Suu Kyi

Hi, my 2019 GT started to do this on the weekend. Same problem so definitely the same issue. Question; can the front brake switch be disconnected completely while I wait for a replacement from the dealer? Means the brake light won't be activated by the front brake lever (the foot brake will) but will the cruise control still work? Just undo the screw holding it in and somehow secure the assembly? Thanks.

On 7/23/2020 at 12:20 AM, Shizzle said:

Looking for some saddlebag liners but not sure what size to get, any ideas? Can't find what the actual size of the saddlebags are on my 2020 Tracer GT

I use the two genuine Yamaha bags from my previous FJR, perfect fit and high quality, albeit a tad expensive. I try and stay with genuine OEM whenever possible.

On 6/23/2020 at 1:33 AM, Doehle said:

Hello everyone.

I am looking for recommended accessories that do not alter the performance of the bike. I am thinking SW Tech crash bars (looking for protection if I dump the bike, or it blows over........... would also be nice if they protected my leg a bit in a crash), and maybe their Skid Plate.

I am on the fence for a windscreen. I am nervous of altering how the bike rides, as I love the handling, and the main reason I got the bike is how well it tracks on windy days.

Thanks ahead of time for the advice.

Hi Doehle, I spent quite a bit on OEM accessories soon after I got the bike in June last year. I try and stick with OEM as find they're better quality and fit. Not saying aftermarket items are of poor quality but prefer OEM. So; starting from the front, Touring Screen (big improvement), Radiator guard (must have), Engine sliders (hopefully will never need them), Top Case (essential for touring), Denali Sound Bomb Mini (only aftermarket item, lower tone, works well). Tried FJR pegs with the rubber on top but they stuck out too far so have gone back to the original. 

On 6/20/2020 at 4:51 AM, Scoobydoo said:

I really hated the stock screen. Then someone had a good deal on a scratched yamaha touring screen and I snatched it up. I put 100 freeway miles on it today (my typical commute) wow, so much better! Ino more buffeting not to load, I can hear everything. if I open the vent in the top of my helmet the wind goes right in there and is really load but I don't really use it much anyway. Really the best mod I could do, since that was my only real complaint about the bike.

For reference I'm about 5'9"  

I had the genuine Yamaha Touring Screen fitted soon after I got the bike delivered. Improvement on the stock screen, some buffeting when following other vehicles, particularly large trucks etc but relatively quiet when riding through clean air (not behind another vehicle). Very happy with it.

On 6/10/2020 at 1:45 AM, Mark Barulich said:

I'm currently on a 2019 fjr 1300es. I'm looking for something smooth but lighter in weight. 650lbs is a bit heavy for me at 170 lbs. Thanks for your input.

Strange how many go from the FJR to the Tracer GT. I also did this last year after having the FJR for around 12 months and 18k kms. Was sad to part with it but decided to do so due mainly to the weight at around 300 kgs compared to the Tracer's 237 kgs. Absolutely loved the FJR in every way, smooth, comfortable and excellent wind protection. I'm 5ft 7ins and weigh 70kgs so the FJR was a bit of a challenge, especially when I dropped it halfway through a slow turn. Absolutely no regrets moving to the Tracer GT. Smooth and comfortable enough with all the features of the FJR. Not as good in the wind protection department but life is a compromise. 

2 hours ago, mingo said:

I place the bike on the side stand, then slide the center stand dolly under the bike and deploy the center stand. The front wheel doesn't roll over it. The dolly has a clearance of about 3mm off the ground. I've had this one for over 20 years, so I don't recall what I paid for it, but you should be able to find one in Australia. just do a google search. 

Cool thanks, makes sense, appreciate your prompt response.

On 6/1/2020 at 9:07 AM, mingo said:

I have the full Akra on mine and love it for its looks and sound.. not too loud and obnoxious. Rather quiet under steady throttle but sings beautifully under hard acceleration and burbles with small pops under deceleration. It's a lot of money but to me I just wanted it and didn't try to justify the cost. It's a quality kit. 

Hi Mingo, noticed in your photo that you have your bike on the centre stand which is then on a dolly/trolley. This would allow manoeuvrability etc. The bit I'm curious about is how do you drive your bike's front wheel over it in the first instance, are the dolly wheels locked, is the belly of the dolly on the ground when you ride over and then raised before the centre stand is lowered etc. Also; where can you get these from and how much do they cost? Can I get one in Australia? Thanks.

