2016 Yamaha MT-10 Tracer not going to happen

With the launch of the 2016 Yamaha MT-10, expectations were high that a Tracer variant of the litre-class de-tuned R1 engine would happen, based on the success of the of the 850 cc Yamaha MT-09 Tracer (sold in the US market as the FJ-09), but this is apparently is “just not going to happen.” Speaking to Motorcycle News, Jeff Turner of Yamaha UK said that there were accessories available in the Yamaha catalogue for the MT-10 that would turn it into a capable light-touring bike, without the need for the creation of a specific model.

The Yamaha MT-10 caused a sensation at its recent launch announcement, with the engine of the claimed 200 hp Crossplane four-cylinder engine from the YZF-R1 detuned to 158 hp and 111 Nm of torque stuffed into a naked streetbike chassis. The 2016 MT-09, relatively unchanged from the 2015 model except for a new colour scheme, has a three-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-valve 847 cc engine with 115 hp at 11,500 rpm with 87.5 Nm torque at 8,500 rpm.

“We know 1,000cc bikes like the MT-10 often need to fulfil a bigger role than the smaller capacity naked bikes and we knew there was going to be a certain demand for something like the MT-09 Tracer but with the bigger engine. For this reason the accessory touring pack (for the MT-10) is available which adds a taller, Tracer-like windscreen and luggage for more rider protection. Cruise control is also standard on the MT-10 to add to that long distance capability,” said Turner.

Hong Leong Yamaha Malaysia has officially priced the 2016 Yamaha MT-09 at RM44,653, and available for order from this month. The Yamaha MT-10 is priced at 9,999 pounds sterling (RM59,200) in the UK.

GALLERY: 2016 Yamaha MT-10

GALLERY: 2016 Yamaha MT-09

GALLERY: 2015 Yamaha MT-09 Tracer