Love this bike - my issue is I already have the Tracer 9GT (replaced my VStrom from Kings) and I just can't justify the upgrade. It's the understated King of the touring market, less tiring to ride, more agile, lighter and far more economical than my mate's GS with near identical carrying capacity and similar real-world performance. No wonder they've sold millions of the things! It's my go-to-bike these days especially with the rainy weather this year. I do find the comments about the seat and the riding position strange. The same things are said on all the reviews, it's identical to the old 9GT which seems to suit me fine at 80kg 5'10" with a 30" inseam. Thanks as always for a great review!
It is definitely a good bike but the lowered one I tested didn’t really fit me . Reflecting on it , some of the finishes/fitting weren’t as good as I would have expected . The engine is the strong point . 👍
@@michaelmam it's easy these days to get caught up in numbers games & at the end of the day the best tool of measure everything in the bum gauge fitted to the nut on the bars.. fork rake bares nothing to do with head angle.. trail is the measure that affect stability & corner tip in.. BUT.. know that extending forks shortens trail & increases tip, into corners extending head stock angle does the opposite.. to a point.. rear tire track change vs front in corners are a big factor.. more as rear tires get wider.. just note a bikes trail or it gets messy to explain effects.. love your reviews 🇳🇿🇳🇿nz
@@Errol.C-nz Glad you enjoy them . Thank you . Aware that the rake is determined by the yokes , invariably off set to the head stock , but trying to keep to broad principles . As you know sports bikes tend to have sharper rake than tourers and was trying to avoid adding trail to the numbers game . As I suspect you already know , the best engineers tend to answer questions with “ well it depends” 😂 Appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment .
As usual another very good review, well done. I have this exact same bike in the same colour, I’m very happy with it. The bike corners like it on rails, with the panniers off it’s a great bike for a Sunday blast. Going touring on it in July looking forward to that. Thanks again.
after 10k miles on SV650 I changed it to this bike, in GT non-plus version. I consider it as huge upgrade by all means. Some say that v-twin sounds better: it might but if the sound was the only consideration while choosing the bikes, I would have ridden a guitar then ;-) Engine probably 9.5/10, suspension maybe 8/10. Handling overall 9/10 with few caviats like controll buttons/switches - some of them should be 5/10. Overall I will give exactly 8/10 having in mind that nothing is 10/10 I like this video and the gentleman part of the reviewer ;-)
I tried the GT (non+) and the most upsetting thing for me was the seat. It was too wide to the point I was getting cramps when putting my feet down. For reference, I am 1.76 (5'9") and by no means I have a narrow hip. Also, the seat/footpeg arrangement made my torso want to lean forward while the bars are forcing me towards a straight position which ended up exerting pressure on my lumbar area. I thought maybe it's a sport tourer thing that I don't like but then I tried the suzuki GSX S1000GX and that worked really nice in terms of comfort. Still not as comfortable as my 2023 V Strom 1050(non DE) though :) But it is a lively and spirited good bike.
Tried it and liked it but hated the looks and the dodgy finish in places. Ended up with a gorgeous Multistrada V2S, a joy to ride and so much better looking if expensive.
You know it’s Friday when you mis-hear 130mm as 130ml 😂 Not a big fan of the looks and 15K seems a little salty for a 900cc middleweight, even bearing in mind everything included (unless you want an MV Agusta, in which case it’s a bargain). I do wish some TFTs didn’t have a huge empty border around them - looks awful. Another fair and objective review.
😂… I am also in the “aesthetically challenged” camp . Testing a KTM soon which may slot into the “visually disadvantaged “ sector 🤔 I did think the GT + was a genuinely good bike but like you , was not entirely convinced by the dash .. each to their own 👍
Enjoyable review … honest and concise! One question (and excuse my ingorance …) - how does raising/lowering the front forks change the rake angle? I thought rake was fixed and only the wheelbase would change. Thanks for doing these!
@@simonrichards5430 A great question and far from ignorant . The old rule of thumb used to be 1 inch of reduced length , reduces rake by 1 degree … the fact that it is in inches suggests how old it is . With triple clamps and offsets it is actually a lot more complicated than that . I tend to look at it in a simplistic way . I am not an engineer and whilst I can normally get my head around what things do , I don’t pretend to always know how they do it. How I look at this is , if you draw a vertical line and then mark a spot where the spindle goes through to the right , and then draw three lines to the spindle , the angles between each line and the vertical are different , depending on whether they are higher or lower . Dropping or rising the forks , the vertical line , is doing just that ? Not sure if I have helped or hindered here 😂 Any proper engineers reading , please feel free to correct me !
