From our Old Bike Archives – Issue 111 – first published in 2023.
Ride impressions: Jim Scaysbrook • Photos: Sue Scaysbrook
The latest evolution of the popular series, the 2024 Tracer 9 GT+ goes all-out to maintain its position as one of the top sports tourers on the market.
There was very little wrong with its predecessor’s package of excellent handling, comfort and styling, so what makes the new ‘Plus’ different is the ‘electronics suite’. The same superb 890cc three-cylinder engine provides the urge, along with the same cast aluminium die-cast frame, bodywork and panniers. No, the ‘Plus’ is all about technology, even more so than the old GT.
For a start, there’s Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and radar-linked Brake System (UBS). The first automatically adjusts the bike’s speed to match the vehicle in front of you, controlled by a device called a Millimeter Wave Radar (MWR) which sits in the bike’s nose between the two small headlights. Just how all this happens is best studied separately, but it’s a real safety feature in traffic. The radar-linked UBS works independently of the Cruise Control, in conjunction with the Brake Control feature which can be turned on or off. The six-axis IMU provides endless data to the ECU for all sorts of functions, most of which can be turned off. The new Tracer is the first Yamaha to be equipped with the third generation quick-shifter that allows gear changes in either direction when on or off the throttle.
The suspension also gets an electronics boost. The electronically-controlled KYB Actimatic Damper System (KADS) has two modes – for smooth or rough surfaces, and will even make minute adjustments when the bike is cornering. There are four riding modes: Rain, Street, Sport and Custom, and in Custom the rider selects the levels of engine power, traction control, slide control, lift control and suspension hard/soft. Quick-shifter, working in both directions, is standard and a joy to use; simple, precise, smooth.
The cockpit is dominated by the all-new seven-inch colour TFT display that has been made much easier to read and follow. Naturally it gets on well with smartphones and Bluetooth gadgets, and it accepts Yamaha’s MyRide-Link app that displays text messages, phone calls and other information – even the weather. Download the Garmin Motorize app (for a fee) and you get full screen turn-by-turn navigation.
So how about the ride, I hear you ask? I’ve ridden every model of the Tracer 9 series so far, so I’m familiar with the engine characteristics; seamless throttle response, bags of mid-range torque, revs a’plenty if you call on them. The riding position is pretty good, but like all Tracers I find the footrests slightly too rear-set. The seat height is adjustable for either 820mm or 835mm, and the seat itself has a new grippier cover and is wider than before, which is a good thing in terms of the support it offers. I’d prefer more padding too, but that would impact on the seat height, which wouldn’t suit everyone. The windscreen has plenty of coverage and can be adjusted on the move. There are actually ten points of adjustment, but in reality it is really a choice between fully up or fully down.
Handling is excellent, full stop. The suspension does such a good job, especially with its new electronic assistance, you just forget about it. Braking is terrific – there’s a larger rear disc (267mm) on the new model as well, along with a new brake pedal. The suspension was actually the weak point on the original Tracer 900, but that’s a dim memory now – this is 2024 (almost).
For the touring set, the ‘Plus’ carries the familiar 30 litre panniers as before, and there are genuine Yamaha top-cases available in 34 litre and 45 litre capacities. My loan coincided with the annual All Historic Race weekend at Pheasant Wood – a 2 hour ride – so off I went, and I thoroughly enjoyed the trip, even if much of it was on the somniferous M31 (Hume Highway) motorway. It’s not just about cornering after all. There’s something very refreshing about being on such a fabulous motorcycle on a bright spring day, devouring the kilometres and soaking up the sunshine, when it eventually arrived. For the early morning ride south, I was mightily thankful for the Tracer’s standard heated grips, which on full setting would boil a kettle. This latest incarnation of the Tracer carries on the tradition of evolution, to the point that it is now one of the most versatile motorcycles in its market segment.
2024 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ Specifications
Engine: Three cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, liquid cooled.
Bore x stroke: 78.0 x 62.1mm
Capacity: 890cc
Compression ratio: 11.5:1
Lubrication: Wet sump
Fuel management: Fuel Injection
Ignition: TCI
Starting: Electric
Fuel capacity: 18.7 litres
Final drive: Chain
Transmission: 6 speed
RRP Australia: $27,599 Ride Away
Test bike: Yamaha-Motor Australia
