Yamaha is catching up in full swing. The last to arrive was the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer. An interesting bike if you are looking for a bike for daily use but also suitable to rip a smile on weekend outings addition to be a good travel companion .
And in the international launch of the MT-09 I was very impressed with the performance of three-cylinder engine and expected no less from this bike after reading the presentation of David Remón and the proof of my fellow Javi Millán . But there is much more than a good motor in this Tracer, the engine really be eclipsed by many other arguments that add reasons for leftovers to be totally in love with this bike. The great balance of your chassis is one of the strengths , like its level of own equipment in a “Premium” moto but also aesthetic breakthrough led to the Tracer to exhaust all the stocks of the first imported units.
New family MT
The MT family has been some years in the market . It opened with the “musclebike” MT-01, a kind of sport naked with custom engine that despite its quality was not too well received by the market. Soon came the single-cylinder naked MT-03 , is riding the single cylinder engine of the XT range of 660 ccmotorbike A very funny but quite limited by its clear playful trend. Many years passed until the initials MT (Master Torque) have returned to the scene. They have done through the front door, without recycling any motor as in the previous cases, but premiering a new engine that moment being a resounding success.
A part of tricilíndrico the MT family has also released a parallel twin in the MT-07 and MT-single cylinder in the 125 . Certainly the MT project, very ambitious. It is not surprising that a concept bike and the Tracer is able to capture the attention of the public. It is not a trail but got the best of this category as versatility, it is not a naked but enjoys all its advantages through good plus a chassis capable mechanics that make it very versatile. All this formula has been spiced up with two essential ingredients for business success, one is a high level of quality equipment as a condition , the second and most decisive priced very content about the product offered.
CP3: Motorazo
The MT-09 Tracer be placed in a segment between the trail and the naked allowing you to inherit the best of each segment. The engine is the soul of every bike, so Yamaha have been good at assembling the three-cylinder engine to its Tracer . In this three-cylinder engine does not lack anything. Have low medium and high, spends little, incredible sound plus lots of personality. To achieve this it has resorted once again to the Cross-plane configuration, as in the YZF-R1 2009 and also in the R1M will make few months I explained this issue from Australia . The CP3 engine has a dual personality: Docile or aggressive according to the map selections
The engine is the same as in the MT-09 with platform CP3 . The engine is 847 cc and the dimensions are 78 mm and a stroke of 59.1 mm, 4-stroke, 4-valve, DOHC. The maximum power of 115CV and a pair of 8.9 kgm power , more than enough for even the most demanding. This engine is also the first model with eccentric cylinder, ie oval.
Cross-plane inheritance engine crankshaft shown in its depth to 120 degrees and ignition sequence: 0, 240 and 480 degrees manifested in a high torque figures also very linear. The feel of the engine is very strong and pull one of his strengths. The engine is very flat in terms of power delivery, but powerful and with considerable aggressive point , allowing a quiet and relaxed driving or if you open the gas eager, very sporty. This wide range of answers is not a fluke, the Tracer brings the latest innovations in electronics.
The YCC-T technology of variable intake nozzles allow the power delivery is actually metered and very accurate. The truth is that a really good Tracer allows only control the throttle as both acceleration and retention are well achieved. We also have the power three maps that allow you to choose between a sporty, normal or quiet ride . Personally I prefer the delivery of intermediate potency as the “mode A” which is unique when real war is like. The “mode B” is much more decaf, the reactions are very quiet, perfect for rides couple relaxed pace without worrying.
Bugger
One of the strongest arguments of the Tracer is the driving position . Being able to enjoy a good performance in a comfortable manner is not only a good selling point, but becomes imperative once you’ve tried it … The driving position is really well achieved , but too hard seat will stand for long rolls kilometers.
This seat that can be raised and lowered for suit our needs, you can change to another optional fluffier so the problem becomes secondary. The position of the handlebar is also adjustable by seatposts that can advance or delay as we want the handlebars more or less close. The position of the stirrups is correct and can enjoy a relaxed position but leaves enough angle to work with the feet in the stirrups. It is a bike for use 365 days a year, has it all.
The dome of curious minimalist design surprises with proper wind protection.In addition, adjustable in height by two studs. Tracer is really a very minimalist bike and its front is a good example of this. Virtually all boils down to your optic double equipped by leds , dome and extensions of the hand guards also end up forming part of the front futuristic Tracer.
