My ST is going next spring to be replaced by a Tracer 9 GT. The ST is just too big for a lightweight like me and I'm not getting any younger. I have dropped her three times during ownership and have been lucky enough to have someone help me get her up again. I wished there was a shaft drive mid range bike with the same ergonomics as the ST.
Replace ST with a Tracer 9 GT
- Thread starter Nissbird
- Start date
JamesGang
I'm Rick James
Me too, Nissbird. The S.T. feels a little heavier each year as I age. The 2021 T9 GT is checking a lot of boxes in my must have list. I will put up with the chain in order to enjoy the other benefits.
Regards,
Regards,
Longdog Cymru
Well-Known Member
Same here, I was tentatively looking at the 900 GT but then the new model came out and I’m thinking it could be for me. The only problem is, that each time I ride my SuperTen, I remember just how good it is at doing what it does!
Boris
Well-Known Member
Have to agree, the benefits of a move to the new Tracer GT, far outweigh any negatives, which as far as I can see is only the chain drive. However modern chains and oilers make chains far less hassle than they used to be, so not really an issue.
I suppose the other big negative is off-road ability, which for many isn’t actually an issue as we stick 99.9% of the time to tarmac roads.
Ergonomics could potentially be an issue, as the Super Tenere is very roomy. I suppose this will just come down to personal size and fit, as with every other bike.
Last edited:
bmac
Active Member
The ergonomic question is high on my list of concerns. I am hoping the revision of the Tracer has resulted in some improvised ergonomics.
The challenge for me is that I find the S10 supremely comfortable but yet I could not get comfortable on the current Tracer. I am 6'2" and I find the change in footpeg position to be the primary concern. The reason for this is that due to the forward can't of the triple the footpegs are moved further rearward. My rudimentary measurements concluded that it is about a 4 inch difference. Many folks may not notice or have issue with this but for me it was a deal breaker. Hopefully, the folks committed to making the change will find the new Tracer to fit them well.
richarddacat
Well-Known Member
Glad I'm not alone. I've lowered mine and that helped but I'm always looking for a good replacement. I'm wanting the wind protection and the power to cruise at 80 on the interstate. Problem is that I keep eyeing a FJR, Norge or Honda ST. 
I'm not too keen on the Tracer just yet or the NC750 Honda which looks super practical but the new CB1000R is more my speed, just lacks the wind protection, I'm sure I'll look like an old man if I mount a windscreen on that one
My K75 is about perfect but it's dated and slow.......hmmm.
I'm not too keen on the Tracer just yet or the NC750 Honda which looks super practical but the new CB1000R is more my speed, just lacks the wind protection, I'm sure I'll look like an old man if I mount a windscreen on that one
My K75 is about perfect but it's dated and slow.......hmmm.
Ronzo
Well-Known Member
Glad someone started this thread.
I really like the Tracer 9 GT and will be trading my ST in after one more season.
The T9 GT ticks a lot of boxes for me.
That is unless Yamaha makes some much needed upgrades to the ST and I can transfer most of my mods/accessories to a new ST.
I dont think the ergos with be that different for me at 6’4” with 34” inseam. Knee angle a tad tighter but hip angle is slightly less on the T9 GT.
Personally chain vs shaft is not a deal breaker for me. Truth be told I think I prefer chain. I cannot think of one type of race/performance motorcycle that uses a shaft drive and there are reasons for that.
I will be watching the reviews on this bike this year...especially with the thinner frame that Yamaha claims is stronger.
I really like the Tracer 9 GT and will be trading my ST in after one more season.
The T9 GT ticks a lot of boxes for me.
That is unless Yamaha makes some much needed upgrades to the ST and I can transfer most of my mods/accessories to a new ST.
I dont think the ergos with be that different for me at 6’4” with 34” inseam. Knee angle a tad tighter but hip angle is slightly less on the T9 GT.
Personally chain vs shaft is not a deal breaker for me. Truth be told I think I prefer chain. I cannot think of one type of race/performance motorcycle that uses a shaft drive and there are reasons for that.
I will be watching the reviews on this bike this year...especially with the thinner frame that Yamaha claims is stronger.
VRODE
Easy Does It
Thinking of this move myself for the same reasons as the OP. I do love shaft drive and the comfy touring the ST provides though. My only wish is that the Tracer GT came with a 19 in front wheel. It would make it more amenable for the dirt roads are sometimes find myself on. The Triumph roadie comes into play too, but I’m kinda partial to Yamahas reliability.
No doubt I will go my usual route of flip flopping continually all winter into spring.
No doubt I will go my usual route of flip flopping continually all winter into spring.
gunslinger_006
Well-Known Member
Subscribed.
