Yamaha Tracer 900 / FJ-09 (2015-2020) Maintenance Schedule and Service Intervals
This is the maintenance schedule and associated service intervals for the Yamaha Tracer 900 and Tracer 900 GT, formerly known as the FJ-09 or the MT-09 Tracer (Australia).
The Tracer 900 / FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer (it’s universally known as the Tracer 900 now, since 2018), is a sport-touring version of the Yamaha MT-09. It’s based on the same engine platform, but has a more comfortable touring position and a windshield. The GT spec also has a few amenities that make living with a motorcycle easier, like luggage, a center stand, and heated grips. All welcome things!
All models of the Tracer 900 / GT / FJ-90 / MT-09 Tracer are based on the same 847 cc three-cylinder “CP3” engine. It has dual overhead cams and four valves per cylinder. The final drive is via a six-speed box and chain.
Here’s a brief history of the Tracer 900
- 2015: Launched as the Yamaha FJ-09, or the MT-09 Tracer (Australia)
- 2017: Yamaha added a lighter slipper clutch, a longer swingarm, and added adjustable traction control.
- 2018: Yamaha launched the higher-spec Tracer 900 GT with hard luggage, a colour TFT dash, cruise control, quick shifter, center stand, and heated grips. Also renamed the FJ-09 and MT-09 tracer to Tracer 900 globally.
- 2019-2020: The Tracer 900 and Tracer 900 GT stayed the same
- 2021: New model — the Yamaha Tracer 9 and Tracer 9 GT. It’s got a larger 890cc engine, an IMU with cornering ABS, and a new design. The GT got semi-active suspension.
In some markets (e.g., Australia), the GT is the only spec available — i.e. you can’t buy it new anymore without luggage and cruise control. Don’t even try!
Originally published July 31 2020, but significantly updated since.
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Yamaha Tracer 900 / FJ-09 Service Intervals
The minor service intervals (between oil changes) for the Yamaha Tracer 900 / FJ-09 is different in the US and European manuals.
- US manual — the maintenance intervals are 4000 miles / 6000 km, or 6 months.
- European manuals — the maintenance intervals are 10000 km / 6000 mi, or 12 months
You can choose to follow one or the other, or an average of the two.
The valve service interval for the Tracer 900 is more similar between the manuals, 26600 miles / 42000 km in the US manual, and 40000 km in the European one. Most owners agree that the first valve service is the most important one.
There are also a few items that are unique to each manual. So they’re separate below, aside from the standard “inspection checklist” to perform at every service.
What you need to service the Yamaha Tracer 900/GT — Consumables and Special Tools
If you’re servicing the Tracer 900 or Tracer 900 GT, you at least need motorcycle maintenance tools — things like an oil catch pan. You don’t need a rear paddock stand on the GT as you have a center-stand.
For the Yamaha Tracer 900, the manual recommends the following specific consumables.
| Part | Yamaha Tracer 900 / GT part spec |
|---|---|
| Engine oil | Use Yamalube 10W-40. The manual recommends “Yamalube” and it’s affordable, so why not! You can use another high-quality synthetic oil like Motul 7100 10W-40. Don’t over-torque the bolt (spec is 43 Nm/31 lb-ft for the oil drain bolt per the manual) — use a torque wrench if you don’t have experience with how much torque is enough. |
| Oil filter | Needs to be changed every time you change the oil. Either get a stock oil filter (part 5GH-13440-50-00) or the Hiflofiltro HF204RC (better than K&N). Torque for the oil filter is 17 Nm/12 lb-ft. |
| Engine coolant | Yamaha recommends an ethylene glycol antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors. Yamalube coolant is hard to get, so Pro Honda HP coolant is a good substitute. |
| Spark Plugs | NGK CPR9EA9 should be used per the manual. Make sure it’s gapped correctly to 0.8-0.9mm (with a gapping tool) and torqued with a torque wrench to 13Nm/10 lb-ft. |
| Air filter | Yamaha part number 1RC-14451-00-00, or the K&N alternative YA-8514. |
| Brake pads | Choose EBC for more bite and lower fade, the people on fz09.org like them (among others). You need two sets for the front and one for the rear. Front: EBC FA252HH, Rear: EBC FA174HH. |
| Chain maintenance | Motul chain paste — one of the most highly-regarded chain lubes. Easy to apply, doesn’t fling off. If you need more stuff, get the Motul chain care kit as an affordable package. |
| Lube | Always good to have on hand lithium soap-based grease for lubing external pivot points (like the swingarm) and bearings. |
| Cable lube | Use Protect all cable life to lubricate your cables and controls. |
Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 Maintenance Schedule
Below is the maintenance schedule for the Yamaha Tracer 900 and Tracer 900 GT, and FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer when it was called that.
