Also as the Spurg seems to be/was in the are (according the KLR review), when do we get full on bromance video out of you guys? Perhaps CTXP episode with nice motorcycle threesome?
Oh and also that little green upshift light, is not a suggestion for shifting, it lets you know in which direction the quickshifter will function. Release the handle, and it will point down no matter how fast or slow you’re going, accelerate, and it will point up! Took me a hot second to figure out on my test drive
Loved the review and love this series. I do believe the dash was set in dark/night mode. I have a 2019 Tracer 900 GT and it has 3 settings for the display, day (white background), dark (black/inverted color background), and auto (automatically changes based of time, don't think it has a brightness sensor). I have mine set to dark all the time which is that black background.
Daily Rider is such a gem of a series. It feels like Zach is in his element and his expertise shines. I appreciate this so much, it’s such a tremendous value and education every time. Keep it up!
I've owned this bike for over 5000km of twists, commuting and Autobahn-cruising, so I want to address some little things: First of all I've only watched about the first half of the video and agree with most of your findings. Windshield could be more adjustable and I also got the seat in lower position even though I'm over 6ft because it's high enough and putting it in the higher position would also put it a bit forward, making the position less sporty. The power of the bike is 119PS (87.5kW) with 93Nm of torque - it says that on our German Yamaha website and in the papers and everywhere, and it's identical for the MT-09. The little green arrow doesn't suggest shifting, it just tells you that the Quickshifter is available, because you need to be above 2200rpm to shift up and above 2000rpm to shift down. My specific bike has had a couple moments (once in 800km) where it would refuse to shift despite the green arrow showing up, especially between 5th and 6th gear under load - even landing in a false neutral a couple of times - which is my only serious complaint with this bike. The side cases are amazing - you don't notice them while riding on backroads and they got huge capacity and fit a helmet. Downsides are that they're shaped quite weird and don't come with insert bags, and also that the bike might start wobbling at around 180km/h with them attached (had that happen uphill with full bags and under full acceleration - not sure if it always happens). The display is great but it would be greater with a range indicator - also I like the split style cause I can fit my phone in between for navigation. The little wheel on the right is horrible to use for anything more than adjusting the grip warmers, but you barely need to adjust anything cause you can display 6 things at all times. The lights are great and the cornering lights are good for roundabouts - just the indicators are a bit unobtrusive with just that little orange dot lighting up. Suspension is amazing - pretty hard and sporty but also very stable over anything within spring travel, and you definitely notice a difference between A-2 and A-1 - both in handling and comfort. The engine and throttle response couldn't be any better - super smooth even below 1500rpm, torquey enough in the low/midrange and brutal in the top end.
But why would you ride this bike at 180km/h in the first place and then you add the side cases????.😂 I don't think this is a fair criticism for this bike because this it is not a proper sports bike.
Thanks for the review. I own the XSR 900 with the 2016 engine, and it is a blast of engine, torquey, economic (60 mpg) and sounds great. Suspension is very stiff though. I imagine that the Tracer must be more comfortable. Awesome bike!
@@MotoVloggedOUT I had an early mt09 cracker engine. Also had a versys 650 that I LOVED, just wanted more power. Currently only have an R6 for track day fun.... should I get a tracer? Seems like it ticks all my boxes!
11:16 the arrow does not suggest to shift. In the manual it says that the arrow indicates if the quickshifter can be used for shifting. For example if there is a green up arrow, you can shift up using the quickshifter, but you can not shift down with quickshifter.
Wow that’s good to know. I rode this bike today for the first time at a Yamaha demo event. I was quick shifting up and down the whole ride LOL I had no idea what that light meant but the bike did not seem to mind and it allowed me to Quick shift every time. Once again this is one of the reasons I don’t buy used bikes LOL you never know how they’re treated.
@@steveh7108 If there's any fault, I'd say it's in the production arena. If I was putting this together from Zack's raw footage I'd have found out about the green light and added a graphic to explain it, like "* Indicates QS Ready. Not a Shift Recommendation". They've done it before. The oversight is likely an indicator of time pressure to get these reviews out more than anything else. My $.02
As I understand it, the green arrow by the gear indicator is simply a “go/no-go” light telling you that the QS has all the conditions met to be used. Not really an indicator to shift.
So true. Strange though most of the owners manuls indicate that you should be in 5th or 6th gear at like 38 mph. Its insane, my 636 will easily do 90 mph in 2nd gear without breaking a sweat 😓. Not recommended no but just seems a little odd to be in 6th at 40 mph
@@OneZoNinja My bike's manual says the same (shift to 6'th gear at 45 mph), I believe because they need low fuel consumption to meet some draconic emission standard...
Too right. Quick shift doesn't necessarily mean "shift quick". It means quick in a sense where your not losing milliseconds on the track/ road by cutting power to the wheel by pulling in the clutch.
Been a Harley rider, my whole life ( a little over 50 yrs). So, I am a retired senior at age 68. My last bike was a 2014 Street Glide Special, close to three years ago. Before that was a 2008 Ultra Glide. In 2013, I was going to work on that bike at 5:30 am. I ended up t-boning a big deer at 70 mph. He jumped out of bushes along the shoulder, almost on top of me. I was in the ICU for two weeks and consider myself very lucky to be alive today. So, as of late, I have been getting the fever for another bike. As for Harley Davidson, that is totally out of the picture due to the economics of being a retired senior. Also, as you get older, you tend to lose muscle mass and strength. So, I was thinking I should get something much lighter than a hog. I am currently 6ft even and 185 lbs. This bike seems as though it might be a good fit for me at this stage of my life. It would definitely take a little time to acclimate to this type of bike, but should not be a problem. Also seems like a great bike for day trips. Any thoughts from anyone? Thanks for the great review, Zack!
Coming from a cruiser, this bike will feel like a liter bike. It's upright and in my opinion. Comfier than a cruiser. You sit upright with your feet under you and your weight on your butt. I'd absolutely buy one and tour in comfort, or even do sort of aggressive riding. Glad to hear you are OK.
I have to agree with Weston. I've ridden most types of bikes, including HD cruisers. Sport touring bikes are my go to (I currently have a Versys 650 lt) and that is because of the comfort, price and most importantly a much more aggressive riding style than a cruiser. The last point being that it helps me maneuver easier when getting out of danger. Finally, sport touring bikes are much more fun on the twisties than a cruiser.
@Cyrus M The versys 650 is the perfect tourer. Still nimble enough for twisties, but good wind protection and bags. I have a 2003 FZ1 and it's a similar style bike and I love sport touring bikes. Iv sat on many cruisers/ Harleys and they are super uncomfortable for me. I like being upright, feet under/ slightly behind me and a commanding feel over the bike. I don't have control with one disk up front. Raked out front end, and 800 pounds to turn or stop quickly.
@@westondifranco9313 💯💯💯 I'm with you in all that. Cruisers are really nice and I would want one in the future, especially if it's belt drive. But for a long destination, deftly a sport tourer.
Just bought a 2019 Tracer 900 a year ago and was sad when Yamaha announced the newer tracer 9 wishing I had waited. After watching this I can tell the new version is fantastic, but I think I'm still happy with my bike. Mine doesn't look quite as nice, but they're both still fantastic!
The biggest improvement is they moved the passenger pegs back a bit, so no more catching your boot heel on the passenger pegs when riding with the ball of your foot on the peg.
@@mrvwbug4423 Yeah that is definitely noticeable on mine sometimes. I would remove the rear pegs, but I have the support brackets installed for the factory side cases. I also noticed Zack mentioned his foot hitting the center stand on the Tracer 9 which is also an issue on the 900
@@BrisingrScarred Gotta say the center stand isn't really an issue - I don't have small feet and I sonetimes touch it, but it's not in the way - the clutch housing however double functions as a shin-rest sometimes lol
Way less range, longer wheelbase (handling). The cruise would be nice but not the stopping way more for gas on a touring trip and a kaoko works fine on the Versys. Really it’s just more power which you can’t really use most of the time anyway. (I’ve owned the Tiger 1050 and own a Versys 650). I’ve looked closely at this one a bunch of times but already owning a triple that made more power and was sportier (the tiger) I think the Versys is just too much bang for the buck and fun when you get over the engine being a lower powered 650. In the end you can’t use the power in the twisty’s where the Versys shines for handling anyway and it’ll be the more fun bike. Versys has suspension and brakes that are fine for what they ask for it, it’s basically half the price and the Tracer is not 100% more bike and worse in some aspects. I have more fun ringing the Versys 650s neck most of the time then I did idling around with the Tiger as it was just unusable amounts of power for most street riding to fully use. Fun to pass 5 cars in a row, not fun with way less fuel range. Also all the consumables are used faster and are more expensive to handle the increased power, chains tires etc. I only miss the 1050’s level of power at very high elevation out west, over 100mph (rarely) and for easy power wheelies.
Every normal rider would, I don't get him about praising this underpowered versys all the time, which also sounds really bad especially compared to tracer. Yes it is cheap, but tracer is even better value for money.
