Text/photo: OA Isdahl

The new model is big, has a great design and can visually match its competitors, it’s properly motorized and the whole bike delivers on all counts. As well as being extremely comfortable, it has a distinctive fun-factor that makes it a mile-eater of the highest order. The history of the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ dates back to the launch of the Tracer 900 in 2015. The model has been developed over more than a decade and has undergone a number of facelifts that have only made it better and better. The previous version was and still is a very good and, not least, fun motorcycle that many people still enjoy. The original model looked like this for a five-year period, the bike in the picture is the GT version from 2020 when it came with a quickshifter, which was a significant boost then.

The new Tracer 9 GT+ has undoubtedly grown into a true sports tourer that attracts attention, people come over to have a look and it’s always fun when we’re out testing.

The model is easy to drive, easy to turn, comfortable and not least fun to drive. For its size, it’s actually unexpectedly fun to drive. Even a 40+ mile day session in rain, highly variable temperatures, thunder and lightning didn’t take away my desire to ride even more. With the new Y-AMT technology, this is one of the most fun, comfortable and coolest things I’ve ever ridden. The Tracer 9 has grown up, has handling and a lateral mobility you don’t find on many models, so it’s hard to find faults that aren’t caused by the driver.

Technical data 2025

Design

A lot has happened in ten years and the model seems significantly larger than the first generation. The lines are clean and clear and the model appears as a masculine and complete motorcycle that matches what is required in this segment today. The familiar deltabox frame is exposed as is the engine section and powerful swingarm and a well-proportioned seat frame that hosts a nicely designed and functional seat. The front is masculine with the cool LED Matrix lights, this looks downright rugged. The Tracer 9 GT+ has been given an electric raise and lower function of the windshield which is big enough in any case. The two-tone paint attracts attention and was seen by many enthusiasts during the test. If we were to point out anything, it would have to be the relatively large and underhanging exhaust port that actually looks like a failed welding apprentice’s trade license test, which doesn’t look quite right. But apart from that, the bike is just as beautiful as the Norwegian mountains.

The Yamaha tracer 9 GT+ has a comprehensive equipment list including keyless ignition, radar for cruise control and blind spot monitoring, navigation, LED Matrix lighting, Y-AMT pedal-operated transmission, 7 inch TFT instrument with integrated Garmin navigation, electronic dampers, a complete driver support package, electrically adjustable windshield, maintenance-free endurance chain, tire pressure indicator, 10 step heater to name a few of the equipment that comes standard on this model.

The Y-AMT gear technology is clearly the icing on the cake

So far, we’ve gotten to know the new transmission technology on the MT07 and MT09, where it has certainly proved to be capable and not least fun. Y-AMT stands for Automatic, Manuel Transmission, which is a combined manual-automatic transmission controlled by electric finger-operated pedal switches on the west steering column. This is not to be confused with an automatic transmission, here you can drive the transmission manually electrically (street) as a quick shifter but with the finger-operated pedal switches on the right handlebar, or drive it as an automatic transmission (D or D+) which can still be overridden with the finger-operated electric pedal switches.

In addition to these three gear options, you can switch between three predefined modes (rain, street or sport) and two user modes that allow you to define the control levels for traction, power, engine braking, slide control, lift control and electronic damping.

The new shifting technology offers great variability and super-fast shifting, there’s no doubt that shifting with the finger-controlled pedal switches is much faster than a whole foot operating a quick shifter via a pedal. The Y-AMT technology makes it much easier to better utilize the full power range of the bike and also provides a wonderfully smooth ride. Downshifts into corners and quick upshifts through and out of corners are a breeze, making it possible to ride quickly and efficiently.

The finger-controlled pedal switches are fun to use and for me, this technology is so well established that I can hardly imagine anything else. This must people should dare to try it, but remember that the technology requires some training to master its use, but it’s really worth it. That’s why you should test drive these models several times during the procurement process, not just once, because it won’t work. You’ll get your money’s worth in the form of much bigger and better driving experiences. This is the future, so join the journey and experience something new and very positive.

The Mode setting is displayed at the top left of the instrument in all viewing modes, and can be changed quickly and easily by pressing the right handlebar.

So having ridden extensively and for a long time with this technology on the Tracer 9 GT+, I think this is where it really comes into its own. Y-AMT contributes significantly to expanding the range of applications of the bike in terms of power output, comfort and, not least, handling. Y-AMT simply makes the Tracer 9 GT+ one of the best and most enjoyable sports tourers on the market and delivers excellent handling.

