Motorcycle specifications Yamaha850 MT-09 Tracer 2015 Between roadster, road and emotion

The MT-09 is not just a widely acclaimed roadster. It's also a platform for developing more visually striking editions, and a working basis for models with other ambitions. Just like this Tracer version! A good dose of hard work allows it to change dimension and even category. If this extension of the name, Tracer, is a little dubious, the American appellation is much better suited to its appetite: FJ-09. The MT-09 Tracer's identity and equipment are far-reaching. A mix of roadster and tourer, with a hint of urban trail... There's no doubt about it: this is indeed the descendant of the TDM. Although Yamaha never makes this clear in its sales pitch. And understandably so: the Tracer is a step up from the TDM. Let's take a look:

first of all, the Tracer takes up the essential technical and mechanical basis of the MT-09 (logical...). The 3-cylinder engine delivers 115 hp with a cross-plane philosophy, and the die-cast aluminum frame maintains the machine's dynamism. That alone is light-years ahead of the TDM 900 and its 86 twin-cylinder drums. But let's leave this lady to her memories. The Tracer is already heading for a more spirited destiny.
One look is all it takes to realize that we're dealing with something quite different from the original roadster. Serious styling changes the whole look of the MT, with a fork head reminiscent of a certain generation of Fazer. The contours of the fuel tank are completely different, and to great effect. With its triangular side panels, extensively revised rear end and cheeky touring face, the MT-09 Tracer exudes more sex appeal and presence than the original roadster. The effect isn't just visual, however, as Yamaha has also worked in depth to ensure that performance is not of the same order.

For a start, the ergonomics are quite different. Here, the seat is in two parts. The passenger is entitled to attractive handgrips, and the rider can choose between two seat heights. The riding position has been raised and can be further refined, as the handlebars can be repositioned forwards or backwards. Protection is delegated to a pair of handguards and an adjustable bubble. It can be adjusted to 3 positions without tools, but with gaps of only 15 mm. A little finger each time, not sure it makes much difference. But the attention to detail is commendable.
Looking at this size, you'd think the Tracer would have had greater suspension travel than the MT-09... Not so. 137 mm at the front and 130 mm at the rear for both. However, the settings have been revised to suit the rider's needs.
And there are those little extras that make life easier, that quickly make the difference in everyday life, that can make or break your day. I'm thinking of the standard center stand, the 12V socket next to the dashboard, and enough range to ride without thinking about it. The Tracer's fuel tank is 4 liters larger, and Yam claims 300 km between fill-ups.

Silhouette, ergonomics, protection... and electronics. The Tracer really stands out. As on the MT-09, the D-Mode system lets you choose 3 types of engine behavior; but they're not the same. They are designed to offer a smoother response, something you'd expect from a road-minded motorcycle. Active safety is completed by TCS disconnectable traction control and ABS, both supplied as standard. Quite a well-equipped MT-09 Tracer, and for the right weight. 210 kilos fully loaded.
Not only is it not ugly, it looks good with LEDs (ah, the good pun...). The dual optics use this technology for the dials, headlights and daytime running lights. And it can be adjusted without tools. The MT-09 Tracer also features a dual-window digital instrument panel. The screen on the left provides basic information (speed, rpm in bar graphs, time, fuel, TCS, D-Mode, etc.) - the one on the right deals with convenience (trips, info, engaged speed, consumption, ambient T°, and the temperature of heated grips if you buy them as extras). This instrumentation block is unprecedented among MTs, yet... A touch of déjà-vu... It doesn't come from the 1200 Super Ténéré by any chance?! A tourer's face and a sportsman's heart, the promise is tempting.

By becoming a Tracer, the MT-09 seems to be reconciling the spirit of the TDM and the Fazer, while seizing the ardor of the CP3 engine. Yamaha has created a cocktail that is sure to please, perhaps as much as it did during the FZS 600 Fazer era. With pricing following the same aggressive policy as for the roadster, the success of the series could well accelerate.

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