Had an interesting experience this morning, bike started and rode ok but no indicators or hazard lights, everything else seemed to be working ok, including the headlights and high beam, couldn't check the tail or brake lights. Couldn't do much while on the move so waited until I pulled up at the traffic lights. Turned the engine off and turned the ignition back on; that's when I discovered that the key was not turned all the way to the right when I last turned on the ignition, legacy of fiddling with a gloved hand. Probably means that power was not being transmitted to all sources. Interesting and something to always keep in mind, turn it on all the way before putting gloves on as the key position can be a bit fiddly.

12 minutes ago, dazzler24 said:

@Suu Kyi - Thanks for that.  I had that horrible sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach that I'd gotten a little too clever for my own good.  Done that once or twice before ....🙄

I'm off to get the egg off my face now.

Cheers

1 minute ago, dazzler24 said:

@Suu Kyi - Thanks for that.  I had that horrible sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach that I'd gotten a little too clever for my own good.  Done that once or twice before ....🙄

I'm off to get the egg off my face now.

Cheers

No worries, take it easy and enjoy your ride and the great company on this forum.............

24 minutes ago, dazzler24 said:

I've taken this off line and sent a PM in case I've offended unintentionally and to clarify directly.

Hi Dazz, no offence taken. My forum name Suu Kyi is after the Burmese Democracy Icon and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi. You see I am originally from Myanmar, migrated here in 1969 but I have always respected Suu Kyi for her tenacity, hence my forum name. The registration plate on my Tracer also bears her name. All good and thanks for your clarification.

Cheers, Michael. 

20 hours ago, dazzler24 said:

@Suu Kyi - It's been bugging me for a while now but I just have to ask... is your handle what I think it is?

 

Hi Dazz, pardon my ignorance but I'm unsure what you mean by "handle" so can you please explain. Reading Wordsmith's comments on the same subject hasn't made me any wiser. Not keen to arrive at my own conclusion as I'll probably get it wrong and embarrass myself  

Look forward to being enlightened.

22 hours ago, wordsmith said:

With the possibility of my returning to the Tracer GT fold (oooh! – don’t get too excited, chums!) I have to address why I moved on from my last GT late last year.

Great machine, good value for money, and all that – but it was becoming increasingly difficult for me to mount the bike (side-stand down) with any degree of dignity: dismounting was equally tricky for me.   As for getting on or off with panniers fitted – might as well ask me to climb Everest, with or without oxygen!

Reasons: old age (now nudging 81yo) which has over time brought with it increasingly stiffening knee, hip, and ankle joints, all of which interferes with easy access.   And – shamefully – I simply cannot do the trick of standing on the left-hand foot-peg and swinging my right leg up over the bike that way.   Maybe practice makes perfect…

My question then is – what solutions proven and tested by others here can I consider to reduce seat-height?   I found the GT seat perfectly acceptable in terms of comfort and support, and would not wish to have it modified in any way, nor purchase another supposedly lower seat lest I leap out of the frying-pan into the fire. 

Aftermarket ‘dog-bone’ suspension linkages have been suggested as one means of achieving some seat-height reduction: can anyone who has gone down this road kindly offer their experiences?   I understand that Yamaha has available after-market dog-bones, and a UK specialist – Lust Racing – seems to have a range of high-quality suspension-lowering components too.

I had excellent K-tech suspension installed on my last GT, and the rear shock could be adjusted in length, which gave me a seat-height reduction of about 10 – 12mm (half an inch) from memory, and also allowed me to flat-foot at rest, so I would probably go this route next time, if only to improve the overall ride quality (which K-tech did in spades).  

Knowledgeable advice seems to say that raising the front fork in the clamps can also lower seat height as it lowers the front of the bike, but is not especially recommended as it can also affect the steering etc.  So, chaps, what say ye?  

All contributions will be gladly accepted.

Hi, I used to be 5ft 7.5 inches but lost half an inch due to gravity along the way. When I was looking to buy the Tracer last  year I could just flat foot with the lower seat position but would've preferred being slightly lower to aid in comfort, safety and manoeuvrability. The dealer set up the demo bike with the OEM lowering kit (dog bones as you put it) for me to try, this included lowering the front forks as well. Yes, made a big difference but also introduced another problem; it made it difficult to hoist onto the centre stand as the bike was now lower so less leverage and more lifting required, due to the centre stand being closer to the ground. Bike also stood more upright on the  side stand as that was also lower to the ground but not so much of an issue as the centre stand. 

