Yamaha MT-09 Tracer 900 (2018–2020) Review: The Swiss Army Knife of Sport Touring

Introduction

The Yamaha MT-09 Tracer 900, known in some markets as the FJ-09 or Tracer 900, is a motorcycle that defies easy categorization. Built on Yamaha’s “Crossplane Concept” philosophy, this 2018–2020 generation blends the raw excitement of a hyper-naked bike with the practicality of a touring machine. After spending a week with this triple-cylinder marvel, it’s clear why it’s become a cult favorite among riders who refuse to compromise between adrenaline and utility. Whether carving mountain passes, commuting through urban sprawl, or devouring highway miles, the Tracer 900 feels like it’s always in its element.

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Design & Ergonomics: Form Meets Functionality

The MT-09 Tracer’s design is a masterclass in purposeful aggression. Its layered fairing and angular bodywork give it a futuristic, almost cybernetic appearance, while the twin LED headlights—reminiscent of a predator’s gaze—ensure visibility day or night. The adjustable windshield, a standout feature, can be raised or lowered manually by 37 mm (1.5 inches), offering surprising wind protection for a bike in this class.

Rider Comfort:
- The seat height ranges from 845–860 mm (33.3–33.9 inches), accommodating shorter riders without sacrificing legroom for taller pilots.
- Narrow handlebars (adjusted via eccentric mounts) and a soft-touch tank pad reduce fatigue on long hauls.
- Passenger perks include redesigned grab rails and a sculpted seat that’s a cut above typical “pillion perches.”

Practical Touches:
- Standard hard saddlebags (optional on some variants) add touring credibility.
- A 12V outlet beside the dash powers devices, though you’ll want a USB adapter for modern gadgets.

Color options like Icon Gray and Galaxy Blue lean into the Tracer’s tech-forward aesthetic, though the matte finishes demand frequent cleaning to avoid looking grubby.

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Engine & Performance: The Heart of a Hooligan

At the core of the Tracer 900 lies Yamaha’s 847 cc inline-three engine—a masterpiece of controlled chaos. With 115 HP @ 10,000 RPM and 87.5 Nm (64.5 ft.lbs) of torque @ 8,500 RPM, this mill delivers power with a personality disorder.

Key Highlights:
- Crossplane Crankshaft: The 120-degree firing order creates a throaty, uneven growl that’s more Triumph Speed Triple than sterile Japanese inline-four.
- D-Mode Throttle Mapping: Switch between Standard (linear), A-Mode (aggressive), and B-Mode (soft) to tailor throttle response. A-Mode turns the Tracer into a wheelie-happy beast, while B-Mode is ideal for rain-slicked commutes.
- Fuel Efficiency: Averaging 4.3–5.3 L/100 km (54.7–43.9 MPG), the 18-liter (4.76 US gal) tank nets 330–420 km (205–260 miles) between fill-ups.

During my test ride, the engine’s midrange stole the show. Roll on at 4,000 RPM in third gear, and the Tracer lunges forward with a ferocity that belies its touring intentions. The assist-and-slipper clutch lightens lever effort by 20%, a boon in stop-and-go traffic.

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Handling & Suspension: Tightrope Walker Agility

Yamaha’s CF die-cast aluminum frame and 1440 mm (56.7-inch) wheelbase strike a rare balance between flickability and stability.

Chassis Dynamics:
- Front Suspension: The 41 mm inverted fork offers 137 mm (5.4 inches) of travel, adjustable for preload and rebound. It’s slightly soft for track use but ideal for real-world imperfections.
- Rear Suspension: A link-type Monocross shock with 130 mm (5.1 inches) of travel handles two-up touring without bottoming out.
- Brakes: Dual 298 mm front discs with Advic 4-piston calipers (and standard ABS) inspire confidence, though aftermarket pads reduce fade during spirited riding.

The Tracer’s 210 kg (463 lbs) wet weight disappears once moving, aided by Michelin Road 5 tires (120/70-17 front, 180/55-17 rear). Lean angles up to 51 degrees let you scrape pegs without breaking a sweat.