The CP3 engine from Yamaha and the K5 from Suzuki always get slack for being "old" and "long in the tooth". "It's time to get some thing new guys!!" Yet, how old is the BMW boxer engine? It gets no slack whatsoever. Why does BMW get praise for evolution, yet, brands like Yamaha and Suzuki get none of it even though they make small evolutionary improvements each year. What gives? It makes no sense to me. The same logic should apply: :When will BMW get a new engine (upgrade the engine) for the GS? I've watched this video many times and the same questions pops up in my head. Sorry for the late comment. And thanks Zack and the team for great videos. I never miss one!
I'd prefer the mt09, but this has a prettier face (the quickshifter arrows don't mean you're supposed to shift, it means you are at enough RPM that you CAN quick shift)
If you are talking about the blue light (pre 21 at least) it's a suggestion to upshift. It even comes up at highway speeds at 6th gear. You can change the RPM range in the settings.
@@byever1 no, it's in the video, the 21 has two little arrows, up and down, and to my knowledge they light up to inform you that at the current RPM you may quickshift, so that you don't try to quickshift at really low RPM
In the 2019 Tracer it’s a white light and it’s customizable in the settings. You can adjust when the light will come on, but I left it default. It will come on even on 6th gear, I’ve been doing 150+km/hr at around 5500rpm and the light comes on.
@@Ironhawx that's the shift light, the bright light that shines at Redline, or lower, if you prefer, for instance to keep the revs low while breaking in
Great review, as always. I really wanted Zack’s opinion on this bike before I bought it a few weeks ago. The only thing I was surprised by was the complaint about helmets fitting in the side cases. I’m able to fit either my XL HJC or LG Arai in the side bags as long as I put them in upside down.
I went ahead and ordered a 2022 Tracer 9 GT. Your ride review had a big hand in that. Initially I had planned on the MT-09 SP, but I didn't like the seating position so I changed my pick to the XSR900 2022, I liked its style and performance and 2022 had all the MT-09 SP tech. But being the type of person I am, I couldn't help but want more. I wanted a windscreen and saddle bags etc. So I went with the Tracer. It will arrive in April! Just in time for warm weather! Thanks Zach an Revzilla!
Hard decision!!! I looking this way myself. The thing about the XSR900 and MT-09 SP.....The wind just beats you above 80 mph. Okay for a short while, but can't enjoy what the bikes can do as much. The Tracer....one can enjoy above 80 mph no problem. And I do have an appropriate helmet (Bell Race Star.)
I did a demo ride on the 2021 Tracer 900GT. At the time I owned an FJ-09. While I liked the Tracer motor, the dash was a deal breaker. It may not have been adjusted properly but I could not read it. Others have commented on the Groucho face. Yamaha should consider a redesign. The same day I also road the Versys 1000LT and ended up trading the FJ-09 in for a used 2018 model. In my opinion the Tracer is a sporty fun bike but the Versys is much better suited for comfort and touring with the four cylinder motor still capable of putting a smile on your face.
Before I watched I was nervous this was going to knock my Versys 650LT off the podium. Glad to see my bike still hangin in there under such tough competition. Thanks for another great daily ride
I think this is a very accurate review of the Tracer 9 GT. I recently sold my 2015 FJ-09 and purchased a 2022 9 GT. The FJ-09 is quicker, more flickable (more fun). The Tracer GT is a great bike. I love the cruise control etc it is still fast but the power does not come on in a big satisfying rush like the FJ-09. I really like the Tracer 9 GT it is more capable, more comfortable to tour with and generally a better bike---just a little less fun.
For the price that’s a great bike it’s the best looking sport touring bike I’ve seen and I like the double digital dash it’s like they replaced the speedometer and the tachometer with digital screens instead of analog that’s pretty cool and thinking out side the box good one Yamaha!!!!!
on this category i would suggest the versys 1000 SE. it gives you the option of 10 different settings in rebound, compression independent for from and rear. plus you can adjust the shock preload all through a few clicks on the dash.
I had a 2019 Versys 1000 SE LT+ until I hit a deer this summer. Suspension adjustbility? If you can't find a setting you like, there's no hope for you.
@@danlford tough question. But i would say yes because you can fit a full size helmet in the side cases as well as having better protection from the windscreen. But thats my opinion anyway
@@JoshuaTootell genuine answer : exactly the same. Kawasaki is using showa electronic forks. You undo the topcap like a traditional fork and the screw at the bottom of the fork. And the whole cartridge gets removed. You CAN disable it if you want to change the spring.
I've got an average of 4.4l/100km (53mpg) over 5500km. And that includes majorly backroads but also Autobahn at 240km/h and other less efficient things.
I own this bike and at 1600 miles I average 45.2mpg (what it says on dash) for what it's worth. I'm a bit heavier at 270lbs too. I do about 50/50 spirited and highway riding.
I would still go for the Triumph 850 sport. No need for fancy electronics, semi suspension, dash, plus it looks way better IMO. Not sure which one is the most fun tho
Zack you need to include the Portuguese Bend area with the sunken uneven road and whoops! Doesn’t that test your confidence on a bike ha? You’re the best -Dave
Man that stretch of road really does make you think of your wife. Thanks for the videos. Im a novice in the beginner category. You’ve been a lot of help
love it... I went back and forth on the Versys and the Tracer a couple of years ago and I am glad I went with the Versys. It is such a great little bike to ride around town, to ride to work, has great storage, simple, etc. I have a goldwing for the highway and the versys for short trips or in town riding. My only gripe is I wish it had a little more leg room. Seriously a great bike, but I still think about the tracer once in a while for the extra power. Anyway, thanks for another great review.
I'm blown away by all of the electronics on the new bikes. I'm used to my 80s KLR and late 90s XR650R. I'm certain I'd be an elderly person operating a new iPhone riding one of these machines.
Quite the opposite i would imagine. A new iPhone kind of requires you to interact with weird menus and all. But a bike is a bike is a bike. If you get it set up once to suit your needs, your ride will be safer with the security features, won't it?
Yamaha is advertising this as a sport tourer, not adventure bike. I don't know that most consider it that but that's how its listed on the Yamaha site. Great review by the way. Thank you for posting this. Very helpful.
I want to see a daily rider on the Moto Guzzi VT 85 TT or the Centenario edition. If I want a middleweight, I want one with character and hopefully not as strange looking around the headlights as the tracer.
I can wholeheartedly recommend the V85, I am using it for all kinds of riding, and its just a champ and gets 50mpg on top out of an 850cc engine with tons of character.
@@thomasneedham1512 I rode the GT now i just have to book the test ride for the V100 ASAP, I mean when the weather will be good enough. You are kindly invited to visit my channel. :)
the green arrows for up and down shifting aren't there to suggest that you shift. They light up green when the system has prepped the quickshifter/autoblipper for a shift.
Ironically, I learned about the Tracer on a Triumph page so I naturally had to look it up! Now while my heart has been on a T120 for a long time, the Tracer definitely checks a LOT of boxes for me and I will be considering it. All that aside, this was the funnest review video I have ever watched. Keep up the great work!
Oh yay another review of the Yamaha tracer 9gt. I’m sure it ranked high on the leader board because God forbid anyone reviewing this bike actually say anything truly negative but that is the case with most Japanese motorcycle reviews. I guess we know who pays the bills. From my observation it has bargin basement brakes (you don’t want to go cheap on brakes especially front brakes), cheap brake lines, TFT is the worse I’ve ever seen, tweener engine that is not as power as an inline 4 and not as torquey as a twin. I guess that’s why the mt07 and the T7 are so much more popular then the triple cylinder motorcycles from Yamaha. The bike is ugly, the windshield is garbage, the preload isn’t even electronically adjustable (manual), side cases are weird, controls are cheap, no Bluetooth connectivity, no navigation, the smallest one head light I’ve ever seen on a motorcycle and overall the motorcycle seems to be a step backwards in many areas from the last iteration. At least the last one looked cool. This one is a pure disgrace. With so many known compromises it makes me wonder what other unseen compromises they are on this budget built motorcycle. Worse yet the MSRP is 15k😂🤣…. Ok
What a laughable comment The CP3 engine is legendary. Plenty of torque and good top end power, you'll find plenty of professional reviewers saying that the inline 3 is the BEST engine for a bike, EVER... Just look at Triumph. The bike has excellent brakes lol, you clearly haven't ridden anything or have 0 skill on bikes. Imagine thinking that anything thats not a "bR3mb0 MonBLOCK muurrhrh superbraker" is quote "a bad brake" hillarious. The electroncis are better than any bike in the pricerange, longest service intervals aswell. The BMW F900 is not even competetion for this bike, yet its the same price. Looks are subjective, i think it looks dope in red or the Tech Kamo color. The split lights are not my cup of tea however. Also do you expect all bikes to have electronically adjustable preload, bluetooth connectivity and navigation?? Well good then buy a 2x as expensive bike lol. Or a BMW with a shitty chinese engine.
I can fit in both cases my helmet with no effort, even with the Cardo installed. It is a modular Schubert C3, size L. The only thing is that it needs to be inserted upside down.
