YAMAHA TRACER 900GT (2018 - 2020) Review

put decent tyres on, Just does everything well. Fuel range 150 for me. Which is my bladder and caffeine limit. Having recently lost a BMW adventure where 350 miles was possible I can tell you that my body has a 150 mile limit. So the GT perfect for me. The tyres change the bike completely do not get budget.

love the triple. Just seems to love trickling and cruising. Country roads take me home its all usable as opposed to some fire breathing beasts I have been on. It is so much better to use 80% than only 40% because the machine far outweighs your capability.

Its garaged but I have ridden 2000 miles through rain and sun so far. No issues and as I am normally a no screen rider the screen seems great to me.

had fantastic road angels put on and the bike changes completely, Excellent service team at Alpha made a 500 mile trip awesome.

Alpha sold me a 3000 mile beauty with every conceivable extra. The upgraded lights are awesome and the heated saddle has been a revelation. I think buying second hand where a good set of extras have been installed is the way to go.get good tyres the originals are laughable. If you have one upgrades make it tyres.

I really like the ride quality. I've upped the preload on the back and reduced it on the front slightly to make the front move a bit more through the stroke. I'm around 77kg. Bike absorbs bumps nicely and is not too wallowly when pushing on. There's still a fair bit of weight transfer front to back but then it's a fairly big bike. One star reduced as I find the front brakes initially quite soft, but does stop well with a firmer squeeze. Probably better pads would sort it. Maybe it suits this type of bike, but I'd personally like more power in them.

Great character engine. Feels more than it's 115bhp, but if you're coming from a MT09, it feels slightly toned down - I guess because of the extra weight. I found fuelling absolutely fine. STD mode does it all. Never use B mode, not even in the rain. A mode is harder to manage due to the sensitivity, but it feels like you've gained another 20bhp. A lot of fun when pushing on.

The bike has been brilliant in terms of reliability. Typical Yamaha. Used it in all weathers and it never blinks an eye. The dash is really nice feature, and the adjustable seat and remote preload adjuster is also really handy. Only slight negatives are 1) Just had to change the battery to a new one which corrected a slow start-up where it needed a few cranks to start. Heard of a few original batteries going bad fairly quickly. Upgraded to a Lithium one. 2) A couple of corroded bolts on the underside near the rear wheel. 3) A wing mirror becoming loose a speed. Tricky fixing as it needs a socket which is smaller in width than normal socket sets. 4) Side stand is a little awkward to get to due to the left foot peg.

If you're looking for 2018 onwards tracer, pay the extra for a GT. It's a no brainer. The better suspension alone may be worth it, but the panniers, heated grips, cruise control and the dash are quality features which make the GT proper value for money. Fuel economy is great - you can easily get high 50's mpg without even trying. 18L tank is a decent size compared to what you get for other bikes. The exposed engine makes working on it easy.

As before the extras you get for the GT are brilliant. Centre stand - why all bikes like this don't come with one is crazy. Panniers and a additional top box have made life so easy using this as a daily ride.Screen is still pretty bad at speed. A lot of people change them or add a deflector. Original tyres are poor. That said - its still 5 stars for equipment! I was worried at 5' 9 that i'd be too small for this bike but i need not have worried. I can almost flat foot it, if not almost being on the balls of my feet. Never felt intimidated by it.

I've covered over 200 miles in a single run, with a little bit of soreness creeping in on the inner thighs about 195 miles. The seat is adequate for everything under that, although it is a little on the hard side. I haven't tried any alternatives.The balance of the bike makes this ideal for filtering, low speed handling and then at the other scale excells in motorway stability. The bike feels as if it sits quite high and upright meaning you find yourself throwing your vision further and able to anticipate hazards. When you do push on the bike taps into its MT09 'hooligan' side and will take pretty much everything you throw at it. Most of the time the talent will run out before the bike's limits are exceeded.

The engine is a peach. As already stated, punchy, economical when needed and trested gently and a complete animal in 'A' mode.

Mirrors have had to be replaced on warranty and I'm told its a common problem, rusting around the joints. The foot guards were slightly worn when I bought the bike (1k miles) and they've continued to wear. It's an easy aftermarket fix if you like your bikes like a showroom trophy. Started first time on the button, used all year round. Heated grip settings mean you can customise the three levels and can confirm the max setting is basically 'set my hands on fire' temperature, which when the windchill is trying it's best to frostbite the digits, is welcome.The standard screen is terrible. If you're buying this bike buy the MRA screen recommended by MCN, it changes the whole riding experience for the better. The panniers do not hold a full face helmet and the rear suffrage isn't weight rated for three boxes & pillion, so this isn't your 2-up tourer machine. I've also had two occasions where the pannier has flipped open on the move. Thankfully empty at the time.