Glad you enjoyed it . Thanks for commenting ! I suspect many reviews are like mine in so much as they have borrowed a bike so connecting it all up can be an additional faff . An owners review might be the best place to look ?? 👍
Great video Michael I'm not into crossing continent's these days so it's not for me and seems a little on the rich side for my wallet but each to their own.
Just bought one! tested 5 other bikes in the segment,BMW xr900, Kawasaki Versys 1000 , Kawasaki 1000 sx Suzuki GSX 1000 GT and Suzuki GSXs GX , it was the best for me. As to the comment below stating " Stupid Bike" what a STUPID comment!!!!
All good bikes . Always think the best way is to , as you have clearly done, make a logical short list and then try them . Doesn’t matter what journalists or TH-camrs think . You buy the one that suits you 👍
Thank you . Sadly I do not normally have access to Yamahas for long enough to make an objective review . Dont know anybody who has one but if I get a chance to test one , I will . Interesting looking bike ..
I've got a 2019 and it's... fine. It is a good value proposition but it's hideous and feels pretty cheap in places. The wind buffeting was also insanely bad at highway speeds.
I have the 2019 gt and love it. Now clocked up 30.000 miles mainly touring Europe. It feels just as quick as my 22 MT10 in the real world. I changed the stock screen to a small sports screen, which I prefer.
Are the heated grips/seat standard or optional? My dealer wasn’t sure. And how many liters in the panniers? And call me crazy but I wanna take it on the autobahn.
at 176 cm I was ok. You get a good amount of air but to me it felt clean, all the way up to 150 kph. To be fair though, I only had it for about 400 kms, as a loaner while my bike was getting serviced.
I an 6'2" and I own a Tracer9 GT+ Personally, I found the stock screen very good, a little noisy and some buffeting, but this depends on which helmet I wear, wind direction and other traffic. However, it was suggested I try an MRA screen with adjustable spoiler which cost me £125. I have to say that the MRA screen is excellent and I an very happy that I bought it.
hello, I was deciding between the mt09 and the gsxs1000gt and ended up choosing the gt. How would you compare them? did I make the right decision :)? thx
@@michaelmam a seasoned reviewers review comparison gt vs gx.. I find modern digital comparators (##) aren't as good as our old kit, analog ones.. old skool engineer 😵💫🇳🇿🇳🇿nz
I have a 2019 and really enjoy it. Great on the highway, lightest in class, fun engine. I even did a track day on it, though the 185km/h electronic limit isn’t fun, haha. The current generation is so ugly that I’d never consider upgrading. The ‘face’ of the bike looks like it’s puckering, I can’t stand it, haha.
Was just about pop out and do some gardening, but…..along comes another Mam Journals video, and the plants can wait an hour. First up, I really couldn’t buy this Yamaha just on its rather strange looks alone. And not too keen on the TFT and general layout. However, the motor is a peach with aural sensations thrown in. The benefit of this bike is, yes it can tour, but remove the ugly duckling panniers and you’ve got a very accomplished sports bike to play with. Overall, though, for the price, not for me. The MT-09 offers more value.
I'm not a fast rider,and then you blur the speedo! Personally, I wouldn't have touched the bike once I realised the suspension had been messed with. Can't be sure that the handling is true.
@@David-th2ug I would always prefer to test a factory specification bike if I can . I rarely have an opportunity to ride Yamaha’s long enough to make a video ,so I took it . The factory lowering link had been fitted and the changes made appeared to be in line with what dealers do when they install it . It was ok but nothing more . Oxfordshire A roads are now 50 mph and sometimes less . The same roads in Gloucestershire are mostly 60 . I am not a fast rider but occasionally reach these heady heights and maybe a little over .
Hello sir i m on a v strom 800 DE this isa fabulous bike to ride but i think about the tracer 9 gt what would you say about this switch sorry my english
Solid review, as always. Thank you. However, I simply do not understand why Yamaha threw an entire can of ugly at this bike. It has the potential to be a solid bike but how do you get past the looks? I cannot. And the MSRP is ludicrous. Too many other good, lightweight ST style bikes available for lots less, especially if you buy used.
I tested this bike last week. The seat position is strange. You have the seating position of a motard. For a touring bike its not comfortable. Also the seat padding is hard.
Seating position is influenced by body , leg and arm length . We are all different. If it wasn’t right for you , thats all you need to know 👍 Plenty of good bikes out there ..
