MT09 tracer.
- Thread starter Daviedevs
- Start date
Get a test ride ::008::
I tried one out of interest with a small interest in it as a commuter / second bike.
It is a lot lighter obviously, but I found it quite buzzy, probably a combo of the sportier engine, smaller flywheel and the problem of getting it through the Euro emissions nonsense.
Under acceleration it was very good, fairly good from down low with a great mid range and S10 beating top end, it really rushes up top and reminds me of high revving four cylinder bikes, but it did not seem to feel happy at steady cruising speeds, it always felt like it wanted to pull more.
Handling was fine, but the bike is nowhere near as good over bumps as the S10, but it certainly goes, stops and handles very well. Hard to really get to know a bike on a test ride, but I would be surprised if anyone would find the handling lacking after an S10, especially on smoother roads.
IMO the Tracer is not an "adventure" bike but a sports bike, it is quick revving, buzzy, fast, light and nimble - and there is nothing wrong with that, but it does not feel as solid and stable as the S10.
For me it would be the S10 for Touring, bumpy roads, unclassified minor roads (which near me are predominantly bumpy / falling apart) but for a quick blast or commuting the Tracer would be the bike of choice. For two-up it would also have to be the S10, the flighty motor, short wheelbase and weaker suspension would probably make the Tracer a far worse two-up proposition.
I have now chosen to swap out the S10 and (as posted elsewhere) has left me feeling quite sad as this bike is so good, I do not think the Tracer is good enough to replace it on a like-for-like basis, which is why I went for the KTM1190 - the only downside with this bike is the chain drive (another tracer "flaw" if you dislike chain maintenance / mess) and durability - the Tracer is likely to be very reliable, not sure it is as well made as the S10 though or will clock up 100K plus mileages quite as easily, but I am sure it would get there with far fewer issues than my choice!
Happy hunting.
I tried one out of interest with a small interest in it as a commuter / second bike.
It is a lot lighter obviously, but I found it quite buzzy, probably a combo of the sportier engine, smaller flywheel and the problem of getting it through the Euro emissions nonsense.
Under acceleration it was very good, fairly good from down low with a great mid range and S10 beating top end, it really rushes up top and reminds me of high revving four cylinder bikes, but it did not seem to feel happy at steady cruising speeds, it always felt like it wanted to pull more.
Handling was fine, but the bike is nowhere near as good over bumps as the S10, but it certainly goes, stops and handles very well. Hard to really get to know a bike on a test ride, but I would be surprised if anyone would find the handling lacking after an S10, especially on smoother roads.
IMO the Tracer is not an "adventure" bike but a sports bike, it is quick revving, buzzy, fast, light and nimble - and there is nothing wrong with that, but it does not feel as solid and stable as the S10.
For me it would be the S10 for Touring, bumpy roads, unclassified minor roads (which near me are predominantly bumpy / falling apart) but for a quick blast or commuting the Tracer would be the bike of choice. For two-up it would also have to be the S10, the flighty motor, short wheelbase and weaker suspension would probably make the Tracer a far worse two-up proposition.
I have now chosen to swap out the S10 and (as posted elsewhere) has left me feeling quite sad as this bike is so good, I do not think the Tracer is good enough to replace it on a like-for-like basis, which is why I went for the KTM1190 - the only downside with this bike is the chain drive (another tracer "flaw" if you dislike chain maintenance / mess) and durability - the Tracer is likely to be very reliable, not sure it is as well made as the S10 though or will clock up 100K plus mileages quite as easily, but I am sure it would get there with far fewer issues than my choice!
Happy hunting.
Thanks for the info.
I do one big 2 up European tour a year and thats all. All other 2 up trips are a day here and there with a back box on.
Tbh i find the S10 quite "buzzy" in the lower rev range..and with SWMBO on the back im not allowed to get to the higher revs!!
Deffo need that test ride.
I do one big 2 up European tour a year and thats all. All other 2 up trips are a day here and there with a back box on.
Tbh i find the S10 quite "buzzy" in the lower rev range..and with SWMBO on the back im not allowed to get to the higher revs!!
Deffo need that test ride.
Dogdaze
Well-Known Member
Are you only looking at Yamaha or other makes as well? I would consider the BMW F700GS /800GS and most certainly the new 1000 V Strom.