BMW F900XR vs. Yamaha Tracer GT - Comparison Review
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- Опубліковано 27 кві 2020
- Probably the best motorcycle in the up-middleweight sport-touring segment: the all-new BMW F900XR and the Yamaha Tracer GT. Both share similar power output, both are comfortable for long rides, while being able to put a smile on your face. The Yamaha Tracer GT is in the market for a while and comes with great success, and the new BMW F900XR features new tech and an incredibly-nimble to ride experience. But which one is the best?
The prices:
BMW F900XR
Base Price: €11.700 - standard - doesn't include sidecases.
Version in test: €13.800
Side-cases: €350/piece, without the mounting elements
Yamaha Tracer GT - €12.500, side-cases included.
The Service Costs*
BMW F900XR
1,000 km -€150
10,000 km - €150
20,000 km - €361
Yamaha Tracer GT
1,000 km - €100
10,000 km - €128
20,000 km - €192
*Price in Romania. The price might be different depending on the market.
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The prices:
BMW F900XR
Base Price: €11.700 - standard - doesn't include sidecases.
Version in test: €13.800
Side-cases: €350/piece, without the mounting elements
Yamaha Tracer GT - €12.500, side-cases included.
The Service Costs*
BMW F900XR
1,000 km -€150
10,000 km - €150
20,000 km - €361
Yamaha Tracer GT
1,000 km - €100
10,000 km - €128
20,000 km - €192
*Price in Romania. The price might be different depending on the market.
20k service for my BMW G310R is 700$
@@trilexi lol, what? What did they do? Put golden oil in it?
@@DerpEye Switzerland prices baby
The quality of your reviews just keeps going up! Great job!
Very nice review..I think I'll go for the tracer..my favourite bike.that cp3 engine is a gem. it's nice to watch your reviews because it's in English. I noticed that sometimes you're having a slight difficulty of expressing in English but I understand what you're trying to imply.. Pls keep these subjective and critical reviews coming..we need more comparison reviews like this..
The Tracer's 847 cc, inline three-cylinder "CP3" engine can't be beaten. If you have never ridden a triple, you don't know what you are missing.
agreed, i've owned a yamaha triple, and a triumph triple before that. They are fun, exciting and full of character. Never rode the 800cc BMW twin, but i found the newer 850cc twin to be.....fine. Perfectly agreeable, plenty of power, refined and smooth. Also, so is a Honda civic. Not for me.
So true
greg alford the 800 Rotax twin makes the new 850 feel like a Ducati engine character wise 😂
Agree, the CP3 engine is one of the best engines ever made for any application.
Still remember first time I drove a triple. I was sold before I got out of the parking lot...
Your reviews are always the best. Thanks
thank you so much guys for such a great review and summary !! great job. All the best from Poland.
For the $$$ , reliability, cost of service I like the yamaha . Value for money . Also the engine.
I agree as I own a Tracer GT
But love the new BMW. At least I'd love a test ride on it.
I also tend to lean Yamaha for reliability and servicing reasons. But the bmw is a prettier bike, and I’m smitten. The Chinese built engine is a total turn off
Dealer network, reliability, and piece of mind. Yammie or Honda for me. I own a r3 and tracer gt.
Brendon Wolfel Because the Chinese build engine is not good? Where does this prejudice come from? You think bmw is not as smart as you to put a factory in China in order to ruin its reputation?
@@jdc3636 I agree, so many things are built in China that people don't know but as long as they don't know, they don't care.
I own a Tracer 900 GT and my bike before was a BMW F 800 GS before. It happened the same to me, I spent some weeks got feeling confident with my Yamaha, but I felt safe with my BMW from the beginning. But, on the other hand, once I have reached that point with my Tracer, I feel it’s my definitive bike!
Juan Carlos López after I dropped an adjustable cartridge kit into the f800gs it became one of the best bikes I’ve ever ridden: only Tenere 700 is lighter, smoother and easier than any modern bike, more reliable than any modern bike, incredible fuel economy and built like a tank. Only drawbacks is that it’s so easy to ride it’s bland, buzzes above 5000rpm and lacks any modern amenities.