I personally dislike TFT and rider modes, and l don't like the plastic Jetski design. There's so many ugly plastic bikes around today, it's hard to tell what's what. The Kawasaki Z 900 is a beautiful bike with analog clocks but l find these TFT SCREENS dangerous. Both eyes 👀 on the road at all time and know where your going . Rider Modes = £ 5000
I think one of the reasons that the retro market has done so well is the demand for a simpler approach ? Many combine a classic looking dash whilst still incorporating modern technology - traction and modes . I am glad we have so many choices ! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment !
I like my Royal Enfield Big Bore . It is a bit of fun . I have had far more Kawasaki’s , Suzuki’s , BMW and the occasional Yamaha . I will stick to ALL bikes thanks . 😂👍
Another fantastic and fair review of a great bike. I do like the Tracer and would consider getting one in the future. However, personally, I prefer the looks of the Suzuki GSX1000GX. Keep up the good work. 🫡
Excellent review. This is the only one that really walks through the various electronic settings. Well done !!
Glad it was helpful!
Love this bike - my issue is I already have the Tracer 9GT (replaced my VStrom from Kings) and I just can't justify the upgrade. It's the understated King of the touring market, less tiring to ride, more agile, lighter and far more economical than my mate's GS with near identical carrying capacity and similar real-world performance. No wonder they've sold millions of the things! It's my go-to-bike these days especially with the rainy weather this year. I do find the comments about the seat and the riding position strange. The same things are said on all the reviews, it's identical to the old 9GT which seems to suit me fine at 80kg 5'10" with a 30" inseam. Thanks as always for a great review!
It is definitely a good bike but the lowered one I tested didn’t really fit me . Reflecting on it , some of the finishes/fitting weren’t as good as I would have expected . The engine is the strong point . 👍
Thanks for demonstration the YAMAHA TRACER 9 GT+.I HAVE THE FAZER1000 (Year 2000-2005) a very fast/stable bike since 20006 as new❤
This engine gets rave reviews but the messy looks and overall styling would put me off. Another great review, cheers.
Always great to hear from you . Engine is impressive but like you , the bike is not to my eye ..
@@michaelmam it's easy these days to get caught up in numbers games & at the end of the day the best tool of measure everything in the bum gauge fitted to the nut on the bars.. fork rake bares nothing to do with head angle.. trail is the measure that affect stability & corner tip in.. BUT.. know that extending forks shortens trail & increases tip, into corners extending head stock angle does the opposite.. to a point.. rear tire track change vs front in corners are a big factor.. more as rear tires get wider.. just note a bikes trail or it gets messy to explain effects.. love your reviews 🇳🇿🇳🇿nz
@@Errol.C-nz Glad you enjoy them . Thank you .
Aware that the rake is determined by the yokes , invariably off set to the head stock , but trying to keep to broad principles . As you know sports bikes tend to have sharper rake than tourers and was trying to avoid adding trail to the numbers game . As I suspect you already know , the best engineers tend to answer questions with “ well it depends” 😂
Appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment .
As usual another very good review, well done. I have this exact same bike in the same colour, I’m very happy with it. The bike corners like it on rails, with the panniers off it’s a great bike for a Sunday blast. Going touring on it in July looking forward to that. Thanks again.
Have a great tour !
I did wonder if the lowering link and dropping the forks though the yokes, had compromised the handling a little 🤔
after 10k miles on SV650 I changed it to this bike, in GT non-plus version. I consider it as huge upgrade by all means. Some say that v-twin sounds better: it might but if the sound was the only consideration while choosing the bikes, I would have ridden a guitar then ;-)
Engine probably 9.5/10, suspension maybe 8/10. Handling overall 9/10 with few caviats like controll buttons/switches - some of them should be 5/10.
Overall I will give exactly 8/10 having in mind that nothing is 10/10
I like this video and the gentleman part of the reviewer ;-)
@@zyghom Thank you ! Loved the guitar comment 😂
Another great review. Keep up the great work.
Thank you . Glad you enjoyed it 👍
I tried the GT (non+) and the most upsetting thing for me was the seat. It was too wide to the point I was getting cramps when putting my feet down. For reference, I am 1.76 (5'9") and by no means I have a narrow hip. Also, the seat/footpeg arrangement made my torso want to lean forward while the bars are forcing me towards a straight position which ended up exerting pressure on my lumbar area. I thought maybe it's a sport tourer thing that I don't like but then I tried the suzuki GSX S1000GX and that worked really nice in terms of comfort. Still not as comfortable as my 2023 V Strom 1050(non DE) though :) But it is a lively and spirited good bike.
Tried it and liked it but hated the looks and the dodgy finish in places. Ended up with a gorgeous Multistrada V2S, a joy to ride and so much better looking if expensive.
I felt the same about the looks and some finishes . Rides well .
