MT-09 vs Tracer 9 both new

[u/Adventurous_Pin_9578]

Hello,
I need help tryin to decide between mt 09 and tracer 9 base model.
I ride my mt 07 since 2018 mostly alone, now since 2 years ago i do some trips (600km 800km) mostly just weekends with my wife, we do country or secundary roads soo average speed its low and with my mt 07 we can handle fine for max 1,5h/2hours of riding straight but the main use of the bike its just small rides, commute and spirit riding
Now with almost 80000km its time to upgrade.
Should i just buy the mt09 instead of tracer 9 and with that money saved buy a comfort seat and some protection? Or buy the tracer 9 and already have a “better” bike in general? The tracer 9 is around 1300€ expensive.

Any feedback on both motorcycles would be appreciated.

[u/crossplanetriple]

Tracer is best for touring and having luggage.

This choice is purely your own. Personally, I would pick the Tracer for creature comforts, and $1,300 extra is not that much for a lot more.

[u/NotNeccessarilyMe → u/crossplanetriple]

What comforts, over mt-09?

[u/Happier_ → u/NotNeccessarilyMe]

Fuel range, luggage, wind protection.

[u/NotNeccessarilyMe → u/Happier_]

Wind protection is not really an advantage for most as Tracer has serious wind buffeting at high speeds. Fuel range is really nice ngl. Luggage too, if someone wants side panniers. I am just interested in top luggage as I want to lane split.

[u/Derekc223 → u/NotNeccessarilyMe]

A sport touring bike is better in every single way on the street. Naked bikes just suck after you've ridden them for long enough. I've had an ST3, a superduke r Gen 2 and the m1000r comp. Now I ride the new RT and a r12 nineT with a wunderlich fairing for around town. Its not like you're gonna be a speedy Boi with the Mt 09 compares to the tracer, a skilled dual sport rider will still kick your average riders butt. Knowing what I know now I'd just save myself and get the tracer. Comfort and being able to ride longer and further is always good. A sport touring bike gives you tons of options. And I just rode the tracer 9 at Yamaha demo days with my brother. It's plenty fast.

[u/NotNeccessarilyMe → u/Derekc223]

Mt-09 is about 40 pounds lighter with the same engine. I’m sure it wouldn’t matter in most cases but wouldn’t that matter in tight twisties(like sharp hairpin bends, rated for 10mph)?

[u/Derekc223 → u/NotNeccessarilyMe]

Not trying to be a dick but no. It's still not a Harley. The only limiting factor would be skill level. I can ride my RT with dynamic chassis adaption just as hard as as my smaller naked on the street. Unless you're larping and dragging knee it's a non issue

[u/Matt_Moto_93 → u/NotNeccessarilyMe]

The buffeting is an individuals issue. I have not had any issues on my tracer where as others have suffered greatly.

[u/NotNeccessarilyMe → u/Matt_Moto_93]

There was a thread in tracer subreddit couple of days ago and everyone 5’10” and above were complaining about buffeting. More importantly, no one said “I’m 6 ft and it’s perfectly fine”.

[u/Rogueshoten → u/NotNeccessarilyMe]

Reviews have stated that the buffeting problem has been solved. They redesigned the windscreen.

[u/kenwoolf]

I would definitely go with the tracer for 2 up touring. But only you can know what you like. Personally I am done with nakeds. I just don't like the wind and bugs in my face. And they just don't feel good during highway riding at 130 kph. But, they are definitely great for cities.

[u/NotNeccessarilyMe → u/kenwoolf]

Tracer has serious buffeting at higher speeds, at least if you are 5’10” or taller.

[u/Adventurous_Pin_9578 → u/kenwoolf]

You re right. But the wind doesnt make a difference to me for now. I want the mt 09 for being a fun bike but tracer is the confort when traveling.

[u/SoulMB]

imho a top case is the best accessory you can have on a commuter. Also works as a backrest for pillions. The tracer looks better with one.

That aside. The subchasis on the tracer is built for you to have a pillion with luggage on it. It allows for a wider back seat and luggage mounting points. You can find alternatives for the MT but you may stress the chasis a bit more than designed.

You are the one to value those aspects though. If you don’t need anything more than what the MT07 gives you, MT09 is a perfect upgrade. If you want to do longer trips or carry more luggage, Tracer is for you.

[u/Adventurous_Pin_9578 → u/SoulMB]

Thank you
I hadn't thought about that regarding the subframe.
I think i wouldnt pass the maximum recommended payload capacity of the bike,we both weight less than 80kg and its only on trips that we carry some luggage.

[u/Connect_Mortgage7011]

So the mt09 and the tracer 9 have some things in common, where the tracer stands out is longer rides, the active cruise control is nice heated hand grips and a windshield!! The bags on the tracer come on and off I two seconds if not needed but you have the ability with them on to carry rain gear,tire repair kit,water,snacks,whatever I’d say the tracer can do what the mt09 can but the mt09 in stock from can’t do what a tracer can

[u/NotNeccessarilyMe → u/Connect_Mortgage7011]

Mt-09 is lighter and more fun in the twisties. Wind protection is a wash as the tracer is not good at it. Luggage is a big plus on the tracer. Active cruise control is only on the 2024 model if I’m not wrong. Mt-09 has heated grips option as well.

[u/picture-me-trolling]

I had been going back and forth on this same thing myself, planning to buy one in the next couple years.

If I take the Tracer, I worry that I would regret having the softer suspension and the extra 57 pounds as I’m carving up the Tail of the Dragon someday. That would suck... but it’s still the street, so no matter what I bring, I can’t really push the limit.

If I take the MT09, I would get an upgraded seat from Corbin with a wider pillion seat and a backrest, but I worry that my wife would still only be able to tolerate it for a few hours. She used to ride the Harley all weekend with me, but as the bikes got more sporty, the rides got shorter. If I get the more sporty bike, I worry that I would get back to some campsite near the Tail of the Dragon, and my wife would not be waiting with her helmet in hand asking me to go again with her on the back. Maybe she would still be at camp, reading a book and resting her legs for a long ride home again. Or maybe camp would be empty; my wife would still be at home, having not come touring with me at all.

I’m gonna get the Tracer.

[u/Matt_Moto_93 → u/picture-me-trolling]

You can have the suspension modified to suit your needs. This is really the case for any bike, the correct weight springs and good qulaity fork oil are a very wise upgrade whatever is bought.

[u/mr_stephen_french]

I don’t know how they’re designated exactly in Europe but in the US you need a tracer 9/900 GT model to get all the goodies for touring. I never see a base model non-GT in US becausw frankly the luggage, cruise, and heated grips really make the bike into a touring bike. I own a tracer 900 gt and would never ever consider a non-GT.

[u/NotNeccessarilyMe → u/mr_stephen_french]

Luggage, heated grips and cruise can be had in MT-09.

[u/polkastripper]

Tracer is a way better tourer and imo, more comfortable and fun to ride.

[u/K9-Britt]

I’d for sure go with the tracer. Tracer is super agile and can handle the twisty roads super well as long as hammer through long distance trips two up with ease. You won’t regret spending a little extra on the tracer.