Road test of Yamaha850 MT-09 Tracer 2015 New horizons

monday, March 24, 2015, 06:15 a.m., outside temperature -4°C!!!!
I put on several layers and here I am, ready to get on the MT-09 Tracer to ride to work. Having personally owned a Yamaha MT-09 for over a year, I was eager to discover this MT-09 "dressed up".
Here are my impressions after just under 100 km.

design

it's what you'd call a beautiful, sporty and versatile bike, with a superb finish that's very pleasing to the eye. The front end, with its all-LED headlights, and the streamlined sides remind me a little of those robots straight out of manga comics. Since my hands are usually always cold, I thought that with the enduro-style hand protectors, I'd escape this unpleasant sensation... but it's nothing of the sort... it's just a decoration that offers absolutely no protection against the cold. It should be pointed out, however, that the system is ready to be fitted with heated grips.
The yellow fork adds a colorful contrast that adds a touch of sportiness. The windscreen looks protective with its height, but as it's not wide, once again it doesn't protect the masses whatever the position on the bike. The seat is significantly wider, adjustable and in 2 distinct sections, making passenger comfort more effective.
The seat is considerably higher and thicker, but not more comfortable.

riding position

when you sit on the saddle, you're much higher up than on the MT-09.
Being 1.77m tall, it's true that I touch the ground with the toes of my boots, whereas on the MT-09 my soles lie flat on the ground. That said, when you're riding, you really do have a better view of the traffic, which is very useful when you're going backwards in traffic lanes. The very upright position limits pressure on the handlebars, making for a comfortable ride. The handlebars are a little wider than those of the MT-09, which is less tiring on longer rides.

handlebar controls

controls are just as easy to use as on the Yamaha MT-09. The display unit is digital and positioned in the center of the handlebar, with multiple functions controlled by a button on the left-hand commodo for navigating the menus. Clearly legible and comprehensive.

the ride

the first thing you notice when riding the MT-09 Roadster is how much firmer the suspension is, in contrast to the much softer MT-09 Roadster. The reason for this is the bike's 210kg weight. The revised suspension settings add to the ride, not only in terms of comfort but also in terms of rigor when the pace picks up. With its extra weight and higher center of gravity, it's less nimble than the roadsters, but gives a real feeling of safety, especially when cornering, which for me is still a real challenge... but I'm applying myself and progressing little by little...
As for the engine, it has all the qualities of a 3-cylinder. It's smooth and supple, and makes a lovely noise that perfectly suits its touring-car look. The engine responds at all times, whatever gear you're in, and all you have to do is open the throttle to get the bike moving again. Of course, it doesn't feel as lively as the MT-09, but the combination of efficiency and peace of mind is a pleasant one. The Yamaha MT-09 Tracer offers incredible stability; it's as if riveted to the ground, and is unflappable even on rails or bends in the road, whatever the speed.

minor faults

there aren't many, but what I could see with my sharp feminine eyes was that the paintwork on the plastic parts is very thin, especially on the matt versions, and therefore marks very quickly. A 2nd minor snag is the bubble. Although the bubble is adjustable, at high speeds the wind is blown right into the helmet visor, creating turbulence. A final practical observation is the headlight switch, which is unnatural to use, especially when wearing gloves; it's hard to find and manipulate.

conclusion

the MT-09 roadster and the MT-09 Tracer trail bike have a lot in common, but the Tracer stands out for its riding position, equipment and handling, thus asserting its versatility and liveliness. The Tracer opens up new horizons while retaining the fiery, assertive style of the MT. A more efficient windscreen and other suspension settings could be reviewed, but in any case, Yamaha once again offers an attractive machine for those looking for a good compromise that doesn't sacrifice the pleasure of getting to work, enjoying great rides and even motorcycling vacations.

Scalle