@@khakimzhanmiras Sorted out the suspension and seat on my F700gs and have no desire for anything heavier, after R1200gs's for twenty years.
Very enjoyable detailed comparison and review. Thank you.
Saving this for later. A great deal of riders will be in the position of choosing between these two, so I believe it's an important comparison to be made
Congratulations for this presentation of these bikes ! Greetings from Greece! !
Thank you very much!
You guys do a great job. Keep it up!
i think you are wrong, the bmw base does not bring some extra extras that the yamaha tracer brings, bmw base does not bring cruise control, does not bring adjustable suspension does not bring side cases, I like the channel a lot but the things that have to be said hug
Nuksnenuco it probably doesn’t matter because no one will buy the basic spec BMW
what adjustable suspension? the front forks are not adjustable.
@@ampm9771 The GT has adjustable suspension... Base Tracer does not
@@racerdaveracerdave not thrue.
Great comparison! Giving your opinions and the reasons for those, I can make up my own mind, what's important for me and what is not. Especially coming from two directions, sporting and touring, makes this really interesting. And fun, btw 😎
Fantastic review, you guys have a great on camera rapport!
Thanks so much!
Love the reviews! Keep up the good work guys!
Thanks! Will do!
Great review guy's
Excellent review guys! You are great!
Thanks so much!
I like your reviews and your English is really good! 🙂👍🏻
Thank you! 😃
Thank you guys for another great review. Love watching your videos. To be honest, i think we are are all fanboys of the motorcycles we ride. I am definitely BMW biased, but i do believe Drivemag does give unbiased reviews (Bmw has lost tests by them) . Yes, there are subjective factors,ˋbike feels sporty´, but other criteria are just plain facts. If anyone is biased it’s probably we the fanboy community. That said i wish everyone out there safe riding and stay healthy......
Good comparison guys! Would be Great to see comparison new vs used
as with most bikes, used has less life left in it......
Drivemag Riders is like real BMW fanboy's
Never on this channel will a BMW lose a test.
It's getting to obvious
agree
Regarding your comment, BMW lost many of our comparisons. You just have to check them outz
They are deep in BMW's pocket.
Yeah it's getting anoying!! In my opinion the tracer feels beter. BWM fanboys.
@@ampm9771 Agree
Great comparison and surprising result 🤔
Could you please do another comparison:
BMW F900XR vs Honda VFR800X Crossrunner
might be also interesting
Great shots of the bikes. and great comparison.Thanks.
Great video, 👍🏻
Very good video! Comprehensive opinions on what you liked and disliked for each bike. Listening to your comments, I would probably go for the BMW, but would have to have the sidecases. I also need good protection from the wind and rain,, where I live we receive frequent hail storms in the summer. My last bike was a Harley Davidson FXDX-T (Super Glide T-Sport) and very much loved riding it. It's getting harder to find a good sport touring motorcycle that doesn't look like a sport bike with a little tiny wind screen. I keep looking. Thanks for the great reviews.
Great review
Nice review guys, I vote the triple it is more fun to drive, this BMW when I get older......ride carefully, cheers
GREAT review guys. Very good.
Something I don't quite understand is why reviewers never ever mention the reliability of the bikes they ride. So the bikes being reviewed is better for going around the planet, faster, meaner etc BUT would it need repairing every 5000km? Probably/possibly?? . They are not necessarily renowned for their reliability. Lets be honest here. Yamaha for example are THE best of any brand when it comes to reliability. Surely that is worth mentioning or comparing across bikes?
It's just something I (as an end user) really consider as vitally important. Something that seems to be lost on the professional test riding community globally. That's why the MSF is so good.
I own a Suzuki V-Strom and fully agree with your opinion about reliability ... nothing better than Japanese bikes 😎
GREAR VIDEO GUYS !!!
Yamaha was my motorcycle of choice for 3 years and we had a lot of fun together, long trips through Europe but there are some quirks with it. Seat, wind protection, snatchy throttle to name a few. Fun bike no doubt but bmw is more refined, in tune with rider, more civilized beast, so that's why I replaced my yamaha tracer after 19000 km with BMW R1200GS. Then again you get what you payed for. Good review guys
Yours tracer was not the GT version.