I feel like the cp3 is much like the hellcat power train. you can put it into different chasis’s but at the end of the day it’s till the same power train we have had, however cp3 is a fantastic engine
I bought a 2015 FJ09 this year to replace my FJ1200. I regularly average over 50mpg on it. I was afraid it would feel too refined compared to a bike from the 80's, but it's got character in just the right places for me.
Great planning on releasing the daily rider episodes on Saturday morning it gets my full attention and looking forward for the vstrom I owned a 03 loved the bike and could easily embarrass sport bike riders
Not everything that makes you happy is legal.... had to laugh at that. Great vid, as always. I rode the MT09 at a demo day and found the clutch engagement was really late in the lever travel...I realize the lever is adjustable as is the cable but that really threw me off at first and kind of dampened what would have been an incredible ride as that motor is a blast. Same issue on the XSR900...sounds like maybe it was an issue on this bike as well?
Am like stoked every time you post a POV video. Am curious though about this video. The U turn was 2.5 parking spots. Am certain it's much lesser on Yam's sold in Japan, Thailand and other South East Asian countries.! What do you think Sir.
Still does wheelies with a longer swingarm. I don't think that motor is long in the tooth, I think they got it right a long time ago. Valid complaints about the suspension. I suspect that drives the price up a good bit and doesn't deliver.
The Versys 1000, even with the higher price, is probably the most direct comparison to the Tracer 9 GT. Those two were my options a couple years ago when I stepped down from a Concours 14. I chose the Versys 1000.
The thing about the engine being overdue for something new. That's a perspective comming from someone who has ridden that engine through and through a lot. A lot of people looking for a motorcycle like this, has probably not put that engine through its paces and it might suit them very well!
"What's wrong with going 25mph in 3rd gear?" Well... That might be the reason why you're getting 41mpg with the Tracer 9 and I get 51mpg with my Versys 1000. LOL No offense intended here. And thanks for another excellent video, Zack!
Great review. I know these are great bikes, but the windshield looks like it was sawed out of some plexi as a last-minute gesture with little thought involved. I guess Yammie-ha knows that the aftermarket-world will cover it, right?
Do you really think the engine is long in the tooth? I would argue it's the most exciting in it's respective class, and maybe the best part of the bike.
I would guess most people who buy a new bike would. I know I get super exited with a new toy and usually read the manuals at night. Now I can see how he wouldn't, as I've never read a manual for a bike I've borrowed.
The Triumph doesn't come with side cases or an adaptive suspension at any price lower than the GT where I live - so it should rather be compared to the base Tracer. Also you're comparing a Sport Tourer to more of an Adventure bike - with one being faster and harder on the road and the other being more comfortable and capable off the road. I had a hard decision going for the Tracer because of delivery issues, but there wasn't really any competition for it. F900XR just doesn't compare Tiger is slower, more expensive and has some focus for offroad that I don't need. SuperSport 950S is more expensive, probably too hard for bad roads and less comfy on long runs (and has a stupid idea for side cases) R1250R just didn't really fit me tbh and is usually way more expensive too Ninja 1000SX was the only real competitor but it has even more power that I don't need and requires more fuel and is not as variable with the suspension
@@siraff4461 I'm just saying it's a matter of what you're looking for. If you want a sporty bike that can keep up with Adventure Tourers on shitty roads and lock a helmet in a side case, you don't have much to choose from.
And as you said it was a lovely 10-12k bike - name one bike at 12k that has adaptive suspension. And then add quick shifter, side cases, cornering lights and an engine like that and see where you are.
tracer 9 GT is a very capable bike all round good at everything and go pretty much anywhere in real world terms. comfortable plenty of power, as a daily driver you can't go wrong
It is sad to hear that suspension feels wobbly when you have a passenger. Yamaha asks for premium price but still gives budget suspension. I was excited when this tracer was launched but i will choose tiger 900. Thanks for the valuable information
He said bouncy not wobbly. Huge difference between a little bouncy and wobbly. Also his passenger gave it a good grade overall. Also the bike gets number 4 on his board so its obviously not the piece of shit you make it sound like.
I daily one of these, and I absolutely love it. The screen brightness isn't a major issue, even in direct sunlight. Yes, some of the text is small, I have young eyes and it doesn't bother me. The bit about the shift indicators is completely incorrect - as others have mentioned, they are QS go/no-go indicators. There is, however, an option to display a shift indicator on the gear indicator in the menu (gear indicator blinks when at ideal RPM). Thumbwheel is functional, but annoying. It's way too easy to scroll down instead of selecting. The windscreen adjustment does make a difference, but yeah, more range would be nice (I'm 6'). Mileage: I'm averaging 49 mpg, mostly highway, but some spirited twisties.
The front of some new Yamahas look nearly invisible to me with the small projector beams that are often recessed. Given how difficult bikes can be for drivers to see, it'd be nice if it stood out a bit more. The FJR1300 is a lot better in this respect (though it still only comes in Tarmac Urban Camo Grey).
Real world 40mpg pretty darn good. I have a '21 mt09 and can ride it HARD and get 35mpg. My '18 mt10 gets 25 when I ride it the same way. I would buy this in a heartbeat! I'm 62 and have owned literally 40 bikes over the years. All the Japanese big 4 are great but I've always had nothing but great things to say about my yamaha's.
Zack says the display on the Tracer 9 GT is more difficult to read than the Versys 650 LT display, but, if you compare hisTracer 9 GT review at 13:11 in bright sunlight to the lower LCD speedo reading on his Versys 650 LT at 17:19 you can’t even make out the digital speed reading on the Versus while you can on the Tracer ? In both of these situations, the sun appears to be, for the most, part directly overhead. This is why I don’t always trust what is put in these reviews. No offense to Zack, because much of his comments are insightful, but unless you choose the Versys 650 LT for its lower price, or the larger ‘range’ due to better fuel economy(gas tank size for Versys 650 LT 5.5 U.S gal vs. Tracer 9 GT 4.755 US gal (18L)), which is in most cases to be about 75 ? miles more, and if you can learn to turn your helmet upside down to fit it into the side cases, there is no comparison, in my opinion, to the features and performance offered on the Tracer 9 GT.
Not only is Zach knowledgeable he is just a joy to listen to. In that spirit, I propose a Zach Courts Daily Rider Drinking game. Any iteration of “trundle” or an instance of the patented giggle = 1 drink (trundling, trundle along, etc.). “Mamba Jamba” = 2 drinks. And if we get a “Cheese and Rice” at any point you gotta chug.
@@druegeme yes, great one! I actually think I got it wrong in my previous comment: he says “jeez Louise and cheese” or something like that, but I’d accept any variation.
Yamaha makes very good bikes I don't think anyone would argue that, but they seem to keep falling short of greatness. Their problem, as I see it, is two fold, first they build their bikes to a price and it definitely shows. Secondly, to do that they repeatedly keep going to the parts bin. Case in point the windscreen, I'll wager they took an existing windscreen and just stuck it on there. Does it work? Kind of. Zack is an average size guy, 5'11" if memory serves, and for that windscreen to not block the wind on his helmet in the full up position is absurd. For a few dollars more they could make great bikes and I think people would be willing to pay for that greatness. Yamaha we like you and we want to love you, fix the niggles and we will!
Have you ever been riding with tall screen in windy conditions at 70-80mph on lighter bike? At some point tall screens become hazard. I rode from Oregon to Texas on cb500x. It was unridable above 75mph. First thing coming back home was taking off that ugly abomination of tall screen. What a waste of $150.
Just came back from a Yamaha Demo Day. First up was the Tracer 900. The seat was probably in low position. I was surprised that it wasn't dual sport high like a V-Strom. I liked that. It was comfy. Foot position was very comfortable on the pegs. Reach and handlebar angle were, again, very nice. Power delivery was butter smooth and predictable, as was shifting. There was no herky jerky. Neither was it on the MT-09-SP or the XSR-900. The windscreen was a tad short for me at 6' tall, hitting the top third of my helmet. It was all the way up. Mirrors were fine. The cruise control had some sort of secret handshake. Turning it on - no problem. SET - easy. Increase - again, easy. DECREASE WAS MIND BOGGLING. The toggle is labeled RESUME for increase and the SET doubles as decrease. However, tapping the SET button to decrease did nothing. Holding it down did, but when I let off it dropped it more than I wanted, whereas you tap to increase and that works great incrementally. The bike actually feels light between the legs. Very nice. The ride was great. I didn't have time to mess with modes. Don't really care. I rode the XRS 900 and the MT-09-SP. Frankly the two suspensions were about as harsh as each other over minor road imperfections. The SP only the slightest stiffer than the XSR. Leaving me saying that the Onlins really isn't worth it. Both were kinda spine jarring The Tracer, on the other hand, handled the road imperfections noticeably smoother. The ride was very compliant and I could see doing distances on this machine. Didn't mess with the bags. Bags are bags. They are kinda bulbous. Kinda ugly as bags go actually. The dash - TOTAL TRASH!!! The sun wasn't even on the display and all I could make out was the speed and gear position. 10am. Everything else was to small and the dash was totally washed out. I agree. The dash needed to be angled up and be higher up for any visibility. THIS IS A DEAL KILLER! Especially at $15k. New for Honda is the NT1100. I think it blows this away in many ways. Number one is it's actually LOWER PRICED!!! A HONDA??? LOWER PRICED??? Yes. It's standard with a Google type interface dash and it's HUGE. STOCK- BAGS, CRUISE, HEATED GRIPS!!!!!, CENTER STAND!!! In Europe all this for $11,999. For the states probably $12,900. All I can say is this better be imported to the States!!!
