MILAN SHOW: Yamaha launch faired MT-09 Tracer

Highlights
• 847cc 3-cylinder CP3 engine
• D-MODE running mode selection with three Tracer-specific settings
• Switchable TCS (Traction Control System) fitted as standard equipment
• 190kg dry weight / 210kg wet weight
• 3-position height adjustable windscreen
• New LED twin headlights
• ABS as standard
• Height adjustable rider’s seat and handlebars
• Large-capacity 18-litre fuel tank gives extended riding range
• Main stand fitted as standard

The bell is tolling for Yamaha’s Fazer series as the firm adds yet another string to the MT-09’s bow, bolstering the three-cylinder range to four different variants. The new bike, first revealed three months ago by MCN when we unearthed black and white patent images, is the first faired MT-series machine, offering a more practical do-it-all model in the MT-range, with traction control, ABS and rider modes, along with decent luggage-carrying potential.
Yamaha have clearly worked hard to make the MT-09 Tracer a more practical proposition, with a larger front fairing, adjustable windscreen, upright riding position, and a larger 18-litre fuel tank (up from 14litres on the standard MT-09) meaning the Tracer should be good for a near 200-mile range between fill-ups. The seating position is also adjustable, while a centre-stand and ABS are also standard fitment.
At the heart of the bike is the CP3 crossplane three-cylinder motor first seen in the MT-09 roadster, which was launched a little over a year ago. This 847cc motor produces 113bhp, and will almost certainly come with the revised throttle mapping Yamaha has made available for all existing MT-09 models (available as a retro-fit upgrade) to counter criticism of the snatchy throttle response on the early models.
The Tracer also gets switchable traction control and D-Mode which offers three power settings; all of which have been specifically tailored to suit this motorcycle from sporty riding through to touring and general daily use. Beyond the tank, centre-stand and styling changes, the Tracer boasts the same engine, running gear, suspension and chassis as the standard MT-09.
New parts include new twin LED headlights which do away with traditional bulbs altogether for both low and high beams and can be adjusted without needing any tools at all. The dashboard is a full dot matrix design and is split into two screens.
There’s no confirmation on pricing yet, while we expect it to arrive at around the £8000 mark when it’s available in dealers in March 2015.