Worth the wait for the 2019 Tracer GT ?

[howardrichman]

I'm considering the fj-09. There are improvements each year to present 2017. As far as I know, the 2018 models are available now for purchase. The Tracer 900 GT will be not be available till the 2nd half of 2018.  Heated grips, improved seat, extended swing arm, color match side bags, quick shifter, improved dash, and fully adjustable front shocks. I'm needing a ride early spring. Will this version be worth waiting for compared to the 2017 or 2018.?  I could pick up a cheap ride till it's available.

                                                                                                     Howie...

[Sport-Touring]

[motrhead]

 Do you need that stuff? I found the FJ-09 very competent when I rode it. I guess it depends on how good of a deal you can get on old stock? There wasn't enough passenger room for my (tall-ish) girlfriend, or I could be on one now.

[SLK50]

I was going to buy a first generation FJR.
Then I read the press release for the just
announced 2nd generation model update.
And I was sold. Went to my dealer and
placed a deposit on one ( at the time you
had to pre-order them ) and began the
painstakingly agonizing 8 month wait
for delivery.
All I can say is it was absolutely worth
the wait. The newer bike has exceeded
my expectations. It only took one ride
to erase any doubt in my decision to wait.

[howardrichman]

 Do you need that stuff? I found the FJ-09 very competent when I rode it. I guess it depends on how good of a deal you can get on old stock? There wasn't enough passenger room for my (tall-ish) girlfriend, or I could be on one now.

I ride solo, may not need cruise cont., but most are improvements, and who wouldn't need heated grips, better suspension,seat ect.  
                                                                                                                                                                    Howie...

[motrhead]

 Looks like you answered your own question!
 I don't need heated grips, cruise or better suspension (FJ factory stuff worked just fine for me), and seats are cheap...I would be saving money on an old stock bike myself. But if you can afford it, why not have the latest and greatest! Spoil yourself with a Tracer!

[howardrichman]

Well, I'm not sure if I want to wait the months for the Tracer, probably July or August of 2018.  To me it really depends on value of the performance upgrades of the new tracer. Of what I've read, the suspension, swingarm, seat, lighting, windshield and dash are upgraded from the 2017 version. I probably could do w/o cruise. Are the improvements a major upgrade from the 2017 bikes? I can always install a heated grip kit and an aftermarket shield; and I also really wanted a white bike w/ the flat black side bags anyway.  What's w/ the longer swingarm?

                                                                                                                                                        Howie....

[miles]

Cruise control sounds trivial, but it is amazing once you have it. Wait for the new model.

[Oilhed]

Cruise control sounds trivial, but it is amazing once you have it. Wait for the new model.

I agree.  Is there a picture of this new model yet?

Nevermind... http://youtu.be/LDm9Z2DX8rY

[aviationfred]

Another option is to buy a nice slightly used FJ-09 and install the electronic cruise and heated grips and have the bike all ready to ride in the spring.

I have a good friend that has installed this cruise control on his FJ-09 and raves about it. https://www.mccruise.com/collections/yamaha/products/yamaha-mt-09-tracer-fj-09-new-throttle-by-wire-mccruise?variant=16868803012

He even went so far as to get the Super Tenere switch housing and Mccruise patch cable and everything looks as if it is a factory option.

Used FJ-09's fully outfitted with hard bags can be had for less than $8000.00

An example.... https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2015-Yamaha-FJ-09-122998776


Fred

[HipGnosis]

I'm eagerly waiting to read a ride report / review on the Tracer GT.
I also wonder if the '18 or '19 Tracer gets the suspension & display upgrades and if the cruise control is optional.

[howardrichman]

Another option is to buy a nice slightly used FJ-09 and install the electronic cruise and heated grips and have the bike all ready to ride in the spring.

I have a good friend that has installed this cruise control on his FJ-09 and raves about it. https://www.mccruise.com/collections/yamaha/products/yamaha-mt-09-tracer-fj-09-new-throttle-by-wire-mccruise?variant=16868803012

He even went so far as to get the Super Tenere switch housing and Mccruise patch cable and everything looks as if it is a factory option.

Used FJ-09's fully outfitted with hard bags can be had for less than $8000.00

An example.... https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2015-Yamaha-FJ-09-122998776


Fred

 

[howardrichman]

 I was able to ride an 07 FJ-09 today. Ride was good. I left it in B mode, thought would be better . I should have tried the A mode. I've considered Bmw S1000XR, great bike; but double the price, and complexity.


 
Does the 2016 and 17's have upgrades to the 2015 ?  Then again; I could probably save thousands on a left over 2017 to that new Tracer.

                                                                                                                                                                                         HR...

[howardrichman]

When I was at he dealer for a test ride on the FJ-09; I noticed a FZ10 was on the floor, and the windshield can be changed out to be closer to the FJ-09. Have these two rides been compared and If so, what are the facts and opinions; pros and cons ?  Would the FZ 10 w/ shield be compared closer to the Ninja 1000.


                                                                                                                                                             Howie...

[Oilhed]

Wonder if there is a quick list of say 800-1300cc bikes with cruise control, adjustable (power) windshield and optional hard luggage.  (Sporty or standard, not cruiser)

[lightcycle]

Wonder if there is a quick list of say 800-1300cc bikes with cruise control, adjustable (power) windshield and optional hard luggage.  (Sporty or standard, not cruiser)

These are the ones I know of the current 800-1300cc bikes that have power windshields: FJR1300, ST1300, Trophy SE and the R1200RT.

If you go up in displacement, there's the Connie 14 and the K1600s.

[howardrichman]

local dealer has a white 17 left over FJ-09 for under $9k. I'm considering this purchase. Wife is wanting to take and ride my 650 Ninja soon, and I cant wait till maybe August to get the 19 Tracer.


                                                                                                                   HR......






       

[jay547]

local dealer has a white 17 left over FJ-09 for under $9k.

Wow, that's a great deal.

[howardrichman]

Yes; Great deal. I just bought it for $2000 off list price. Great handling fun ride. Cant wait to set it up and put some miles on it. I'll send pic when I can fit it in post.


                                                                                                          Thanks for all replies...

[motrhead]

Congratulations! If I could fit one into my stable I would...that engine is amazing.

[jay547]

that engine is amazing.

Agreed, my favorite that I've had.

[howardrichman]

Here's a pic. I'll need a much better windshield. Seat isn't so bad.

                                                                               HR...

[HipGnosis]

Here's a pic. I'll need a much better windshield. Seat isn't so bad.
                                                                               HR...

'Better' in what way(s)?

Have you considered trading in the FJ on a GT?   Probably easier at the same dealership you got the FJ.

[1moreroad]

'Better' in what way(s)?

Have you considered trading in the FJ on a GT?   Probably easier at the same dealership you got the FJ.

Stock windshield sucks.  It is amazingly noisy behind it.  I don't get head bobbing buffeting, but I definitely got a lot of noise.  Just removing it reduces wind noise.  

If I'm allowed to say so, FJ-09.org is a terrific resource for owners.  They can get you set up with cruise and suspension and 200,000,000 opinions on windshields.  There is more talk about windshields than oil!