I really like the Tracer -9 but don't want to pay extra for all the Electronics including suspension. I suppose I will have to purchase the bas model and add the side cases..
For the 2021 model does Yamaha still recommend against operating with both the top box and panniers attached at the same time? As I recall the carrying capacity for recent years was quite low. It's one of the reasons I crossed it off my list in favor of the Versys 1000
Ben driving my Tracer 9 GT since May this year. I love the bike and the quickshifter is awesome. I have replaced my screen with a darker screen from Ermax. Im looking for a comfort seat because after 2 hours riding my butt hurts a little. I love the lift control, just push the throttle to max without the front wheel lifting. All in all, its a great allrounder.
Thank you Zack! Your videos are absolutely the best content on youtube. My wife (not a motorcycle fan at all), will watch them and laugh every time you do a wheelie and giggle. You are affectionately known as Mr. Giggles when I play your videos. This Tracer 9 GT has made it onto my personal "leaderboard" for my next bike. That dash...Ugh... Can't say that I wouldn't buy a bike because of the dash but that's just horrendous. Anyway, thanks for the great content as always!
Thanks for mentioning the auto suspension and it's downsides. I've not ridden this version but I thought about that without even riding it. Fully adjustable suspension seems like it would have been better than auto. There's really only 1 "correct" setting needed. Once it's dialed in, you shouldn't have to change it. Add some preload for passenger and luggage or subtract some preload for solo riding. I think by the time the computer reads the road and tweaks the suspension, the bumps have gone by. Seems a bit pointless to me.
@RevZilla What settings did you run when pulling a wheelie? My 2019 mt09 would wheelie with ease but my new Tracer gt feels like the power is being restricted. Even with all the settings switched off. It’s especially noticeable in 2nd gear. When I crack on it there is a massive throttle delay?
The Tracer 900 GT is damn near the exact bike I'm looking for right now, if it weren't for the price, and that disgusting dash IMO. Great review, as always, by Zach.
I hate the modern smartphone derived dashes. What happened to big round dials, easily viewed under all light and weather conditions? You didn't even have to look directly at them to know what was going on.
Just test rode it today…the split dash was a deal breaker for me until I saw it in person….it actually looks ok in person. What concerned me is when you push the bike in a corner it feels unsettled and like it is without a steering damper entirely. Use to Aprilia handling so I should not expect all bikes to handle that well but it was unsettling.
The quickshift arrow.. are no suggestions to shift up or down.. It lets you know if you CAN shift or not.. while on the trottle you will see green arrow pointing up.. when off trotle you will see the arrow pointing down.. its only there to let you know you are able to shift .
I know this is two years old, but the arrow for the quick shifter isn’t a suggestion of the gear to be in - it’s letting you know that you can upshift if you want. If the engine is revving too high to shift, the arrow will disappear.
every time I see a Daily Rider vid, it makes me want to ride a Versys 650, how come bikes with better tech (except for adaptive cruise control) or bigger engines can't beat it?
I have a 2022, red one. Love the bike. My comments revolve around about reviewers' opinions about various aspects of products. In the beginning Zack says something about the triple cylinder engine we all "know and love" with the now increased displacement to 890cc, then later he offers a negative criticism about how Yamaha needs to step up and offer something a bit more in the engine area becuase this one has grown "long in the tooth." Huh? My sense is that, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. You want a what, more powerful motor for a sport tourer? Then get an FJR1300. The 890cc in the T9 and MT09 is a recently improved/updated version of the 847cc version as you indicated. You reviewer guys always want the moon and for free. The bike as is as loaded and updated to the gills as possible with user features, power, performance and fun and yet somehow, it never seems to be enough. I know, it's your job to critique and find fault in the things you're reviewing, but armchair engineers only have so much validitiy in such a position. Like all others, this bike is not perfect, and while still under warranty, mine is in the shop for an unheard of repair to fix the cruise control that has also turned out to involve a multi switch hardware defect in the system. It seems to be anecdotal and I'm the first with this problem. I trust my dealer will fix it properly but almost a year in of ownership, this problem suddenly appeared out of nowhere. Zack wants more sophistication or performance or something, but with every additional complexity comes increased risk of failure and with it diminished customer satisfaction. It's always a trade off and an extremely tough balancing act for any manufacturer. Anyway, I ramble. Zack: the 890cc triple is a gem of a powerplant; it has more power than you or I will ever need on any given day while sport touring, and we should be thankful that Yamaha has engineered and refined such a fine motor that is reliable, durable and fun. Certainly I am.
Man i love these videos. I've put 20K miles on my Versys 650 LT and was thinking about getting a new bike. I was considering the Tracer so this is good info. I do love that Versys though - it is a great bike.
Check out Zack's written review of the 2021 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT on Common Tread: rvz.la/3jZWS7B
Also as the Spurg seems to be/was in the are (according the KLR review), when do we get full on bromance video out of you guys? Perhaps CTXP episode with nice motorcycle threesome?
Claimed horsepower: 117.4! 😁🙌🏾
Loving this review
Oh and also that little green upshift light, is not a suggestion for shifting, it lets you know in which direction the quickshifter will function.
Release the handle, and it will point down no matter how fast or slow you’re going, accelerate, and it will point up!
Took me a hot second to figure out on my test drive
Loved the review and love this series. I do believe the dash was set in dark/night mode. I have a 2019 Tracer 900 GT and it has 3 settings for the display, day (white background), dark (black/inverted color background), and auto (automatically changes based of time, don't think it has a brightness sensor). I have mine set to dark all the time which is that black background.
Awesome review, hats off
Daily Rider is such a gem of a series. It feels like Zach is in his element and his expertise shines. I appreciate this so much, it’s such a tremendous value and education every time. Keep it up!
Couldn’t agree more - I was so happy when they revived the MC commute format on revzilla - it was a very dark time when the guys were at motortrend!
Stop kissing arse with your basic compliment
It really is a gem. I don't even feel the time. Zach kicks tush as a reviewer.
@@doylee469 who hurt you
I'm just glad they didn't screw it up with a stupid script and fake BS.
I've owned this bike for over 5000km of twists, commuting and Autobahn-cruising, so I want to address some little things:
First of all I've only watched about the first half of the video and agree with most of your findings. Windshield could be more adjustable and I also got the seat in lower position even though I'm over 6ft because it's high enough and putting it in the higher position would also put it a bit forward, making the position less sporty.
The power of the bike is 119PS (87.5kW) with 93Nm of torque - it says that on our German Yamaha website and in the papers and everywhere, and it's identical for the MT-09.
The little green arrow doesn't suggest shifting, it just tells you that the Quickshifter is available, because you need to be above 2200rpm to shift up and above 2000rpm to shift down. My specific bike has had a couple moments (once in 800km) where it would refuse to shift despite the green arrow showing up, especially between 5th and 6th gear under load - even landing in a false neutral a couple of times - which is my only serious complaint with this bike.
The side cases are amazing - you don't notice them while riding on backroads and they got huge capacity and fit a helmet. Downsides are that they're shaped quite weird and don't come with insert bags, and also that the bike might start wobbling at around 180km/h with them attached (had that happen uphill with full bags and under full acceleration - not sure if it always happens).
The display is great but it would be greater with a range indicator - also I like the split style cause I can fit my phone in between for navigation. The little wheel on the right is horrible to use for anything more than adjusting the grip warmers, but you barely need to adjust anything cause you can display 6 things at all times.
The lights are great and the cornering lights are good for roundabouts - just the indicators are a bit unobtrusive with just that little orange dot lighting up.
Suspension is amazing - pretty hard and sporty but also very stable over anything within spring travel, and you definitely notice a difference between A-2 and A-1 - both in handling and comfort.
The engine and throttle response couldn't be any better - super smooth even below 1500rpm, torquey enough in the low/midrange and brutal in the top end.
But why would you ride this bike at 180km/h in the first place and then you add the side cases????.😂
I don't think this is a fair criticism for this bike because this it is not a proper sports bike.
Thanks for the review. I own the XSR 900 with the 2016 engine, and it is a blast of engine, torquey, economic (60 mpg) and sounds great. Suspension is very stiff though. I imagine that the Tracer must be more comfortable. Awesome bike!
@@therambler3713 he said he used it for autobahn cruising
Appreciate this addition. 🙂🥦🦖
@@MotoVloggedOUT I had an early mt09 cracker engine. Also had a versys 650 that I LOVED, just wanted more power. Currently only have an R6 for track day fun.... should I get a tracer? Seems like it ticks all my boxes!
11:16 the arrow does not suggest to shift. In the manual it says that the arrow indicates if the quickshifter can be used for shifting. For example if there is a green up arrow, you can shift up using the quickshifter, but you can not shift down with quickshifter.
