Yamaha MT-09 Sport Tracker Review (2014)
What Is It?
The MT-09 Sport Tracker is a small bolt-on variant of the successful naked MT-09 bike and is powered by a liquid cooled 847 cc triple engine, producing 113.5 bhp at 10,000 rpm and maximum torque at 8,500 rpm.
Specs
- Seat Height: Average (815 mm / 32.1 inches)
- Weight: Average (191 kg / 421 lbs)
- Economy: Average (45 mpg / 6.3 l/100km / 15.9 km/l)
- Range: Average (140 miles / 225 km)
- Power to Weight: High (0.592 bhp/kg / 0.441 kW/kg)
- Top Speed: High (139 mph / 224 km/h)
Pros
- It's based on the awesome MT-09
- Engine
- Looks
Cons
- Slightly jerky
- Economy
- Seat
What Is It Like?
Power
It has a ridiculous amount of torque. This can be tamed in B mode very nicely, so it doesn't have to be a beast all of the time and it also allows for smoother riding at low speeds. I can ride slow in 3rd gear all day and still have plenty of usable power in town so I don't have to keep changing gear and feathering the clutch. Fueling in B mode is excellent and very smooth.
In A mode it is an absolute wheelie machine. I suppose this can be a con too, so if you're not into that you may as well get a tamer bike or just keep it in STD mode.
Tyres
The bike comes with Bridgestone S20 tyres which are an excellent for grip. They don't last as long as others but I'd rather pay a bit extra for more grip. I think the 2016 model comes with S21's which are supposed to last longer.
Suspension
A lot of people say the suspension isn't very good and is too soft. This totally depends on where you live. I live in London with tons of bumpy roads and potholes so the softer suspension is fine for me. I just set the rear shock as stiff as it can go and it's a very good setup me. So thumbs up for city riding.
Looks
It looks great and pictures don't really do it justice. People are always coming up to me saying how nice it looks.
Comfort
The riding position is very comfortable. I don't get aching wrists or back pain whilst riding even for long periods.
Exhaust
It's not loud enough. I do get worried sometimes that if people don't see me then they should at least hear me, but the stock exhaust is so quiet.
Aftermarket exhausts are very expensive, slip on exhausts require cutting the stock can off and you need to be pretty knowledgeable to get a new can to fit snugly. The only alternative is a full exhaust system, but for a decent quality one it's going to set you back around £600 minimum.
Running Costs
Insurance is very high. I'm 22 and I paid around £1,100 for my premium. Considering I paid £260 the year before for a Honda Hornet which only has about 15 less bhp.
Economy is not great but that's not really what you expect from a bike like this. I ride fairly economically most of the time and I get 40mpg.
Any Downsides?
A mode and STD mode are extremely jerky at low speeds and in first gear. This has something to do with the oxygen sensor which kicks into eco mode at low throttle.
It can also cause power surges which aren't pleasant, especially in a corner. Small mods can be bought to trick the ECU into disabling the oxygen sensor, which completely removes this issue and I would highly recommend doing that.
The rear mudguard and chain cover seem to be made out of flimsy plastic which scratches very easily.
During long rides the seat can start to get painful and uncomfortable.
To Sum Up
The brakes could be better. But again, when you consider the price that's not really a surprise. Overall it offers great value for money.
- Nick M, 2016
Price Guide
Related Bikes
Yamaha MT-09 - The bike Yamaha accessorised to create the Sport Tracker.
Add Your Review
Do you own this bike? We would love to hear anything good, bad, unexpected or that you have changed plus anything that a prospective new owner might find interesting or useful.
More Info
Check out this video review from TheRideAdvice.