blindjoebeck Posted October 11, 2018 Share Posted October 11, 2018 So I traded-in my 2015 FJ-09 for a 2019 Tracer 900. I contemplated whether or not a 900 GT would be a better choice. But (1) I couldn't find a dealer with one in stock in my area and (2) the only additional feature that interested me is the improved suspension. The other stuff like the quick-shifter and cruise control might be nice, but almost irrelevant to my olde-fart persona. And I already have a set of Givi hard bags. The new bike is quite nice, as expected. I really liked my 2015 bike and, although I only ridden the new one for 400 miles, I'm quite enjoying it. The Tracer has bits and pieces around the cockpit that give a more finished look than the old bike. Here is a list of changes (and similarities) that I've noticed (or read about) between the old and new bikes. I'm sure there are other updates as well. And I apologize if this stuff has been listed in another thread. - the chain slack spec is now a realistic number. Right there on page 7-23, the manual clearly states 35.0-45.0mm / 1.38-1.77inch - swing arm is 2 inches longer - slipper clutch (maybe introduced in 2017 model?) - uses the same clutch cable that was upated in 2017 - right hand crankcase shield over the clutch now fully covers the clutch where it only partially covered the clutch on the old bike - clutch pull feels lighter to me - the fairing pieces up front with the honey-combed impressions that collected bugs and grime are now smooth - the side fairing pieces at the front and rear have screened ventilation openings - windshield is larger and shaped differently - windshield can be adjusted with one hand (and while riding if one is so inclined) - handgrips are not so weird looking although the are made from two pieces joined together - seat material is different with woven-like fabric on top and suede-like material on the sides and contrasting color stitching that joins top and sides - grab rails are shaped differently - the various plastic pieces that make up the front fairing and rear side covers are shaped differently - black upper fork legs - selected engine mode is retained when starting bike (i.e., doesn't default to STD) - traction control has two settings as well as OFF; the selected setting is retained when starting the bike - ABS sensor up front has been raised from below the brake caliper to a position between the caliper mounting bolts so lifting the bike with a front stand doesn't require removal of the sensor mount - the guard on the right side foot peg to keep boots away from the exhaust is part of the foot peg bracket and no longer gets in the way of my 10.5s (it looks like this part was updated in 2017) - foot pegs still have the long feelers - same "tool kit" - same weird divider in the under-seat storage area - there is an Owner Manual warning not to put more than 7 lb in the storage compartment. I am sure lives will be saved by this directive. I cannot tell from the online parts diagrams whether or not there are changes to the cam chain tensioner assembly. Those who know more about this issue would be more authoritative. The tires are Dunlop Sportmax D222. I think these are the same as were delivered with my 2015 bike. I'm partial to the Michelin Pilot Roads, though. I hope Yamaha sells a bunch of these bikes. I'm also looking forward to the Ténéré 700. - Joe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BBB Posted October 11, 2018 Share Posted October 11, 2018 At freakin last. Even slacker than the 25-30mm I’ve been using. Is that due to the longer swingarm I wonder? - the chain slack spec is now a realistic number. Right there on page 7-23, the manual clearly states 35.0-45.0mm / 1.38-1.77inch Red 2015 Tracer, UK spec (well, it was until I started messing with it...) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supporting Member roadrash83 Posted October 11, 2018 Supporting Member Share Posted October 11, 2018 Congratulations on your new bike! Does your bike have the same instrument display as the GT? I'm with right there with you on the Michelin Pilot Roads and even a Pilot Power on the front, that combo worked really well on my BMW S1000rr for street use. He who dies with the most toys wins. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supporting Member betoney Posted October 11, 2018 Supporting Member Share Posted October 11, 2018 Congratulations on your new bike! Does your bike have the same instrument display as the GT? The standard Tracer uses the older FJ display, the GT uses the color display from the R1. ***2015 Candy Red FJ-09*** Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fadkar Posted October 12, 2018 Share Posted October 12, 2018 Thanks for sharing! I just picked up a used 2017 FJ a few weeks ago as the new GT is outside of my current budget. I've been wondering whether or not I should start dropping $$$ on upgrading my FJ (mainly suspension, exhaust, hard luggage) or if I should wait a few years, save up, and buy a used GT. I'm thinking the only thing that the GT has that the FJ can't upgrade to is the longer swing arm... So it might be better for me to upgrade my bike so I can enjoy it NOW and have a bike perfectly suited for me. $7600 for the bike + ~$3k in upgrades isn't too shabby... Then I can just upgrade to a R1250 GS 5-7 years from now:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wordsmith Posted October 12, 2018 Share Posted October 12, 2018 $7600 for the bike + ~$3k in upgrades isn't too shabby... Then I can just upgrade to a R1250 GS 5-7 years from now:D Nothing like planning ahead! And even if it doesn't pan out that way, you'll enjoy the anticipation... Riding a fully-farkled 2019 MT-09 Tracer 900 GT from my bayside home in South East Queensland, Australia. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member upshift Posted October 12, 2018 Premium Member Share Posted October 12, 2018 Thanks for the report, @blindjoebeck . Besides the lighter clutch pull, do you notice anything different about how the new bike rides, in comparison to your old FJ? I've got a 2015 and am thinking that I may have a similar decision to make next year... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member alejandro Posted October 12, 2018 Premium Member Share Posted October 12, 2018 Is the new 900 less wheelie-prone than the FJ-09 was? It seems to me that's why they would have stretched the swingarm by a not-insignificant 2 inches. Less wheelie-prone means you can use more throttle and accelerate faster. That seems like a major legit improvement to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bugie Posted October 12, 2018 Share Posted October 12, 2018 They also chained the location of the oil drain bolt so it can't be scraped off when bottoming out Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supporting Member roadrash83 Posted October 12, 2018 Supporting Member Share Posted October 12, 2018 $7600 for the bike + ~$3k in upgrades isn't too shabby... Then I can just upgrade to a R1250 GS 5-7 years from now:DNothing like planning ahead! And even if it doesn't pan out that way, you'll enjoy the anticipation... Then when you finally have the money to buy all those neat bikes your to old and crippled to enjoy them! He who dies with the most toys wins. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eggman17 Posted October 12, 2018 Share Posted October 12, 2018 Is the new 900 less wheelie-prone than the FJ-09 was? It seems to me that's why they would have stretched the swingarm by a not-insignificant 2 inches. Less wheelie-prone means you can use more throttle and accelerate faster. That seems like a major legit improvement to me. The almost 2 inches stops the front end from wiggling around, its why the 900 and 900GT dont have a speed limiter on them.. They tuned A mode down a little, it still comes up just not as easy and the 3 mode TCS has what ill call a wheelie mode holds that thing at 1-2 feet up and thats it.. My best 1 word description of the new bike after 30 thousand on the 15 FJ is REFINED!! 2015 EffJay 09, 2014 F150 Raptor, 2004 WRX STI & 79 Ford Bronco Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member alejandro Posted October 12, 2018 Premium Member Share Posted October 12, 2018 They also chained the location of the oil drain bolt so it can't be scraped off when bottoming out I think they made a change like that mid-2016. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member alejandro Posted October 12, 2018 Premium Member Share Posted October 12, 2018 . My best 1 word description of the new bike after 30 thousand on the 15 FJ is REFINED!! Sounds nice. Hmm. I do love my 2015. That sounds like an improvement in many respects. Any ways in which you prefer 2015? The only other things that interest me are a hyper or a multi. Or maybe an r1200rt but so much of my riding is commuting and that seems like overkill. And I do t trust the euros. Oh, and an rc390. That would be in addition rather than as a replacement. And maybe an electric. But we should enjoy the gas vehicles while we can. They won’t be around forever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member alejandro Posted October 12, 2018 Premium Member Share Posted October 12, 2018 They also chained the location of the oil drain bolt so it can't be scraped off when bottoming out I think they made a change like that mid-2016. Makes the bike slightly more legitimate from an “adventure” point of view, although still not a GS or even a Versys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eggman17 Posted October 12, 2018 Share Posted October 12, 2018 . My best 1 word description of the new bike after 30 thousand on the 15 FJ is REFINED!! Sounds nice. Hmm. So REFINED the wife noticed, and she just enjoys the ride most of the time. She can care less either way but noticed it with the new bike. I do love my 2015. That sounds like an improvement in many respects. YES! Any ways in which you prefer 2015? A Mode felt like you unleashed the beast. Grew up on CR500 and the MATTE grey, loved it. The only other things that interest me are a hyper or a multi. Or maybe an r1200rt but so much of my riding is commuting and that seems like overkill. And I do t trust the euros. Mine is also my DD and like you i commute the bay. The narrower bars makes all the difference in the world when splitting/sharing. I didnt farkle the shit out of the 15 with the hopes they would eventually make the GT or a version like it. First year of anything is always a gamble. Mine is all covered by warranty for all the upgrades i would want and yamaha likes that when things go wrong. I would love to get a hyper and looked at the multi but like most euors they can get expensive when its time to work on them. Oh, and an rc390. That would be in addition rather than as a replacement. This would be a blast! And maybe an electric. Not yet, too expensive for the amount of miles..But close. But we should enjoy the gas vehicles while we can. They won’t be around forever. Absolutely, its gonna happen and maybe in our lifetime.. 2015 EffJay 09, 2014 F150 Raptor, 2004 WRX STI & 79 Ford Bronco Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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