I realized also the same change, I do not regret anything.
Great vid guys!
From your opinion, whic is better for beginner rider?
Hi guys, love your reviews. I have a quick question. I use to ride and stop in 2000. I want to re start and I am considering f 900 xr, I guess I will be a beginner again. Do you recommend this bike?
good job guys!!
2015 FJ-09 I have ridden it 731 miles in one day! No problems at all!
Sounds like most of your issues with the Tracer were addressed with the 2021 model. I would be interested in a comparison of the 2021 models of these bikes to the comparable Triumph.
What are the issues with the older model?
Great review guys, thank you! Agree with the BMW mirrors!
No lockdown in Romania? Good test
Very nice and informative comparasion. I am a fan of tracer but the looks of 900xr is amazing. Yamaha should give a facelift to tracer 900 like the 700.
The looks of the headlight yes. Where is the ass???
what leather jackets are you guys wearing? im quite a fan of the all black one.
10:25 You see clearly here how you're not sitting on the right spot. Yamaha made the seat weirdly long and in a shape that makes you naturally sitt on the front part of the seat, while the seat is much more comfortable in the back. I have the same issue with my 2019 MT-09. Considering the Tracer 900 GT costs the same as the base model of the BMW, i'd say you'd be well of if you buy the comfort seat. You have full power in B-Mode by the way. You just need to twist the throttle more then on STD or A-Mode.
Tracer GT has the comfort seat as standard in some cuntries.....they are Gel seats and absolute junk, i purchased the standard seat which is much better.
You don't get full power in B mode. I've edited the throttle maps on mine so could see what the throttle is doing. In B mode, fully turning the throttle only gives you around 80% actual throttle.
@@noggintube No, since the 2018-models the B-Mode delivers full power. This was changed to the previous models.
Good comparison and video 👍 what crash bar attached on tracer in the video ?
It's a SW Motech
I have the Givi crash bar
The perfect comparison
When can we get the ultimate review and comparison between he BMW F900 XR, Ducati Multistrada 950 and Triumph Tiger 900? Mainly for commuting and touring.
Hi guys, Nice review but what about the yam with REAL tyres ?
I have to disagree about the seat on Tracer GT. I have the GT for 2 years now and I didn't find it uncomfortable in any way. I drove it one time for 800 km in one day, no highway just the twisty roads of Slovenian and Italian alps. I also did few rides from 500-600 km or even more and I didn't had any problem with the seat.
agree. I needed to get used with the unusual shape of the seat first until I could enjoy riding.
Seats are always a personal thing. Some people will get uncomfortable on a Honda Goldwing,others will ride a old dirt bike all day long.
I have the 2019 Tracer 900 GT. I tried to let the seat break in for 2000 kilometres. Could not ride more than 1 hour. Very painful ride. The kit from Seat Concepts. com completely transformed the bike. Huge improvement!
"A sore wrist after 10 minutes or so." Man, haven't you been a teenager once?😂
LuL
🤔👹👿
I didn't get a sore wrist after doing 500km in one day.. 🙄
How would you compare these bikes with the Multistrada 950S?
A little tweak with the suspension could have cured the hard feel. My MT09SP came on hard setting when I bought it new and it was unrideable on normal roads. Putting it in the soft setting as illustrated on the bike manual it was completely transformed. So plush and comfy. My friends riding the tracer as you are reviewing had the same experience. These things should be tested as well. Maybe you would need a longer time with the bikes to do that. If settings are there they should be put into consideration as they really do change a bike.
I ride aggressive so had to increase the front preload to 11mm and gave it more compression and rebound. 180kph all day long
And at the end of the ride, there is the price difference and the standard features on the Yamaha that you have to pay extra for on the BMW correct? e.g. centre stand, heated grips, panniers?
Here in the UK these two bikes are almost exactly comparable on price: £11,197 for the Tracer GT and £11,785 for the BMW (after you've made it fair by adding centre stand, cruise control, quickshifter, heated grips and panniers to the BMW).