Weighing it all up I decided not to have the bike lowered as it wasn't that much of an issue for me. You could go for the optional lower (thinner) seat. I also tried that on my previous bike (FJR 1300) where the dealer shaved off some of the padding but that also created another problem; I ended up with my knackers being pushed into the tank so he gave me a new seat which he ripped off a new bike on the floor. I have nothing but praise for Aurelio at 5 Star Yamaha in Hamilton Hill, Perth Western Australia, highly recommended for their service and friendliness. 

In summary; most modifications come with a trade-off and difficult to recommend as it's rarely one size fits all. In your case the more challenging centre stand lift may not work so maybe the OEM lower seat.

19 hours ago, Matt 2703 said:

Any suggestions for a 2019 tracer gt radiator Guard, the Givi one looks ok, any views? 

Hi, I installed the genuine Yamaha item, reasonably priced and very well made. Can see it in the attached photo I took of the Denali Mini Sound Bomb recently.

10 hours ago, bowlin01 said:

Hi All, another day in Paradise  Isolation !

Can anyone who has fitted the Denali Soundbomb Mini 113db Horn to their GT please tell me whether the oem horn has "blade style electrical connections" as it states in the product requirements? (I'm not able to go and look at my bike as it isn't in the same place as I'm isolating in )

If not, what is involved in successfully fitting this horn to a GT?

If so, is it REALLY a simple 'plug n' play' as advertised (I'm always a little sceptical of anything being advertised as that easy).

Thanks in advance for any useful input.

Cheers

Steve

Hi Steve,

I fitted one back in September last year, very easy plug & play, didn't need any modifications. Very pleased with the result as you'll see on my previous post below.

I have a thing with horns doing what they are meant to do so also upgraded the horn on my car (Mitsubishi Pajero) with a Stebel Nautilus air-horn which I originally bought for a previous bike but proved too big so has been sitting in my workshop, works a treat on the 4WD.

Happy isolation, same situation here in Perth Western Australia, make the best of it.

Cheers,

Michael

I haven't tried the lower seat but have tried the Yamaha lowering kit and yes it did lower the bike noticeably as the front forks are also lowered to keep the bike level. On the downside it made it harder to hoist the bike onto the centre-stand, remembering that the bike being lower you have further to lift and also the angle of the stand has been altered. In terms of height; in standard form I can only just flat-foot so wasn't really an issue for me but being harder to get onto the centre-stand was so didn't have the lowering kit installed on the new bike. I find the standard seat quite comfortable actually so no need to change.   

On 1/3/2020 at 11:57 AM, tadv said:

My Tracer GT gets the buzzy pegs at high rpms. I know its not Harley bad, but wanted to see how some rubber covered pegs might help. Anyone know where I might find some? I've seen a video with Tracer accessories that show them, but no link. Thanks! 

Have tried the genuine OEM FJR pegs (my previous bike) and although a bit more comfortable, the FJR pegs are quite a bit longer, not an issue for me in terms of scraping but they interfered with my legs when walking the bike backwards or forwards from a seated position so have swapped back to the standards pegs, expensive lesson. There's an extensive discussion on this subject elsewhere on this forum. 

22 hours ago, Coop said:

The same reason that I sold my ST1300.  It was either a Spyder or something lighter and the Tracer won out.

Ditto for me as well, traded my FJR for the Tracer GT. Former got too heavy and although a great bike wasn't the right one for me, the GT is absolutely perfect.

16 hours ago, ozn3 said:

Has anyone tried this already? If so, is it worth the purchase? I'm only 5'6" and would like to reach the ground better during stop and go situations hehe Nope, I don't want to use lowering links so a slightly lower seat will do. 

Low Rider Seat - B5C-F4710-A0-00 - Yamaha Motor

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Low Rider Seat - For your Yamaha Model Name

 

Can sympathise with you, I'm just a tad taller at 5'7", used to be 5'7.5" but lost half an inch somewhere along the line. I use the lower seat setting on my GT and works fine for me. Tried one fitted with lowered suspension and although it does lower the bike considerably it also makes it a bit harder to hoist onto the centre stand as the whole bike is lower so a bit harder to lift. I've noticed on this lower seat accessory that the hump on the front of the seat is much more pronounced than the standard seat, probably because they've simply scalloped the padding in the middle and towards the front but left the front bit alone. I had this done to me previous bike (FJR1300) and had to have it reversed as it made me sit lower in the seat and pushed my knackers hard up against the front of the seat which made it very uncomfortable and even painful. The Kawasaki Versys and a few others have this sort of configuration where the hump on the front of the seat is very pronounced, may be ok for you. Something to keep in mind. 