The tracer gt is probably the model i would go with if i had to replace my tenere with something other than a tenere.
It would be fine for limited off pavement use if there was a different exhaust/header option.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
The tracer gt is probably the model i would go with if i had to replace my tenere with something other than a tenere.
It would be fine for limited off pavement use if there was a different exhaust/header option.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Edbo1960
Member
I looked hard at the Tracer a couple years ago, 6'4" 34" inseam just wasn't quite the fit....went with the ST and have a SV 650 for the "less than 2 hour" rides. Would like to eventually consolidate into just one bike, may have to re-visit the Tracer in a few years. Just hard to find a "do all" bike, different tools....
whisperquiet
Well-Known Member
This a very timely discussion as I am mid 60s and always looking for lighter, fun bikes as I age (out?). So. I owned three different 725 lb Honda ST1300s, am on my fourth (2015) 600+ lb Yamaha Super Tenere, and just bought a lightly used 500 lb Yamaha Tracer 900 GT about 2 months ago. I gotta tell you riding the Tracer 900 GT is ADDICTIVE and it has been ridden 2300 miles since purchase. It is light, agile, rips, handles, and is just a fun bike to ride. It is practical also with the adjustable wind shield, heated grips, and factory saddle bags.
I am 6'4" 225 lbs with a 35" inseam, I installed 1' lower Chinesium EBay footpegs and the ergos are acceptable for probably up to 500 mile days. The factory cruise control, heated grips, and adjustable wind shield work great and I am very glad to have purchased the bike. IT IS a bike you want to ride every chance you get...........I own the '15 S10 and a new Tenere 700 and the Tracer 900 GT is the bike to keep if I only owned one motorcycle.
I am keeping the S10 and the Tracer for now as the S10 is still a great long distance trip bike and very comfortable for me. But, I see a new Tracer 9 GT in a few years.
I am 6'4" 225 lbs with a 35" inseam, I installed 1' lower Chinesium EBay footpegs and the ergos are acceptable for probably up to 500 mile days. The factory cruise control, heated grips, and adjustable wind shield work great and I am very glad to have purchased the bike. IT IS a bike you want to ride every chance you get...........I own the '15 S10 and a new Tenere 700 and the Tracer 900 GT is the bike to keep if I only owned one motorcycle.
I am keeping the S10 and the Tracer for now as the S10 is still a great long distance trip bike and very comfortable for me. But, I see a new Tracer 9 GT in a few years.
Dirt_Dad
Well-Known Member
Founding Member
2011 Site Supporter
2013 Site Supporter
2014 Site Supporter
Sounds like a lot of love for the Tracer here.
A friend of mine who rode my Tenere earlier this year and declared it to be too agricultural for his taste, recently traded his V-Stom 650 for a 2020 Tracer. He absolutely positively loves it.
Looks like Yamaha may have another winner.
A friend of mine who rode my Tenere earlier this year and declared it to be too agricultural for his taste, recently traded his V-Stom 650 for a 2020 Tracer. He absolutely positively loves it.
Looks like Yamaha may have another winner.
gunslinger_006
Well-Known Member
How is it for standing up? Can you stand on it like the tenere? I have become addicted to standing up in a lot of situations.
Can you comment on that?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
whisperquiet
Well-Known Member
I have no problem standing on the Tracer GT. I like the stock rearward handlebar mount position and the lower pegs I installed. I stand occasionally to stretch out and so far, so good.
gunslinger_006
Well-Known Member
That is awesome to hear!
That pretty much secures a tie for me between the tenere 700 and the tracer gt for what i would get next. T7 if i want to do more off road and the tracer if i can live with no more curb jumps and nasty forest roads.
I intend to ride the wheels off this tenere though. We aint done yet.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
That pretty much secures a tie for me between the tenere 700 and the tracer gt for what i would get next. T7 if i want to do more off road and the tracer if i can live with no more curb jumps and nasty forest roads.
I intend to ride the wheels off this tenere though. We aint done yet.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
firstime911
Active Member
i tried both before purchase S10..
I'm also considering this swap because I don't carry a passenger and use the S10 for road riding. The nearly 100lb lighter weight and advanced tech (IMU supported lean abs/traction control and semi-active suspension) of the Tracer 9 is the main attraction. The only thing that remain to be seen is how the footpeg position feels on the new Tracer (the S10 is perfect in this regard).
Yeah, I tried the old tracer too, but the new one has adjustable footpegs and handlebar.