However the BMW feels like a much more premium bike for basically the same money. The Yamaha just feels a bit... old.
Also, while the Tracer GT is just about maxed out, if you feel like spending more money then the BMW can be upgraded further with features such as electronic suspension, lean-sensitive ABS, cornering lights and keyless ride. So, you've got more options too.
The Arai helmet looks really nice. Which model is it?
Chaser X
That triple is a beast
Thanks guys.The XR appeals to me.
Today i own a 2020 yamaha tracer 900 gt because there is no comparison between the bmw f900xr. It is cheaper and better all rounder especially that yamaha engine. I would only trade it for the s1000xr but the price on that is an other level. So Yamaha all day long, very pleased with it.
Hi guys, I like your reviews, but please take some feedback as well, when you are putting in comparison touring bikes, touring enduros or touring sport bikes, it will be interesting how these models are carrying the luggage, eg. side bags that comes with the bike and how bike behaves with the passenger behind. Thanks!
Where you ride is very beautiful as well. Must be enjoyable!
BMW's got it on looks, the Yammie has it beat in the engine.
Who is the manufacturer / suppliers of the luggage rack, wich is installed on thr "T-Racer"?
Guys Compare/ Review the new TIGER 900 Rally Pro !
So for a bike from 2015 (had an update in 2018) compared to a bike from 2020, i think the Tracer gets good points from you guys. I say: very well done Yamaha.
Does the Yamaha 900 Tracer GT has a keyless option?
Will you guys be comparing the S1000 XR vs F900 XR?
Not in our plan, but.. who knows..
I just bought the Tracer 900 GT and pick it up tomorrow . Great review from 2 Euro Biking Snobs !!! Lol ... jk . I didn’t even try the bmw for comparison due to the price difference here in Canada . Way more bang for your buck with Yamaha . Also I’ve never had any reliability issues what so ever with any previous Yamaha products including their snowmobiles
I had the Tracer for two years you won't be disappointed the more you ride it the better it gets. Dial-in the front suspension it makes a big difference & changes the stock tires straight away for Rosso or Battlax T31
it was like riding on rails with the Bridgestone's.
Frank Stocker thanks for the tire tips :)
Michelin Road 5 on my 2019 Tracer 900 GT. Fantastic grip in the rain.
I ride Tracer 700 and am desiring to upgrade to Tracer 900 GT. Took it for a test, did around 80km on it and was laughing all the time so much that almost fell of the bike a few times - it is such a joy to ride. That triple roar and furts and crackles on the overrun are hilarious and savage acceleration is soooo addictive. Another thing, at least with my Tracer and my ex Nmax and now Xmax300 (yes, I do like my BLUCRU) not one single issue so far. Yamaha all the way baby. I have to give to BMW one thing, it is much better looking from the front than Tracer 900, even my Tracer 700 is better looking than it's bigger brother. Front indicator location is diabolical, looks like an after thought, why on earth they couldn't place them like on Tracer 700 is a mystery. But once on it and fire up the beast all is forgotten, just you, the machine and the breeze - EPIC.
Several others have positive comments about the Yamaha here but I test rode the latest version of it and I thought it was very refined and capable, until I took it on the highway. I found it was very buzzy in the grips, which surprised me since I've read nothing bad about the bike. I've since seen others reviews that also said it has vibration in the handlebars so I don't think it was just the tester I rode. I have a BMW now and although I like it I can't recommend them. The cost of the parts is ridiculous and their reliability is certain questionable. If Yamaha ever brings the Tracer 700 to the USA I am very interested in that.
Is it just me or does the engine on the BMW sound very harsh compared to the Yamaha .Personally I don't like engines that sound like a load of spanners rattling around in a drum. I do think the BMW looks nicer though. Yamaha engine in the BMW would be perfect I think.
Dry sump buddy
Test rode Tracer. The XR was not out when I tried the Yamaha.
Although the Tracer is quite an ok bike, the fuelling is horrible. That along with modest suspension tires and brakes as most have noted.
