Yamaha MT-09 – Grace, Space, Pace

Grace, space, pace – the former model of the British carmaker Jaguar could serve as a reference for a dynamic touring bike. This individual test shall clarify whether the new Yamaha MT-09 bears any of these features and to what extent.

Our colleague Bildl has guessed: “There are mounting points on the steering head for a cowling support”. And so stands in the conclusion of MOTORRAD Top Test of the Yamaha MT-09 in November 2013; further model designs would make sense in light of the convincing performance. At this point, 14 months after the lively MT-09 turned the sporty middle class on its head with its magnificent three-cylinder propellant, Yamaha is pushing the fourth 09 variant, i.e. the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer, to the showrooms.
While the MT-09 Street Rally and Sports Tracker were purely visual variations of the base model, the more mature Yamaha MT-09 Tracer, with cowling and windshield, is formally quite different from a highway fighter. So, which one is it now? Dynamic touring motorcycle? Touring highway torpedo? Crossover? Funbike? Sports Utility Motorcycle? It doesn’t really matter. While the Tracer could fit all profiles, the potential uses of the MT-09 were too biased towards highway driving.

Does the Tracer manage to impress in the wild?

In any case, Tracy’s key data confirm the resounding success enjoyed already by the standard 09 model: In the case of the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer, 113 HP engine, 212 kg of road-ready metal, and all at a competitive price of 9,595 Euro. The competition is either stronger, weaker, more expensive, or all together. For just under 10,000 Euro, the price question is: Grace, Space and Pace – can the Tracer succeed in the wild and build upon the success of the MT-09?
GRACE. Elegance, beauty, grace – is a matter of taste. The Yamaha MT-09 Tracer can be rightly regarded as a tour sporty Yamaha. The sleek headlight design is vaguely reminiscent of the old Fazer or FZ series; it still looks fresh and modern, although perhaps somewhat over-designed. While dummy air inlets and carbon fibre imitations may be visually offending to some, the Tracer’s sharp lines and elegant proportions convey its solid, consistent nature. The Yamaha funbike looks particularly impressive in the colour variant we tested, “Race Blu”, featuring a blue anodised rim and fork tubes. Let us move on now to more tangible test criteria.
SPACE. Space, room. The basic MT-09 was not necessarily the best option to embark on longer trips – whether solo or in good company. But oops! By introducing a few, manageable changes, Yamaha has transformed the purist, some would even say Spartan curve-cutter MT-09, into a touring bike suitable for long distances. The driver seat of the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer is two centimetres wider and longer, and offers broader manoeuvring room relative to the compact MT-09. The wide, perfectly bent handlebar stretches out on long booms against the driver. By turning the riser, the handlebar can also allows tens of millimetres forward, which gives tall drivers a little more room.

The seat of the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer is also adjustable

As the also adjustable bench at 845 or 860 millimetres is a good deal higher than that of the base 09 model, it offers a more open knee angle. What is more, knees, whether those of small or large riders, hug the tank seamlessly. Shorter pilots can reduce the seat height down to 815 mm by means of lowering kits. Thanks to this adjustment option, riders of virtually all shapes and sizes find an upright and comfortable seat position, which is suitable for long distance driving. The windshield is fine; the narrow shield, adjustable via handwheel in three positions, deflects at least the worst wind pressure from the driver. The large hand protectors of the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer might prove to be a mere cosmetic gimmick upon accident; regardless, they are remarkably good at keeping the wind off the grips in the cold season. The passenger can also look forward to a comfortable ride. The tail of the MT-09, prolonged by a whopping 13 centimetres, allows a broad second bench level, along with lower rear footrests to avoid riding fatigue. Possibly not suitable for long-haul rides, but certainly sufficient for a long weekend and back.
Rest assured: the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer is not a baby-FJR nor pretends to be. Tracy strikes a perfect balance between comfort and sport for both rider and passenger. This also underlines the elegant and unobtrusive fixture for the baggage system, which can carry accessory side-cases (25 litres each) or soft-bags (14 to 21 litres).
PACE. The Yamaha MT-09 Tracer’s DNA was all geared up for pace and speed. Much has been written about the famous 847 cm3 three-cylinder of the MT-09. For anyone out there who is still unaware, here’s a quick summary: Pressure from the lower range like a two-cylinder, wonderfully brawny middle, then fiery turning to about 10,000 rpm as a four-cylinder engine. The best of two worlds combined in three cylinders – the Crossplane drilling thrilled us with hefty torque in every situation. Although the three-cylinder in the Tracer hauls some 20 kilos of extra weight out of the corners, the acceleration was still fascinating. That is also proven by the driving performance review, which reveals the Tracer as a real torque marvel. It is thus suitable for lazy-switching, mile-eating trips, as well as for fast gear-switching, depending on your taste as a pilot.

