2019 Yamaha Tracer 900 and Tracer 900 GT | First Look Review

2019 Yamaha Tracer 900
2019 Yamaha Tracer 900

The FJ-09 is dead, long live the Tracer 900. According to Yamaha, “While European-spec Yamaha motorcycles have used the ‘Tracer’ model name since the introduction of the Tracer 900 in 2015, the replacement of the ‘FJ’ name with ‘Tracer’ for US-spec models is part of Yamaha’s ongoing initiative to unite the global community of Tracer riders who share the ‘Roads of Life.’

2019 Yamaha Tracer 900 engine
Returning unchanged (which is a good thing) is the 847cc Crossplane Concept in-line triple, one of the most exciting engines available today.

Regardless of its name, the 847cc Crossplane Concept in-line triple that powers the FJ/Tracer provides a life-affirming experience on any road. When we tested the 2017 Yamaha FZ-09, which has the same feisty engine, it made 105 horsepower and 60 lb-ft of torque at the rear wheel, in a bike that weighed 426 pounds wet.

Read our 2017 Yamaha FZ-09 vs Kawasaki Z900 comparison review

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2019 Yamaha Tracer 900
2019 Yamaha Tracer 900

Announced for the 2019 model year, the updated Tracer 900 gets refreshed styling, a narrower handlebar with lighter, slimmer hand guards, improved rider/passenger seating comfort, new passenger footpegs and grab handles, a new one-hand adjustable windscreen, a longer swingarm for better traction and a new rear fender.

Returning unchanged is the 847cc in-line triple with assist-and-slipper clutch, 6-speed transmission and chain final drive. As with the previous FJ-09, the Tracer 900 has three riding modes, three levels of traction control, ABS, a 4.8-gallon tank and a centerstand.

2019 Yamaha Tracer 900
2019 Yamaha Tracer 900

The 2019 Yamaha Tracer 900 will be available in Armor Gray and it will arrive in U.S. dealerships in the second half of 2018. Pricing is TBD.

Read our 2015 Yamaha FJ-09 long-term review

2019 Yamaha Tracer 900 GT
2019 Yamaha Tracer 900 GT

New to the lineup is the 2019 Tracer 900 GT, which offers several touring-oriented upgrades over the standard model, including detachable, 22-liter, color-matched saddlebags, a full-color TFT instrument panel, higher-spec suspension with a fully adjustable fork and a rear shock with a remote preload adjuster, a quickshifter for clutchless upshifts, cruise control and heated grips.

2019 Yamaha Tracer 900 GT
2019 Yamaha Tracer 900 GT

The 2019 Yamaha Tracer 900 GT will be available in Raven and it will arrive in U.S. dealerships in the second half of 2018. Pricing is TBD.

Check out more bikes in Rider’s guide to new/updated 2018 motorcycles

12 COMMENTS

  1. I have an FJ-09 set up for touring (factory bags). Fun bike, but I also have a Speed Triple R. Triumph needs to make a motorcycle like this new Tracer 900 GT with their new triple (and the far better fueling!).

    • Triumph has been making a bike like this. The Tiger 800!
      I spent a week riding through British Columbia this Spring with a buddy that has an FJ09. I have a Tiger 800XC. We both agreed that the Tiger is hands down the more refined better all around motorcycle. I get a kick out of all these journalists that are excited about Yamahas attempt at a triple. That POS engine vibrates to the point of numbness, has fueling issues, and doesn’t produce the seat of the pants grunt that the Triumph does.
      I would love to see an honest comparo of the Tiger and the Tracer. But Rider and all the other MC rags don’t give Triumph much credit.

    • I have both an FJ-09 and a Triumph STR, too. The Triumph is just plain better in all respects. I agree… Triumph should build an FJ-09/Tracer. The Tiger is a very nice bike, but I want a sport-tourer and not an ADV styled bike.

  2. 33 and 34 inch seat height? Once again Yamaha has ignored a market for this bike, Women. Manufacturers are ignoring the women market. The seat height is why so many women riders ride cruiser bikes. My wife has over 65000 miles on her fz6, and they have no replacement for that bike. How hard can it be to redo the rear tail section to make a lower seat?

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