Yamaha MT-09 Tracer

As compared to the previous generation FZ1 tourer which was nearly an epitome of hulk on two wheels owing to its muscular persona, the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer looks lean. While this very stance gives the Tracer some modernity, it somehow lacks the road presence of the Fazers. Nevertheless, the overall design of the MT-09 Tracer looks athletic and not intimidating for riders who are new to this category of sportbikes.

Gone is the evil looking razor sharp headlamps of the MT-09, which here have been replaced by a set of more angular looking dual lamps and plastic semi-fairing around them. Sitting above the fairing is a fully adjustable front windshield, which makes the frontal stance of the motorcycle appear tall. The front semi-fairing extends towards the sides, thus blending into the fuel tank in unison. The fuel tank extensions with pointy ends extend downwards, thus partially covering the large radiator and adding some sharpness in the overall design. However, unlike many other modern super sports and sport tourers, the MT-09 Tracer misses out on daytime running LED. Making it feel even more agile is the same flat tracker style handlebar seen on the naked MT-09. In addition, the handlebar gets crash guards that not only add some mass to the front end but also are very functional in use.

As compared to the front, the side profile of the MT-09 Tracer looks slimmer, all thanks to minimal bodywork. One does get fake carbon finish panels below the fuel tank, which partially covers the tubular frame of the motorcycle. The other side panels extending till the rear end is almost flat and straight, with functional pannier points and large grab rail at the rear end of the panel. The small 3-in-1 exhaust looks unique and enhances the minimalistic approach of the MT-09 Tracer’s design. The rear of the MT-09 Tracer gets the same LED tail lamp and rear fender with aluminium mounting as seen on the naked MT-09.

Unlike the offset looking instrument console of the naked version, the MT-09 Tracer gets a more conventionally designed rectangular panel. Incorporating two different squared LCD panels in the instrument console, while the left panel shows speedometer, tachometer, clock, fuel gauge, and selected riding mode, the right panel displays gear indicator, odometer, trip meters, and other data.

The MT-09 has already surpassed all the previous generation naked roadsters of the past, as far as handling goes. And when compared to the previous generation Fazers, the same story has been replicated by the MT-09 as well. Apart from the engine, the overall mechanical package has been shared with the MT-09, including the fully adjustable upside-down telescopic hydraulic forks at the front and a hydraulic monoshock at the rear. However, being a touring machine, the MT-09 Tracer has got longer suspension travels when compared to the naked MT-09. The MT-09 Tracer, with its leaner stance, improved and more comfortable rider triangle, emerges out to be one of the most fun-to-ride motorcycles in sport tourer category.

Beneath the different clothes, the MT-09 Tracer has got the same heart as that of its naked roadster sibling. The Yamaha MT-09 Tracer is powered by the same four-stroke, inline three, liquid cooled, 847 cc engine, which is present on the naked MT-09 as well. In the same state of tune, this engine produces a maximum power output of 115 PS and a peak torque output of 87.5 Nm.

Making a switch from four-cylinder in this category to three-cylinder mills, Yamaha has surprised everyone with refinement and better power delivery even with one cylinder missing. The MT-09 Tracer’s linear power delivery is quite impressive, with the wide torque band, particularly in lower and mid rev range, being the reason behind its finesse. The engine is paired to a six-speed gearbox, which as in all other Yamaha motorcycles, has smooth and precise gear ratios.

The Yamaha MT-09 Tracer is equipped with dual 298 mm discs at the front and a single 245 mm disc at the rear. This provides for impressive feedback and control. Apart from this, the MT-09 Tracer is loaded with safety aids like ABS, Traction control and riding modes, thus making it one of the very few sport tourers in the middleweight category to have these features.

With the MT-09 Tracer, Yamaha has shown some massive transformation in its philosophy of making sport tourers. The motorcycle, with its lean stance and sharp looks, makes it one leap ahead of all the previous tourers which we have seen from Yamaha in the past. However, in the process, it somehow misses the road presence which the old school Yamahas had in abundance. But when it comes to performance and riding dynamics, it is every bit a traditional Yamaha. With ample amount of power available at right revs and agility in its movement even with the added bulk over its naked version, the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer impresses you with its precision in these areas.