Have fun on the Ducati . Haven’t ridden one but hear good things 👍
Excellent review, thank you for the video
Glad you enjoyed it . Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment . 👍
You know it’s Friday when you mis-hear 130mm as 130ml 😂
Not a big fan of the looks and 15K seems a little salty for a 900cc middleweight, even bearing in mind everything included (unless you want an MV Agusta, in which case it’s a bargain). I do wish some TFTs didn’t have a huge empty border around them - looks awful. Another fair and objective review.
😂… I am also in the “aesthetically challenged” camp . Testing a KTM soon which may slot into the “visually disadvantaged “ sector 🤔
I did think the GT + was a genuinely good bike but like you , was not entirely convinced by the dash .. each to their own 👍
Enjoyable review … honest and concise! One question (and excuse my ingorance …) - how does raising/lowering the front forks change the rake angle? I thought rake was fixed and only the wheelbase would change. Thanks for doing these!
@@simonrichards5430 A great question and far from ignorant . The old rule of thumb used to be 1 inch of reduced length , reduces rake by 1 degree … the fact that it is in inches suggests how old it is . With triple clamps and offsets it is actually a lot more complicated than that . I tend to look at it in a simplistic way . I am not an engineer and whilst I can normally get my head around what things do , I don’t pretend to always know how they do it.
How I look at this is , if you draw a vertical line and then mark a spot where the spindle goes through to the right , and then draw three lines to the spindle , the angles between each line and the vertical are different , depending on whether they are higher or lower . Dropping or rising the forks , the vertical line , is doing just that ?
Not sure if I have helped or hindered here 😂
Any proper engineers reading , please feel free to correct me !
I have the 2016 model....love it...better styling too
great video, congrats. I haven't managed to find and see a video in TH-cam about the connectivity with the phone etc... its strange ...
Glad you enjoyed it . Thanks for commenting ! I suspect many reviews are like mine in so much as they have borrowed a bike so connecting it all up can be an additional faff . An owners review might be the best place to look ?? 👍
Great video Michael I'm not into crossing continent's these days so it's not for me and seems a little on the rich side for my wallet but each to their own.
Thanks Ian . I thought it was quite a lot of money as well . Good bike , but for me , not perfect .
Just bought one! tested 5 other bikes in the segment,BMW xr900, Kawasaki Versys 1000 , Kawasaki 1000 sx Suzuki GSX 1000 GT and Suzuki GSXs GX , it was the best for me. As to the comment below stating " Stupid Bike" what a STUPID comment!!!!
All good bikes . Always think the best way is to , as you have clearly done, make a logical short list and then try them . Doesn’t matter what journalists or TH-camrs think . You buy the one that suits you 👍
I think its normal to ramp up preload if lowered because it might stop it bottoming out .
In principle I agree . I was just surprised it was so high ..
Great review and fair. I wondered if you have ever tried the Niken?
Thank you . Sadly I do not normally have access to Yamahas for long enough to make an objective review . Dont know anybody who has one but if I get a chance to test one , I will . Interesting looking bike ..
I've got a 2019 and it's... fine. It is a good value proposition but it's hideous and feels pretty cheap in places. The wind buffeting was also insanely bad at highway speeds.
So not a 10 for you either ?
I have the 2019 gt and love it. Now clocked up 30.000 miles mainly touring Europe. It feels just as quick as my 22 MT10 in the real world. I changed the stock screen to a small sports screen, which I prefer.
@@marksimpson5218 Thanks Mark . Always great to hear from experienced owners . Real world feedback 👍
@@marksimpson5218 no issues?
Are the heated grips/seat standard or optional? My dealer wasn’t sure. And how many liters in the panniers? And call me crazy but I wanna take it on the autobahn.
@@turtle19dad The GT plus has heated grips as standard but I don’t think the seats are . From memory the panniers were 30 litres .. 🤔
@@michaelmamI think this is my next bike. In the process of going through the credit checks now for it. Keeping my fingers crossed.
@@turtle19dadDid you get one ?
The only- and one - thing that I’m worried about with this bike is te wind buffeting.
I don’t know about any fix for it on the aftermarket.
at 176 cm I was ok. You get a good amount of air but to me it felt clean, all the way up to 150 kph. To be fair though, I only had it for about 400 kms, as a loaner while my bike was getting serviced.
