The seat issue question

Dear MCM, I always look forward to reading Motorcycle Monthly. I feel it provides down to earth, real-world views on bikes, kit, etc.

I currently ride a 2005 Yamaha TDM900 and I’m looking to replace it with a similar bike in the near future. I’ve been riding for more than 40 years and tour in Europe regularly.

When I first read about the Yamaha Tracer it appeared to be a suitable replacement for my TDM900.

I read the recent UK review elsewhere and was disappointed to read that the seat was uncomfortable after only an hour’s riding; this stopped me considering buying one. The same outlet then did a review in Europe late last year and no mention was made about the comfort of the seat. I then read Tony Carter’s review in the current Motorcycle Monthly but no mention was made about the seat comfort. I did test ride a Tracer a couple of weeks ago and really liked it but was only allowed a short test ride; this didn’t really enable me to fully evaluate the seat comfort. So I’d like to knowwhat Tony thought of the seat in terms of comfort.

As I spend up to eight hours riding a day when touring this really is an important matter.

Hopefully you may be able to help. Hello Ron, thanks for the letter. I’ve gone back to my original notebook from that test ride to see what I thought about the Tracer seat and can honestly say that it didn’t even make my notes during the world launch which is a clear indication that it wasn’t anything either hugely good or bad about it, as far as I was concerned. We rode all day and I do remember thinking that the bike was very comfortable.

From my point of view the Tracer seat is fine for the type of riding you describe. Hope that helps. TC