Motorcycle specifications Yamaha900 Tracer 2020 A road hawk

Derivatizing the MT-09 into the 900 Tracer has enabled Yamaha not only to increase the success of its spirited roadster, but also to stake its claim in a segment that is gaining in vitality: Sport Touring. The Sport-GT has lived on, disappeared into the background, and is now somehow being reborn with the sporty roadsters.

But let's get back to the Tracer, which is getting a facelift for 2018. As it was, there was no need to change much, as the bike offered so much to the rider. Well-equipped, fun, road-going, playful, lively, and with a most enthusiastic character, this crossover was a winner in every way, even on price. With a winter wash, it can look forward to the coming springs with confidence.

The Tracer's distinctive silhouette was an instant hit. A clever blend of streamlined roadster and trail bike with a pinch of aggressiveness, the cocktail immediately struck a chord. When you've got success like that, a healthy dose of caution guides the designer when it comes to tweaking the lines. The penalty for style is not a slap in the face from the boss, but a grumbling public. That won't be the case. The 900 Tracer II is a fine example of continuity. A little delicacy for the body lines, a dab of butter to soften the look, more simplicity on the plastics and less aggressiveness in the hand guards. The Tracer is no longer a young lady, but a young woman. And that suits her quite well, even if she loses some of her impertinence.

Yamaha wanted to capitalize on its strengths. And it has tackled an improvement in protection. The first 900 Tracer was originally equipped with an adjustable bubble. A commendable feature, but far from flawless. The bubble could only be adjusted when the bike was stationary, and its shape and height caused many users to hear the sound of sails flapping in the wind - a sound that bordered on annoying. Someone in the know looked into the matter and came up with something better. Much better: the bubble adjustment system is much more accessible, can be manipulated with one hand (it does take a bit of a grip, though) and can be done at any time. The plastic window itself has also been redesigned, and is now wider and more protective.

take the measure, settle in, rediscover and be surprised. The previous model instantly put you in a certain mood, curious and stimulating. Its large handlebars immediately made you feel you were at the controls of a machine apart, with the feeling of dominating both the front end and the road itself. A singular change on the new version. The handlebars are narrower, and this is very noticeable. So much so, that the riding position has become more natural, more... like the others. Yamaha has injected more touring DNA, right down to the chassis.
After all, a Tracer is as fast and lively as you could wish for. A new swingarm and a 60 mm longer wheelbase provide added stability. The rear shock absorber benefits from new parameters to optimize performance. But don't expect a miracle. It's not the settings but the shock that need changing. Like the MT-09 roadster, a 900 Tracer jiggles when you attack. Even if the MT has made a lot of progress in its latest incarnation.

Let's try to ease the guilt of the rear suspension, which has to withstand the onslaught of the bubbling 847 cm3 3-cylinder. A delightful engine. A little grumpy at low revs, punchy on demand and a pleasure to work with, the CP3 is a powerhouse of qualities. It is supported by 3 specific injection maps (A for attack, Standard, and B for drag) and a 3-level traction control.

Always ready for playful, even muscular jaunts, this constant companion can set off without hesitation on the assault of high daily mileage. Yesterday, there were just two problems. 1 - the saddle was as soft as my English teacher's character. 2 - The rear end was fitted with a suitcase anchoring system.... totally useless, as Yam didn't sell the additional plate for hanging luggage (in the USA, on the other hand, everything was provided for). We had to opt for a less cheerful soft case kit.
But some of us must have been slapped in the face, because everything has been redesigned. Anchor points for the suitcases are now integrated, and the rear end can serenely accommodate the removable rigid luggage compartments (the GT version can testify to this). The saddles have been redesigned for greater comfort, with more elegant topstitching. The rider's seat is still adjustable to two different heights, with an extra 5 mm for each top. Passengers also benefit from redesigned grips and footrests.

Apart from its swingarm, the chassis remains the same. A handsome, efficient aluminum perimeter frame with a 41 mm inverted fork, 4-piston radial calipers surrounding 298 mm discs, 245 mm rear brakes with single-piston calipers, and reinforced ABS. We still appreciate the little extras, such as the 12V socket, the particularly complete, adventurous dashboard, the 18-liter fuel tank for a big slice of the road, and the center stand - all as standard.

That last sentence could have been the conclusion. Let's be more prolix with an obvious statement. The Yamaha 900 Tracer is a damn fine motorcycle, and Yamaha has wisely refined it. A series of improvements enhances its on-road potential, while the styling is more refined. The only downsides are a 4-kilo weight increase and only a few corrections to the shock absorber. For sporty, premium-minded backpackers, a GT version has been added, with suitcases, color TFT screen, more comfort and electronics.

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M.B- manufacturer's photos