2017 BMW R 1200RT LC vs 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles

Differences only

2017 BMW R 1200RT LC

Sport touring

Engine

Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer with balancer shaft, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Power

92 kW / 125 hp @ 7750 rpm

Top Speed

N/A

Weight

274 kg / 604 lbs

2018 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
Year	201	2017 - 18
Make Model	BMW R 1200RT LC	Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900
Dimensions
Seat Height	805 mm / 31.5 in - 825 mm / 32.5 in Variable seat heights available between 760mm / 29.9 in and 850mm / 33.5 in	845 mm - 860 mm / 33.3 in - 33.9 in
Wheelbase	1485 mm / 58.5 in	1440 mm / 56.7 in
Ground Clearance	-	135 mm / 5.3 in
Height	1416 mm / 55.7 in	1338 mm to 1375 mm / 52.9 in to 54.1 in
Length	2222 mm / 87.5 in	2160 mm / 85.0 in
Width	983 mm / 38.7 in	850 mm / 37.4 in
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity	25 Litres / 6.6 US gal	18 Litres / 4.8 US gal
Wet Weight	274 kg / 604 lbs	207 kg / 462 lbs
Performance
Max Power	92 kW / 125 hp @ 7750 rpm	84.6 kW / 114 hp @ 10,000 rpm
Max Torque	125 Nm / 92 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm	87.5 Nm / 8.9 kgf-m @ 8,500 rpm
Engine
Displacement	1170 cc / 71.4 cu-in	847 cc / 51.6 cu-in
Engine Detail	Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer with balancer shaft, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder	Four stroke, transverse three cylinder, DOHC, 12 Valve
Bore x Stroke	101 x 73 mm	78 x 59.1 mm
Compression Ratio	12.5:1	11.5 :1
Cooling System	Air/Liquid cooled	Liquid cooled
Emissions	Euro 3	-
Exhaust management	Fully-controlled three-way catalytic converter	-
Fuel Induction	Electronic fuel injection with ride-by-wire throttle system, 52mm throttle valve Emission control Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter	Electronic Fuel Injection
Fuel Reserve	4 Litres / 1 US gal	-
Ignition	Digital engine management	Transistorized coil ignition
Lubrication	Wet sump	Wet sump
Starter	Electric	Electric
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity	12 V / 16 Ah, maintenance-free	-
Drivetrain
Clutch	Multi-plate wet clutch, hydraulically operated	Wet, multiple-disc
Final Drive	Shaft	Chain
Gear Ratios	1st 2.438 / 2nd 1.714 / 3rd 1.296 / 4th 1.059 / 5th 0.943 / 6th 0.848:1	-
Primary Drive Ratios	1.65	-
Transmission / Drive	6 Speed, constant-mesh gearbox with helical cut gears	6 Speed
Chassis
Frame Type	Continuous tubular steel bridge-type frame	Diamond frame
Suspension - Front	BMW Telelever, 37 mm central spring strut	41mm fork; adjustable preload and rebound damping
Suspension - Rear	Cast aluminum single-sided swing arm with BMW EVO Paralever; WAD strut (travel-related damping), spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) via handwheel, rebound damping adjustable via handwheel	Rear Single shock; adjustable preload and rebound damping
Rake	-	24°
Steering Head Angle	63.6°	-
Trail	-	100 mm / 3.9 in
Wheel Travel - Front	120 mm / 4.7 in	137 mm / 5.4 in
Wheel Travel - Rear	136 mm / 5.4 in	130 mm / 5.1 in
Electrical Systems
Alternator	Three-phase 540 W generator	-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front	2 x 320mm Discs, 4 piston callipers	2x 298mm discs
Brakes - Rear	Single 276mm disc, 2 piston floating caliper	Single 245mm disc
ABS	BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part-integral)	-
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 - Front	3.50 x 17	-
Tyres - Front	120/70 ZR17	120/70-ZR17M/C
Tyres - Rear	180/55 ZR17	180/55-ZR17M/C
Wheel Caster	116 mm / 4.6 in	-
Wheels	Cast aluminium wheels	-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2017 BMW R 1200RT LC

The 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC edges out the 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 thanks to its larger fuel tank, lower seat height, standard ABS, dual front discs and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2017 BMW R 1200RT LC - Advantages

Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.
Lower seat height: 805 mm vs 845 mm - 860 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
Larger displacement: 1170 cc vs 847 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 - Advantages

Lighter: 207 kg vs 274 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
More front wheel travel: 137 mm vs 120 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2017 BMW R 1200RT LC vs 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC and 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900?

The 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC uses Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer with balancer shaft, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 is powered by Four stroke, transverse three cylinder, DOHC, 12 Valve.

Which is lighter, the 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC or the 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900?

The 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 is lighter at 207 kg compared to 274 kg for the 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC - a difference of 67 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.

Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC or the 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900?

The 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC has the lower seat at 805 mm, making it more accessible. The 2018 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 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC or the 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900?

The 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC has the larger tank at approximately 25 litres vs 18 litres for the 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 416-500 km vs 300-360 km between stops.

Does the 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC or 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 have ABS?

The 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC is listed with ABS as standard. The 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.

Which should I buy, the 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC or the 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900?

Both are strong choices. The 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC has the edge in larger fuel tank and lower seat height, while the 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 stands out for lighter kerb weight and higher front wheel travel. 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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