Hexhead Vs Tracer 900
- Thread starter Hexme
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Nice bike, about 90% sizewise of the gs; you need to rev it a bit more, performance roughly comparable if your not using last 15% of throttle. GS out brakes tracer and ride/flattens potholes better too.
Main problem is getting one apparently.
Sent from my GT-N7105 using Tapatalk
Main problem is getting one apparently.
Sent from my GT-N7105 using Tapatalk
Customer of mine has one He says suspension is really difficult to get set up and it's much less "confidence" inspiring than the GS even when you get it how you want it
I've got the Tracer . Feels half the weight of a GS , great engine , build quality cheapish but nothing's broken yet and I doubt it will . Good fun bike
Yes had both, the engine in the tracer is a peach and loves to rev, the suspension is dire and couple hundred will be well spent money , mine was proper sorted, nitron shock, fork cartridges, full zorst, it went very well and handled like it was on rails. Quality is questionable so does need a little extra looking after.
Want something better then either bikes ! And won't corrode ! I have a 2015 crossrunner that I'm going to sell it's got the full works, led lights, Heated grips, Honda Quickshifter just like the GS WC, the Honda quickshifter is much smoother, the bike is Like new (OCD) with lots of extras and only 5k on the clock.
Want something better then either bikes ! And won't corrode ! I have a 2015 crossrunner that I'm going to sell it's got the full works, led lights, Heated grips, Honda Quickshifter just like the GS WC, the Honda quickshifter is much smoother, the bike is Like new (OCD) with lots of extras and only 5k on the clock.
Bendy toy
Registered user
I'm not in the market right now but a move to Honda might be my next step. I will miss the BMW handling and delivery but not the other stuff. The WC does nothing for me, The XR1000 is too licence shredding and the K16 is just too big.
Yes had both, the engine in the tracer is a peach and loves to rev, the suspension is dire and couple hundred will be well spent money , mine was proper sorted, nitron shock, fork cartridges, full zorst, it went very well and handled like it was on rails. Quality is questionable so does need a little extra looking after.
Want something better then either bikes ! And won't corrode ! I have a 2015 crossrunner that I'm going to sell it's got the full works, led lights, Heated grips, Honda Quickshifter just like the GS WC, the Honda quickshifter is much smoother, the bike is Like new (OCD) with lots of extras and only 5k on the clock.
Have to say, that does look a nice bike.
Agree, and feel the same.
Deleted account 220319001
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I sold my Tracer and bought a gs. For smiles per miles per pound the tracer takes some beating, horrible suspension but to expected given its price.
I seriously considered the change a few months ago. I agree the Tracer suspension needs sorting but subject to that I found it a great bike, quick enough and easily as fast as my remapped decatted TC. Much lighter to ride and shove into the garage and hard panniers are available at reasonable cost. It does look a bugger to clean though; I thought the build quality was good enough but I don't ride on salty roads much. Is the BM that great? Plenty of posts on here about corrosion.
The deciding factor for me was that it didn't quite feel all-day comfortable, that plus getting my head around needing to spend a few hundred on new suspension for a brand new bike. Oh, and the crap p/ex price I was offered.
The deciding factor for me was that it didn't quite feel all-day comfortable, that plus getting my head around needing to spend a few hundred on new suspension for a brand new bike. Oh, and the crap p/ex price I was offered.
have had a breif relationship with the yam-cracking engine and brakes but build quality iffy-ride harsh and seat not brill.could spend and sort but doesnt feel a keeper . back on gs12 and feels plush in comparison .
Bendy toy
Registered user
I've been moaning about handlebar vibration on my 08 Adventure. But out today over Dartmoor and the Teign Valley it was sublime. Crap surfaces, gravel and sh1t, bends suddenly sharper than expected - all handled with no dramas.
The chance of finding anything as all round good is unlikely.
Sent somehow.
The chance of finding anything as all round good is unlikely.
Sent somehow.
Bendy toy
Registered user
Get a good price with budget for Wilbers shock & fork cartridges should have it sorted.
Sent somehow.
comberjohn
Registered user
Looked at these Yamahas and the Crosstourer myself as a possibility for a change. Think it's the time of the year.
But always come back to the GS. It's been said about BMW's for a long time now, Not brilliant at any particular thing, but good at most things.
I know there's faster and better handling bikes for less money, but it just feels right for me. Definition of a keeper, I suppose.
Mines a 2010 TC and about to turn 40k miles. The finish is still excellent (unbelievers can't believe it's 7 years old), have the AF-XiED units and it's running like a dream.
The handling feels ok to me but about the only toy I don't have is upgraded suspension, so that's planned this year maybe. Hard to convince the child bride that something that looks ok and isn't leaking, needs to be replaced.
The weight can be a struggle as you get older, but when you look at specs of other bikes, there's not much that's lighter in this category. Even if they're a smaller capacity.
The Crosstourer and Explorer are both around 270kg and that's high up weight.
Just going to struggle on with the weight until ready for the big scooter. Would like to turn the 100k miles, though. About another four years at the present rate.
But always come back to the GS. It's been said about BMW's for a long time now, Not brilliant at any particular thing, but good at most things.
I know there's faster and better handling bikes for less money, but it just feels right for me. Definition of a keeper, I suppose.
