Yamaha MT-09 Tracer

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Gromit
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Yamaha MT-09 Tracer

Post by Gromit »

Took the Viffer in for its MoT on weds which it passed without problem (thank heavens). Anyway, decided that I really ought to get out and use the poor thing so took a whizz over to CMC Motorcycles in Arnold (one of my regular customers works there) and took a look at the new MT-09 Tracer. Must admit, whilst almost every new bike released in the last couple of years as produced something of a 'meh' response from me, the Tracer look extremely promising.

For a 'budget' bike (it's just over £8k) the finish on it looks very neat and tidy, it's well equipped and comes with built-in fitting stations for Yamaha's own luggage system. No buying extra bits.

Had a sit on the bike, felt plenty roomy enough. The only possible downside is that fact that it's following the present fad for building bikes in the Pompidou Centre style - keeping it all clean could be fun'n'games.

Anyway, need to book a test ride. :)
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Herb
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Post by Herb »

I like the Pompidou Centre. Reminds of a pipe factory in Russia where I used to work! Haha.

My friends Tracer is red. Looks really nice, although I prefer the graphite grey one. The one with the blue anodising is a bit of a tarts boudoir.

The Japanese are starting to hit the mark again after a few years in the doldrums. There are a couple of bikes coming that could tempt me away from my S, or perhaps might bolster the stable if I can persuade the Mrs.

After testing the BMW S1000r (naked) I am tempted by that style of bike, but the one I tested was approx £13k. The new GSX S1000 has some of the virtues of the BMW but at £9k. Very tempted.
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Gromit
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Post by Gromit »

Agreed re the P'dou Centre, Jim - just the thought of keeping it clean that would bother me. Still, as you say the Japs are starting to find their design mojo again which is great news. I'm still not keen on the latest Kawasaki 'look' (that Z800 thingy's a dog's dinner if you ask me - waaaay OTT) but Yamaha re striking a good compromise of style and practicality.

I quite like the blue-wheeled Tracer, just a shame they blue'd too much of the rest of the bike - the wheels done on their own would be quite smart imho. :)

With the Akra pipe fitted...

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Blackal
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Post by Blackal »

I think it has the makings of a cracking bike for all duties...........

At the price quoted - you could get the odd panel resprayed or wrapped, and spend a couple of ££ - getting box panniers fitted.

The pillion grab-handles are well placed and absolutely solid - great for a tailpack if no pillion.

I think it will steal a lot of sales from BMW and Triumph in that engine capacity!

Me-likeeee! :D
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Post by f90x »

I look forward to your review Richard. It looks like a really handy tool and a relative bargain t'boot. I think they'll sell bucket loads.
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jeznewsome
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Post by jeznewsome »

Local Yamaha dealer had a demo in that I took for a spin today. Very nice bike, tractable engine, decent handling and brakes. Heated grips are an official option. Riding position and seat are comfy.

It's a shame that the yamaha panniers are small and unlike bikes such as the F800 or R1200 have a 'frame' that is required to hang them on rather than the hooks and a single pin that unless you are looking for them don't stand out when the panniers are not fitted. £250 for the bags and £200 for the frames......which are additional items to the basic bike

I could well be tempted in a year or so, once they appear on the 2nd hand market.
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Dog Tyred
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Re: Yamaha MT-09 Tracer

Post by Dog Tyred »

Gromit wrote:Anyway, decided that I really ought to get out and use the poor thing so took a whizz over to CMC Motorcycles in Arnold (one of my regular customers works there) and took a look at the new MT-09 Tracer.

Anyway, need to book a test ride. :)
Well Richard, this is more promising talk than a couple of weeks ago :D

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Blackal
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Post by Blackal »

Good spec :D

Price: £8,149 on-the-road

Engine: 847cc triple

Power: 115hp @ 10,000rpm

Torque: 64.5lbft @ 8,500rpm

Dry weight: 190kg (210kg wet)

Fuel economy: 53.6mpg (claimed)

Tank capacity: 18 litres

Seat height: 845mm-860mm

Availability: Mid-February 2015

Colours: Matt grey, red, silver/blue
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Post by Gromit »

Jez - that's a shame re the price of the pannier frames, in my naivety I thought the 'hooks' on either side of the pillion seat (you can see them in the photo) looked like mounting stations for the panniers themselves. Seems they're just something for the frames to mount onto. :?

Must admit, for the first time in several years, here's a bike which has actually got the juices flowing again. Nothing - and I really mean nothing - which has appeared on the market has been of the slightest interest to me. Had a test ride on the then-new 12GS LC (when I still had my Blackbird) and returned it early because it just didn't do anything for me at all. I quite like the look of the Tigger 8 but with the Yamaha having more power, 'proper' road wheels and imho nicer looks (and it's cheaper) it's ticking many boxes.

Will wait for the weather to pick up again and I'll be off for a spin on the Tracer - been promised a half-day demo on it. 8)
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Post by Boxermed69 »

Blackal wrote:Good spec :D

Seat height: 845mm-860mm
:cry:

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f90x
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Post by f90x »

Boxermed69 wrote:
Blackal wrote:Good spec :D

Seat height: 845mm-860mm
:cry:

Mike
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Post by KenG »

i have to arrange a test ride, i had a go on the mt09, it was a belter, but a boaring screamer, and i didn't buy because i told them that engine was made for a off roader, seriously, i was able to wheel spin it and drift it in junctions. cracking in high rev's,
i was bored after an hour. badly geared, tooth on the front and 2 off the rear would have made it a nice road machine. high mudguards and knobbly tyres would have suited it more. wheelied so easy too.
maybe the tracer is the ticket.
sounds like the cat outside at night when its near the red line, getting screwed. i'll reserve judgement to i get a spin, see if it's been fettled into matching its looks.
badly needs a belly pan, cleaning pipes is not something i like, so a fender extender too. don't know why the silly bits that are pennies aren't just fitted from factory.
even the radiator was dirty on the test bike, and there was only 70 mile on it when i headed out on it. be rotting in no time or hit with a stone.

this is the one i had out last year.
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Blackal
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Post by Blackal »

Got my R-1 in for a service, so took out a Tracer for a demo.........

Foly Huck! That's a stonking engine in that thing!

Found a few things a bit disconcerting, but put that down to being used to the big GS.......

Cracking accelleration in every gear, but found the throttle a bit snatchy (need to get used to that) . Light weight, changes direction easy (wide bars take a bit of getting used to with a light bike).

Good instrument cluster, with tons of information but remains pretty clear.

Would need to see how it handled serious luggage, but I must say - I'm impressed.

Lots of people rave about the F800 engine - it's a wheezy old lump compared to this triple.

Al :wink:
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Post by dorsetboy »

Yeah the Tracer looks nice but I will stick to my Tiger with its speed wobble.
8K would get me a nice R1200R for Sunday best.
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