I went for a 2019 S1000XR instead in the end.
If the 900XR is similar in some respects to the 1kXR, the fuelling should be better than on the Tracer but not ideal. Still went for a remap.
Also Gear shift assist pro is not great imo. Solved it with the same Brentuning map.
Tracer does not have cornering ABS also. And BMW electronics are generally much more seamless, overall just they just do the job better.
If your budget is around the price point of these two bikes, personally would go with the Yamaha.
If you have a bit more money to play with, S1000XR :)
Absolutely love my Tracer. It’s perfect. BUT, I had to add Ohlins suspension, full GPR exhaust, ECU remapping and more...
You had to?
I only bought Öhlins, front and rear and it's just perfect I love it.
specialized500 that’s what I told my wife at least.
@@specialized500 I too am a Tracer 900 GT owner and will back up what @beanburnham01 says. If you want to push the Tracer on a backroad, the stock suspension is harsh and the throttle response is horrible. A stock Tracer is never truly planted and stable in the corner. After a flash and Ohlins it handles much better and FINALLY stays on the intended line.
You can mod just about any vehicle to improve performance in desired areas....that doest take away from the fact that it was a great vehicle in it's intended role from the get-go
Those prices are crazy! In Turkey similar spec bmw costs nearly twice the tracer. We should all buy bikes from RO ;)
The throttles not snatchy, it's instantly responds. The cp3 engine spins up so quick and with fly by wire there's no lag. Stick it in b mode for a while if you've just got the bike, it softens the response.
No, it is snatchy. It is possible to make a high power, responsive engine that also enjoys smooth throttle response. See a KTM 1290, smooth is ALWAYS faster.
Children of Tarmac Fair enough. I guess I should say I don't find mine snatchy. Earlier 2015/16 models yes. Glad KTM have sorted this, they used to be the worst. 1290 is a hellava bike, too much for me though, scary fast.
Just the service costs make the difference and also the assurance costs make the difference for the Yamaha GT and the Gas tank capacity is better on the Yamaha GT . but I prefer the look of the BMW
The BMW costs alot more than the Tracer GT, especially if you add up all the extras Yamaha includes with the GT. Yamaha also wins on reliability. And oh man that 3-cylinder Tracer engine!! The pull is unreal!! Trust me, GT owner here, you gonna love it!! XD
If you seek Reliability you choose Yamaha.
If you want to impress people you don't care about you choose BMW
I can belive I would say that but Yamaha looks better. Grettings from Vstrom 1000 XT rider.
Yamaha 900GT user here👍
How do you judge the quality of parts fitted to these bikes. Also, is the Yamaha made in Japan and the BMW China?
The BMW has the engine made in China. It's then assembled in Berlin. It's hard to discuss the quality - only time will tell how good and reliable they really are. But the Yamaha feels a bit better. But this is just my feeling. Cristian
@@DriveMagRiders Thanks Christian. UA-cam channels reviewing products is very useful. I would still like to have some idea about corrosions resistance and quality of parts before parting with my money. I bought a Honda last year and found that it has loads of cheap parts that are a constant battle to keep corrosion under control. True I live in wet and warm UK but I feel there should be some kind of corrosion resistance rating for bikes. Of all the machinery and stuff in my garage, only the motorcycle is affected!
@@raycollington4310 To be honest,no bikes are any good with salty UK roads. I always use the car winter time.
Edge: BMW. 1. Safety: lean sensitive abs. Too many beautiful curvy (sometimes wet) roads. 2. Off - road ability. Too many beautiful vineyards, waterfalls and lakes to explore. The big negative (F900xr) is its fuel capacity 15.5l. Safe travels 🏍️✌️🏍️
The essence of riding a motorcycle is to enjoy riding on 2 wheels. If I want all the bells and whistles BMW has to offer on their bikes I go by car.
Did you hit the drone @ 1.54 ?
fallenwout yes
Good eye. I didn't even see it
I just bought the Tracer 900gt because of what it comes with standard, I bet the bmw panniers aren’t standard when I looked at the gs , panniers where about $3000 here in Australia
I would hope for $3000 that's 2 side cases top case and all associated fixing (scaffolding) and locks . It does add up. The alloy cases are still worth there weight in gold used if you ever sell.