Mines a 2010 TC and about to turn 40k miles. The finish is still excellent (unbelievers can't believe it's 7 years old), have the AF-XiED units and it's running like a dream.
The handling feels ok to me but about the only toy I don't have is upgraded suspension, so that's planned this year maybe. Hard to convince the child bride that something that looks ok and isn't leaking, needs to be replaced.
The weight can be a struggle as you get older, but when you look at specs of other bikes, there's not much that's lighter in this category. Even if they're a smaller capacity.
The Crosstourer and Explorer are both around 270kg and that's high up weight.
Just going to struggle on with the weight until ready for the big scooter. Would like to turn the 100k miles, though. About another four years at the present rate.
I test rode the brand new Ducati Multistrada 950 this afternoon which I think is in direct competition with the Tracer. 3 of my mates have Tracers and love them. I have a 2010 GS TC (also in perfect nick at 7yrs and 20,000).
I liked the idea of the new Ducati but found it lacking. Yes it is quick but it felt a bit budget too (however at £10,000 its not a budget price like the Tracer).
The suspension was better than the Tracer but its silly things (in my opinion) like reverting to a clutch cable instead of hydraulic makes it look cheap and dated already. The plastics around the screen looked brittle and appeared to have just been twisted off an Airfix frame (if you know what I mean). I completed the cliche by getting back my GS and riding it home with a smile on my face.
Still, if I haven't put you off, Worth considering as an option to the Tracer. I think the Tracer is much better value for money.......
I liked the idea of the new Ducati but found it lacking. Yes it is quick but it felt a bit budget too (however at £10,000 its not a budget price like the Tracer).
The suspension was better than the Tracer but its silly things (in my opinion) like reverting to a clutch cable instead of hydraulic makes it look cheap and dated already. The plastics around the screen looked brittle and appeared to have just been twisted off an Airfix frame (if you know what I mean). I completed the cliche by getting back my GS and riding it home with a smile on my face.
Still, if I haven't put you off, Worth considering as an option to the Tracer. I think the Tracer is much better value for money.......
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Bendy toy
Registered user
The BMW would benefit from side stands on both sides. Brough Superior did it so it's not a new idea and a Brough is hardly uncool.
Sent somehow.
Sent somehow.
I have a Tracer and a LC R1200RS. I like both bikes.
I was putting 1000 miles a month on the Tracer so decided to get a 2nd bike to share the load. The RS is the SE Sport with all the gadgets.
Tracer suspension is adequate for me but gets a bit out of shape on rough roads - done 3 trips overseas. It carries luggage well. Replaced the seat & screen to improve comfort. Now okay for 300 mile days. Engine is good, brakes adequate but wish they had used the linked brakes from the Super Tenere.
the internet says the Tracer/FJ09 has a speed wobble and dodgy fuelling. I have not experienced the wobble and the fuelling is fine, although a bit of clutch slipping is needed at low revs on tight corners. I think the US market has very different mapping for emissions and a 115mph restriction and the moan a lot on forums. UK bikes are good for a lot higher speeds should you find yourself in Germany or on the Isle of Man Mountain.
If you want a used bike then a mate's Tracer is sitting in Laguna Motorcycles in Kent. This has posh suspension fitted but has done 15,000 miles commuting into London and trips to France with me. 2015 bike, silver & blue. They have had it in stock for 10 months as he bought a KTM. Make them a cheeky offer as I'm sure they are desperate to shift it. 15,000 mile is nothing for this bike, especially as it has posh suspension which will last for years and can be refurbished.
Loads of aftermarket accessories out there. Many luggage options - don't bother with the Yamaha ones which are small, not waterproof and break easily. Get Givi or Shad.
I was putting 1000 miles a month on the Tracer so decided to get a 2nd bike to share the load. The RS is the SE Sport with all the gadgets.
Tracer suspension is adequate for me but gets a bit out of shape on rough roads - done 3 trips overseas. It carries luggage well. Replaced the seat & screen to improve comfort. Now okay for 300 mile days. Engine is good, brakes adequate but wish they had used the linked brakes from the Super Tenere.
the internet says the Tracer/FJ09 has a speed wobble and dodgy fuelling. I have not experienced the wobble and the fuelling is fine, although a bit of clutch slipping is needed at low revs on tight corners. I think the US market has very different mapping for emissions and a 115mph restriction and the moan a lot on forums. UK bikes are good for a lot higher speeds should you find yourself in Germany or on the Isle of Man Mountain.
If you want a used bike then a mate's Tracer is sitting in Laguna Motorcycles in Kent. This has posh suspension fitted but has done 15,000 miles commuting into London and trips to France with me. 2015 bike, silver & blue. They have had it in stock for 10 months as he bought a KTM. Make them a cheeky offer as I'm sure they are desperate to shift it. 15,000 mile is nothing for this bike, especially as it has posh suspension which will last for years and can be refurbished.
Loads of aftermarket accessories out there. Many luggage options - don't bother with the Yamaha ones which are small, not waterproof and break easily. Get Givi or Shad.
Why oh why do manufacturers ruin otherwise good bikes by fitting crap suspension?
We are told its 'cos they are 'budget bikes' but do different rate springs and different valving really cost more at manufacture?
Moan over.
We are told its 'cos they are 'budget bikes' but do different rate springs and different valving really cost more at manufacture?
Moan over.
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