Ah... it means it's available. Not necessarily a suggestion.
went into the comments to say this but saw your comment
It's amazing how many UA-cam reviewers of any product failed to read an owner's manual.
And then give you their expert opinion.
Wow that’s good to know. I rode this bike today for the first time at a Yamaha demo event. I was quick shifting up and down the whole ride LOL I had no idea what that light meant but the bike did not seem to mind and it allowed me to Quick shift every time. Once again this is one of the reasons I don’t buy used bikes LOL you never know how they’re treated.
@@steveh7108 If there's any fault, I'd say it's in the production arena. If I was putting this together from Zack's raw footage I'd have found out about the green light and added a graphic to explain it, like "* Indicates QS Ready. Not a Shift Recommendation". They've done it before. The oversight is likely an indicator of time pressure to get these reviews out more than anything else. My $.02
Once you notice the dash looks like a pair of those silly disguise glasses with a nose that’s all you see. Absolutely hilarious lol
I just got one, and you are correct. Looks like scuba Steve staring at you.😅😅
It reminds me of Johnny 5 from Short Circuit. I love it.
Underrated comment. Makes me like the bike more.
I can't unsee it now 😂
😂😂 omfg. Yup. Noticed it right away.
As I understand it, the green arrow by the gear indicator is simply a “go/no-go” light telling you that the QS has all the conditions met to be used. Not really an indicator to shift.
Yes, that's correct. It's an QS ready indication
So true. Strange though most of the owners manuls indicate that you should be in 5th or 6th gear at like 38 mph. Its insane, my 636 will easily do 90 mph in 2nd gear without breaking a sweat 😓. Not recommended no but just seems a little odd to be in 6th at 40 mph
@@OneZoNinja My bike's manual says the same (shift to 6'th gear at 45 mph), I believe because they need low fuel consumption to meet some draconic emission standard...
If you have to look at the light every time you shift, it's not really going to be very "quick".
Too right. Quick shift doesn't necessarily mean "shift quick". It means quick in a sense where your not losing milliseconds on the track/ road by cutting power to the wheel by pulling in the clutch.
The dash looks like a muppet with sunglasses staring back at you the whole time.
I quite like it - it reminds me a little of the dash in the old Renault 5’s
I think it’s kinda funny!
I like the dash, can see everything I need
That’s what the rider in front of you said…
I can't unsee that now.
Been a Harley rider, my whole life ( a little over 50 yrs). So, I am a retired senior at age 68.
My last bike was a 2014 Street Glide Special, close to three years ago. Before that was a 2008 Ultra Glide. In 2013, I was going to work on that bike at 5:30 am. I ended up t-boning a big deer at 70 mph. He jumped out of bushes along the shoulder, almost on top of me.
I was in the ICU for two weeks and consider myself very lucky to be alive today.
So, as of late, I have been getting the fever for another bike. As for Harley Davidson, that is totally out of the picture due to the economics of being a retired senior. Also, as you get older, you tend to lose muscle mass and strength. So, I was thinking I should get something much lighter than a hog. I am currently 6ft even and 185 lbs. This bike seems as though it might be a good fit for me at this stage of my life. It would definitely take a little time to acclimate to this type of bike, but should not be a problem. Also seems like a great bike for day trips.
Any thoughts from anyone?
Thanks for the great review, Zack!
Coming from a cruiser, this bike will feel like a liter bike.
It's upright and in my opinion. Comfier than a cruiser. You sit upright with your feet under you and your weight on your butt.
I'd absolutely buy one and tour in comfort, or even do sort of aggressive riding.
Glad to hear you are OK.
Great story Zack.
Glad to hear you're all well 🇺🇸💯✌
I have to agree with Weston. I've ridden most types of bikes, including HD cruisers. Sport touring bikes are my go to (I currently have a Versys 650 lt) and that is because of the comfort, price and most importantly a much more aggressive riding style than a cruiser. The last point being that it helps me maneuver easier when getting out of danger. Finally, sport touring bikes are much more fun on the twisties than a cruiser.
@Cyrus M The versys 650 is the perfect tourer. Still nimble enough for twisties, but good wind protection and bags.
I have a 2003 FZ1 and it's a similar style bike and I love sport touring bikes.
Iv sat on many cruisers/ Harleys and they are super uncomfortable for me.
I like being upright, feet under/ slightly behind me and a commanding feel over the bike.
I don't have control with one disk up front. Raked out front end, and 800 pounds to turn or stop quickly.
@@westondifranco9313 💯💯💯 I'm with you in all that. Cruisers are really nice and I would want one in the future, especially if it's belt drive. But for a long destination, deftly a sport tourer.
I've put bout 3,000 miles on my 2021 Tracer 9GT and I absolutely love it. It is my third bike, and it is a wonderful ride.
The dash looks like a pair of snorkeling goggles and I can't unsee It.
Its Johnny 5.
That split display is not great
Oh hey, here I am again watching a review for my own bike while I wish summer would come sooner.
Just bought a 2019 Tracer 900 a year ago and was sad when Yamaha announced the newer tracer 9 wishing I had waited. After watching this I can tell the new version is fantastic, but I think I'm still happy with my bike. Mine doesn't look quite as nice, but they're both still fantastic!
I got the Tracer 9 GT even though I think the old one looked way better lol - I just wanted the new side cases and a quickshifter
The biggest improvement is they moved the passenger pegs back a bit, so no more catching your boot heel on the passenger pegs when riding with the ball of your foot on the peg.
@@mrvwbug4423 Yeah that is definitely noticeable on mine sometimes. I would remove the rear pegs, but I have the support brackets installed for the factory side cases. I also noticed Zack mentioned his foot hitting the center stand on the Tracer 9 which is also an issue on the 900
I did the same, BUT, I got it for a song. 9K out the door brand new. But yeah, this bike has more bells and whistles also.
@@BrisingrScarred Gotta say the center stand isn't really an issue - I don't have small feet and I sonetimes touch it, but it's not in the way - the clutch housing however double functions as a shin-rest sometimes lol
Still psyched I got that Versys 650 as a first bike in part, thanks to Zack's review. It truly does not disappoint.
DEFINITELY a great bike that mostly flies under the "hype" radar.
I have the same thoughts.
Was trundling around youtube and saw a new Daily Rider. Instantly giggled and got Swazey on my way to watching it. I would probably gear it up tho.
I love the sound of that triple cylinder engine.
If I had the Versys and the Tracer in my garage, the Tracer would be my go to bike 99% of the time.
Way less range, longer wheelbase (handling). The cruise would be nice but not the stopping way more for gas on a touring trip and a kaoko works fine on the Versys. Really it’s just more power which you can’t really use most of the time anyway. (I’ve owned the Tiger 1050 and own a Versys 650). I’ve looked closely at this one a bunch of times but already owning a triple that made more power and was sportier (the tiger) I think the Versys is just too much bang for the buck and fun when you get over the engine being a lower powered 650. In the end you can’t use the power in the twisty’s where the Versys shines for handling anyway and it’ll be the more fun bike. Versys has suspension and brakes that are fine for what they ask for it, it’s basically half the price and the Tracer is not 100% more bike and worse in some aspects. I have more fun ringing the Versys 650s neck most of the time then I did idling around with the Tiger as it was just unusable amounts of power for most street riding to fully use. Fun to pass 5 cars in a row, not fun with way less fuel range. Also all the consumables are used faster and are more expensive to handle the increased power, chains tires etc. I only miss the 1050’s level of power at very high elevation out west, over 100mph (rarely) and for easy power wheelies.
Every normal rider would, I don't get him about praising this underpowered versys all the time, which also sounds really bad especially compared to tracer. Yes it is cheap, but tracer is even better value for money.
Q: What's the best bike in the world?
A: The one you ride.
I have 2, but picking a favorite is like picking your favorite kid. (It's the MT07, but don't let the DRZ know 😉)
The CP3 engine from Yamaha and the K5 from Suzuki always get slack for being "old" and "long in the tooth". "It's time to get some thing new guys!!" Yet, how old is the BMW boxer engine? It gets no slack whatsoever. Why does BMW get praise for evolution, yet, brands like Yamaha and Suzuki get none of it even though they make small evolutionary improvements each year. What gives? It makes no sense to me. The same logic should apply: :When will BMW get a new engine (upgrade the engine) for the GS? I've watched this video many times and the same questions pops up in my head. Sorry for the late comment. And thanks Zack and the team for great videos. I never miss one!
The CP3 is in no way long in the tooth but instead remains state of the art in internal combustion engines for motorcycles.
So many nice bike to choose. Buy the bike the pulls your heart strings and budget.
11:31 the display isn't suggesting you upshift. It's saying that the quickshifter system is capable of delivering an upshift.
I'd prefer the mt09, but this has a prettier face
(the quickshifter arrows don't mean you're supposed to shift, it means you are at enough RPM that you CAN quick shift)
If you are talking about the blue light (pre 21 at least) it's a suggestion to upshift. It even comes up at highway speeds at 6th gear. You can change the RPM range in the settings.
