YAMAHA TRACER 900
The only triple in the test gets high praise
Prior to casting a leg over the tall seat of the Tracer, I was expecting reminders of a similar bike from Yamaha’s history – the TDM850. Aside from being of a similar capacity (the twin cylinder TDM was 849cc, actually 2cc larger than the Tracer triple), the styling and purpose of the bikes seemed to run close parallels, what with a reasonably tall seat height, semiadventure bike styling, 17-inch wheels, etc.
And first impressions confirmed that thought as, much like that original TDM that I rode nigh on 30 years ago, the Tracer has near perfect ergonomics, certainly for my 5’ 11” frame, with the only sour taste being left by the noise that seems to be created by the screen, regardless of what height it is set to. I didn’t ride it in torrential rain, although it did seem to divert showers away from my upper body and visor, so it’s effective even if it is loud. But I’m getting ahead of myself here.
Like many other bikes of its ilk, the Tracer has a riding position that is both roomy and comfortable, with the traditional high-level bars giving an upright riding position that allows weight to be taken through the legs if required, yet also being sporty enough to encourage the exploration of the impressive ground clearance. The pillion pegs are perhaps sited a little close to the rider’s pegs, especially if you are the sort of rider who rides on the balls of your feet, as your heels will hit the pillion’s toes. The pillion peg hangers for the 2019 and later models are actually a little longer than earlier models, to give greater pillion comfort, at the price of reduced rider comfort! I also foundthat my right innerheel was pushed out by the
cover over the rear brake master cylinder. Not by much, but enough to make it noticeable, and it may be something that is annoying on a longer trip. Or, of course, you may just get used to it…
Although Yamaha have retained a couple of features to show the company’s lineage (the lights and the inlet between them are similarly styled to those on the R6, as an example), it can’t really be argued that it’s got the face that only a mother could love. It’s certainly not the prettiest of bikes, even when parked next to what is perhaps the ugliest bike in the Ducati range. While looking like last-minute additions to the design, the separate panels in the bodywork – particularly around the top and front of the tank – feel a little fragile, as they seem to be made of a type of plastic that’ll get delicate and brittle as it ages. And all the angles make it a bugger to clean, and you’ll keep stubbing your fingertips unless you cheat and use a jetwash.
But – brutal truth time – looks aren’t everything. As you’ll know if you’ve ever watched The Only Way Is Essex…
And, aside from the fact that you can’t really see what a bike looks like when you’re riding it (you know how dodgy it is to look at your reflections in shop windows, right?), what is important is how well it rides. And the Tracer has a good reputation in this regard for very good reasons.
The 847cc three-cylinder engine is, as all triples, glorious, albeit somewhat smoother and less animalistic than similar capacity Triumph threes, with a smoothness that is a bit closer to that of an inline four. And it also doesn’t have the Triumph’s ‘bag of spanners’ noise at tickover… The outright power figure may not be that impressive in these days of 200bhp per litre, but in the company of the Multistrada and XR, the Yamaha is certainly not lacking in punch.
It’s efficient too, recording 58mpg over its time in my hands, and while this did include some very efficient pottering about, exploring some bumpy Lincolnshire lanes, there was some more spirited riding too, so it’s probably an accurate consumption for all but the most heavy-handed of throttle jockeys.
In the technological stakes, it’s not got as many toys as the Italian and German offerings, but still has three running modes, and a three-position traction control, plus the ubiquitous ABS, and the dash displays a range of information that can be scrolled through by the flip switch on the left-hand bar. What would conventionally be a ‘pass’ (or flash) switch is the ‘menu’ switch, which toggles between the heated grips (an accessory, fitted to this test bike) and the clock data. The data shows either
trip1, trip2 and odometer; air temp, coolant temp and time trip; or odometer, fuel average consumption and fuel current consumption, while time and the usual fuel, speed and revs are on permanent display.
The newest Tracer triple is also fitted with the ‘Assist and slipper’ clutch, to prevent any skipping of the rear wheel in quick downchanges, and it must be rather efficient as I didn’t notice it in operation whatsoever, but then I tend to blip the throttle on downchanges anyway which, incidentally, makes a fantastic noise from the Yam triple’s stumpy exhaust can.
As far as practicalities go, the wind protection actually seems to get better the faster you go, and while the screen seems efficient in keeping rain off your visor, it did prove to be rather noisy in conjunction with my Icon helmet, but it is very easy to adjust on the fly. Also easily adjustable are the headlights, which have screw dials that are easy to reach, and the mirrors are absolutely superb. There’s only enough underseat storage for a mobile phone, and maybe a very thin sandwich (just cheese though, no room for pickle), but there is hard luggage available in the impressive range of official Yamaha upgrades and accessories.
If you want some of the upgrades that are available for the Tracer, it might be as well for you to look at the Tracer GT which, at an additional £1400, has not only the hard luggage, but also heated grips, remote rear shock adjuster, quickshifter (which itself is £267), cruise control and a full colour dash.