From 390 duke to tracer 900 GT . Is it too big of a jump?

[Victorvnv]

Hey guys , new member here.

Today I finally got a new Tracer 900 GT, it will be my second bike. 
 

The first one I had was ktm duke 390, I had it for several months, put 3500 miles on it, however as I am a 6”1 190lbs guy , the bike started to feel quite underpowered on the freeways where I do most of my riding.

 

I am mostly using my bike for Long touring, going from San Jose to Big Sur, Bakersfield , Vegas etc and sadly with the KTM after an hour riding my lower back was hurting thus I got the new bike.

 

now my concern is that this would probably be too much of a power/ size jump so I was hoping I can get some tips/ insight on it before I pick up the 900 tomorrow .

 

How is the handling/ cornering? 
 

How Easy is it on low speeds and will it’s power blow my mind off ? 
 

Anything specific to be aware off?

 

I probably should have went for a 600-700cc bike, however given how the value of my duke was about 2000$ less when I sold it than when I purchased it, I figured It’s more practical to straight up go for the bike I want and plan on keeping for the next few years.

 

Thanks ‘

[betoney]

Every rider is different and the ability to control you right wrist determines if a bike is too powerful for you.  My first street bike was 1000cc but I also had 30+ years dirt riding experience.  Basically, unless you ride like an idiot, you should be fine on the Tracer.

The Tracer is a great bike, as much at home in the mountain twisties as it is on a multi-state road trip.  Zero issues cruising at 80mph on the highway for days at a time, just set the cruise control and go.

[Victorvnv]

20 minutes ago, betoney said:

Every rider is different and the ability to control you right wrist determines if a bike is too powerful for you.  My first street bike was 1000cc but I also had 30+ years dirt riding experience.  Basically, unless you ride like an idiot, you should be fine on the Tracer.

The Tracer is a great bike, as much at home in the mountain twisties as it is on a multi-state road trip.  Zero issues cruising at 80mph on the highway for days at a time, just set the cruise control and go.

Thanks man! That gives me abit more confidence . I got abit scared of the size difference today even thought the bike when I sat on feels great. Sadly they didn’t allow test rides so I had to make the decision before riding it.

 

And yea that cruise control is huge for me as I am planning on taking the bike from San Jose to Yellowstone as soon as I get comfy with it!

 

Only thing I am worried is the throttle response compared to the 390. The 390 was way too easy in that area as I could easily rev the engine and it wouldn’t jump too fast into speed. 
 

 

[Dutch]

I agree with betoney. No matter the horses available, control your right wrist. I have 30+ years of riding under the belt and enjoyed a variety of bikes with different horsepower. I've never felt intimidated by the power available. Take your time getting used to the bike. I haven't gotten my Tracer yet so I can't speak for it's power, although the reviews on the bike were unanimous on the power the bike has readily available. I traded a 2008 Stratoliner S in for the Tracer and can't wait to get the bike. Anyway, enjoy your new bike. I hope you have many safe miles ahead of you. Driving bikes is an addiction I never want to get rid of:-)  

[knyte]

I found the handling to be just top-notch in the city or highway.

I've a feeling you will really like this bike.

[Michiel900GT]

I think you will be just fine. It's more about you being able to control yourself than you controlling the bike.

The Tracer had a very nice engine and if you feel the throttle is too aggressive ( which I doubt), you can put it in standard or B-mode.

I don't think you will regret this. As long as you don't drive like an idiot, but that goes for all bikes.

[Victorvnv]

1 hour ago, Dutch said:

I agree with betoney. No matter the horses available, control your right wrist. I have 30+ years of riding under the belt and enjoyed a variety of bikes with different horsepower. I've never felt intimidated by the power available. Take your time getting used to the bike. I haven't gotten my Tracer yet so I can't speak for it's power, although the reviews on the bike were unanimous on the power the bike has readily available. I traded a 2008 Stratoliner S in for the Tracer and can't wait to get the bike. Anyway, enjoy your new bike. I hope you have many safe miles ahead of you. Driving bikes is an addiction I never want to get rid of:-)  

Thanks guys, I now feel eager to drive it home tomorrow . From Berkeley to San Jose .