I have at least two to three services a year. So far I've used a dealer and I've not had a service come in at less than £400 for the basic service. This could just be a 'south East' tax, but I've rang yamaha dealers as far north as Lincoln and the prices all tend to be the same. Its absolutely disgusting. Services are every 6k miles. The next service (24k service) I've been quoted £1400 to do... buyer beware!Tyres are straight forward. I usually opt for Dunlops as a relatively hard-wearing commuting/touring tyre which work out at roughly £280 a set, and I go through 2 sets a year.

Cruise control, heated Grips, panniers, main stand, handguards, LED lights... all the gadgets.I've added a Keis heated jacket cable (essential in my opinion) to the bike and a Quad Lock case. Mudguard extenders and a Rad Guard are on the Radar too although with servicing costs as high as they are the budget only stretches so much...

Mine has a comfort seat and touring screen, so technically I’m teaching on the comfort front. Normal screen is beyond awful and seat average at best. I’m very happy with my setup. To me it’s the perfect allrounder and that’s how I use it. Will remain with me for many years to come.

It’s a peach, probably the best but alongside having a quick shifter for those times you are moving along fast. I love the engine, very very useful power at all times A mode - track days etc, rarely usedStd mode - more than enough, on 99% of the time Rain mode - I find it useful, genuinely useful when raining, everything power wise is softer. Yeah I could keep on Std mode, but this just makes it simpler

Nothing major to report. Bike just keeps on going. No issues

No disrespect to Ducati, but you can’t compare a Multistrada to our Tracer. The multi is £000s more and each service £00s more… The Tracer is a great Multi for those of us who have to be more money conscious, while giving us just as much fun but not in the plush surroundings and comfort of Ducati

It’s everything I wanted - touring screen - comfort seat - panniers - top box - Akra can - quick shifter - heated grips - and so on, plenty enough to keep me happy

The brakes are good, giving a strong and reassuring feeling at the lever. However, the suspension is poor and the ride is jittery. Fiddling with the suspension didn't make much difference. I am 100kg and had to set the rear pre-load to maximum at the rear and reduce the front to help stop so many power induced wheelies

Everyone seems to have about the engine. Maybe it was just my bike, or maybe it's just me. The throttle is snatchy. There is surging at constant revs and the engine has a strange sensation if engine braking even with the throttle open. Only with a wide open throttle does it fuel ok. The quickshifter only work satisfactory at full throttle and even so only above 3rd gear. Changing to 2nd feels brutal. The engine also needs revs. Only giving it's best above 6k rpm, which is above normal riding rpm. Below 6k it's relatively weak.

Only thing to go wrong, in a year, is the rear brake switch, which had the effect of giving me no rear brake light at all and prevented the cruise control from working. Winter riding seemed to have little effect to most components, but the mirror stems were corroded

Can't comment here as I only covered 3500 miles in 7 months before selling, but it gives a good return on fuel. My long term average is 54mpg. A tank gives about 180 miles maximum +/- 10miles.

It's well equipped giving you everything you need. Rider modes are a gimmick though. A is too sharp. Std is were you need to be but still snatchy. B reduces the snatch but makes the engine very flat. Easy to stall in mode B. Quickshifter not the best out there.Thumb wheel doesn't behave itself. A press is often detected as a scroll, so trying to reset the milage or adjust the heated grips is frustrating. It's also on the right hand side and difficult to use without first activating cruise control.Cruise control adjustment might give you 1 mph increment or 3 no matter how quickly you stab the button.Lights are good. Digital display is clear but very small. Seat only thinly padded but not the worst I've used. Side stand hard to access until you learn to back swing the peg up before kicking the stand down.

