candidate now they have increased the load capacity. Cheers.
The one light thing is exactly what I feel about it also. If it got two lights get them on, not one. Seat is awful. Hard as rock. Panniers look strange. I was serious interested in buying one but the seat is a No no. Even the comfort seat from Yamaha is hard. That’s not what I want.
Looks like a really good bike for the money. You did confuse me posting the video on a Sunday, but read your comment re the posting, was it too many tipples 😂
I had a 2015 FJ09 (Tracer). Put over 33,000 miles of smiles on her. Loved that triple engine! Hated the seat! I found a custom seat builder who took my original seat and built a good one from that. Sometimes I think that motorcycle manufacturers are sadists when it comes to stock seats.
Love your reviews , Mr Flyer , would love to see close up of tft screens or dials switched on in your reviews , as I’m always swayed by the instruments, I hate one of the big Apprillias , spelling ,, cheers Shane uk 🇬🇧
Had been a fan to your channel for some time now. Thank you for the awesome videos. Can you do a comparison between the Trace 9GT and the 2020 BMW R1250 RS?
Nice review. Not really in to touring enough to consider one just yet but it's an undeniably great value mile muncher & goes to show you don't need to spend a fortune. It is indeed a great engine too. There's also a new/updated Suzuki GSXS1000T (formerly F) on the horizon for around 12k apparently. Recall you were reasonably fond of the current one.
Just ordered one of these. Great review. Thank you. On a different note, you operate 3 cameras and the editing between the 3 is seamless. How do you do it?
Great review thank you! Lokks an absolutely brilliant bike! What was it like after a week of riding it? Any complaints? The route through Wendover and Halton took me back a few years to my RAF basic training days!! Brilliant!👌😃
I think your seat is in high position, I’ve viewed video where the seat is in low position and there is gap between seat and fuel tank as I can see on your video there is no gap so probably the seat is in it’s highest position. BTW excellent review as always.
When you turn the lights to high beam do all the LED lights come on? Nice bike but for a touring bike Yamaha needs to sort out the seat and screen issues and many owners point out.
I purchased my 2021 Tracer 9 GT a few days ago and have already put over 300 miles on it. I had to put a deposit down back in January because where I live (a suburb of Atlanta, GA) this model is not popular and my dealer was not planning on ordering any. He told me how an FJ 09 sat on his showroom floor for a couple of years. At any rate good review. I'm curious to hear your opinion on it as you ride it for a couple of weeks. I'm very happy with mine, although, having read the manual, I was slightly surprised at the 4,000 mile service intervals. I just checked the online manual for this bike and the service intervals are every 6,000 miles. I'll ask my dealer when it goes in for its 600 mile checkup which is correct.
Well, I thought it was an interesting dash, and then you mentioned it looked like a set of goggles with a nose, and the handlebars as the mouth 😆, now I just can’t “unsee” it staring back at you and smiling as you ride 🤪👍.
And now you made me look twice! Only question now is who “it” looks like. My vote is Sesame Street’s Gonzo with goggles, although Ronnie Corbett also comes to mind . . .