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Technology & Features: Smarter Than It Looks

Yamaha packed the Tracer with tech that prioritizes function over flash:
- Traction Control: Two modes (plus off) intervene subtly, allowing some rear-wheel slip before reigning in power.
- LCD Dashboard: The dual-screen setup combines analog-style tach with a digital readout for fuel economy, gear position, and ambient temperature.
- LED Lighting: The headlights punch above their weight on unlit backroads, though auxiliary lights are a wise add-on for serious tourers.

The absence of cruise control (fixed in the 2021 update) and a quickshifter are noticeable omissions, but both can be retrofitted via MOTOPARTS.store’s aftermarket catalog.

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Comfort & Touring Credentials

Yamaha positions the Tracer 900 as a “Sport Tourer,” and it mostly delivers:
- Wind Protection: The adjustable screen buffers chest wind effectively at speeds up to 130 km/h (80 mph). Taller riders might crave a taller aftermarket unit.
- Seating: The two-position seat (845/860 mm) is firm yet supportive for 3–4 hour stints. Gel inserts or an Airhawk pad solve long-day soreness.
- Luggage: Factory hard bags are sleek but limited to 28 liters total. MOTOPARTS.store’s top case options add 42 liters for solo travelers.

Vibration is minimal thanks to a counterbalancer, though the mirrors blur slightly at highway RPMs.

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Competition: How It Stacks Up

The Tracer 900’s fiercest rivals include:

1. Triumph Tiger 900 GT (2019–2020)
- Pros: Superior off-road chops, class-leading TFT display.
- Cons: 18% heavier (226 kg), higher seat (850–870 mm).
- Verdict: Choose the Tiger for dirt-road detours; stick with the Tracer for pavement dominance.

2. Kawasaki Versys 1000 (2018–2020)
- Pros: Smooth inline-four engine, plusher suspension.
- Cons: 34 kg (75 lbs) heavier, thirstier (5.8 L/100 km).
- Verdict: The Versys is a better mile-muncher, but the Tracer’s agility wins in twisties.

3. BMW F900XR (2020)
- Pros: Cornering ABS, dynamic ESA suspension (optional).
- Cons: Sterile engine character, 15% pricier when new.
- Verdict: The BMW techs harder, but the Tracer’s soulful triple is irreplaceable.

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Maintenance: Keeping the Beast Happy

The Tracer 900 is refreshingly low-maintenance for a performance-oriented machine:
- Oil Changes: Every 10,000 km (6,200 miles) with SAE 10W-40 (2.7L with filter).
- Valve Checks: Every 42,000 km (26,000 miles)—a testament to Yamaha’s bulletproof engineering.
- Chain Care: O-ring chain requires lubrication every 500 km (310 miles). MOTOPARTS.store’s premium chains reduce stretch.
- Brake Fluid: Flush DOT 4 every two years or 20,000 km (12,400 miles).
- Coolant: Replace every 40,000 km (24,800 miles) using ethylene glycol-based fluid.

Common upgrades include:
- Suspension Kits: Öhlins or Nitron shocks for riders over 90 kg (200 lbs).
- Exhausts: Akrapovič slip-ons shed 4.5 kg (10 lbs) and amplify the triple’s snarl.
- Heated Grips: A must for winter touring—plug-and-play wiring is pre-installed.

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Final Thoughts

The Yamaha MT-09 Tracer 900 isn’t perfect—its suspension could be plusher, and the tech suite feels a generation behind Euro rivals. But what it lacks in polish, it makes up for with sheer charisma. This is a motorcycle that begs to be ridden hard, then loaded with gear for a cross-country jaunt. For riders who view practicality as a feature rather than a compromise, the Tracer remains a benchmark.

Whether you’re tweaking your existing Tracer or prepping one for a global lap, MOTOPARTS.store has the upgrades to make it uniquely yours—from crash bars to quick-shifters. Because why settle for stock when adventure calls?

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Specifications sheet

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