On 11/27/2019 at 12:14 PM, wordsmith said:

My TRACER GT has been sold, happily to the first-to-see, who cannot believe his good fortune.   I shall miss it, but after much recent chopping and changing of mind, shall-I or shan't-I, I decided that I have been very fortunate indeed to ride all the past bikes for so long without any untoward happenings, so at 80 n.o. but rapidly declining in matters material to safe motorcycling, it was time.

I have enjoyed my time on this Forum, learned a lot and hopefully contributed something useful too.   I shall not call-in from time to time as my worth will rapidly become irrelevant, so let me wish you all well in your riding futures.   For me, it's pipe and slippers time, with a hot cocoa on hand...

All the very best for the future and thanks heaps for all your wonderful advice and informative articles, all written with real passion. Thanks in particular for your offers and willingness to help. Look forward to hearing from you in this forum and learning from your vast experience..............

On 3/16/2019 at 7:09 AM, Luma46 said:

Did my first ride on GT at temperatures 8 to 10 C. Engine temperature indicated around 60 C. That seem to me rather low, a car would have temp around 85 C. What are you guys seeing on your bikes?

From stone cold, the thermostat opens at around 40c, I'm guessing this as prior to the gauge registering a temperature it says "Lo". Freeway cruising with the ambient temperature in the mid 20s the coolant temp is around the mid 70s, it will climb to around 85c in stop start traffic. Fan comes on at around 100c, I can hear this and also notice the temperature reduce slightly by a few degrees as a result.

19 hours ago, bugie said:

The manual says 150nm not 150 fps. 

And yes, tightening the axle nut can indeed influence alignment as it can pull the axle back slightly.

You're spot on of course, I got the Nms and Fps mixed up, good job I ain't employed as a mechanic LOL.......In any case still feel the 111 fps is a bit on the high side so my 100 fps feels about right based on other machines which are around the 80 fp mark.

The owner's manual on the GT says 35mm to 45mm whilst up on the centre-stand. Mine was around 50mm measured with the Motion-pro chain slack tool so adjusted it back to specifications. Also; only tightened the axle nut to 100 Foot-Pounds, not 150 the manual says as that is way too tight from my perspective, more akin to doing up diesel head blocks. All my bikes have been around 89 - 90, hence the 100 fps for the GT.  Rode it like that for a couple of days and noticed a grinding noise and felt some vibrations in the pegs on deceleration which wasn't there before. All that's changed is the chain tension so adjusted back to around 50mm slack, only this time I used my inbuilt devices to determine accuracy (my eyes, brain & hands). All good after this, the grinding noise has gone away.

An observation; the alignment notches don't seem to have varied much before and after adjustment whereas the chain tension has, particularly noticeable when off the centre stand. Leads me to conclude that sometimes, tightening the axle nut can influence the chain tension, something to keep in mind. Setting aside the Motion-pro, Chain Monkey and the tape measure and trusting my own judgement and observations from here-on.

On 9/30/2019 at 7:48 PM, Suu Kyi said:

Yes I had to order the complete set-up for the Niken pegs from Yamaha and yes it was quite expensive, AUD 330. I've never experienced pegs catching on my calves (not that I can remember) so going to swap back to the billet stock pegs to see where the extra expense is justified. 

Have swapped back to the stock from the Niken pegs and they're ok. No more digging into the calves when stationary or back paddling. Don't know why I swapped as stock was not causing me any issues. Guess I experience this interference probably because  I'm not that tall at 173cms (5'7") hence I need to keep my feet closer to the bike. Expensive exercise but there you go, just pleased the outcome is positive.

On 9/28/2019 at 5:09 AM, CumuloNimbus said:

Suu Kyi

Rode my new pegs today.  They must be okay because they didn't draw attention to themselves at all.  Certainly didn't notice any vibration, felt comfortable and secure, so a thumbs up so far.  Interesting to hear the rubber lasted 3 seasons, which isn't bad for the £$.

After your mention of the Niken OEM pegs, I had a look and couldn't find them.  They certainly look better quality and the lean indicator/hero blob looks more the part.  I'd prefer to have those.  From what I could find, to get those pegs you have to order all of the component parts which soon adds up.  Is there a complete set for sale from Yamaha?

Mine measure 9cm too.  I've always had my legs catch pegs on various bikes when paddling backwards,  thought this was normal actually.  It's never bothered me.  I was catching the billet pegs too.

Yes I had to order the complete set-up for the Niken pegs from Yamaha and yes it was quite expensive, AUD 330. I've never experienced pegs catching on my calves (not that I can remember) so going to swap back to the billet stock pegs to see where the extra expense is justified.