First Look: 2019 Yamaha Tracer 900 And Tracer 900 GT
So long FJ, hello Tracers!
Yamaha continues to consolidate its naming structure by replacing the FJ name with Tracer, which has been used in Europe. Consequently, the bike we’ve known as the FJ-09 will come to the U.S. as a 2019 model (yes, a 2019 model) called the Tracer 900. In the move to the 2019 model year, the Tracer 900 will gain a sibling, the Tracer 900 GT. Both will be available in the second half of 2018 as early release 2019 models. Prices have not been set.
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
Tracer 900
For 2019, Yamaha’s engineers looked to improve the Tracer’s weather protection and styling. The one-handed manually adjustable windscreen has been enlarged for better protection of the rider’s upper body. The styling was refined by adding a new air intake to the front cowl and by refining the side panels and side wings. A new rear fender also makes the scene.
Rider and passenger comfort are addressed by new seating accommodations . The rider’s seat is adjustable to two height positions for differing leg lengths. Additionally, a pad on the tank delivers added rider comfort on long rides. Passengers gain revised foot rests and new grab rails. The rider’s hands were also get some new stuff in the form of a narrower handlebar with lighter, slimmer hand guards.
The sole performance-oriented change was the inclusion of a longer swingarm and revised shock settings designed to improve the bike’s touring performance. Otherwise, the Tracer utilizes the same 847cc, 3-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-valve engine with its Assist and Slipper clutch. The Ride-by-Wire throttle has D-MODE selectable ride modes along with a 3-mode TCS. ABS remains standard equipment, and the 4.8 gallon tank is the same as 2017.
The Tracer 900 will be available in Armor Gray.
Tracer 900 GT
You shouldn’t be surprised to learn that the Tracer 900 GT features everything the Tracer 900 does – and more. First, to support those long rides, the GT receives color-matched, 22-liter hard bags. Additionally, a premium suspension will assist riders in soaking up those miles via a fully-adjustable fork and a shock with a remote preload adjuster.
A Yamaha accessory Quick Shift System is standard on the GT. Cruise control is also included on the GT. The system is active in 4th–6th gears at speeds above 31 mph. The left handlebar-mounted switch can adjust the set speed in 1.5 mph increments for fine tuning your speed to traffic conditions. Finally, heated grips will help keep your hands warm and extend the riding season.
The Tracer 900 GT will feature the distinctive Raven color.
2019 Tracer 900 New Features
- More refined, high quality body panel design
- Narrower handlebars with lighter and slimmer hand guards
- Newly designed seating for increased rider/passenger comfort
- New 1-hand adjustable windscreen for easier adjustment and better weather protection
- Longer aluminum swingarm for great cornering and traction characteristics
- New passenger footrest assembly gives greater comfort
- New passenger grab bars
- New rear fender
Tracer 900 Technical Highlights
- 847cc, 3-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-valve engine
- Assist and Slipper (A&S) clutch
- 3-mode Traction Control System (TCS)
- Tracer-specific D-MODE selectable running modes
- Slim and lightweight Controlled Fill die-cast aluminum frame
- Large capacity long-range 4.8 gallon fuel tank
- Main stand and ABS fitted as standard equipment
2019 Tracer 900 GT Exclusive Features
- Color matched hard side cases fitted as standard
- Full color TFT instrument panel (Thin Film Transistor)
- Fully adjustable gold colored upside down front forks
- Rear shock with remote preload adjuster
- Quick Shift System (QSS) for seamless upshifting
- Cruise Control
- Heated grips
Like most of the best happenings in his life, Evans stumbled into his motojournalism career. While on his way to a planned life in academia, he applied for a job at a motorcycle magazine, thinking he’d get the opportunity to write some freelance articles. Instead, he was offered a full-time job in which he discovered he could actually get paid to ride other people’s motorcycles – and he’s never looked back. Over the 25 years he’s been in the motorcycle industry, Evans has written two books, 101 Sportbike Performance Projects and How to Modify Your Metric Cruiser, and has ridden just about every production motorcycle manufactured. Evans has a deep love of motorcycles and believes they are a force for good in the world.
More by Evans Brasfield
Comments
Join the conversation
Based on the new MTs, the Tracers, and Honda's CB1000R, it l looks like the awful "transformers" look is on its way out. Low rent suspension and brakes also appear endangered. Bravo! With better looks and better components Japan's nakeds and near nakeds are no longer at a big disadvantage compared with their European competition. We no longer have to settle for cheap and ugly to get lower service prices and a bigger dealer network. This is the right direction big four! Keep it going.
Sounds like a great bike but will they have fixed the cam chain problems yet? So far Yamaha has had 4.attempts. Yamaha build some of the most reliable bikes but God they take their time sorting them. FJR1300 was exactly the same.