Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ (2023 - on) Review

The 2023 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ is the most advanced sports tourer Yamaha has ever built. Not only that, it’s also the first motorcycle to offer ‘Radar Linked Unified Braking’, an ingenious system that slows the bike should it detect a vehicle ahead braking unexpectedly.

Yamaha hasn’t simply added a few more bells and whistles to the already impressive Tracer 9 GT. The ‘plus’ references a whole host of updates and new technology. More importantly it acknowledges that in this guise the Tracer 9 is a premium level offering able to match many full-dress tourers for tech and spec, with the added advantage of sports bike agility.

Yamaha has listened to current Tracer 9 GT owners, working through the bike’s weak points while adding a new layer of useful tech and function. In terms of updates, the GT+ does away with the previous model’s hard to read dual-pod instruments by gaining an all-new 7-inch TFT display. The switchgear’s been redesigned too, as has the screen. And the seat’s also been tweaked to improve comfort and control.

The riding position’s now fully adjustable through seat height (from 820mm to 835mm), footrest position (two options) and handlebars that can be raised or lowered on adjustable mounts.

Diving further into the detail a third generation quickshifter comes as standard, as does adaptive cruise control, the aforementioned Radar Linked Unified Braking, colour-coded 30-litre panniers, and a choice of two GT+ specific colour options – grey/black/bronze or silver and blue to differentiate it from the standard Tracer 9 and 9 GT.

The relationship between this Tracer’s meaty motor and sublime chassis is one of motorcycling’s perfect partnerships. But then it should be given that this Yamaha wears Kayaba semi-active suspension that softens or stiffens its damping depending on the riding mode or function selected (the Adaptive Cruise Control automatically puts the suspension into ‘comfort’ setting, for example).

In ‘Sport’ the GT+ devours corners with the appetite of a pure sports bike – the only limitation to lean being the footpegs’ hero blobs.

Coupled with standard fitment Bridgestone Battlax BT32s sports tourer tyres, superb brakes that can be trailed with confidence to any corner’s apex, and an ABS system that goes about its business in such a stealth-like fashion you barely notice it’s there, the GT+ makes an outstanding companion for any twisty tarmac. The level of feedback from the tyres, brakes, suspension and steering is outstanding, as is the chassis’ overall balance.

The heart of the GT+ is unchanged. It’s powered by the same magnificent 890cc CP3 triple as the other Tracer 9s. In terms of numbers this Euro5 compliant motor makes 117bhp, which is more than enough for any sports touring situation. More importantly, it delivers a torrent of torque, peaking at 68.5lb.ft@7000rpm, so there’s instant, robust drive right through the range.

Clicking up and down the 6-speed gearbox is even easier now thanks to the new quickshifter that, unlike previous incarnations, allows down-changes while accelerating and up-changes when decelerating. No need to shut the throttle or concern the clutch; just tap the lever and go.

That said, its two new parameters can feel clunky at times – especially down-shifting while on the gas when, for example, attempting quicker entry onto a dual carriageway.

Not that said scenario spoils enjoyment of the engine, however. It’s as rewarding to use as ever, especially with a ride-by-wire throttle delivering instant, crisp response at any revs. Peak power is at 10,000rpm, and it’ll spin on for a further 500rpm before bumping the redline, but there’s little need to work the unit that hard, so effective is its midrange grunt.

There are four modes – Sport, Street, Rain and Custom – which require only a prod of the mode button to select. Both Sport and Street deliver the full 117bhp; only the opening speed of the FI system’s butterflies differ. Rain pegs peak power back by 18% while Custom is programmable to your preference through the easy to navigate TFT menu.

The Tracer 9 and 9 GT have proven exceptionally reliable over the years and this is backed up by MCN owners' reviews.  Both pre-existing models are more than up to the job of long distance sports touring, so there’s little reason to doubt the GT+ will be any different.

The ‘Plus’ does of course come with additional electronics, but it’s also got a two-year warranty, so any issues will be easily fixed for the foreseeable at least. Build quality too is good – better than previous Tracers given the GT+’s premium status; Yamaha has gone above and beyond to the make this latest sports tourer feel special.

At £14,910 the GT+ somewhere in the middle against its natural rivals – BMW’s F900XR (from £10,350), Kawasaki’s Versys 1000SE (from £16,319), and Triumph’s Tiger 900 GT (from £12,195). The Kawasaki boasts the highest spec of the trio, but the Tracer still edges ahead with its innovative radar technology and overall performance of both chassis and engine. For a premium machine with so much technology the GT+ is surprisingly good value for money.

The Tracer 9 GT+ is dripping in trick tech and useful equipment. As standard you get cornering ABS, four riding modes, traction control, adaptive cruise control, radar linked unified brakes, full connectivity, compatibility with Yamaha’s myride app and Garmin’s Motorize app, corner lights, a fully adjustable riding position, colour-coded 30-litre panniers, a do-everything quickshifter, 7-in TFT dash, backlit switchgear, centre stand, easily adjustable screen – in all, the Tracer’s spec is massive.