It’s exactly what’s in the owner’s manual, but with the content adjusted for display on a web page.
There are two versions of the maintenance schedule, one for the US and one for Europe (in km).
- In the US, the Tracer 900 has 4000 mile (6000 km) and 6-month maintenance intervals.
- In Europe, the Tracer 900 has 10000 km (6000 mile) and 12-month maintenance intervals.
There are a number of small variations in line items as well.
We split the maintenance schedule into two parts:
- The service schedule of major items to address periodically, like oil, spark plugs, and valve clearances, and
- A standard service checklist of things to look over, like brakes, lights, and inspecting for leaks.
Other notes on the maintenance schedule:
- From the end of the maintenance schedule, continue in the pattern (repeating every 1, 2, or 4 periods).
- Yamaha only wants you to change the oil, lube the chain, and lube a few external parts, recommending you take other items to a dealer or qualified mechanic.
- Don’t clean the air filter with compressed air, and replace it more often if you ride in rain or dusty conditions.
Yamaha Tracer 900 / GT (a.k.a. FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer) US Maintenance Schedule (Miles — US manual)
Below is the miles-based maintenance schedule for the Yamaha Tracer 900. See below for the km-based schedule.
| miles x 1000 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Months | 6 | 12 | 18 | 24 | 30 | Every |
| Conduct standard inspection checklist (see below) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Change engine oil (warm engine before draining). Use Yamalube 10W-40. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Replace oil filter (Hiflofiltro HF204RC) | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Check spark plug condition. Adjust gap and clean. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Replace spark plugs (NGK CPR9EA9, gap 0.8-0.9mm) | ✓ | ✓ | 12000 mi / 18 months | |||
| Check and adjust valve clearance | 26600 mi | |||||
| Replace air filter (K&N YA-8514) | 24000 mi, or riding in rain/dust | |||||
| Replace brake hoses | 4 years | |||||
| Change brake fluid (Castrol DOT 4) and internal components of brake master cylinder and calipers. | 2 years | |||||
| Moderately repack swingarm pivot bearings with lithium soap-based grease. | 32000 mi | |||||
| Check steering bearing assemblies for looseness. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Moderately repack steering bearings with lithium soap-based grease. | Repack every 12000 mi | |||||
| Change coolant (Lithium soap-based coolant) | 3 years | |||||
| Check evap emission control system for damage. Replace if necessary | ✓ | ✓ |
Yamaha Tracer 900 / GT Europe Maintenance Schedule (Km)
This is the maintenance schedule for the km-based manuals (Europe, Australia). Maintenance schedules are slightly wider.
| km x 1000 | 10 | 20 | 30 | 40 | Every |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conduct standard inspection checklist (see below) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Change engine oil (warm engine before draining). Use Yamalube 10W-40. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Replace oil filter (Hiflofiltro HF204RC) | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Check spark plug condition. Adjust gap and clean. | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Replace spark plugs (NGK CPR9EA9, gap 0.8-0.9mm) | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Check and adjust valve clearance | 40 000 km | ||||
| Check evap emission control system for damage. Replace if necessary | ✓ | ||||
| Replace air filter (K&N YA-8514) | ✓ | ||||
| Replace brake hoses | 4 years | ||||
| Change brake fluid (Castrol DOT 4) and internal components of brake master cylinder and calipers. | 2 years | ||||
| Check steering bearing assemblies for looseness. | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Moderately repack steering bearings with lithium soap-based grease. | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Change coolant (Pro Honda HP coolant) | 3 years |
Standard inspection checklist
Below is the checklist of items to do at every service per the schedules above.