The Tracer is more relaxed to drive than its ‘naked’ sister

Its manners are also exemplary, while the compensation-treated tree-cylinder runs almost vibration-free in the lower range, and quite silky upwards. In addition, Yamaha has taken the criticism on the MT-09’s responsiveness to heart and manually retouched Yamaha MT-09 Tracer’s motor mappings. There are still three driving modes per switch that can be changed while driving: Standard, the more aggressive A-mode, and B-mode, which reduces peak power around 10 HP, and delivers a fairly tame throttle response.
In contrast to the base model, which carries people other than sensitive individuals in B mode to enjoy clean, stable steering, the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer, with its gentle throttle response, presents a compelling proposition already in standard mode. Briliant! Since Tracy works exceptionally well, the snappy A mode was only used for testing purposes; on the other hand, the tame but by no means feeble B mode, proved to be the perfect complement when driving in the rain just above zero degrees. The gruff response is no longer an issue; Tracy has however inherited yet another 09-peculiarity, namely its appreciable load-change reactions. The relentless search for cost-effectiveness possibly explains the noticeable play in the powertrain, as well as the somewhat jerky switchability of the transmission. Yes, we can live with these – admittedly – minor issues, not least because they help lower the price. Having said that, they smear somewhat the otherwise pretty picture. The clutch works quietly and with minimal effort. However, those with short fingers may face some challenges reaching the non-adjustable lever. And what about drivability?

The back sits slightly higher up on account of its firmer spring rate

As with the injection system tuning, engineers have also identified various improvement areas regarding the chassis. While external components have remained unchanged, firmer springs and dampers ensure that the sometimes rather rough MT-09 base works to perfection. Because the tail stands slightly higher due to the harder spring rate, the effective steering head angle stands now at 66 degrees, which is one degree above the already notchy – if not jittery – steering of the MT-09. Nevertheless, the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer’s drive is quiet, neutral, and more accurate; ultimately, it feels more laid back than its naked sister.
How come? In addition to the aforementioned setup tightening and the additional weight, the Dunlop D 222 (front special identifier “L”), installed as part of the original equipment, is largely responsible for it. This is far less constructed towards brisk handling as the Bridgestone S20 the MT-09 and blends well with the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer. Even at low temperatures, the Dunlop builds up some strong grip. By contrast, its feedback is poorly differentiated. Also, the high righting moment when braking inside curves was not a crowd-pleaser. Nevertheless, the handling is wonderfully light-footed as a whole. All in all, the Tracer also delivers some pace, only in a slightly more refined, less aggressive fashion than the MT-09.

The ABS irritates with its crude control intervals

In the braking department, the Yamaha MT 09 Tracer also scores albeit with minor reservations. The front radial callipers bite hard into the 298mm discs, with lower hand force and great sensitivity. The rear brake system works without a glitch. The blocking preventer function, on the other hand, is a minor disaster. The ABS, tuned with rough regulation intervals, is frankly annoying, and may lead to certain unpredictability in extreme cases. Example: During the braking test from 100 km/h, the system reduced the brake pressure too long and a tad too early, which stole the rider valuable meters. In some cases, although always under identical measurement conditions, the ABS allowed stoppies, forcing thereby the pilot to release the brake. To be sure, this is hardly an issue in daily life use, when the ABS does its job reliably. It works better nonetheless, and hardcore, late brakers should be prepared for this peculiarity.
As befits an all-rounder, the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer also excels in everyday driving. A low consumption of 4.8 litres per 100 kilometres and a 18-litre tank allowed stages befitting an actual trip, even if the trickling of the last litres from the tank required the patience of a Saint. The cockpit – derived from the XTZ 1200 Super Ténéré – does have a bit of a rustic charm to it, but offers a variety of functions (two-trip odometer, oil and ambient temperature, gear position indicator, clock), and good readability even in bright sunlight.

Criticism with regard to the small details, but overall a success

Moreover, the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer also carries a switchable traction control. This is indeed a fairly simple system, which works nonetheless flawlessly on wet surfaces and gravel. Furthermore, it features a twelve-volt outlet for the navigator and – a major bonus for true tourers – a centre stand. Headlights come equipped with bright light bars that illuminate the road profusely; unfortunately, they also cast more shadows, which may get riders edgy while cornering at night-time.
Bottom line, the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer remains, despite criticism, a thoroughly enjoyable bike, with compelling arguments in many aspects. Its three-cylinder engine is and remains a harmonious piece of engineering, which adds excitement with the new trimming. And with its touring orientation, the design opens up to new target groups. Therefore, Jaguar’s slogan “Grace, Space, Pace” is largely met, and at an extremely attractive price.

