First ride: Yamaha MT-09 Tracer

When Yamaha released the MT-09 back in 2013 it was praised in nearly all aspects. It had the engine, it had the handling, it had the looks and, most importantly, it had the fun factor. One thing it didn’t have was touring capabilities – no surprise, as it wasn’t designed to be a tourer.

However, it got people thinking: if Yamaha had such a great base to work with, surely adding some touring flair would add another string to the MT bow? Yamaha listened and now we have the MT-09 Tracer.

But it hasn't just been a case of Yamaha plonking on a screen and front fairing and selling it as a touring model. While these have been added, the engineers also delved much deeper into the development of the Tracer and changed quite a lot. There is a new riding position, larger fuel tank, a tweaked fuel map and other touring accessories such as panniers, centrestand and handguards.
One thing that remains the same apart from the revised mapping is the outstanding 847cc triple. Claimed peak power is 115hp (84.6kW) at 10,000rpm and 87.5Nm at 8500rpm. While these numbers do fall short of its direct competitors such as the Kawasaki Versys (120hp and 102Nm) in-line four, the Yamaha is moving 40kg less motorcycle – which helps give the Tracer a better power-to-weight ratio.

Twist the throttle and there is a wave of three-cylinder torque from 3500rpm that propels the Tracer forward with authority. And when you think it's going to run out of puff, a high-end rush – similar to a four-cylinder -- takes over and continues all the way to the soft-action rev-limiter.

There is an intoxicating induction growl that is accompanied by a gloriously raspy three-cylinder note. While it's too quiet for my liking there is an ear-pleasing burble on the overrun. There is an optional Akrapovic full-system that is a must have in my opinion – it is actually a ‘criminal offence’ to supress the sound of a three-cylinder engine.

Similar to the MT-09, the Tracer has three different throttle responses than can be changed on the fly with the close of the throttle. ‘A’ mode is the most direct, but can be a little snatchy in traffic; ‘B’ is the softest; while ‘STD’ mode splits the two – the latter being the pick in most riding environments.

Connected to the engine is a six-speed gearbox that is sleek both on the way up through the cogs and back down again. Clutch pull is light and gradual in its operation.

If you do get a bit over zealous with your right hand, Yamaha has fitted a traction control system. It's quite unobtrusive and will also keep the front down under hard acceleration. If you are a bit of a wheelie show pony the system can be turned off at a standstill by a button on the dash.

Hauling the Tracer up is the job of 298mm discs with radial-mounted four-piston calipers upfront, while the rear makes use of a 245mm disc and single-piston caliper. The front brakes offer an abundance of power and very progressive feel – if an emergency situation arises the Tracer is fitted with anti-lock braking. The system pulsates quickly, but doesn’t feature rear-wheel lift suppression (good if you want to do a stoppie). This system cannot be turned off.

The riding position has been altered quite significantly compared to the MT-09. The handlebar is wider, higher and positioned closer to the rider, the seat height has been raised to 845mm (up from 815mm) and is adjustable to 860mm with no tools required. It is quite a relaxing riding position and after hours in the saddle I found no pressure points that irked me.

The suspension consists of 41mm upside-down forks with 137mm of travel and a rear monoshock with 130mm of travel. While the units are the same as the ones fitted to the MT-09, the Tracer does have more internal damping and preload.

Ride quality is quite plush, and road inconsistencies are dealt with poise once the speeds rise. The wide handlebar offers quick steering and the front-end remains composed to create a confidence-inspiring direct feel. Thanks to a light claimed dry weight of 190kg (wet weight 210kg), the Tracer is quite agile at slow speeds and also unintimidating.

There's an 18-litre fuel tank, and the Tracer recorded an average of 4.9lt/100km during its stint with Bikesales – making 300km-plus stints possible. The Tracer uses the same dash as the Super Ténéré. There is a wealth of information available such as gear position, outside temperature, fuel level, and engine map.

The panniers offer a decent amount of storage and are quick and easy to remove, however annoyingly they require their own separate key to the ignition. There is a 12-volt socket, and the centrestand makes chain maintenance a breeze. Unfortunately heated grips are a $300 accessory, but most likely missed the cut to keep costs down.

The MT-09 Tracer comes in at $14,999 plus on-road costs, which undercuts the Kawasaki Versys by $1000 – and the panniers on the Kawasaki are an optional extra. Everything on this test MT-09 Tracer is standard making it very good bang-for-ya-buck.

I don’t mean to sound like a Yamaha spruiker, but credit where credit is due. The Tracer has everything you could possibly want in a motorcycle. Well done!

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 115hp (84.6kW) at 10,000rpm
Claimed maximum torque: 87.5Nm at 8500rpm
Economy: 4.9lt/100km (measured)

TRANSMISSION
Type: Six-speed
Final drive: Chain

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame: Diamond
Front suspension: 41mm upside-down fork, 137mm travel
Rear suspension: monoshock, 130mm travel
Front brakes: 298mm disc with four-piston calipers
Rear brake: Single 245mm disc with single-piston caliper
Tyres: Dunlop Sportmax 120/70-17 front, 180/55-17 rear

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Claimed wet weight: 210kg
Rake: 24 degrees
Trail: 100mm
Seat height: 845/860mm
Wheelbase: 1440mm
Fuel capacity: 18 litres

OTHER STUFF
Price: $14,999
Colours: Red or grey
Bike supplied by: Yamaha Australia, www.yamaha-motor.com.au
Warranty: 24 months, unlimited kilometres