Yamaha MT-10 Tracer ?

A mysterious new trademark application has revealed that the Yamaha ‘Tracer GT’ – a yet to be announced Tracer model – is on the way.

The newly trademarked Tracer GT could be one of several things. Most likely it will be applied to versions of the existing Tracer models with more extensive touring kit – standard-fit panniers and taller screens, for instance.

However, there’s also the chance it might be a reference to a machine that’s notably absent from the current Tracer range. With the MT-09 and MT-07 getting touring derivatives, what about an MT-10-based Tracer?

Yamaha has suggested that the MT-10 doesn’t lend itself to a Tracer version; after all, the MT-10 is derived from the R1, so adding a tall screen and panniers would effectively create an R1 tourer, which might seem a step too far.

However, a number of rivals have already enjoyed success in the same market. BMW’s S1000XR, for instance, is outselling both the S1000RR and S1000R in some markets, while Kawasaki’s Ninja 1000 tends to outsell the naked Z1000, and Suzuki’s GSX-S1000F does better than the GSX-S1000 in many regions.

Yamaha is aware of the demand, having created an MT-10 Tourer Edition (pictured) for the European market, with a Tracer-ish screen and small panniers. 

By Ben Purvis