YAMAHA TRACER 900 (2018 - 2020) Review

Rear suspension feels challenged at times and the seat tips you forward into the tank. But the bike performs all it is asked to do.

Pulls freely in every gear

Owned it for 18 months always been reliable

Plenty of modifications so you can make the bike your own

Brakes are very strong, the rear really good, the fronts have plenty of bite and feel...not sure what pads are fitted but they work really well. Obviously being used to a bike being 65 kilo's heavier has it's upside! Ride quality is first class during my commute, the forks and shock have a nice supple action and I really can't fault it. Mine has the comfort seat fitted and while I felt very 'on' the bike to start with I've gotten used to this and it now feels just right. Not gone far enough to comment on long rides yet but it seems to fit me well at 5'10". Standard D222 Dunlop tyres are truly butt clenchingly horrid in wet/greasy conditions...Pirelli Angel GT's on order.

What a great engine this is...plenty of character, torque, drive etc. and sounds fabulous. I'm not sure how Yamaha have managed to make such a wonderful engine that can be both exciting and soft natured in one. I'm often surprised how tractable the unit is, trundling along and pulling cleanly from low revs without lugging. The flip side being that great rush of power higher in the rev range, it's a quick bike and plenty fast enough. I think the fuelling is fine.

Long time owner of Honda's, last two being the VFR12X and a Blackbird covering 14 years...nothing will ever come close to the quality, fit and finish of the BB in my opinion but I've been happy with the Tracer so far. I've more or less dismantled the front end to re-route hot grips wiring, fit rad' guard etc. Removed the seat latch to access a power source, fit a quick shifter, adjusted shock/chain and all fasteners, nuts and bolts have been corrosion free and everything fits back/mates together well. It looks and feels like a quality bike and using copaslip and ACF50 should keep it decent.

Mine needs nothing for a while and having approx. 6000 miles won't need anything major for a while, the original chain looks good, the tyres are still original fitment and it's up to date service wise. I can't see it being expensive at all to keep on top of service wise. I've noticed already the Tracer is a lot less thirsty than the big V4 by approx. 10mpg during my commute...I guess that'll improve in time as the bike gets used for longer runs.

Adjustable screen, (arguably the bikes weak point), power socket, accessory sockets front and rear, centre stand, decent displays, very bright headlights, suspension adjustable for pre-load/rebound front and rear, decent power modes and TC. Yes, the GT would be nicer with the extra kit but for me the standard Tracer is all I'll ever need.

I am still learning about the suspension adjustments. Brakes are top notch. Two fingers in 98% of situations.

The smooth running triple make very linear power from down low, building into an impressive top end rush. Plenty of low end torque too.

So far, I'm thrilled with the base Tracer 900. Previously, I owned a 2013 Triumph Tiger 800xc purchased new in 2019. An excellent all-rounder, but I prefer the Yamaha because of the cast 17" wheels, the upgraded electronics, and long service interval. I came off a '22 Royal Enfield Interceptor which is a good around town ride, but for anything over 100 miles, not comfortable for me. The Tracer will willingly travel cross country as well as burn up the two lane twisties. The first week I owned it, 5 of us took off for a 3 hour trip to welcome the Cannonball riders to Cape Girardeau, Missouri. The only addition I've made was to install a KAOKO throttle lock. Helps me with my old wrists.

24,000 mile service interval for valve adjustment!!!

I'm not sure if the premium price paid for the GT is worth it, that is unless you ride 10,000+ miles a year in all sorts of weather.

Brakes feel little wooden but once you get used to them there’s no problem and works well in any situation. Suspension in my opinion are good enough, even when pushed hard they let you know that you reaching the limits, and that a good thing.

Oh oh oh the engine is just fun and the sound from the triple is addictive! But if you want to ride sensibly the engine is smooth and let you cruise with ease.

10000 miles in a year mostly used for getting to work. Always outside 24/7 never garaged, no issues just little rust which is expected. Definitely holding better then my last Honda!

Would give a 5 star but the cost of buying a bike this days is just crazy expensive!

For me ABS and traction control and 3 ride modes, heated grips are enough. I don’t need tft display and trillions options or quick shifter. But wouldn’t mind cornering ABS and Tractions in future.

A little snatchy at times, especially on riding mode A, but I don't like my bikes to be too sanitised, I like to feel they have a spirit and this bike does. Pillion feedback is very good, decent sized seats and peg reach and good grab handles

I like triples and this doesn't disappoint, has a soul especially over 5k revs when it comes alive, nice and grunty midrange for easy riding and then punchy when pressing on. One of the best engines I have had on a bike

Some light exhaust corrosion and some corrosion on brake disc fasteners but that's all on a four and a half year old bike with 19k miles

Not serviced it yet but expect it to be very reasonable compared to rivals

Clear dash with digital speed readout which is good and easy to access controls. Mine had aftermarket heated grips which are nice. Standard screen is awful, I have fitted a puig touring screen plus extra wind deflector to cope with my 6'2'' height and its great.

Ride quality is very good, but it is sprung for a rather small human. Brakes are also good, they are old R1 brakes. I swapped to HH pads and braided lines and now it stops like a proper sportbike.

I wish I could give this thing more stars than 5... the CP3 engine is a true gem. Gobs of midrange torque and a wonderful top end rush to just short of redline. Even in stock form it makes fantastic sounds that I just can’t get enough of, this engine truly makes this bike and for that matter this whole series of bikes. It’s just as happy putting down the motorway as it is thrashing it on a backroad.

The only complaint I have is they put the absolute lowest quality chain they could find on this thing. Cleaned and lubed regularly and links are starting to stick and stretch is getting excessive at only 10k miles.

Very long valve check interval and the CP3 motor is nearly bulletproof.

GT version is very well equipped, heated grips work fantastic. I never tire of looking at the TFT dash... I honestly think it looks even better than the new Tracer 9 dual dash set up. Yamaha accessory heated seat is very welcome on cold mornings. 12V power outlet right in front of the bars is great for charging my phone on the way home. The factory saddle bags are a little tight as they won’t fit a full face helmet, but the narrow width makes squeezing through traffic much easier. Only huge negative with this bike is the windscreen, if you are shorter it may not be an issue, I’m 6’5” and it seems to direct all the turbulent air directly at my head no matter the screen position. Switched to a sport screen for the summer and problem is solved... still working out a winter option.

Finally a bike I can ride for a long time without the old knees playing up. 35" inside leg and one of a few bikes that is actually comfy for a tall, fat bloke. The screen however is pure dung and that is my only fault regards this bike.

Great engine. End of !

60 mpg easily acheivable.