What is surprising is that despite the reduced overall aerodynamic result is really good . For example, a server 1.80 meters and turbulence usually have problems with almost all the bikes and I’ve concluded that all designs are calculated based on the 1.70 meters. Well, with the small baffle dome in the highest position I remain totally safe from the turbulence of the hull. It is clear that the air shows in arms and shoulders but it must be emphasized this point in his favor. Good wind protection also extends to the legs and a narrow chassis and deposits have allowed the air to deflect without hitting our legs.
The fuel tank is another point that deserves a special mention as it has increased its capacity on the MT-09 naked. Its capacity is 18 liters and when you consider that consumption is 5.4 liters per 100km , autonomy will be located at least 300 km. But if you want to do with the Tracer is to travel and we do expressways largely lower consumption of 5 liters so that the middle without refueling will still be better, certainly a factor to take into account.
Your tourer side is also reflected in his back where a generous occupant space with generous handles and stirrups quite acceptable position allow the second in command will not mean an excuse the issue of convenience. Also surprising neutrality reactions passenger definitely a positive point that not all bikes can boast of. Supports for original bags are also fitted as standard, resulting in a quick and easy donning and doffing maneuver the semi-rigid suitcases Yamaha offered as accessory.
YZF genes
Although not look anything like an R1, or the concept or the power or almost aesthetic, the Tracer is quite closer to a YZF R6 what you can imagine. As I said before, the power of the Tracer reaches its peak in the 115CV to 10,000RPM and almost 9 kgm. The R6 is only capable of yielding more 8CV 4.500rpm and needs to get over, not to mention the pair, the Tracer has 3 kgm more,representing 50% more than the R6.
Comparing these figures one can get an idea of the response of the three-cylinder and how fast it can go . The truth is that if Yamaha will pose a new Supersport constructed from the three-cylinder engine CP3, I’m sure it could be very competitive and not have to see the Triumph Daytona 675 and the MV Agusta F3 675 . The truth is that road and if we compare one Tracer with R6, the Trail is far superior and circuit would not that far
You can go very fast with the Tracer, I was frankly surprised at the confidence that gives you this bike and how far away the edge in sports driving. You can go very fast without any shock or force the position on the bike. All the bike is well balanced, the train forward with the rear and center of gravity. The set-up seemed perfect for my weight (78 kg) and needless effort on the bike to go to a high rate. The equipment level is very high and a very affordable price
You can drive to the legs, or just doing a little against handlebars , the bike responds to the slightest hint without being nervous at high speed. The front steps well to enter the strong curves flushing slightly open the throttle the bike and eager to attack the next bend, all in a “wee country”. The bike feels very light while Noble by which is also highly recommended for inexperienced pilots whenever they have common sense because in the wrong hands could be a danger.
photos: Diego Sperani
The radial calipers allow a hurry powerful braking and feel at the lever despite being a plain little pump. The ABS fine too, and you hear the front and rear to force it, we see that it works efficiently. A very good level also works thetraction control, enough to save some another scare in highway driving. Clutch touch reductions is quite correct and the only point that he could criticize is a slightly rough feel of the shifter.
Value for money
The truth is that if the bikes had to assess the value would be some brands that call themselves “premium brand” with resounding suspended in their catalogs, mostly by higher prices make simple models. In the case of the Tracer is quite the opposite.
In the general calculation of value-equipment would this bike with the highest possible note. Few bikes currently on the market that offer a level of equipment such as the Serial Tracer: full LED lights, ABS, traction control , center stand, on-board computer, adjustable dome outlet, fully adjustable suspension, power maps, chrome collectors, adjustable seat … to name a few.
The price of the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer is € 9799 certainly priced well thought out by the marketing department of Yamaha. The available colors are three: Matt Grey, Lava and Race Red Yamaha Blu Besides well. offers a long list of accessories with which to customize and equip your Tracer among them one rear rods to lower the height of the bike, fog lights LED, comfort seats, Akrapovic entire line, and so on.
Now it’s up to you to decide if you want to try , Yamaha has on its official website a section where you can choose the closest place to ask for a totally free demo. But keep in mind that those who enter in “The Two Faces of the dark side” They can get caught in it … Forewarned is forearmed.