Riding bikes really became an addiction but as skills get better so do bikes get expensive .

This bike took all my savings plus a couple grands from my credit card so hopefully I don’t have to/ feel the need to change it in the next 3-4 years lol.

I am 34 so I am kinda mature enough not to care about being the fastest beast on the road, as long as I can pack up and have fun road trips and once in a while have a chick behind for a scenic ride I am happy.

 

Will post on here in the morning when I bring the new baby home !

 

[texscottyd]

6 hours ago, Victorvnv said:

Riding bikes really became an addiction but as skills get better so do bikes get expensive

Welcome to the jungle!    

I think you’re going to love the Tracer.  It’s hugely entertaining, has tons of character, and is actually really easy to ride.   

[kilo3]

Don't forget about the drive modes. Heck I stayed in B mode for a good two weeks just to get a feel.

[nhchris]

I've ridden a 390 and enjoyed it a lot.  The Tracer will feel different,  but in a good way.

Explore its drive modes and other features, and set the sag and suspension stiff if you are at the 200 lb mark.

I think the redline on the 390 was around 5,500 rpm. The CP3 motor likes to rev higher, so try shift points closer to 8- or 9k.

It will go only as fast as you want it too so take your time getting to know her.

Oh yeah, don't b e afraid to lean it waaaay over.

Edited June 20, 2020 by nhchris

[Victorvnv]

3 hours ago, kilo3 said:

Don't forget about the drive modes. Heck I stayed in B mode for a good two weeks just to get a feel.

Def Gona start at B mode lol. This thing is over 100 lbs heavier than my 334lbs duke so will need time to adjust to the size

[Victorvnv]

3 hours ago, nhchris said:

I've ridden a 390 and enjoyed it a lot.  The Tracer will feel different,  but in a good way.

Explore its drive modes and other features, and set the sag and suspension stiff if you are at the 200 lb mark.

I think the redline on the 390 was around 5,500 rpm. The CP3 motor likes to rev higher, so try shift points closer to 8- or 9k.

It will go only as fast as you want it too so take your time getting to know her.

Oh yeah, don't b e afraid to lean it waaaay over.

Damn , I thanks ! I was shifting on the 390 at around 4000-5000, interesting as I thought bigger engine would make me shift a lot sooner .

[betoney]

22 minutes ago, Victorvnv said:

Damn , I thanks ! I was shifting on the 390 at around 4000-5000, interesting as I thought bigger engine would make me shift a lot sooner .

It is absolutely normal to shift the Tracer at 4000-5000 just like your KTM, no need to rev it out to 9000 unless you are riding like a hooligan.  The Tracer has a very flat torque curve and pulls a long time in every gear and can be ridden as sedate or aggressive as you choose.

[texscottyd]

19 minutes ago, betoney said:

It is absolutely normal to shift the Tracer at 4000-5000 just like your KTM, no need to rev it out to 9000 unless you are riding like a hooligan.  The Tracer has a very flat torque curve and pulls a long time in every gear and can be ridden as sedate or aggressive as you choose.

Exactly this.   Just ride it how you feel most comfortable for now, @Victorvnv...  it's got easy-to-use power everywhere.  This bike tends to bring out the inner hooligan in all of us, but maybe give it a few days before you go exploring in the upper rev ranges.  Fair warning:  Once you get used to the CP3 motor, it's absolutely intoxicating.  

[Victorvnv]

Guys just got the bike and drove it home .

 

I gotta say I love it! It’s just as you said- the power is nice and smooth and doesn’t feel too sudden that would throw me off. Riding it in B mode, everything feels great compared to the Duke.

The windshield feels great, barely felt any wind around me at 70-80 mph.

 

The seat feels great too- one hour non stop riding Without me feeling the urge to stop just to stretch out. 
 

The freeway power is great, bike doesn’t feel it’s going to fall apart or struggling .

 

Defenitely keeping this one for years to come! Can’t wait to make a huge road trip to Yellowstone maybe next week!

 

Thanks for everyone’s heads up and tips !

 

Bike looks sexy as hell too and I don’t feel like a giant standing next to it!