Have arthritic spine, tried softer suspension but road holding suffers terrible then, can only manage trips 1hr long. Engine torque is best part of this bike, total surprise, prefer to ride in high power mode but great to lower when raining for safety

Best bike ever owned for power delivery from very low revs, stunning engine. Exhaust note big let down, loved note from my ZXR bikes

Engine warning light on and cruise control not working, bad electrics, I feel rain has entered into electrics, terrible for bike with only 2,100mls

Do it myself

Economy is superb easy 60mpg. Road holding could be improved as lacks confidence through bends

Screen needs sorting

Brilliant engine and brakes Rear footrests to close to front ,probably a problem with pillions but I find with them all down toes on front and heels on the back they are ideal.

Wheel bearings badly corroded at 8,000 miles 1st the change. Quick shifter failed at 12,000 miles

Dependant on mileage. I will be riding many more miles next year.

Changed to PR5s at 1st change. Love the cruise control and ABSModes are a waste of time. Does anyone ever change it

Recently covered 1200 miles blasting around Wales , ride quality itself is great I've had the suspension set up for me. The seat is the worst part of comfort and will need to be replaced if I do a tour again.Screen is preety useless but can be sorted with a Puig Touring screen or Cut down the standard one. ( for some reason this works ) . Brakes have been fine and no issues , they stop.me when needed and have managed to even loft the backwheel "by accident" ofcourse.

Absolute peach of an engine. I see a previous Review states it lacks in power in comparison to a Tiger 1050 but that is incorrect, I regularly ride with a friend on a 1050 and the Tracer acceleration is better, whilst being much more flickable and fun and both bikes top out around 140. The Tiger could never keep up with a Tracer in the twistys.The engine has plenty of power and will loft its wheel skywards no problem. Chuck on an exhaust and the triple engine sounds amazing. I purchased a 400mm Black widow full system and its glorious. Next will be a remap. The throttle can be snatchy in A mode but in STD mode is fine. A remap will sort fueling for Exhaust and smoothen out the throttle ( and also remove the 5/6th gear limiters)

Screws and fasteners corroding after 18 months and 10k miles. Not the best really. But fairings/wheels/suspension etc holding up fine. Only issue I've had is riding in the rain. I pulled over to put my wetsuit on and the bike wouldn't start again. I had to bump start it after it had dried up and its never done it since. Maybe water got in somewhere? It's baffled me ever since...

Shop around different dealers for services as they really do differ in price. I payed £260 for a 6k service which according to Tracer 900 gt forum is a rip off. Tires were £280 for Metzeller SE01 fitted, roll in roll out service. Nothing else has been needed in 10k

Really could do with a better seat as standard and 100% needs a better screen. I changed mine for a Puig touring screen and has been fine. Would like cornering TC and auto blipper / down shifter. But for the money no complaints.Cruise Control I thought would be a gimmick . Why would a bike need that ? I can tell you now its brilliant and not sure I could live without it. It's very handy for boring parts ie Motorways etc. It's really easy to use and can speed up and slow down and auto returns to speed after over taking. The heated grips can be setup from 10 different settings into 3 modes in the menu to suit what you like and what gloves your wearing. I use 4 / 7 /10 and suit me perfectly. The quick shifter can be a pain. It's not been the best for crusing but when full throttle works fine. I would suggest not using between 1st and 2nd. All other gears are fine. Recommend comfy seat, exhaust,better screen and better tires (Metzeller SE01 or Michelin PR5) and it's a great all rounder.

Not known yet as just running in

Seat let’s it down ride quality wise

Probably the best engine ever, sounds good and goes good, pretty good on fuel

Fasteners furring already despite no winter use

It costs less to have my car serviced

Screen is useless, No fuel to empty gauge is woeful for a GT. Seat not very comfortable Panniers a bit small Quick shifter wasted on me, I can do clutches changes easily

Very comfortable all round especially 2 up, but also still retains that 'sporty side' to keep you entertained.

What a gem - smooth, grunty, tuneful and economical - what more do you want. Tend to keep it std mode as A mode is a bit instant for my liking.

No issues at all as yet (5000 mls), still looks like new but it is kept in a garage and looked after well.

Only the one service so far - no issues with price or service level.

Fully loaded as standard - cruise control, heated grips, led lights, TFT screen, centre stand, remote adjuster on suspension. I will try some different tyres as I'm not a Dunlop fan but they are still going strong after 4k. Only extra ive put on are a rad guard and side stand extender.

Handling and braking are both good but a question mark about the O.E. tyre choice.

A peach of an engine.

Centre stands cross piece is rusting and the exhaust end pipe is tarnished on the side closest to the frame.

