YAMAHA Tracer 900 Owner's Review
We will introduce Yosui's passionate story about his riding experience with his beloved motorcycle, Tracer 900, from Webike community "My Beloved Moto" campaign.
He told us about his review of the Tracer 900, including its advantages and disadvantages, which he knows well because he's the owner.
Yosui's Brief Self-introduction
- Motorcycle history
I'm 63 years old this year. I grew up in the Noto region of Ishikawa Prefecture in the countryside, so I started riding my dad's motorcycle around the fields and mountains when I was in junior high school.
When I was in high school, I borrowed my senior's Mach, XS-1, RX350, etc. and learned to drive them on my own. I went to the prefectural test center to get my license.
I got off the motorcycling once after college but returned for the first time in 10 years. I rode it for about 4 years, but I got off due to my family was really against it after I had an accident.
10 years after my passion cold down, I returned for the 2nd time, and 16 years have passed since then. Over the past 28 years, I've ridden a total of 28 motorcycles ranging from a Z50M moped up to the DUCATI 998.
- How I enjoy riding my motorcycle on a daily basis
I usually ride solo for 3 hours to half a day on the mountain roads deep in the mountains of Okumikawa to Gifu. That's about 150 to 300km.
Our group does 1-day touring about 5 times a year. We do 1-3 days of overnight touring about 4 times a year. I enjoy being part of two groups with our leader of the same age.
- How long have you been riding this motorcycle?
The Tracer 900 was delivered on January 20th of this year, so it's only been a little over 3 months. But the odomoter exceeds 4,000km, and I'm getting to know the motorcycle better.
- Purchasing motive / purpose
I was actually riding a DUCATI 998S and a Monster S4foggy until the end of last year. When I was a salesman, I was happy with the intensity of the ride and it was a great way to relieve stress. But after I retired, my life became slower and I wanted a motorcycle that would be easy to ride long distances and enjoy the winding roads of the destination.
I longed for an adventure, but even though I like the style, I don't ride off the road first, so a cast wheel, 17-inch both front and rear, was a must. I would love to have a pannier case being harmonized with the style after putting it on. As a retiree, cost is also important to me, so when I took the above into consideration, Tracer was my choice!
I only had one big machine, so I use it for all of my motorcycling activities from day trips to consecutive nights of touring.
Satisfaction / Advantage
- For purpose
For comfortable riding at high speed, performance dampers are installed. When the pannier cases are installed, the weight is increased, but the ride is more gentle. With the windscreen set to the top position and the auto cruise, it feels like I can ride forever and never get tired of it. Also, when I took off the pannier cases on the nearer mountain passes and replace my windscreen with a short screen makes it more nimble and allows for motard riding.
- For riding
The STD setting of 194km/h speed and auto cruise up to 107km/h is honestly half appealing. It's a shame, especially since the new Shin-Tomei expressway has a section of max 120km/h! After the break-in was completed, I was asked to changed various ECU settings and I am very satisfied with the response and riding. Normally, I like the calming B mode.
- The appearance
15 years ago, I used to ride the TDM850 for a period of time, and the upright and large design is one of my original favorites. Even a front heavy looking design with pannier cases on the rear has great balance! Honestly, when I saw a 900GT with pannier cases on it, I decided it was the only way to go.
Dissatisfaction / Disadvantage
- For purpose
Pannier case is a must for me because I choose it mainly for touring. Then I'd like the GT to be standard equipment like in other countries.
Even if the motorcycle is cheap, the later parts are too expensive!
- For riding
Most of the time, B mode is sufficient for touring. When I enter a mountain pass, I switch to standard, but it's too responsive and difficult to ride in A mode.
- For appearance
As an average riders point of view, I can't tell the difference between the old and new models.
The rear inner fender is too short for a touring motorcycle, and the mud splashes are terrible! I installed extension parts from other parts brand.
Summary (Recommended for riders)
As mentioned in the title, Tracer 900 will ripen everything at 80 points, whether it's for long-distance touring or short passes, whether it's a leisurely ride or a rushed ride. I would like to recommend Tracer 900 for those who are interested.
There are some people who point out the negatives such as the foot grounding and 20kg heavier than MT-09 of the same engine, but it is a bargain price when you consider the cost.
This is the motorcycle that I'd like to see a retiree in my generation like me who hasn't forgotten to ride.
Thank you, Yosui, for sharing with us about your riding experience with your beloved Tracer 900!
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