MotoSpecs

2012 BMW F 800ST vs 2016 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2012 BMW F 800ST 2012 BMW F 800ST

Sport touring

Engine
Twin, four-stroke
Power
62.5 kW / 85 hp @ 8000 rpm
Top Speed
229.0 km/h / 107 mph
Weight
449.7 pounds
2016 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 2016 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900

Sport touring

Engine
Four stroke, transverse three cylinder, DOHC, 12 Valve
Power
84.6 kW / 114 hp @ 10,000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
207 kg / 462 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20122015 - 16
MakeBMW-
ModelF 800ST-
ColoursBlue, black-
Make ModelBMW F 800STYamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900
Dimensions
Seat Height820 mm / 32.2 in (low seat: 790 mm / 31.1 in)845 mm - 860 mm / 33.3 in - 33.9 in
Wheelbase1,466 mm / 57.7 in.1440 mm / 56.7 in
Ground Clearance-135 mm / 5.3 in
Height1155 or 1225 mm / 45.5 or 48.2 in (excl. mirrors)1338 mm to 1375 mm / 52.9 in to 54.1 in
Length1155 or 1225 mm / 45.5 or 48.2 in (excl. mirrors)2160 mm / 85.0 in
Width860 mm / 33.9 in (incl. mirrors)850 mm / 37.4 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight187 kg / 412.3 lbs-
Fuel Capacity16 Litres / 4.2 US gal18 Litres / 4.8 US gal
Wet Weight204.0 kg / 449.7 lbs207 kg / 462 lbs
Performance
Top Speed229.0 km/h / 107 mph-
Max Power62.5 kW / 85 hp @ 8000 rpm84.6 kW / 114 hp @ 10,000 rpm
Max Torque80 Nm / 59 lb-ft @ 5800 rpm87.5 Nm / 8.9 kgf-m @ 8,500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.4605 HP/kg-
Standing Start ¼ Mile12.0 sec-
Engine
CO281.0 g/km CO2-
Stroke75.6 mm-
Fuel ControlDOHC-
Engine TypeTwin, four-stroke-
Displacement798 cc / 47.7 cu-in847 cc / 51.6 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, transverse three cylinder, DOHC, 12 Valve
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic intake pipe injection / digital engine management (BMS-K)-
Bore x Stroke82.0 x 75.6 mm78 x 59.1 mm
Compression Ratio12.0:111.5 :1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
EmissionsClosed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3-
Engine LubricationDry sump-
Fuel Consumption5.0 L/100 km / 20.1 km/l / 47 US mpg-
Fuel InductionElectronic intake injectionElectronic Fuel Injection
Fuel Reserve4.00 litres / 1.06 gallons-
IgnitionKnock control and oxygen sensorsTransistorized coil ignition
Lubrication-Wet sump
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12 V / 14 Ah, maintenance-free-
Drivetrain
ClutchCable-operated multiplate-plate wet clutch Wet, multiple-disc
Final DriveBeltChain
Final Drive Ratio1:2.35-
Gear Ratios1st 2.46:1 / 2nd 1.75:1 / 3rd 1.38:1 / 4th 1.17:1 / 5th 1.04:1 / 6th 0.96:1-
Gearbox6-speed-
Primary DriveBelt drive with shock damper-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeBridge-type aluminium frameDiamond frame
Suspension - FrontShowa 43mm conventional telescopic forks41mm fork; adjustable preload and rebound damping
Suspension - RearDie-cast aluminium single sided swinging arm with rear wheal axle and eccentric adjustment, central spring stud , spring pre-loaded hydraulically adjustable to continuously variable levels by means of handwheel, rebound damping adjustable.Rear Single shock; adjustable preload and rebound damping
Rake25.8°24°
Steering Head Angle64.2°-
Trail95 mm / 3.7 in100 mm / 3.9 in
Wheel Travel - Front140 mm / 5.5 in137 mm / 5.4 in
Wheel Travel - Rear140 mm / 5.5 in130 mm / 5.1 in
Electronics
TachometerStandard-
Electrical Systems
AlternatorThree-phase alternator 400 W-
Lighting system12V 55W headlight-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)10.4 inches-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)265 mm-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.6 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)320 mm-
Brakes - Front2 x 320mm discs, 4 piston calipers2x 298mm discs
Brakes - RearSingle 265mm disc, 2 piston caliperSingle 245mm disc
ABSStandard-
References
Notes-The Yamaha Tracer 900, in USA known as the FJ-09 until 2017, then known as the Tracer 900, while in Japan, South America, Australia, and New Zealand it is known as the MT-09 Tracer.)
Wheels & Brakes
RimsCast aluminium-
Rims - Front3.50 x 17-
Rims - Rear5.50 x 17-
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17120/70-ZR17M/C
Tyres - Rear180/55 ZR17180/55-ZR17M/C
WheelsCast aluminium-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2012 BMW F 800ST

The 2012 BMW F 800ST edges out the 2016 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 thanks to its lower seat height, standard ABS, dual front discs and higher rear wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2012 BMW F 800ST - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 820 mm vs 845 mm - 860 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
  • More rear wheel travel: 140 mm vs 130 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2016 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 - Advantages

  • Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.
  • Larger displacement: 847 cc vs 798 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2012 BMW F 800ST vs 2016 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2012 BMW F 800ST and 2016 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900?
The 2012 BMW F 800ST uses Twin, four-stroke, while the 2016 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 is powered by Four stroke, transverse three cylinder, DOHC, 12 Valve.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2012 BMW F 800ST or the 2016 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900?
The 2012 BMW F 800ST has the lower seat at 820 mm, making it more accessible. The 2016 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 sits higher at 845 mm - 860 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which has the larger fuel tank, the 2012 BMW F 800ST or the 2016 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900?
The 2016 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 has the larger tank at approximately 18 litres vs 16 litres for the 2012 BMW F 800ST. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 300-360 km vs 266-320 km between stops.
Does the 2012 BMW F 800ST or 2016 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 have ABS?
The 2012 BMW F 800ST is listed with ABS as standard. The 2016 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2012 BMW F 800ST or the 2016 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900?
Both are strong choices. The 2012 BMW F 800ST has the edge in lower seat height and standard ABS, while the 2016 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 stands out for larger fuel tank and larger displacement. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.

Related Comparisons

All BMW F 800ST years All Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 years
Build your own comparison →