Can't remember the exact cost but it didn't seem any worse or better than other manufacturers.

Heated grips and quick shifter, how have I ever done without these.

Yamaha know how to set-up a good set of breaks and they haven't disappointed here. Also, put a decent set of tyres on it at the soonest opportunity. Mine came with Dunlop SportMax on it and ride was transformed when I put Michelin Pilot Road 5s on.

Smooth and purrs. The burble out of the standard exhaust is nice too.

Everything else works as expected.

Not much to service. Pretty economy for a bike this size. A bit hungry on the chain lube and fitting an automatic chain lube requires additional engineering that doesn't come as standard with the current kits on the market due to the shape of the rear.

As mentioned, the quick shifter, the primitive cruise control and screen need improving. Would also have benefited from the suspension being electronically managed. I am not convinced the three rider modes are needed. Leave it in standard, as it's perfectly fine, gives you the responsiveness you need with the balance of speed, power and efficiency. There is no need for a "sports" mode on this style of bike. If I want sport, I'll ride the actual sportsbike in my garage. This goes for the three stage traction control too... waste of time. The bike is designed for munching the miles in comfort and safely, so you'll never turn traction off.

Brakes are good but I feel need to be a bit more powerful & suspension set up from factory is spot on for me. Quite a lot of vibration through foot pegs when in high revs I:e above 7000rpm. I did buy the comfort seats which are firm but supportive & as for pillion my wife says it’s more comfortable the the gsx1400 it’s replaced. We managed 300 miles in one day with no real aches & pains.

Love it, plenty of get up & go when you need it & that’s just in standard mode, mode A is a bit too snatchy for my liking & when giving it a fist full it just wants to wheelie everywhere. Mode B is good in the rain.

So far so good as I’ve only done 1500 miles.

Yamaha claims mid 50’s to the gallon but I’ve been getting mid 60’s but not really given it the beans yet but saying that I’ve not been hanging about.

Never had cruise control & now I would never be without it, such a great thing to have on motorway journeys. Quick shifter is brilliant & is a lot smoother if you change in higher revs. TFT screen is good but could be a little bigger. Bought the top box for helmets as they won’t fit in the panniers but the wife like to have a top box on anyway so was a good purchase.

Cruise control and quick shifter have proved to be a great feature I thought I would never need.

Brakes are ok but not up to a Triumph Tiger 1050. Ride is ok, a bit choppy and doesn’t inspire much confidence, the Tiger is a lot better.

Dull, unresponsive, and grumbly. A dog compared to my '99 Fazer

Poor almost laughable design in places. The seat adjustment in particular is a complete joke. Plastics are cheap and poorly finished. Critical components seated behind the front wheel are right in the firing line and are impossible to clean.

Good on fuel consuption. Explains why the bike has little power to offer.

Cruise control is a great feature. Full colour screen dashboard is a leg up on the rather basic tiger dashboard. Quick-shifter works although i can change quicker with a standard box.

I think it's the best for city driving because it's so easy to manoeuvre, it's also great for curvy roads and you can easily keep a high speed on the highway.

The engine is amazing. You got power at any gear all the time.

I think it's well built. I have had BMWs and this bike is almost as good. It's very close.

Cruise control and heated grips.

Still a good all-rounder. I bought it to commute and tour in the UK. The suspension is much improved over the 2015 model, no soft front causing wallowing and a bit of a weave some reported. The suspension settings in the manual (MTT850D) now make sense. NB The MCN settings for the 2015 model are a good commuter compromise on the old model. The new sculpted standard seat for me becomes a pain after 50 miles. I can't move around and find a comfortable position, its not flat like the old one.

Best bit of the bike: It's flexible, never falters and it's not as thirsty as bigger models. Sounds nice too.

It's better detailed than the 2015 model overall. Quality is as good as old one but it's new so time will tell. Some electrical connectors under the seat seem open backed so you can see the crimps, don't jet wash the gap bellow the main seat is my take.

Good on fuel on A & B roads. 69mpg

Cruise control is the best bit for me along with the new suspension. It should come with the larger screen (which I have now fitted) to reduce the noise, and the comfort seat, which is on order as after 50 miles, I was very uncomfortable. On the 2015 model, I could do 175 miles and get off no aches or pains. GT? Fitting a chain lubricator is tricky but using the pannier bracket and a 25mm wide aluminium strip it's possible to fit TUTORO one.