Greetings From San Antonio TX

[Streethawk]

Hello all. 

I look forward to learning more about the Tracer 900 from all the great minds here as I plan on acquiring a GT very soon.  

I currently ride a 2016 Yamaha Super Tenere,  2015 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT and 2009 Kawasaki ER-6N (basically a naked Ninja 650). The ER-6N is more or less my track bike. I ride road, track and occasionally trail (via light ADVing).

I also perform all my own maintenance and fortunately (like other Japanese OEMs), you basically have the "right to repair" with the Tracer. I've had the opportunity to ride all gens of the FJ/Tracer. I settled on the 2nd gen for suspension upgrading/adjustability and its lower tech than the current gen. I plan to use the Tracer as a weekend twisties warrior as well as a city and track day weapon.

I recently test rode a used GT to get refreshed on the feeling of it (faster pace on a technical route) but the suspension left me with many more questions than answers. It was probably adjusted far from what I'd need, or it is really that bad stock. Lol. I look forward to exploring this forum more to see who's successfully sorted the suspension for more performance oriented riding (fwiw, I'm 5'11", approx. 205 lbs and my riding style is spirited).

Suspension aside I plan on upgrading the front brake master cylinder (possibly a Magura); based on my recent FZ-09, FJ/Tracer experiences.

That's it for now I guess. I look forward to meeting more of you all and learning more.

 

Streethawk out 🙂

[Streethawk]

betoney, I made an edit to this post and somehow lost your reply from yesterday. Thank you though for your input on the suspension upgrade performance changes.

At this stage, I plan on looking at a Traxxion Dynamics (AK-20) front and Penske rear solution. On my ER-6N, I run AK-20s up front and an Ohlins KA 906 at the rear. I did an initial shakedown of that setup at Circuit of the Americas in Austin TX and was blown away by how it elevated my little budget street fighter! I'm sure these options will better sort the Tracer.

[betoney]

1 hour ago, Streethawk said:

I plan on looking at a Traxxion Dynamics (AK-20) front and Penske rear solution.

I had the forks revalved and added correct springs and for the shock I went through Traxxion Dynamics and ordered a Penske 8983, I did the same for my previous 2006 FZ1, absolutely fantastic shock.

[Streethawk]

Thanks betoney! I've ridden a 2016 XSR900 suspended by the Penske and AK-20s. That thing cornered like a dream! Those specifics regarding your bike are great to know! 😎

[The Cheese]

Welcome. Hope you find yourself a bike. As always, tailoring the suspension to your weight and riding style helps. I came from a well set-up ST1100 and don't regret it. I do miss the old bike, probably would buy another if I found the right one, but I'm rambling on. You've come to the wrong place to be talked out of buying a Tracer.

You don't say which model you rode or what the issue with the suspension was.

I have a 2020. If I dint find such a great bike at a great price I would have went after the current Tracer.

[Streethawk]

The Cheese, thanks! Great forum so far! Can't blame you for wanting another 1100. The Honda STs are legendary 😎

The GT I rode had a front end feel that was vague and non-compliant overall. When turning in on the tight curvy route I was riding, the front end felt sluggish and then sort of flighty (way too light in the front). It was not confidence inspiring to say the least. That said, I have no idea what suspension inputs might have been made prior to me riding.

[Streethawk]

And so it begins! 😉 Happy to report that I'm now the owner of a lovingly pre-owned 2019 Tracer 900 GT. Decent farkles too for only having 3,000 miles; OE crash bars, OE heated seat, several windscreen and a (uninstalled) Fenda Extenda.

Next up, wash and detail for a more comprehensive inspection ( with fairings removed, gas tank lifted, etc) and then those pumpkin signals are outta here! 😁

Streethawk's (new to him) 2019 Tracer 900 GT

[betoney]

1 hour ago, Streethawk said:

And so it begins! 😉 Happy to report that I'm now the owner of a lovingly pre-owned 2019 Tracer 900 GT. Decent farkles too for only having 3,000 miles; OE crash bars, OE heated seat, several windscreen and a (uninstalled) Fenda Extenda.

Next up, wash and detail for a more comprehensive inspection ( with fairings removed, gas tank lifted, etc) and then those pumpkin signals are outta here! 😁

Streethawk's (new to him) 2019 Tracer 900 GT

  No need to link from a photo hosting site, just copy and paste the photo directly into the thread.  This forum is much easier to post photos than some others that I use.

[Streethawk]

1 hour ago, betoney said:

  No need to link from a photo hosting site, just copy and paste the photo directly into the thread.  This forum is much easier to post photos than some others that I use.

Thanks betoney. I'll give it a try. I attempted to attach earlier but hit a file size limit.

[betoney]

8 hours ago, Streethawk said:

Thanks betoney. I'll give it a try. I attempted to attach earlier but hit a file size limit.

Yes, you are correct, I completely forgot about that.  "Supporting Member" status removes the restrictions on the size and amount of photos posted.