Just like the MT-09 naked bike on which it's based, Yamaha's TRACER 9 GT has
come in for a major update, let's check it under the microscope and see what's what.
Six years after the arrival of the original MT-09 TRACER, the TRACER 9 GT remains as
Yamaha's most technologically advanced sports tourer. It's appreciably lighter and more
nimble than the aging FJR 1300 and unlike in Europe where there's also a Base spec TRACER 9.
It's the only TRACER model on offer here in Australia, and the upgrade is significant. The
bike producing more power and torque in a package now seven kilos lighter, while also benefiting
from a major tech upgrade, new instrumentation and semi-active electronic suspension.
The styling has been massaged to produce a sleeker, more purposeful stance,
while full LED lighting is now complemented by position lights that double as clever cornering
lights that actually get brighter as the angle of lean increases.
Like the MT-09, the TRACER 9 GT now rides on lighter spin forged alloy wheels that reduce
unsprung mass. While the powerful Nissin front breaks are now mated to an R1 type Nissin radio
master cylinder for even better breaking feel, and to further its distance devouring potential,
the TRACER 9 GT comes standard with hard panniers, a center stand and a touring screen,
plus niceties like heated grips and electronic cruise control.
Yamaha has redesigned CP3 triple has jumped in capacity to 889 CCs, the Euro 5 unit,
now churning out an extra four horsepower and five and a half Newton metres with the latter delivered
1500 RPM lower in the rev range. Harnessing that edge is a chip controlled ride by wire throttle
an improved slipper clutch and a six-bay transmission with bi-directional quick shifter.
Ergonomically, the TRACER 9 GT treads a careful line between long haul comfort
and sporting ability. But it has a roomy upright ride position
with heaps of leg room and an adjustable seat height that's now 40 millimetres lower.
The accommodating ergonomics make this bike a real mile eater, but it's easy to move around on too,
when it's time to attack the bends. On the tech front the TRACER 9 GT has had a massive revamp
with new twin 3 and a half inch TFT displays and a comprehensive suite of rider safety aids,
thanks to the arrival of a new 6 axis inertial measurement unit. In addition to four ride modes,
there's also a choice of standard or cornering ABS Plus multi-level traction control, slide control
and wheelie control. Plus a custom mode that allows the rider to tailor all these settings
or to deactivate some if desired. The semi-active KYB suspension still has
manual pre-load adjustment, but automatically adjusts damping to suit the conditions,
but there's no Bluetooth connectivity or smartphone mirroring. Right on. That's a
quick rundown on what's on offer. Now, let's head for the horizon and ride.
We were super impressed with the next gen MT-09 and this TRACER 9 GT
embodies all of those gains with a heap of extra features to enhance long haul life.
This triple-cylinder engine is such a refined, responsive and characterful unit,
there's heaps of mid-range, but plenty up top too, and the triple cylinder note just sounds superb.
There's a real sense of precision to this ride. It goes exactly where you're pointed,
rides through the bends and charges hard whenever you open the taps.
The controls are all light and responsive, the breaks are strong, and I love the simple and
elegant set up of all the various rider assistant systems, it's one neat and comprehensive package,
as for fuel economy we achieved an average of 5.3 litres per 100 kilometres over a mix of riding,
spelling a safe working range of around 310 kilometres from the 18-litre tank. The roomy
ride position is super comfy, and pillions are well catered for too. I'm not getting
any buffering or turbulence from the screen, and I like the one-handed manual adjustment.
So what don't I like? Well, this new TRACER 9 GT is $2200 more than the old one, and it's over
eight grand more than the MT-09. It's got plenty of extra features but for this sort of money,
I'd like to see Bluetooth, a smartphone app and fully electronic suspension in the mix.
The sports touring segment is fairly narrow these days, thanks mainly to the rise of the adventure
bike genre. But if you're looking for purely road-focused performance with all-day comfort,
take a good look at this TRACER 9 GT. It may not offer quite the same bank feedbacks
value as the new MT-O9, but with excellent comfort, superb performance and an array of
the latest rider assistance aids, Yamaha's new TRACER 9 GT still stacks up incredibly well.