Yamaha Tracer 9

"The thinking rider's sport-tourer that embarrasses more expensive alternatives."

The Tracer 9 is one of those bikes that genuinely surprises you. It looks sporty but rides like a proper touring machine, and the CP3 triple engine is an absolute gem — that mid-range punch between 4,000-8,000rpm is addictive in a way parallel twins just can't match. Used examples from 2021 onwards are hitting realistic money now, and that makes them seriously compelling. On used examples, check the quickshifter operation carefully — early units can be clunky on downshifts. Screen vibration at motorway speeds annoyed owners until the revised mechanism arrived mid-production, so ask specifically about that. Also inspect the exhaust headers for bluing; these run hot and some owners neglect heat wrap. Suspension is adjustable and genuinely good from stock, which is rare at this price point. The riding position is near-perfect for most builds, the electronics package punches above its class, and fuel economy hovers around 50mpg realistically. It's not glamorous, but it's devastatingly competent.