@@byever1 no, it's in the video, the 21 has two little arrows, up and down, and to my knowledge they light up to inform you that at the current RPM you may quickshift, so that you don't try to quickshift at really low RPM
In the 2019 Tracer it’s a white light and it’s customizable in the settings. You can adjust when the light will come on, but I left it default. It will come on even on 6th gear, I’ve been doing 150+km/hr at around 5500rpm and the light comes on.
@@Ironhawx that's the shift light, the bright light that shines at Redline, or lower, if you prefer, for instance to keep the revs low while breaking in
@@byever1 watch the video he discusses it and shows it for a good minute.
Great review, as always. I really wanted Zack’s opinion on this bike before I bought it a few weeks ago.
The only thing I was surprised by was the complaint about helmets fitting in the side cases. I’m able to fit either my XL HJC or LG Arai in the side bags as long as I put them in upside down.
I went ahead and ordered a 2022 Tracer 9 GT. Your ride review had a big hand in that. Initially I had planned on the MT-09 SP, but I didn't like the seating position so I changed my pick to the XSR900 2022, I liked its style and performance and 2022 had all the MT-09 SP tech. But being the type of person I am, I couldn't help but want more. I wanted a windscreen and saddle bags etc. So I went with the Tracer. It will arrive in April! Just in time for warm weather! Thanks Zach an Revzilla!
Hard decision!!! I looking this way myself. The thing about the XSR900 and MT-09 SP.....The wind just beats you above 80 mph. Okay for a short while, but can't enjoy what the bikes can do as much. The Tracer....one can enjoy above 80 mph no problem. And I do have an appropriate helmet (Bell Race Star.)
@@justmyself1000 Well I've had my Tracer a while an I can say even with its touring windscreen, the wind beats you up above 75mph.
@@Sabahes_ASMR Thank You! Good to knowl
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on 2022 Versys updates.
I did a demo ride on the 2021 Tracer 900GT. At the time I owned an FJ-09. While I liked the Tracer motor, the dash was a deal breaker. It may not have been adjusted properly but I could not read it. Others have commented on the Groucho face. Yamaha should consider a redesign. The same day I also road the Versys 1000LT and ended up trading the FJ-09 in for a used 2018 model. In my opinion the Tracer is a sporty fun bike but the Versys is much better suited for comfort and touring with the four cylinder motor still capable of putting a smile on your face.
Before I watched I was nervous this was going to knock my Versys 650LT off the podium. Glad to see my bike still hangin in there under such tough competition.
Thanks for another great daily ride
I'll be that "I've never clicked so fast" kid, but I'm really excited about this video. 👍
I think this is a very accurate review of the Tracer 9 GT. I recently sold my 2015 FJ-09 and purchased a 2022 9 GT. The FJ-09 is quicker, more flickable (more fun). The Tracer GT is a great bike. I love the cruise control etc it is still fast but the power does not come on in a big satisfying rush like the FJ-09. I really like the Tracer 9 GT it is more capable, more comfortable to tour with and generally a better bike---just a little less fun.
For the price that’s a great bike it’s the best looking sport touring bike I’ve seen and I like the double digital dash it’s like they replaced the speedometer and the tachometer with digital screens instead of analog that’s pretty cool and thinking out side the box good one Yamaha!!!!!
Excelent video!! How about the Ninja 1000sx next?
on this category i would suggest the versys 1000 SE. it gives you the option of 10 different settings in rebound, compression independent for from and rear. plus you can adjust the shock preload all through a few clicks on the dash.
I had a 2019 Versys 1000 SE LT+ until I hit a deer this summer. Suspension adjustbility? If you can't find a setting you like, there's no hope for you.
In your opinion is the suspension adjustability worth the extra 2 grand?
@@danlford tough question. But i would say yes because you can fit a full size helmet in the side cases as well as having better protection from the windscreen. But thats my opinion anyway
How hard are fork seal replacement with all those electronics?
Genuine question. I do my own work.
@@JoshuaTootell genuine answer : exactly the same. Kawasaki is using showa electronic forks. You undo the topcap like a traditional fork and the screw at the bottom of the fork. And the whole cartridge gets removed. You CAN disable it if you want to change the spring.
Zack: Bike's a bit thirsty
Bike: I said stay in 6th
I've got an average of 4.4l/100km (53mpg) over 5500km. And that includes majorly backroads but also Autobahn at 240km/h and other less efficient things.
Zach says just gear it up
I own this bike and at 1600 miles I average 45.2mpg (what it says on dash) for what it's worth. I'm a bit heavier at 270lbs too. I do about 50/50 spirited and highway riding.
I would still go for the Triumph 850 sport. No need for fancy electronics, semi suspension, dash, plus it looks way better IMO.
Not sure which one is the most fun tho
Zack you need to include the Portuguese Bend area with the sunken uneven road and whoops! Doesn’t that test your confidence on a bike ha? You’re the best -Dave
Zach, love your series and consistency of testing. I can rely on you for objective comparisons that help me decide. Keep up the great work!
Man that stretch of road really does make you think of your wife. Thanks for the videos. Im a novice in the beginner category. You’ve been a lot of help
love it... I went back and forth on the Versys and the Tracer a couple of years ago and I am glad I went with the Versys. It is such a great little bike to ride around town, to ride to work, has great storage, simple, etc. I have a goldwing for the highway and the versys for short trips or in town riding. My only gripe is I wish it had a little more leg room. Seriously a great bike, but I still think about the tracer once in a while for the extra power. Anyway, thanks for another great review.
Glad they moved the key location. Pre 21 was a terrible location.
Definitely agree
Removing the pre 21 key felt like one was removing a bike component.
@@lovelessissimo yes, like they have it right next to the spark plugs.
At the cost of that terrible dash layout
Loving the stickers, its like a replacement for the cool/expensive chart
I'm blown away by all of the electronics on the new bikes. I'm used to my 80s KLR and late 90s XR650R. I'm certain I'd be an elderly person operating a new iPhone riding one of these machines.
I just bought an early 80's bike. I have EFI!
Quite the opposite i would imagine. A new iPhone kind of requires you to interact with weird menus and all. But a bike is a bike is a bike. If you get it set up once to suit your needs, your ride will be safer with the security features, won't it?
Yamaha is advertising this as a sport tourer, not adventure bike. I don't know that most consider it that but that's how its listed on the Yamaha site. Great review by the way. Thank you for posting this. Very helpful.
I want to see a daily rider on the Moto Guzzi VT 85 TT or the Centenario edition. If I want a middleweight, I want one with character and hopefully not as strange looking around the headlights as the tracer.
I can wholeheartedly recommend the V85, I am using it for all kinds of riding, and its just a champ and gets 50mpg on top out of an 850cc engine with tons of character.
Rode the V85tt. Can check it. It is a different bike and it offers a lot for what it is. :)
@@RRRRefuelRideRace I did go buy the Travel and love it. Now I want the V100 Mandello also!
@@thomasneedham1512 I rode the GT now i just have to book the test ride for the V100 ASAP, I mean when the weather will be good enough. You are kindly invited to visit my channel. :)
the green arrows for up and down shifting aren't there to suggest that you shift. They light up green when the system has prepped the quickshifter/autoblipper for a shift.
Ironically, I learned about the Tracer on a Triumph page so I naturally had to look it up! Now while my heart has been on a T120 for a long time, the Tracer definitely checks a LOT of boxes for me and I will be considering it.
All that aside, this was the funnest review video I have ever watched. Keep up the great work!
My 2019 GT has a distinct engine scream when you rev on 6gear at around 4000rpm or higher, I didn’t hear that on this model.
Oh yay another review of the Yamaha tracer 9gt. I’m sure it ranked high on the leader board because God forbid anyone reviewing this bike actually say anything truly negative but that is the case with most Japanese motorcycle reviews. I guess we know who pays the bills. From my observation it has bargin basement brakes (you don’t want to go cheap on brakes especially front brakes), cheap brake lines, TFT is the worse I’ve ever seen, tweener engine that is not as power as an inline 4 and not as torquey as a twin. I guess that’s why the mt07 and the T7 are so much more popular then the triple cylinder motorcycles from Yamaha.
The bike is ugly, the windshield is garbage, the preload isn’t even electronically adjustable (manual), side cases are weird, controls are cheap, no Bluetooth connectivity, no navigation, the smallest one head light I’ve ever seen on a motorcycle and overall the motorcycle seems to be a step backwards in many areas from the last iteration. At least the last one looked cool. This one is a pure disgrace. With so many known compromises it makes me wonder what other unseen compromises they are on this budget built motorcycle. Worse yet the MSRP is 15k😂🤣…. Ok
What a laughable comment
The CP3 engine is legendary. Plenty of torque and good top end power, you'll find plenty of professional reviewers saying that the inline 3 is the BEST engine for a bike, EVER... Just look at Triumph.
The bike has excellent brakes lol, you clearly haven't ridden anything or have 0 skill on bikes.
Imagine thinking that anything thats not a "bR3mb0 MonBLOCK muurrhrh superbraker" is quote "a bad brake" hillarious.
The electroncis are better than any bike in the pricerange, longest service intervals aswell.
The BMW F900 is not even competetion for this bike, yet its the same price.
