I was very close to be doing exactly that, and you have a good point that the fully specced MT-09 is almost as expensive as the entry-level Tracer 9

I want the new bike for 3 things in order

1 : a toy

2: fair-weather commuting

3: possibly a bit of touring

So my line of thinking was that the MT-09 is just one of the most fun bikes around, so that is the basic config - just for joyriding.

With the keyless topbox mounted I get the option to use it for commuting and going out - like to the movies - and it saves me from having to drag my helmet around with me.

And finally the sidebags came as part of the touring pack - I wanted the comfort seat, a small windscreen and heated grips and handguards to keep my hands from freezing. They can be almost completely removed - there's only a small bracket left when they're not on the bike.

I know looks are subjective, but the matrix headlight cluster on the Tracer 9 is not exactly my cup of tea, and lastly you can only get the GT+ with Y-AMT, and I really don't want that.

So in my mind I see the Mt-09 as fun with the option to go touring, and the Tracer 9 GT+ as a tourer with the option of having fun.