Bossanova

I think I’m going for the old one at a big discount. If it had looked like the 700 it would’ve been a tougher decision.

I’m trying to decide between a ‘19 base model, a ‘20 GT or the new one. I’m really hoping they look like the tracer 700, and NOT like that Italian picture above. This thing is sweet:

22 hours ago, daboo said:

The motorcycle ergonomics web page will answer that question for you.  You can play with lowered footpegs, handlebar risers, where you sit on the seat, etc.  One of the things I picked up in seconds is the GT starts with a far more comfortable position for putting on hours and hours of riding.

Maybe I missed it, but one of the reasons I would not consider a naked bike for "sport-touring" is the lack of any fairing.  A bolted-on windshield is not the same.  I would think even the minimal fairing of the Tracer GT in comparison to something like an FJR's full fairing, is still far better than a naked bike on a 400-500 mile day trip.

Let me offer you a little story that may help you decide.  I have a favorite ride that goes up to a very windy road on Mt. Baker.  I've ridden it on three bikes.  On the first bike, I'd come home at the end of the day, and while the ride was very enjoyable...a nap was too.  That nap felt soooo good when I got home.  The second bike was better.  It was more "touring" than "sport", but still enjoyable on the twisties.  But the nap was still wonderful at the end of the day.  The third bike and the one I have now, when I took it on that same ride, it was very enjoyable.  As I was coming home, I was thinking about that nap...and realized I wasn't tired at all.  Instead...why don't I mow the lawn for the next three hours.  I was feeling that fresh.

The cost of the bikes, would be immaterial to my decision.  What I intended to do with the bike, would be the top consideration.  In the end, the cost differential is small.  As others have said, you'll get more $$ for the Tracer GT than for the MT in the end when you sell.  So the upfront extra cost, is moot.  

You don't like side cases.  Okay.  This is personal opinion...and you can do what you want with it, like totally disregard it   ...but a bike without storage, is a toy.  Nothing more.  Just an expensive toy.  I have 37 liter side case on my bike.  They give me the ability to stop at the grocery store on the way home to pick up a dozen eggs and a half-gallon of milk.  Going home to pick up the car to make that stop, again tells me the bike is a toy.

If you're serious about "sport-touring", then buy the sport-touring bike, not the toy. 

 

Chris

This! This right here is how/why I fell for that fj 09 last week... long story short I rode it for 6.5 hours straight and got back home fresh as ever, after hundreds of miles of twisties, highways, suburban, and city riding. Amazingly fun and engaging no matter the situation. Only had to stop for gas once.

Here’s some interesting charts from cycle-ergo.com:

2 hours ago, Yamajank said:

I have a 19 GT and only test rode the MT...but I would never be able to ride more than 100 miles on an MT...just the seating position is not even really comparable.  5’9” 150.  Now maybe a different seat could solve that, I don’t know.  However there are many other features found on the GT that have been mentioned here already that make it my winner.  I’m glad I chose the GT every time I get on it.

Are the seating positions really that different? How so?

Thank you for the thoughtful comments. Looks like the new, Euro 5-compliant mt09 is being unveiled next week. Will hold off on a decision for a couple of weeks.

5 hours ago, keithu said:

+1 on the base model Tracer. Many dealers seem to discount them, unlike the GT which tends to command full MSRP. 

In the US, there are a few 2019 base models left over, which are being discounted down from the original 10,699 to about 9,000. The 2020 GTs are now going for about 11,000 down from 12,999. Dealer fees vary from $4-900 on new bikes. A used MT-09 with low miles is around $7,000, with no dealer fees added on. 

2 hours ago, betoney said:

How about a 2019 base level Tracer (non-GT) and then add heated grips and quick shifter?

From the title of the thread, you want a "sport-tourer", why start with a non sport tourer and completely change it (MT-09) vs starting with a sport tourer (Tracer) and add a few upgrades? 

I'm looking into that too. For a pillion, there's no contest but for solo riding i don't see how a base Tracer is any more adept at sport touring than an MT-09 with s screen and handguards. I know what the marketing says, but in real world situation for a 5'8" solo rider there's nothing in it. If I were taller, the Tracer would be more comfortable.

Hi all, new here! I'm shopping for a new bike and narrowed it down to either a Tracer or an MT-09. I rode a '15 FJ-09 and I'm in love, it's goldilocks in almost every way for my style of riding and needs. It strikes a balance and sweet spot that's unmatched in the industry.

I'm now trying to think critically about the differences between these two bikes, '19-'20 Tracer (or GT) over '19 MT-09.

I can get a used MT-09 for $7k plus tax, add a puig screen, handguards, sargent heated seat, heated gloves, kaoko throttle lock and a quickshifter, and be in for about $8.5k. I'm 5'8" and 175lbs, ride solo only, and prefer a tailbag to side bags. My typical rides are 1-day, 4-500 miles, tops. I live in Washington DC and ride in MD, VA, and PA.

The GT would run about 2k more than that, and as far as i can tell, positives would be:

• 45 miles greater range (bigger tank)
• More rear shock travel
• Centerstand
• TFT dash

Whereas negatives would be:

• added weight
• expensive side bags i won't use

So, am I missing anything else in my comparison? I suppose I would want to get the sargent heated seat and tailbag either way, which would add to the cost of the GT. Are there any more subtle differences between these models?