Comparison Yamaha MT-09 and Tracer

Same basis, different character
The magic of modules makes it possible: With a few modifications, the original MT-09 becomes the Tracer. Although the technical base is nearly identical, both bikes differ significantly in driving behaviour. This is the proper way to build cost-effective motorcycles: develop once and use as many identical parts as possible in different models. In the case of the Yamaha MT-09 and MT-09 Tracer, the complete base – frame, engine, wheels and brakes, swingarm, fork – is virtually identical. Among the new components, we find the cowling, cockpit, higher and very wide handlebars, the enlarged four-litre tank, and the extended tail – by 13 cm. These modifications added 20 kg to the machine’s weight, which now stands at 212 kg. Among the middle-class all-rounders, however, the Tracer is still one of the lightweights.

The Yamaha MT-09 Tracer appears more mature despite having the same base model. This can be attributed, further to the tighter springs and dampers for a quieter chassis, to the originally equipped Dunlop D 222. Also the driver’s position has clearly changed. On the MT-09, you sat in a markedly front-wheel oriented position. That was a blast when cornering but also drained your reserves real quick. By contrast, the upright, comfortable riding position of the Tracer allows a fairly relaxed ride. The modified injection mapping also worked to the same effect. Unlike the somewhat toxic throttle response of the basic MT, the Tracer reacts with restraint to throttle hints – even in standard mode. Bottom line: The conversion work has worked wonders on the Tracer. Thanks to the increased dimensions and modified ergonomics, the Tracer’s usefulness has notably expanded. For example, it sits two comfortably along with useful wind protection, and is therefore suitable for longer trips. In contrast to the last announced MT variants, i.e. Street Rally and Sports Tracker, the Tracer provides real added value. In a nutshell, it is a more mature, well-rounded MT-09.

Measured values

Drive performance

Top speed*: 210 km / h
Acceleration
0-100 km/h: 3.4s
0-140 km / h: 5.5s
0-200 km/h: 13.1s
Torque
60-100 km/h: 4.0s
100- 140 km/h: 5.0s
140-180 km/h: 6.2s
Speedometer deviation
Effective (indicator 50/100): 48/97 km/h
Tachometer deviation
Indicator red area: 11,500/min
Effective: 11,600 / min

Consumption

Highway: 4.8L / 100 km
at 130 km/h: 5.4 l/100 km
Theoretical Highway range: 375 km
Fuel type: Super

Dimensions + weight:

L / W / H: 2200/950/1385 mm
Seat height: 845 to 860 mm
Handlebars height: 1130 mm
Turning radius: 5840 mm
Weight fully fuelled: 212 kg
Loading capacity: 178 kg
Wheel load distribution f/r: 49.2 / 50.8 %
Driving dynamics
Handling course I (faster slalom)
Lap time 20.1s
Reference MT-09 19.6s
Vmax at the measurement point 103.3 km/h
Reference MT-09 110.5 km/h
Not quite as nimble as its sister: 20 kilos of extra weight and a higher centre of gravity stop the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer slightly later compared to the MT-09; taken by itself, however, it is pretty light on its feet.

Not outstanding, but adequate: the brake hardware itself worked perfectly albeit the poorly tuned Tracer’s ABS prevented a better result. Both deceleration diagrams illustrate the inconsistent anti-lock operation. Note the drastic decrease in deceleration in the blue chart – scary moment! Maximum 9.0 m/s² are 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

Competition

• Honda Crossrunner
  Four-cylinder V-engine, 104 HP, weight 245 kg, 0-100 km/h 3.7s, Vmax 209 km/h, fuel consumption 4.8 litres, price 11,990 Euro.
• MV Agusta Stradale
  Three-cylinder in-line engine, 113 HP, weight n/a, 0-100 km/h n/a., Vmax 214 km/h, consumption n/a, 14,165 Euro
• Triumph Tiger 800 XR
  Three-cylinder in-line engine, 94 HP, weight n/a, 0-100 km / h n/a, Vmax 210 km/h, consumption n/a, 10,340 Euro

Conclusion

With the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer, the Japanese manufacturer produced an impressive machine. With manageable changes, Yamaha turned a targeted, naked sport bike into a fun, extremely versatile all-rounder. Thanks to consistent further development in crucial areas, the Tracer is also the better MT-09, and offers plenty of bike for the money. We’re sure the three-cylinder funbike will become hugely popular.