2024 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ Review

When a bike wins Rider’s Motorcycle of the Year award, as the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT did in 2021, it’s a special machine that beat out dozens of others in the year it was selected. But every motorcycle, even very good ones, can be made better. Just two years after earning MOTY honors, we have the new and improved Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+.

What does the ‘+’ entail? Quite a bit, actually. Tucked under the nose of the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ is a millimeter-wave radar that continuously measures distance to vehicles ahead and enables two new features: adaptive cruise control and a radar-linked Unified Brake System. Also new on the GT+ are integrated ride modes, the next generation of the KYB Actimatic Damper System (KADS) electronic suspension, an updated quickshifter, a new 7-inch TFT display with simplified menus, new switchgear, and integration with the Yamaha MyLink and Garmin Motorize smartphone apps.

This fourth generation of the Tracer 9 platform – which began with the FJ-09 for 2015 and became the Tracer 900 GT for 2019, the Tracer 9 GT for 2021, and now the Tracer 9 GT+ for 2024 – is about refinement. It adds useful tech and smooths out a few rough edges but retains what has made the FJ/Tracer a Rider favorite for nearly a decade.

Returning unchanged is the star of the show – the liquid-cooled 890cc CP3 inline-Triple with a crossplane crankshaft, which made 108 hp at 10,000 rpm and 63 lb-ft of torque at 7,200 rpm at the rear wheel on Jett Tuning’s dyno. The CP3 has always been an exciting engine that’s full of character, and it continues to deliver in spades. As before, wrapped around the engine is a controlled-fill diecast Deltabox aluminum frame, and lightweight spinforged wheels are shod with excellent Bridgestone Battlax T32 sport-touring tires. A comprehensive electronics package, 30-liter side cases, LED cornering lights, heated grips, a height-adjustable windscreen, adjustable ergonomics, and many other useful features are all part of the deal.

The Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ gets a big gold star for being a fantastic, well-rounded, well-sorted sport-tourer. For this test, we logged over 1,400 miles in three days, and our admiration for the bike deepened with each passing mile. Although its $16,499 MSRP is $1,500 above that of the previous model, the GT+ offers a level of technological sophistication that isn’t available on another motorcycle priced less than $25,000.

We’ve been heaping praise on the FJ/Tracer platform for years, while also pointing out flaws. With each new generation, Yamaha has addressed many of those flaws while also raising the bar in terms of performance, technology, safety, and convenience. If Rider selected a Motorcycle of the Decade, the Tracer 9 GT+ would be on the short list.

Read our full review:

2024 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ Specifications
Base Price: $16,499
Warranty: 1 yr., unltd. miles
ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled, transverse inline-Triple, DOHC w/ 4 valves per cyl.
Displacement: 890cc
Bore x Stroke: 78.0mm x 62.1mm
Compression Ratio: 11.5:1
Valve Insp. Interval: 26,600 miles
Fuel Delivery: EFI w/ YCC-T & 41mm throttle bodies x 3
Lubrication System: Wet sump, 3.4 qt. cap.
Transmission: 6-speed, cable-actuated wet slip/assist clutch
Final Drive: O-ring chain
CHASSIS
Frame: Cast aluminum w/ engine as stressed member & cast aluminum swingarm
Wheelbase: 59.1 in.
Rake/Trail: 25 degrees/4.3 in.
Seat Height: 32.3/32.9 in.
Suspension, Front: 41mm inverted fork, electronically adj. rebound & compression, manually adj. preload, 5.1 in. travel
Rear: Single shock, electronically adj. rebound, manually adj. preload (remote), 5.4 in. travel
Brakes, Front: Dual 298mm discs w/ 4-piston radial calipers & ABS
Rear: Single 267mm disc w/ 2-piston caliper & ABS
Wheels, Front: Cast, 3.50 x 17 in.
Rear: Cast, 5.50 x 17 in.
Tires, Front: 120/70-ZR17
Rear: 180/55-ZR17
Wet Weight: 492 lb
Load Capacity: 407 lb
GVWR: 910 lb
PERFORMANCE
Horsepower: 108 @ 10,000 rpm (rear-wheel dyno)
Torque: 63 lb-ft @ 7,200 rpm (rear-wheel dyno)
Fuel Capacity: 5.0 gal.
Fuel Consumption: 45.9 mpg
Estimated Range: 230 miles

GEAR UP
Helmet: Schuberth E2 Modular

Jacket: Fly Racing CoolPro Mesh

Gloves: Fly Racing Brawler

Pants: Fly Racing CoolPro Mesh

Boots: Fly Racing Milepost

[OswaldoLafee]

I tend to disagree with the comments, although I see exactly where they come from. I think precisely the point Yamaha is trying to get to is that there is a market for this bike and them being the first movers will have an advantage. Early adoption of the tech gadgets in the segment is the key here. I just don’t see any liter bike with this tech yet. I own a Triumph 1200 without the radar. I’m not going to get rid of my tiger for my 2Up trips, however…the tracer can easily play the role of MT09 and is a much practical bike for the city and I also do a lot of traveling by myself. So, in short, I would be interested to see the reviews on the electronics and what the market thinks and if they are positive, I’d be a candidate for the second Gen. I do want a middle weight for multiple purposes and this bike might just be it. Plus.. I’ve never had a Yamaha.

[hadtobe]

I would consider it except for the headlights. I think its a big mistake to only have one of the dual lights come on in low beam. It looks odd, looks like one side has malfunctioned and throws less light on the road and less visibility.

[leviefrauim]

First, Greg- glad you trimmed that beard. You look much more civilized now.

As for the T9GT+:
1) It's still fugly as heck (altho this color combo is better than any other version Yamaha has released so far w/the T9 lineup.)

2) It's still too damn expensive, and it'll never be a replacement for the FJR, nor a competitor to more sporty rides like the Ninja 1000SX, GSX1000GT+ or R1250RT.

3) I'm not sure who Yamaha is trying to market this bike too although I'd guess it'd be someone like me, my age/financial status/riding style bracket; but honestly- no matter how many improvements they make to that bike, I'd likely shop used/alternative STs before I'd ever drop that kind of cash on that bike. Better yet, I'll just keep my trusty '15 FJR1300A.

[MK-bknt]

Price is horrendous. mt09 with fairings that’s it
No one wants expensive radar in this type of bike.