Text adapted from Hong Leong Yamaha Motor’s Press Release
Pictures by Hong Leong Yamaha Motor
It’s been long speculated that Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) will eventually debut the locally-assembled – better known as CKD (Complete Knock Down) – version of the MT-09 Tracer after the CBU (Complete Built Up i.e. fully-imported) units’ initial run.
Why the wait? It’s because HLYM had invested in the ABS Tester, which is a necessity when assembling ABS systems. The Tester essentially instructs the ABS’s ECU that it’s being installed and bled. It was this wait which also saw Malaysia as being the last country to launch the NVX scooter.
But that’s a positive as it means most future locally-assembled Yamahas will be equipped with ABS.
The MT-09 Tracer marks the fourth big capacity bike to be produced at Sg. Buloh, after the XJ-6 variants, MT-07 and MT-09.
The MT-09 Tracer (also known as FZ-09 in certain countries), is Yamaha’s midrange sport-tourer, built upon the MT-09 naked sportbike. As such, the entertaining 847cc, 3-cylinder engine and frame are retained. However, the Tracer is given touring features such as a two-piece seat that are wider and thickly padded; a tall, adjustable windscreen; handguards; suspension with longer travel; side luggage mountings; and a more informative instrument cluster lifted from the XT1200Z Super Ténéré. A 3-level ride mode and traction control comes standard.
What makes the MT-09 Tracer fun to ride are the accumulation of all those features, plus the torque of that engine pushing just 190 kg (dry) and a handling that’s famously Yamaha.
HLYM prices the MT-09 Tracer at a super-competitive RM 52,000 inclusive of 6% GST, but without roadtax, insurance and number plates. The bike will come in two colours, namely Yamaha Blue and Matt Grey, and will be available at dealers nationwide beginning next week (24th July onwards).