Looks are subjective, i think it looks dope in red or the Tech Kamo color. The split lights are not my cup of tea however.
Also do you expect all bikes to have electronically adjustable preload, bluetooth connectivity and navigation?? Well good then buy a 2x as expensive bike lol.
Or a BMW with a shitty chinese engine.
I can fit in both cases my helmet with no effort, even with the Cardo installed. It is a modular Schubert C3, size L.
The only thing is that it needs to be inserted upside down.
I feel like the cp3 is much like the hellcat power train. you can put it into different chasis’s but at the end of the day it’s till the same power train we have had, however cp3 is a fantastic engine
I bought a 2015 FJ09 this year to replace my FJ1200. I regularly average over 50mpg on it. I was afraid it would feel too refined compared to a bike from the 80's, but it's got character in just the right places for me.
Nice to know. Once upon a time I put 55,000 miles on a 1989 FJ1200. Then it got stolen
I thought it was going to take the 650 Versys... I own a Versys and love it... Great video as always..
I rode the Yamaha and the versys 650 back to back yesterday and I would buy the versys 650 all day long.
@@1Bigduff why? Is the versys buzzy?
@@apauma1 not at all. very smooth and rode great.
Great planning on releasing the daily rider episodes on Saturday morning it gets my full attention and looking forward for the vstrom I owned a 03 loved the bike and could easily embarrass sport bike riders
I still have my '02, 61k and going strong. I can't imagine getting rid of it for a bunch of electronic nannies.
Not everything that makes you happy is legal.... had to laugh at that. Great vid, as always. I rode the MT09 at a demo day and found the clutch engagement was really late in the lever travel...I realize the lever is adjustable as is the cable but that really threw me off at first and kind of dampened what would have been an incredible ride as that motor is a blast. Same issue on the XSR900...sounds like maybe it was an issue on this bike as well?
I love how each thumbnail he has a different look on his face summarizing how he feels about the bike 😆
Am like stoked every time you post a POV video. Am curious though about this video. The U turn was 2.5 parking spots. Am certain it's much lesser on Yam's sold in Japan, Thailand and other South East Asian countries.! What do you think Sir.
Still does wheelies with a longer swingarm. I don't think that motor is long in the tooth, I think they got it right a long time ago. Valid complaints about the suspension. I suspect that drives the price up a good bit and doesn't deliver.
Whew. I'm always on the edge of my seat with these videos to see if my Versys 650 will get removed from the podium. Not today though!
As long as YOU are happy with your bike, why do you care?
Don't understand, Tracer 9 loses to Versys because it has less power and is more beginner friendly? Then what's the multistrada and gs doing above it?
The Versys 1000, even with the higher price, is probably the most direct comparison to the Tracer 9 GT. Those two were my options a couple years ago when I stepped down from a Concours 14. I chose the Versys 1000.
The thing about the engine being overdue for something new. That's a perspective comming from someone who has ridden that engine through and through a lot. A lot of people looking for a motorcycle like this, has probably not put that engine through its paces and it might suit them very well!
"What's wrong with going 25mph in 3rd gear?" Well... That might be the reason why you're getting 41mpg with the Tracer 9 and I get 51mpg with my Versys 1000. LOL No offense intended here. And thanks for another excellent video, Zack!
What a great machine. I think if I was in the market for a sport tourer then this would be high on the list for sure.
Tracer 700 plz Come on Yamaha !
Would love to see the Tracer & Gt if possible. Also, the more of Triumph, trident, Thruxton, Bobber maybe ?
Great review. I know these are great bikes, but the windshield looks like it was sawed out of some plexi as a last-minute gesture with little thought involved.
I guess Yammie-ha knows that the aftermarket-world will cover it, right?
You should see the original 2015-17 FJ09 windscreen. Useless flimsy piece of crap. This is a major improvement even if it's still not that great.
Do you really think the engine is long in the tooth? I would argue it's the most exciting in it's respective class, and maybe the best part of the bike.
If you’d read manual you’d know that green arrow says you can up/down shift, not suggesting that you do :) But who does the RTFM nowadays right?
I would guess most people who buy a new bike would. I know I get super exited with a new toy and usually read the manuals at night. Now I can see how he wouldn't, as I've never read a manual for a bike I've borrowed.
Just bought one today in that exact colour scheme!
Delivery in two days time 😍
You need to get a Super Duke on that board, it's right up Zack's alley!
Looks like a lovely $10k-$12k bike.
At $15k its got a lot of bikes infront of it on my list.
Yeah for real, the new Triumph Tiger 900 is less.
The Triumph doesn't come with side cases or an adaptive suspension at any price lower than the GT where I live - so it should rather be compared to the base Tracer. Also you're comparing a Sport Tourer to more of an Adventure bike - with one being faster and harder on the road and the other being more comfortable and capable off the road.
I had a hard decision going for the Tracer because of delivery issues, but there wasn't really any competition for it.
F900XR just doesn't compare
Tiger is slower, more expensive and has some focus for offroad that I don't need.
SuperSport 950S is more expensive, probably too hard for bad roads and less comfy on long runs (and has a stupid idea for side cases)
R1250R just didn't really fit me tbh and is usually way more expensive too
Ninja 1000SX was the only real competitor but it has even more power that I don't need and requires more fuel and is not as variable with the suspension
@@d0n_key Wow you really niche'd those niches to get that one across the line.
@@siraff4461 I'm just saying it's a matter of what you're looking for. If you want a sporty bike that can keep up with Adventure Tourers on shitty roads and lock a helmet in a side case, you don't have much to choose from.
And as you said it was a lovely 10-12k bike - name one bike at 12k that has adaptive suspension. And then add quick shifter, side cases, cornering lights and an engine like that and see where you are.
tracer 9 GT is a very capable bike all round good at everything and go pretty much anywhere in real world terms. comfortable plenty of power, as a daily driver you can't go wrong
It is sad to hear that suspension feels wobbly when you have a passenger. Yamaha asks for premium price but still gives budget suspension. I was excited when this tracer was launched but i will choose tiger 900. Thanks for the valuable information
He said bouncy not wobbly. Huge difference between a little bouncy and wobbly. Also his passenger gave it a good grade overall.
Also the bike gets number 4 on his board so its obviously not the piece of shit you make it sound like.
It was pretty stiff when I rode with a friend of mine a few weeks ago, though I'm not very heavy and neither is she.
You are the one reviewer I look too for an honest, well thought review
I daily one of these, and I absolutely love it.
The screen brightness isn't a major issue, even in direct sunlight. Yes, some of the text is small, I have young eyes and it doesn't bother me. The bit about the shift indicators is completely incorrect - as others have mentioned, they are QS go/no-go indicators. There is, however, an option to display a shift indicator on the gear indicator in the menu (gear indicator blinks when at ideal RPM). Thumbwheel is functional, but annoying. It's way too easy to scroll down instead of selecting.
The windscreen adjustment does make a difference, but yeah, more range would be nice (I'm 6').
Mileage: I'm averaging 49 mpg, mostly highway, but some spirited twisties.
The front of some new Yamahas look nearly invisible to me with the small projector beams that are often recessed. Given how difficult bikes can be for drivers to see, it'd be nice if it stood out a bit more. The FJR1300 is a lot better in this respect (though it still only comes in Tarmac Urban Camo Grey).
Real world 40mpg pretty darn good. I have a '21 mt09 and can ride it HARD and get 35mpg. My '18 mt10 gets 25 when I ride it the same way. I would buy this in a heartbeat! I'm 62 and have owned literally 40 bikes over the years. All the Japanese big 4 are great but I've always had nothing but great things to say about my yamaha's.
Zack says the display on the Tracer 9 GT is more difficult to read than the Versys 650 LT display, but, if you compare hisTracer 9 GT review at 13:11 in bright sunlight to the lower LCD speedo reading on his Versys 650 LT at 17:19 you can’t even make out the digital speed reading on the Versus while you can on the Tracer ? In both of these situations, the sun appears to be, for the most, part directly overhead.
This is why I don’t always trust what is put in these reviews. No offense to Zack, because much of his comments are insightful, but unless you choose the Versys 650 LT for its lower price, or the larger ‘range’ due to better fuel economy(gas tank size for Versys 650 LT 5.5 U.S gal vs. Tracer 9 GT 4.755 US gal (18L)), which is in most cases to be about 75 ? miles more, and if you can learn to turn your helmet upside down to fit it into the side cases, there is no comparison, in my opinion, to the features and performance offered on the Tracer 9 GT.
21:05 for the dirt. Great video as always.
Good review. Like your system of ranking bikes. Thanks.
Not only is Zach knowledgeable he is just a joy to listen to. In that spirit, I propose a Zach Courts Daily Rider Drinking game. Any iteration of “trundle” or an instance of the patented giggle = 1 drink (trundling, trundle along, etc.). “Mamba Jamba” = 2 drinks. And if we get a “Cheese and Rice” at any point you gotta chug.
Easy peasy lemon squeezy!
Thankfully Zack's vocabulary is grander than those other guys with beans&machines!
@@druegeme yes, great one! I actually think I got it wrong in my previous comment: he says “jeez Louise and cheese” or something like that, but I’d accept any variation.
