Our First Ride Aboard The 2021 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT

The Yamaha Tracer 9 GT is all-new for 2021. What do we mean by all-new? For starters, there's a new engine. It's now an 890cc three-cylinder, compared to the 847cc engine from the old Tracer 900. With the new engine comes an all-new frame, swingarm, and R1-inspired electronics. That means IMU-assisted traction control, lift control, and even a KYB electronic suspension. How well does it all work as a sport-touring package? You'll have to watch the video to find out.

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[TheFlyingChad]

My Shoei RF1400 in medium fits perfectly in the side case. You have to put it in upside down and with the front of the helmet facing the back of the bike. I have had my Tracer 9 GT for 2.5 months and have put over 3k on it all ready and have zero regrets buying it!

[geekskates]

I put my gsxs 1000f into the shop recently to get a service, and they gave me the keys to one of these for the day as a courtesy bike. Long story short, it was fantastic to ride, the old mt09 is a blunt instrument compared to this. Surprised to hear that Troy didn’t like the way the bike responded to rolling on from a closed throttle, I thought it was perfect, coming into a roundabout, tipping it in rolling off throttle then back on as you stand it up the bike didn’t pitch forward or lurch back, just let you find a line and follow it smoothly. The cruise control was easy to work out on the fly without having read the manual, but buggered if I know what the rest of the buttons do. If I was in the market for a replacement sporty commuter / tourer this would be high on the list.

[eilliwwasniahc]

2 years ago I got a 2019 demo Tracer with 80 miles for $8500 and about $10k out the door after tax and fees. I am really glad I got one when they were still a great bang-for-the buck. The new features are neat, but at $15k list and likely $17k OTD the bargain is gone. It will be a great bike for a lot of people, but will be out of range for its previous audience. It is good to see old FJ09s holding their value. They were a great bike even without quick shift or the game console where the speedo ought to be.

[RangerRyke]

I hope this doesn’t replace the Fjr in the US. Please make a new Fjr for euro 5 Yamaha.

[ElroyMcDuff]

It's nice to see someone take corners without trying to drag their knee on the ground. 😛 Great review thanks!

[HS]

Good review, I go with Mt09, just add a touring windshield and 50 L waterproof bag to save $7k difference!

[paulearwood]

Why didn't they make it a shaft drive?

[alp]

Yamaha rocks !!!! FJR, the best bike they ever made...period. Yamaha, please build a bike like the Goldwing, 6 cyl inline and I am in.

[alphajed]

Can somebody explain to if there's a difference between "Sport Touring" like that bike and "Sport Tourer" e.g. Suzuki GSX-S 1000GT?

[JK-tuxx]

How does an MT-09 come out to $9, 400 and the Tracer 9 adjust for an additional $5000 with the same engine, platform, electronics, and even some downgraded parts plus a few creature comforts. I don't see this being a $14.5k bike and selling, A high $11k or low $12k bike and they would sell out of them.

[njohnson]

Oh you have a TFT display? That's cute, I have two.
This bike makes me excited to schedule a test ride on a V-Strom 650.
I'm trolling, but seriously, it's a cool bike but it's too pricey for me.

[rcafmaintainer]

I find shifting into sixth, there is funny sound that comes out. Anyone care to explain what that is? Another funky thing is trying to find the side stand....not very intuitive. Cool bike otherwise.

[ducativoelmundo]

Full akrapovic system
Marchesini forged wheels
SW Motech Crash protection bars and pucks
Brembo stylema calipers and brake lever
Ohlins front forks and rear shock
Billet triple clamps
Power commander 5

[Porschedriver]

It’s got the same chain.
Once you’ve had shaft drive….

[curtn]

Its like the fj09, and the deal breaker was the gearing was NOT good for touring. And invasive computer features. Have to turn off the abs and traction each time you ride. At 80mph the motor winding out WAY too high for hwy miles even hurting gas millage . The seat was like a 2x6 and was not a touring bike at all. 2hrs in the saddle and you need a break from the high vibration from the HIGH revving engine.

[Land-Shark]

I've been watching Super Troopers and Super Troopers 2 on Blu-Ray this past week... Did Troy say "Meow"? @2:29 :)

[davduarte]

The helmet fits… you just need to insert it upside down. I have a Schubert C3 Large and it fits without any pressure.

[killerdeviant]

Wish I could afford that. Might be a good used bike in a couple years!!

[pucins]

Can anyone explain why the saddle bags are always being evaluated by "can you fit a helmet in it"? Do you go touring with empty saddle bags? Or maybe you carry your second and third best helmets with you at all times in the saddle bags?

[jemararapan]

Shootout

Yamaha Tracer 9 GT
Ducati Multistrada 950S
Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE
BMW F900 XR

Mostly within the relative power, price, and genre. 🤔