Ss1
Well-Known Member
For me, Tracer900 is the same TDM900. Yes, on the asphalt, I will specify, very good asphalt, you feel confident. But this is if you are alone. One has only to seat the passenger, handling, braking immediately worsens. Well, if you find yourself on a dirt road and a generally bad road, even on bad asphalt, then this is no longer pleasure, but torture. And the center of gravity will not please you either.
Attachments
I had many bikes. Allso goldwings for around 15 years.
They are heavy. And mostly old men. But allso female around 40 and up loves those. I was 31 and one of the youngest wingers back in 1995.
Many drops them at slow speed less than 10 kmh.
That happens. I did once. My foot couldnt reach ground on left side.
Because off a lower surface.
I needed a bike that goes better on twisty roads. And with the option to go dirtstreets in Woods aso. At slow speed.
So I tryed out many bikes after leaving goldwings.
I buyed little bikes like honda cb 500 twin. Cb 400 N (old one) cx 500.
Yamaha tdm 900. Kawasaki zrx 1200 Eddie lawson (very fun and Strong)
A yamaha mt 03 twin with 321 ccm.
Because my son got a 125 ccm bike.
In my country 18 to 20 years peoble only are allowed 125 ccm bikes.
Then a yamaha xt 660 z tenere.
Fine bike. But single cylinder cant drive relaxing in slow speeds in 5th gear.
They are shaking a lot..
Then I tryed new goldwing 1800 dct. Bmw 1600/6
They are fantastic. Bmw the best.
Agile. Fast. Perfect.
But they are not reliable..maybe new ones are now?
Gs 1200/1250 i tryed.
They are fantastic too.
But I yook new africatwin crf 1000 dct last year.
A real fine bike..
Nut in my head i still remember ed several testride on super tenere from 2010 to 2019.
The bike with best sit position. Super comfort and real smoothe engine.
And shaftdrive. So perfect that we dont feel kardan reaction.
I found out. Goldwings are real fine but too heavy for my wish.
I was a very aktive goldwinger. So a big step to buy another brand..
The smaller bikes needs power. No fun . With lake off power.
Kawasaki made me drive like hell.
Therefore i sold it..!
I want to live.
I am only 175 cm. 81 kilo. Strong fitness man.
So I can easyly raise up a heavy bike that was dropped.
Weight isnt issue in that direction for me.
But handle is importent.
I found allso out too. That my stiff neck and back issues needs me to sit right up/ down.
The africatwin was fine. But not the best. Because the engine is to poor at low end rpm..
It has 1500 rpm idling.
The bike shake at a bit strong acceleration becsuse dct keeps down rpm in Economic mode.
So at 1800 to 2200 rpm it change up. The gear.
The engine needs power there.
Irritating. I could the use sport program 1.2.3 or paddles +÷
Seat too bad. One hour but hurt ..
Foot position fine. Two up fine but the soft 22 .5 cm suspension makes many moving. And I didnt feel safe.
Then I ajusted the suspension hard. But it went uncomfy.
On dirt streets the 660 tenere is best . Bike only 206 kilo.
Therefore i am shure the 700 tenere. The new is the best bike on market to peoble Who goes 30 % or more outside streets.
Ktm 790/890 is the best there.
But not reliable!
The africatwin i think is better than super Ténéré outside streets too.
Becsuse 21 inch front wheel and easyer steering.
Gs 1250 allso top.
But not reliable.
So the super Ténéré is now mine since september.
I love this bike for its outstanding comfort. Real fine sest. Real fine sit position.
Real fine and smoothe engine.
The good power from low/ midrange rpm.
Good wind protection for legs too.
And very economic too.
I make around 22 to 24 kml.
Africa twin around 23 .5 to 25 kml.
The s10 is very reliable as we all nows.
Africatwin has issues. But not much.
Bmw has lots issues. Ktm has too.
But one i know with the 1290 adventure ktm has done 60.000 km no issues .
So. Some are good.
Some Bmw makes 200.000 km no issues.
But all Ténéré will make 200.000 with almost no issues if you dont drive in 50 cm deep water aso...
The mt 09 and tracer and gt.
I have tryed too.
They drive real fine. On twisty roads too.
Mt 09 is too sporty and too alive for my taste.
I cant drive relaxing on it...
Tracer gt way better to peoble Who loves comfort..
But it looks real ugly..
Especially too up. Viewed from the side it look like passenger will fall down backwards..
Only space for small bags..
I could live with that bike.
But it will never reach the perfect: comfort.
Sit position.
Smoothenes from engine.
Big angle on knees.
Best passenger position.
Design.
Shaftdrive.
The joy to just Cruise relaxing at 60 kmh in beautifull area.
The outstanding stable direction on big streets.
Like the yamaha xt1200z super Ténéré.
So keep that one my friends.
