2012 BMW F 800ST vs 2016 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles

Differences only

2012 BMW F 800ST

Sport touring

Engine

Twin, four-stroke

Power

62.5 kW / 85 hp @ 8000 rpm

Top Speed

229.0 km/h / 107 mph

Weight

449.7 pounds

2016 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

Full Specifications

Differs Same

General
Comments	Blata is from the Czech Republic.	-
Year	2012	2015 - 16
Colours	Blue, black	-
Make Model	BMW F 800ST	Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900
Dimensions
Seat Height	820 mm / 32.2 in (low seat: 790 mm / 31.1 in)	845 mm - 860 mm / 33.3 in - 33.9 in
Wheelbase	1,466 mm / 57.7 in.	1440 mm / 56.7 in
Ground Clearance	-	135 mm / 5.3 in
Height	1155 or 1225 mm / 45.5 or 48.2 in (excl. mirrors)	1338 mm to 1375 mm / 52.9 in to 54.1 in
Length	1155 or 1225 mm / 45.5 or 48.2 in (excl. mirrors)	2160 mm / 85.0 in
Width	860 mm / 33.9 in (incl. mirrors)	850 mm / 37.4 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight	187 kg / 412 lbs	-
Fuel Capacity	16 Litres / 4.2 US gal	18 Litres / 4.8 US gal
Wet Weight	204.0 kg / 449.7 lbs	207 kg / 462 lbs
Performance
Top Speed	229.0 km/h / 107 mph	-
Max Power	62.5 kW / 85 hp @ 8000 rpm	84.6 kW / 114 hp @ 10,000 rpm
Max Torque	80 Nm / 59 lb-ft @ 5800 rpm	87.5 Nm / 8.9 kgf-m @ 8,500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio	0.4605 HP/kg	-
Standing Start ¼ Mile	12.0 sec	-
Engine
Engine Type	Twin, four-stroke	-
CO2	78.9 CO	-
Fuel Control	DOHC	-
Displacement	798 cc / 47.7 cu-in	847 cc / 51.6 cu-in
Engine Detail	Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder	Four stroke, transverse three cylinder, DOHC, 12 Valve
Fuel System	Injection. Electronic intake pipe injection / digital engine management (BMS-K)	-
Bore x Stroke	82 x 75.8 mm	78 x 59.1 mm
Compression Ratio	12.0:1	11.5 :1
Cooling System	Liquid cooled	Liquid cooled
Emissions	Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3	-
Engine Lubrication	Dry sump	-
Fuel Consumption	5.0 L/100 km / 20.1 km/l / 47 US mpg	-
Fuel Induction	Electronic intake injection	Electronic Fuel Injection
Fuel Reserve	4.00 litres / 1.06 gallons	-
Ignition	Knock control and oxygen sensors	Transistorized coil ignition
Lubrication	-	Wet sump
Starter	Electric	Electric
Valve System	4	-
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity	12 V / 14 Ah, maintenance-free	-
Drivetrain
Clutch	Cable-operated multiplate-plate wet clutch	Wet, multiple-disc
Final Drive	Belt	Chain
Gear Ratios	1st 2.46:1 / 2nd 1.75:1 / 3rd 1.38:1 / 4th 1.17:1 / 5th 1.04:1 / 6th 0.96:1	-
Gearbox	6-speed	-
Primary Drive	Belt drive with shock damper	-
Transmission / Drive	6 Speed	6 Speed
Chassis
Frame Type	Bridge-type aluminium frame	Diamond frame
Suspension - Front	43mm Telescopic forks	41mm fork; adjustable preload and rebound damping
Suspension - Rear	Die-cast aluminium single sided swinging arm with rear wheal axle and eccentric adjustment, central spring stud , spring pre-loaded hydraulically adjustable to continuously variable levels by means of handwheel, rebound damping adjustable.	Rear Single shock; adjustable preload and rebound damping
Rake	25.8°	24°
Steering Head Angle	64.2°	-
Trail	95 mm / 3.7 in	100 mm / 3.9 in
Wheel Travel - Front	140 mm / 5.5 in	137 mm / 5.4 in
Wheel Travel - Rear	140 mm / 5.5 in	130 mm / 5.1 in
Electrical Systems
Alternator	Three-phase alternator 400 W	-
Lighting system	12V 55W headlight	-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)	10.4 inches	-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)	265 mm	-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)	12.6 inches	-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)	320 mm	-
Brakes - Front	2 x 320mm discs, 4 piston calipers	2x 298mm discs
Brakes - Rear	Single 265mm disc, 2 piston caliper	Single 245mm disc
References
Notes	-	The 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 aluminium	-
Rims - Front	3.50 x 17	-
Rims - Rear	5.50 x 17	-
Tyres - Front	120/70 ZR17	120/70-ZR17M/C
Tyres - Rear	180/55 ZR17	180/55-ZR17M/C
Wheels	Cast aluminium	-

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2012 BMW F 800ST and the 2016 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2012 BMW F 800ST - Advantages

Lower seat height: 820 mm vs 845 mm - 860 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
More rear wheel travel: 140 mm vs 130 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2016 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.

2012 BMW F 800ST vs 2016 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2012 BMW F 800ST and 2016 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900?

The 2012 BMW F 800ST uses Twin, four-stroke, while the 2016 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 is powered by Four stroke, transverse three cylinder, DOHC, 12 Valve.

Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2012 BMW F 800ST or the 2016 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900?

The 2012 BMW F 800ST has the lower seat at 820 mm, making it more accessible. The 2016 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 2012 BMW F 800ST or the 2016 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900?

The 2016 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 has the larger tank at approximately 18 litres vs 16 litres for the 2012 BMW F 800ST. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 300-360 km vs 266-320 km between stops.

Which should I buy, the 2012 BMW F 800ST or the 2016 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900?

Both are strong choices. The 2012 BMW F 800ST has the edge in lower seat height and dual front discs, while the 2016 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 stands out for larger fuel tank and larger displacement. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.

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