I an 6'2" and I own a Tracer9 GT+ Personally, I found the stock screen very good, a little noisy and some buffeting, but this depends on which helmet I wear, wind direction and other traffic. However, it was suggested I try an MRA screen with adjustable spoiler which cost me £125. I have to say that the MRA screen is excellent and I an very happy that I bought it.
hello, I was deciding between the mt09 and the gsxs1000gt and ended up choosing the gt. How would you compare them? did I make the right decision :)? thx
As I have a Suzuki 1000GT , possibly the wrong person to ask 😂 We have toured on ours and now have about 10500 miles on it. Very pleased with it …
@@michaelmam a seasoned reviewers review comparison gt vs gx.. I find modern digital comparators (##) aren't as good as our old kit, analog ones.. old skool engineer 😵💫🇳🇿🇳🇿nz
I have a 2019 and really enjoy it. Great on the highway, lightest in class, fun engine. I even did a track day on it, though the 185km/h electronic limit isn’t fun, haha.
The current generation is so ugly that I’d never consider upgrading. The ‘face’ of the bike looks like it’s puckering, I can’t stand it, haha.
😂
Was just about pop out and do some gardening, but…..along comes another Mam Journals video, and the plants can wait an hour.
First up, I really couldn’t buy this Yamaha just on its rather strange looks alone. And not too keen on the TFT and general layout. However, the motor is a peach with aural sensations thrown in. The benefit of this bike is, yes it can tour, but remove the ugly duckling panniers and you’ve got a very accomplished sports bike to play with. Overall, though, for the price, not for me. The MT-09 offers more value.
😂 Thank you .
Aesthetically , it is not to my taste either . Very capable though.
I'm not a fast rider,and then you blur the speedo! Personally, I wouldn't have touched the bike once I realised the suspension had been messed with. Can't be sure that the handling is true.
@@David-th2ug I would always prefer to test a factory specification bike if I can . I rarely have an opportunity to ride Yamaha’s long enough to make a video ,so I took it . The factory lowering link had been fitted and the changes made appeared to be in line with what dealers do when they install it . It was ok but nothing more .
Oxfordshire A roads are now 50 mph and sometimes less . The same roads in Gloucestershire are mostly 60 . I am not a fast rider but occasionally reach these heady heights and maybe a little over .
Hello sir i m on a v strom 800 DE this isa fabulous bike to ride but i think about the tracer 9 gt what would you say about this switch sorry my english
@@falchiherve2024 very different bikes 🤔 120 hp , road triple v 83 hp , dual purpose Twin ?
@michaelmam yess i know for thé power........but that 800 IS a dream to ride...you should test it........ anyway thé tracer IS growing on me
@ I have tested both . Good bikes but not for the same thing .. 👍
@@michaelmam i m touring a lot With thé 800DE I dis 40 000 km in 15 months only onroads.....thé Suzuki IS fabulous
@ well done 👍
Solid review, as always. Thank you.
However, I simply do not understand why Yamaha threw an entire can of ugly at this bike. It has the potential to be a solid bike but how do you get past the looks? I cannot. And the MSRP is ludicrous. Too many other good, lightweight ST style bikes available for lots less, especially if you buy used.
😂..
Yep, I couldn't agree more. Alot of the new Yamaha's hit every branch falling out of the ugly tree.
@@nickfountain8420I think a few people find the bike aesthetically challenged ..
@@michaelmam 🤣
I tested this bike last week. The seat position is strange. You have the seating position of a motard. For a touring bike its not comfortable. Also the seat padding is hard.
Seating position is influenced by body , leg and arm length . We are all different. If it wasn’t right for you , thats all you need to know 👍 Plenty of good bikes out there ..
Looks are subjective but wow what an odd looking machine.
I didn’t take to the looks . Great engine though 👍
I personally dislike TFT and rider modes, and l don't like the plastic Jetski design.
There's so many ugly plastic bikes around today, it's hard to tell what's what.
The Kawasaki Z 900 is a beautiful bike with analog clocks but l find these TFT SCREENS dangerous.
Both eyes 👀 on the road at all time and know where your going .
Rider Modes = £ 5000
I think one of the reasons that the retro market has done so well is the demand for a simpler approach ?
Many combine a classic looking dash whilst still incorporating modern technology - traction and modes . I am glad we have so many choices !
Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment !
Stick 2 ur Enfields!!!
I like my Royal Enfield Big Bore . It is a bit of fun . I have had far more Kawasaki’s , Suzuki’s , BMW and the occasional Yamaha . I will stick to ALL bikes thanks . 😂👍
A Stupid Bike
It sells well . Some people like it but clearly not to your taste ..
Another fantastic and fair review of a great bike. I do like the Tracer and would consider getting one in the future. However, personally, I prefer the looks of the Suzuki GSX1000GX. Keep up the good work. 🫡
@@julianroberts9757 Thanks Julian . Lots of very good bikes in this category at the moment . Spoilt for choice !