Check the description. The BMW panniers cost about 700-800 euros.
There where the hard case adjustable type from bmw no top box
waiting for Tracer 700 review.
How does tracer compare to the 1000xr?
thanks，900xr looking great😃
I think I would prefer the “sporty one”, the Yamaha. I already have a touring bike. If I’m in the market anytime soon, it will be for a sportier bike.
Compared to the Tracer, the XR looks a lot more nimble and the headlights and electronics are phenomenal!
The Tracer is sportier but I prefer 2-cylinder engines for the sound and characteristic.
For ME the XR is the obvious winner. Tracer owners will disagree of course.
Yes, I ride Tracer 700 which is Twin CP2 and sounds great but CP3 Tripple on Tracer 900 is in another league of glorious sounds.
The other reviewer seems to be biased when it comes to BMW’s I had noticed it on most of their comparison reviews that include BMW’s
BMW has a centre stand ja? The Yamaha maybe or is it an option. A very important feature on a motorcycle, not to be underestimated especially on a chain drive bike. Had to get one as an option on my CB500F.
Tracer has a central stand as standard.
@@rok156 Glad to hear that, too many manufacturers don't seem to be including them. Very hard to check rear tyre for nails, stones or oil, adjust chain without one.
Question: how tall is your friend on the Yamaha?
The shorter one is 5'8" the taller one is 6'
Those mirrors are terrible on the BMW lol. Should be black, hands down. I thought the Tracer 900 GT came with auto blipper, big shame it does not. BMW seems to make more sense if buying new. I'd rather buy a 2016 Tracer 900 for $6000 USD and put auto blipper/quick shifter/ecu for $600 myself and maybe a seat for $300. So for $7000 or less you have a killer package.
Those mirrors are not standard. They are made of aluminum, come from gs package and are rather pricey. Standard ones are black.
@@jacekmicka5183 Yes sir!
Tracer for me any day...Where is the ass of the BMW?
Always when you buy a BMW and a Ducati you pay more money just for the badge..
arvanitsa pigate?
Get a low mileage, used MV Agusta Turismo Veloce instead. More power, more comfort, more features, more tech, better build & components, faster, sportier, lighter, bigger tank, fitted luggage and better value. Easy to find one with less than 10k miles for less than £10k or Euros. Most will have glitches sorted already. All you need is an MV dealer if you can find one and bravery. :)
Yamaha Tracer 900 GT for the triple engine,reliability,cost of ownership,durability,and aesthetic appeal.Easy win!🏁
The bmw looks fantastic
Yamaha for the win!
Hi guys I'm 1.95 tall and I would like to get a sport-tourist motorcycle. Do you think that Yamaha Tracer is big enough for tall rider like me?
I have the 2019 Tracer 900 GT. Yes the seat sucks. But there is a good simple fix. Seat Concepts. Com has a kit that completely transformers the bike. Huge improvement! So don't let that impact your decision.
Someone is a little bit BMW biased me thinks.
Probably got paid more by BMW 😅
You are not alone. These guys are the same guys that pit BMW's S1000RR against panigale v4r and actually tried to make the v4r sound like ordinary bike.
Bias is normal in all of us, it's very hard to filter it out.
Unconscious biase is the worst.
Made in China vs. Made in Japan. The choice is clear to me. Bought the Tracer, upgraded suspensions, tires and brakes. Flashed the ECU. Now it is a great sport touring bike!
Yup. That's basically what it needs out of the box. ECU flash especially, factory fuelling is horrible.
Thats weird
My XR was made in Germany.
@@sv7017 It is assembled in Germany, but the motor is made in China.
@@SiriKaktiki Im happy with the "but"
The engine works flawless
@@sv7017 Glad to hear it. How long have you had the bike? I am seriously interested, planning to buy a new bike in the spring. The XR seams a bit top heavy, what do you think? Could you share your experience?