Yamaha makes very good bikes I don't think anyone would argue that, but they seem to keep falling short of greatness. Their problem, as I see it, is two fold, first they build their bikes to a price and it definitely shows. Secondly, to do that they repeatedly keep going to the parts bin. Case in point the windscreen, I'll wager they took an existing windscreen and just stuck it on there. Does it work? Kind of. Zack is an average size guy, 5'11" if memory serves, and for that windscreen to not block the wind on his helmet in the full up position is absurd. For a few dollars more they could make great bikes and I think people would be willing to pay for that greatness. Yamaha we like you and we want to love you, fix the niggles and we will!
He’s 6’2” if I remember correctly. I agree with you, though, that an adjustable windscreen that barely adjusts makes no sense.
Have you ever been riding with tall screen in windy conditions at 70-80mph on lighter bike? At some point tall screens become hazard. I rode from Oregon to Texas on cb500x. It was unridable above 75mph. First thing coming back home was taking off that ugly abomination of tall screen. What a waste of $150.
Can't build quality with scrap.Cant be great without innovating.
Zack is way taller than you think.
The windscreen comments.... I used to have a Concours 14 - best windscreen design ever!
Just came back from a Yamaha Demo Day. First up was the Tracer 900. The seat was probably in low position. I was surprised that it wasn't dual sport high like a V-Strom. I liked that. It was comfy. Foot position was very comfortable on the pegs. Reach and handlebar angle were, again, very nice.
Power delivery was butter smooth and predictable, as was shifting. There was no herky jerky. Neither was it on the MT-09-SP or the XSR-900.
The windscreen was a tad short for me at 6' tall, hitting the top third of my helmet. It was all the way up. Mirrors were fine.
The cruise control had some sort of secret handshake. Turning it on - no problem. SET - easy. Increase - again, easy. DECREASE WAS MIND BOGGLING. The toggle is labeled RESUME for increase and the SET doubles as decrease. However, tapping the SET button to decrease did nothing. Holding it down did, but when I let off it dropped it more than I wanted, whereas you tap to increase and that works great incrementally.
The bike actually feels light between the legs. Very nice. The ride was great. I didn't have time to mess with modes. Don't really care.
I rode the XRS 900 and the MT-09-SP. Frankly the two suspensions were about as harsh as each other over minor road imperfections. The SP only the slightest stiffer than the XSR. Leaving me saying that the Onlins really isn't worth it. Both were kinda spine jarring The Tracer, on the other hand, handled the road imperfections noticeably smoother. The ride was very compliant and I could see doing distances on this machine.
Didn't mess with the bags. Bags are bags. They are kinda bulbous. Kinda ugly as bags go actually.
The dash - TOTAL TRASH!!! The sun wasn't even on the display and all I could make out was the speed and gear position. 10am. Everything else was to small and the dash was totally washed out. I agree. The dash needed to be angled up and be higher up for any visibility. THIS IS A DEAL KILLER! Especially at $15k.
New for Honda is the NT1100. I think it blows this away in many ways. Number one is it's actually LOWER PRICED!!! A HONDA??? LOWER PRICED??? Yes. It's standard with a Google type interface dash and it's HUGE. STOCK- BAGS, CRUISE, HEATED GRIPS!!!!!, CENTER STAND!!! In Europe all this for $11,999. For the states probably $12,900. All I can say is this better be imported to the States!!!
Hi do you have an opinion on the Kawasaki 650 LT as far as how it would compare with the tracer 9 GT and your opinion? Which one would you buy?
I really like the Tracer -9 but don't want to pay extra for all the Electronics including suspension. I suppose I will have to purchase the bas model and add the side cases..
Could you please do a test of the Kawasaki 1000SX? Especially regarding the comfort for the pillion and multi-day rides.. Thank you!
For the 2021 model does Yamaha still recommend against operating with both the top box and panniers attached at the same time? As I recall the carrying capacity for recent years was quite low. It's one of the reasons I crossed it off my list in favor of the Versys 1000
Ben driving my Tracer 9 GT since May this year. I love the bike and the quickshifter is awesome. I have replaced my screen with a darker screen from Ermax. Im looking for a comfort seat because after 2 hours riding my butt hurts a little.
I love the lift control, just push the throttle to max without the front wheel lifting. All in all, its a great allrounder.
Hey Andreas!
Which model from Ermax did you go with? A larger screen or their smaller options? Did it help/change the buffeting at higher speeds?
@@Surpriseify High protection windshield - Color : Light black. Buffeting isn't all gone but I felt an improvement over the original screen.
Thank you Zack! Your videos are absolutely the best content on youtube. My wife (not a motorcycle fan at all), will watch them and laugh every time you do a wheelie and giggle. You are affectionately known as Mr. Giggles when I play your videos.
This Tracer 9 GT has made it onto my personal "leaderboard" for my next bike. That dash...Ugh... Can't say that I wouldn't buy a bike because of the dash but that's just horrendous. Anyway, thanks for the great content as always!
Thanks for mentioning the auto suspension and it's downsides. I've not ridden this version but I thought about that without even riding it. Fully adjustable suspension seems like it would have been better than auto. There's really only 1 "correct" setting needed. Once it's dialed in, you shouldn't have to change it. Add some preload for passenger and luggage or subtract some preload for solo riding. I think by the time the computer reads the road and tweaks the suspension, the bumps have gone by. Seems a bit pointless to me.
The green arrows aren’t suggesting that you up shift; it’s an indicator that it’s safe (for the gearbox) to do so. It’s on the manual.
Totally agree: why not fully adjustable windshield? ....full up or full down.
@RevZilla What settings did you run when pulling a wheelie? My 2019 mt09 would wheelie with ease but my new Tracer gt feels like the power is being restricted. Even with all the settings switched off. It’s especially noticeable in 2nd gear. When I crack on it there is a massive throttle delay?
The Tracer 900 GT is damn near the exact bike I'm looking for right now, if it weren't for the price, and that disgusting dash IMO. Great review, as always, by Zach.
I hate the modern smartphone derived dashes. What happened to big round dials, easily viewed under all light and weather conditions? You didn't even have to look directly at them to know what was going on.
Yep that dash just kills it.. cant get around how stupid it looks. I hope they get rid of it in 2023
Just test rode it today…the split dash was a deal breaker for me until I saw it in person….it actually looks ok in person. What concerned me is when you push the bike in a corner it feels unsettled and like it is without a steering damper entirely. Use to Aprilia handling so I should not expect all bikes to handle that well but it was unsettling.
The quickshift arrow.. are no suggestions to shift up or down.. It lets you know if you CAN shift or not.. while on the trottle you will see green arrow pointing up.. when off trotle you will see the arrow pointing down.. its only there to let you know you are able to shift .
What about the NT 1100... please do a video about the new honda sports tourer
I see you're going over the Long Beach port. I don't even live down there and I recognized it.
I know this is two years old, but the arrow for the quick shifter isn’t a suggestion of the gear to be in - it’s letting you know that you can upshift if you want. If the engine is revving too high to shift, the arrow will disappear.
every time I see a Daily Rider vid, it makes me want to ride a Versys 650, how come bikes with better tech (except for adaptive cruise control) or bigger engines can't beat it?
Love your vids, have you ever done a 990 adventure, seen your 950 that was great. Would love to see you do the 990.thanks
I have had this one since June, no complaints, good bike.
I have a 2022, red one. Love the bike. My comments revolve around about reviewers' opinions about various aspects of products. In the beginning Zack says something about the triple cylinder engine we all "know and love" with the now increased displacement to 890cc, then later he offers a negative criticism about how Yamaha needs to step up and offer something a bit more in the engine area becuase this one has grown "long in the tooth." Huh? My sense is that, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. You want a what, more powerful motor for a sport tourer? Then get an FJR1300. The 890cc in the T9 and MT09 is a recently improved/updated version of the 847cc version as you indicated. You reviewer guys always want the moon and for free. The bike as is as loaded and updated to the gills as possible with user features, power, performance and fun and yet somehow, it never seems to be enough. I know, it's your job to critique and find fault in the things you're reviewing, but armchair engineers only have so much validitiy in such a position. Like all others, this bike is not perfect, and while still under warranty, mine is in the shop for an unheard of repair to fix the cruise control that has also turned out to involve a multi switch hardware defect in the system. It seems to be anecdotal and I'm the first with this problem. I trust my dealer will fix it properly but almost a year in of ownership, this problem suddenly appeared out of nowhere. Zack wants more sophistication or performance or something, but with every additional complexity comes increased risk of failure and with it diminished customer satisfaction. It's always a trade off and an extremely tough balancing act for any manufacturer. Anyway, I ramble. Zack: the 890cc triple is a gem of a powerplant; it has more power than you or I will ever need on any given day while sport touring, and we should be thankful that Yamaha has engineered and refined such a fine motor that is reliable, durable and fun. Certainly I am.
Man i love these videos. I've put 20K miles on my Versys 650 LT and was thinking about getting a new bike. I was considering the Tracer so this is good info. I do love that Versys though - it is a great bike.