Hope it helps you all to remember what a real fine bike we have.
Sincerely Kim Hansen.
Sendt fra min SM-N986B med Tapatalk
They are heavy. And mostly old men. But allso female around 40 and up loves those. I was 31 and one of the youngest wingers back in 1995.
Many drops them at slow speed less than 10 kmh.
That happens. I did once. My foot couldnt reach ground on left side.
Because off a lower surface.
I needed a bike that goes better on twisty roads. And with the option to go dirtstreets in Woods aso. At slow speed.
So I tryed out many bikes after leaving goldwings.
I buyed little bikes like honda cb 500 twin. Cb 400 N (old one) cx 500.
Yamaha tdm 900. Kawasaki zrx 1200 Eddie lawson (very fun and Strong)
A yamaha mt 03 twin with 321 ccm.
Because my son got a 125 ccm bike.
In my country 18 to 20 years peoble only are allowed 125 ccm bikes.
Then a yamaha xt 660 z tenere.
Fine bike. But single cylinder cant drive relaxing in slow speeds in 5th gear.
They are shaking a lot..
Then I tryed new goldwing 1800 dct. Bmw 1600/6
They are fantastic. Bmw the best.
Agile. Fast. Perfect.
But they are not reliable..maybe new ones are now?
Gs 1200/1250 i tryed.
They are fantastic too.
But I yook new africatwin crf 1000 dct last year.
A real fine bike..
Nut in my head i still remember ed several testride on super tenere from 2010 to 2019.
The bike with best sit position. Super comfort and real smoothe engine.
And shaftdrive. So perfect that we dont feel kardan reaction.
I found out. Goldwings are real fine but too heavy for my wish.
I was a very aktive goldwinger. So a big step to buy another brand..
The smaller bikes needs power. No fun . With lake off power.
Kawasaki made me drive like hell.
Therefore i sold it..!
I want to live.
I am only 175 cm. 81 kilo. Strong fitness man.
So I can easyly raise up a heavy bike that was dropped.
Weight isnt issue in that direction for me.
But handle is importent.
I found allso out too. That my stiff neck and back issues needs me to sit right up/ down.
The africatwin was fine. But not the best. Because the engine is to poor at low end rpm..
It has 1500 rpm idling.
The bike shake at a bit strong acceleration becsuse dct keeps down rpm in Economic mode.
So at 1800 to 2200 rpm it change up. The gear.
The engine needs power there.
Irritating. I could the use sport program 1.2.3 or paddles +÷
Seat too bad. One hour but hurt ..
Foot position fine. Two up fine but the soft 22 .5 cm suspension makes many moving. And I didnt feel safe.
Then I ajusted the suspension hard. But it went uncomfy.
On dirt streets the 660 tenere is best . Bike only 206 kilo.
Therefore i am shure the 700 tenere. The new is the best bike on market to peoble Who goes 30 % or more outside streets.
Ktm 790/890 is the best there.
But not reliable!
The africatwin i think is better than super Ténéré outside streets too.
Becsuse 21 inch front wheel and easyer steering.
Gs 1250 allso top.
But not reliable.
So the super Ténéré is now mine since september.
I love this bike for its outstanding comfort. Real fine sest. Real fine sit position.
Real fine and smoothe engine.
The good power from low/ midrange rpm.
Good wind protection for legs too.
And very economic too.
I make around 22 to 24 kml.
Africa twin around 23 .5 to 25 kml.
The s10 is very reliable as we all nows.
Africatwin has issues. But not much.
Bmw has lots issues. Ktm has too.
But one i know with the 1290 adventure ktm has done 60.000 km no issues .
So. Some are good.
Some Bmw makes 200.000 km no issues.
But all Ténéré will make 200.000 with almost no issues if you dont drive in 50 cm deep water aso...
The mt 09 and tracer and gt.
I have tryed too.
They drive real fine. On twisty roads too.
Mt 09 is too sporty and too alive for my taste.
I cant drive relaxing on it...
Tracer gt way better to peoble Who loves comfort..
But it looks real ugly..
Especially too up. Viewed from the side it look like passenger will fall down backwards..
Only space for small bags..
I could live with that bike.
But it will never reach the perfect: comfort.
Sit position.
Smoothenes from engine.
Big angle on knees.
Best passenger position.
Design.
Shaftdrive.
The joy to just Cruise relaxing at 60 kmh in beautifull area.
The outstanding stable direction on big streets.
Like the yamaha xt1200z super Ténéré.
So keep that one my friends.
Hope it helps you all to remember what a real fine bike we have.
Sincerely Kim Hansen.
Sendt fra min SM-N986B med Tapatalk