2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 vs 2016 BMW F 800GT

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
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
2016 BMW F 800GT 2016 BMW F 800GT

Sport touring

Engine
Twin, four-stroke
Power
66 kW / 90 hp @ 8000 rpm
Top Speed
201 km/h / 125 mph
Weight
469.6 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Comments-Windscreen.
Year2017 - 182016
Colours-Montego Blue Metallic, Light White, Monolith Metallic matte/Sapphire Black Metallic
Make ModelYamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900BMW F 800GT
Dimensions
Seat Height845 mm - 860 mm / 33.3 in - 33.9 in820 mm - 765 mm / 32.3 in.- 30.1 in
Wheelbase1440 mm / 56.7 in1514 mm / 59.6 in.
Ground Clearance135 mm / 5.3 in-
Height1338 mm to 1375 mm / 52.9 in to 54.1 in1248 mm / 49.1 in. (excl. mirrors)
Length2160 mm / 85.0 in2156 mm / 84.9 in
Width850 mm / 37.4 in905 mm / 35.6 in. (incl. mirrors)
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity18 Litres / 4.8 US gal15 Litres / 4 US gal.
Wet Weight207 kg / 462 lbs213 kg / 469.6 lbs.
Performance
Top Speed-201 km/h / 125 mph
Max Power84.6 kW / 114 hp @ 10,000 rpm66 kW / 90 hp @ 8000 rpm
Max Torque87.5 Nm / 8.9 kgf-m @ 8,500 rpm86 Nm / 8.8 kgf-m / 63 lbs/ft @ 5800 rpm
Engine
Fuel Control-Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Engine Type-Twin, four-stroke
CO2-78.9 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Displacement847 cc / 51.6 cu-in798 cc / 47.7 cub. in.
Engine DetailFour stroke, transverse three cylinder, DOHC, 12 ValveFour stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel System-Injection. Electronic intake pipe injection, digital engine management (BMS-K+)
Bore x Stroke78 x 59.1 mm82 x 75.8 mm
Compression Ratio11.5 :112.0:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
Emissions-Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3
Engine Lubrication-Dry sump
Exhaust-Complete Stainless Steel Exhaust System
Fuel Consumption-3.4 L/100 km / 29.4 km/l / 69 US mpg
Fuel InductionElectronic Fuel InjectionElectronic intake injection, ∅45mm throttle bodies
Fuel Reserve-3.00 litres / 0.79 gallons
IgnitionTransistorized coil ignition Knock control and oxygen sensors
LubricationWet sumpDry sump
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
Drivetrain
Clutch Wet, multiple-discMultiplate-plate in oil bath
Final DriveChainBelt drive
Final Drive Ratio-1:2.6
Gear Ratios-1st 2.46 / 2nd 1.75 / 3rd 1.38 / 4th 1.17 / 5th 1.04 / 6th 0.96: 1
Gearbox-6-speed
Primary Drive-Belt drive with shock damper
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeDiamond frameBridge-type frame, cast aluminium, load-bearing engine
Suspension - Front41mm fork; adjustable preload and rebound damping43mm Marzocchi Telescopic fork
Suspension - RearRear Single shock; adjustable preload and rebound dampingCast aluminium single-sided swing arm with eccentric adjustment for rear axle, central spring strut, spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) at handwheel, rebound damping adjustable
Rake24°25.8°
Trail100 mm / 3.9 in94.6 mm / 3.7 in.
Wheel Travel - Front137 mm / 5.4 in125 mm / 4.9 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear130 mm / 5.1 in125 mm / 4.9 in.
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-12.6 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-320 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-10.4 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-265 mm
Brakes - Front2x 298mm discs2 x 320 mm discs, 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 245mm discSingle 265 mm disc, 1 piston caliper
ABS-BMW Motorrad ABS
References
NotesThe 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-Cast aluminum wheels
Tyres - Front120/70-ZR17M/C120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear180/55-ZR17M/C180/55 ZR17
Wheels-Cast aluminium

Verdict

Winner on specs

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

The 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 edges out the 2016 BMW F 800GT thanks to its larger fuel tank, higher front wheel travel and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2018 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.
  • More front wheel travel: 137 mm vs 125 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2016 BMW F 800GT - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 820 mm - 765 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.

2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 vs 2016 BMW F 800GT - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 and 2016 BMW F 800GT?
The 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 uses Four stroke, transverse three cylinder, DOHC, 12 Valve, while the 2016 BMW F 800GT is powered by Twin, four-stroke.
Which is lighter, the 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 or the 2016 BMW F 800GT?
The 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 is lighter at 207 kg compared to 213 kg for the 2016 BMW F 800GT - a difference of 6 kg. This is a small difference unlikely to be a deciding factor in everyday riding.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 or the 2016 BMW F 800GT?
The 2016 BMW F 800GT has the lower seat at 820 mm - 765 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 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 or the 2016 BMW F 800GT?
The 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 has the larger tank at approximately 18 litres vs 15 litres for the 2016 BMW F 800GT. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 300-360 km vs 250-300 km between stops.
Does the 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 or 2016 BMW F 800GT have ABS?
The 2016 BMW F 800GT 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 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 or the 2016 BMW F 800GT?
Both are strong choices. The 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 has the edge in larger fuel tank and higher front wheel travel, while the 2016 BMW F 800GT stands out for lower seat height and standard ABS. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.