MotoSpecs

2017 BMW R 1200RT LC vs 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2017 BMW R 1200RT LC 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC

Sport touring

Engine
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer with balancer shaft, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
92 kW / 125 hp @ 7750 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
274 kg / 604 lbs
2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 2018 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
Year2012017 - 18
Make ModelBMW R 1200RT LCYamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900
Dimensions
Seat Height805 mm / 31.5 in - 825 mm / 32.5 in Variable seat heights available between 760mm / 29.9 in and 850mm / 33.5 in845 mm - 860 mm / 33.3 in - 33.9 in
Wheelbase1485 mm / 58.5 in1440 mm / 56.7 in
Ground Clearance-135 mm / 5.3 in
Height1416 mm / 55.7 in1338 mm to 1375 mm / 52.9 in to 54.1 in
Length2222 mm / 87.5 in2160 mm / 85.0 in
Width983 mm / 38.7 in850 mm / 37.4 in
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity25 Litres / 6.6 US gal18 Litres / 4.8 US gal
Wet Weight274 kg / 604 lbs207 kg / 462 lbs
Performance
Max Power92 kW / 125 hp @ 7750 rpm84.6 kW / 114 hp @ 10,000 rpm
Max Torque125 Nm / 92 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm87.5 Nm / 8.9 kgf-m @ 8,500 rpm
Engine
Displacement1170 cc / 71.4 cu-in847 cc / 51.6 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer with balancer shaft, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, transverse three cylinder, DOHC, 12 Valve
Bore x Stroke101 x 73 mm78 x 59.1 mm
Compression Ratio12.5:111.5 :1
Cooling SystemAir/Liquid cooledLiquid cooled
EmissionsEuro 3-
Exhaust managementFully-controlled three-way catalytic converter-
Fuel InductionElectronic fuel injection with ride-by-wire throttle system, 52mm throttle valve Emission control Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converterElectronic Fuel Injection
Fuel Reserve4 Litres / 1 US gal-
IgnitionDigital engine management Transistorized coil ignition
LubricationWet sumpWet sump
StarterElectricElectric
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12 V / 16 Ah, maintenance-free-
Drivetrain
ClutchMulti-plate wet clutch, hydraulically operated Wet, multiple-disc
Final DriveShaftChain
Gear Ratios1st 2.438 / 2nd 1.714 / 3rd 1.296 / 4th 1.059 / 5th 0.943 / 6th 0.848:1-
Primary Drive Ratios1.65-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed, constant-mesh gearbox with helical cut gears 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeContinuous tubular steel bridge-type frameDiamond frame
Suspension - FrontBMW Telelever, 37 mm central spring strut41mm fork; adjustable preload and rebound damping
Suspension - RearCast aluminum single-sided swing arm with BMW EVO Paralever; WAD strut (travel-related damping), spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) via handwheel, rebound damping adjustable via handwheelRear Single shock; adjustable preload and rebound damping
Rake-24°
Steering Head Angle63.6°-
Trail-100 mm / 3.9 in
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in137 mm / 5.4 in
Wheel Travel - Rear136 mm / 5.4 in130 mm / 5.1 in
Electrical Systems
AlternatorThree-phase 540 W generator-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2 x 320mm Discs, 4 piston callipers2x 298mm discs
Brakes - RearSingle 276mm disc, 2 piston floating caliperSingle 245mm disc
ABSBMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part-integral)-
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
Rims - Front3.50 x 17-
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17120/70-ZR17M/C
Tyres - Rear180/55 ZR17180/55-ZR17M/C
Wheel Caster116 mm / 4.6 in-
WheelsCast aluminium wheels-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2017 BMW R 1200RT LC

The 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC edges out the 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 thanks to its larger fuel tank, lower seat height, standard ABS, dual front discs and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2017 BMW R 1200RT LC - Advantages

  • Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.
  • Lower seat height: 805 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.
  • Larger displacement: 1170 cc vs 847 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 - Advantages

  • Lighter: 207 kg vs 274 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • More front wheel travel: 137 mm vs 120 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2017 BMW R 1200RT LC vs 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC and 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900?
The 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC uses Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer with balancer shaft, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 is powered by Four stroke, transverse three cylinder, DOHC, 12 Valve.
Which is lighter, the 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC or the 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900?
The 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 is lighter at 207 kg compared to 274 kg for the 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC - a difference of 67 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC or the 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900?
The 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC has the lower seat at 805 mm, making it more accessible. The 2018 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 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC or the 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900?
The 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC has the larger tank at approximately 25 litres vs 18 litres for the 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 416-500 km vs 300-360 km between stops.
Does the 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC or 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 have ABS?
The 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC is listed with ABS as standard. The 2018 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 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC or the 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900?
Both are strong choices. The 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC has the edge in larger fuel tank and lower seat height, while the 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 stands out for lighter kerb weight and higher front wheel travel. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.

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