| Yamaha Tracer 900 / GT Standard Inspection Checklist |
|---|
| [D] Perform dynamic inspection using Yamaha diagnostic tool. Check the error codes. |
| Check throttle grip operation and free play, and adjust if necessary. |
| Lubricate throttle cable and grip housing (Protect All Cable Life). |
| Check clutch operation. Adjust or replace cable. |
| Lubricate moving parts and cables thoroughly (lithium soap-based grease, Protect All Cable Life). |
| Check lights, signals, and switches operation. |
| Check sidestand switch operation and replace if necessary. |
| Check brake switch operation, front and rear. |
| Check / adjust headlight beam (if necessary) |
| Check the air induction cut-off valve, reed valve, and hose for damage. Replace any damaged parts. |
| Check and adjust fuel injection synchronization. |
| Check fuel hoses for cracks or damage. Replace if necessary. |
| Check brake hoses for cracks or damage, and for correct routing and clamping. |
| Check coolant level |
| Check cooling system hoses for cracks or damage. Replace if necessary. |
| Check engine idle speed (Not required in US) |
| Check front brake operation, fluid level, and for fluid leakage. Replace brake pads if necessary (EBC FA252HH x 2). |
| Check rear brake operation, fluid level, and for fluid leakage. Replace brake pads if necessary (EBC FA174HH). |
| Check tyre tread depth and for damage. Replace if necessary (see spec below). |
| Check and adjust tyre pressure as necessary. |
| Check front fork operation and for oil leakage. Rebuild/ replace if necessary. |
| Check shock absorber operation and for oil leakage. Replace if necessary. |
| Check wheel bearings for smooth operation, looseness, or damage. Replace if necessary. |
| Check swingarm pivot bearing operation and for excessive play. |
| Check all chassis fitting and fasteners, and tighten/replace as necessary |
| Lubricate brake lever pivot shaft with silicone grease lightly. |
| Lubricate brake pedal, clutch lever, and shift pedal pivot shafts with lithium soap-based grease lightly |
| Check sidestand pivot operation. Lubricate with lithium soap-based grease lightly. |
| Check crankcase breather hose for cracks or damage. Replace if necessary |
| Check exhaust system for leakage. Tighten and/or replace gaskets as necessary. |
About the Yamaha Tracer 900 & Tracer 900 GT
The Yamaha Tracer 900 (formerly known as the FJ-09, or also the MT-09 Tracer in Australia) is an upright sports tourer — basically a Yamaha MT-09 but in a more comfortable, all-day chassis, with things added to it to improve comfort (but also increasing the weight).
Whereas the MT-09 is a lightweight, somewhat frantic sports bike, The Tracer 900 puts its 86 kW (115 bhp) down in a much more predictable fashion. The Tracer 900 is fast, but not insane, and you can see north of 100 mph / 160 km/h without much fuss. In fact, it’s a little easier, because you at least have wind protection.
While it’s an upright, “adventure”-shaped bike, the Yamaha Tracer 900 is light for its class. It handles more easily than the Honda VFR800X, and has more power to boot; and it’s a lot lighter than Kawasaki’s offering, the Kawasaki Versys 1000.
Of course, all those motorcycles appeal to slightly different markets. But it’s just to say that the Tracer 900 will get you along the straights in comfort, with a lot of poke and easy manoeuvrability for the fun, twisty parts.
The downsides to the Yamaha Tracer 900 GT are that it lacks a little in the high-end spec of its competitors, e.g. the Versys 1000. It doesn’t have cruise control or an IMU, the windscreen is a bit shorter, and the luggage isn’t as roomy. The situation improved with the 2021+ Tracer 9, of course.
The heart of the Tracer 900 is an 847-cc inline three-cylinder engine with DOHC and four valves per cylinder.
It’s a relatively short-stroke motor, with a bore of 78.0 mm and stroke of 59.1mm. It revs high, but it has torque over a broad spectrum of RPMs.
While it has wide handlebars, the Tracer 900 isn’t an unwieldy bike. With a wheelbase of 1500mm and on 17-inch tires (just like on the MT-09 or most sport bikes), the Tracer 900 feels and responds like a sportnbike when you want to flick it over.
In 2018, Yamaha launched the Tracer 900 GT. The GT has the same basic underlying engine and chassis as the Tracer 900, but gets a number of higher-spec components as standard:
- Hard luggage
- Colour TFT dash (a single screen)
- Cruise control
- Quick shifter
- Heated grips
- Centre stand
The fact that all these items come standard when most other brands make you pay extra for them gave the Yamaha Tracer 900 GT a competitive edge.
In 2021, Yamaha significantly updated the Tracer 900, releasing the Tracer 9 and Tracer 9 GT with an 890-cc engine, an IMU for cornering ABS and traction control, and even active KYB suspension on the GT model.
The 2023+ Tracer 9 GT+ goes one step further and adds radar-based cruise control.
Tire sizes and pressures for the Tracer 900
The Yamaha Tracer 900 comes shod with street/sport touring tyres, Dunlop D222Fs.
Below are the suggested tire pressures (when cold).
| Wheel | Tyre (Tire) size | Tyre (Tire) pressure (cold) |
|---|---|---|
| Front | 120/70-17 | 33-36 psi / 2.25-2.5 bar |
| Rear | 180/55-17 | 36-42 psi / 2.5-2.9 bar |
Manual for the Yamaha Tracer 900
The above information was gleaned from the owner’s manual for the 2019 Yamaha Tracer 900 GT, but it’s identical to the information in other manuals/from earlier years.
The European manual was also consulted, noting its contrasting service intervals.
You can download it from Yamaha’s website here.