New lighting technology

The Tracer 9 GT+ has new headlights, and unfortunately I didn’t get to try them out in the summer night. But, if we are to believe Yamaha, these LRD matrix lights will make it considerably easier for the rider to ride on dark fall evenings and we believe it. The system is connected to a camera built into the hood that detects surrounding traffic conditions. The sensors control individual LEDs in the matrix that put together an optimized light beam for the best possible illumination. The design of the lights is intentionally tough and looks good.

Yamaha’s three-cylinder engines are special and very good

There’s no doubt about it, the engines are high-performing, buzz quietly and nicely, grate a little nicely under throttle and have a nice and smooth throttle response, which hasn’t always been the case with Yamaha as so many other brands have struggled a little with the effects of the emission requirements of the EURO regime and contributed to many models having a nervous and jerky throttle response. But now Yamaha has cracked the code and the three-cylinder engines feel quite linear in performance and pull very well through the mid-range before this particular model flattens out a little at the very top. It’s great and not least safe, but it’s worse when everything empties out at the very top of the rev range, where we’re not used to operating, as things can quickly get out of hand and become a little unpredictable. The throttle response is now nice and smooth, which is important for us to be able to experience the bike as good and not least comfortable to ride. 119 hp and 93 Nm is a decent amount of power and more than enough for most people.

The engine’s braking effect is very nice and smooth, so you hardly need to use the brakes while driving. The engine brake can also be adjusted in two levels according to taste and preference via the menu in the instrument. When you’re in the float zone, you can regulate the incline with throttle and engine braking, or alternatively downshift with the pedal switches. The engine and power output are so good that you actually have to pay attention, as you quickly pass the speed limit and the speed is not so noticeable on the Tracer 9 GT+! The mechanical precision is at a high level and is well coordinated with the transmission and driver support systems, making the model very easy to drive. In other words, the engine is a major reason why I like the Tracer 9 GT+ as much as I do, and I can keep up with the reference bike, which in this case is a BMW M 1000 XR without any particular deviations, this is of course more powerful and therefore accelerates a little faster, but otherwise these two flow well together during fast and sporty driving.

New electronic dampers deliver very well

The KYB electronic dampers work very well and contribute significantly to the bike’s good handling. Even with a 17-inch wheelset, these dampers, with the frame and swingarm, take up most of the bad Norwegian asphalt and in combination with the playful handlebar geometry, I can keep good flow everywhere and without losing contact with the surface. I have good contact with the front wheel and I’m perfectly balanced with the wide handlebar as a link between me and the bike, so the cornering curves fit like a glove and I’m happy. As mentioned earlier, it’s worth spending a little time getting to know the variation and adjustment options so that you can adapt the damping to your own riding style and preferences. If you’re struggling with the settings, it’s definitely worth asking your dealer for some help. They know what they’re doing.

The instrument and control of the driver support

The TFT instrument measures a full 7 inches and is therefore easy to read and nice, as with most TFT instruments, you can also choose the desired display mode (3) and use what you like best.

The navigation button, which is located in the center of the console on the west steering column, is intuitive and easy to use, and you can easily scroll back and forth in the menus, which are also logical and easy to understand. Many of these functions are, of course, locked while driving, which is a good thing. These instruments can quickly become a distraction and it’s by no means harmless to scroll through technical functions, music or messages while driving. But what you are allowed to do while driving is easy because of the nice navigation button that is easy to find. Of course, the Tracer 9 GT+ has cruise control and radar that adjusts the distance to the vehicle in front and blind spot monitoring with an indicator in the mirror for traffic coming from behind.

All functions can be controlled on the dashboard or from the Yamaha app when you’re sitting at home on the sofa planning your riding day. The same goes for the Garmin-based navigation function that takes you where you want to go. Of course, it takes some time to get to grips with the control of the instrumentation and rider support and you almost have to spend some time doing that. However, you can know that you can adjust almost everything, but then there’s also the risk that you’ll adjust yourself completely away so absolutely present. This is especially true of the damping, and here you need to make sure that you only adjust a little at a time and not several things at once, otherwise you can lose control. On the damping side, there are quite large perceived differences, even on the predefined driving modes. Sport and Drive+ are noticeably stiffer than the standard mode (D) and the bike will feel very different when riding. Especially with a little load. But, this bike has it all, so you can just spend some time finding your way to your own preferences.

How are the driving characteristics as a sports tourer?

It’s really easy to answer that, I personally find little or nothing to put my finger on and as the two of us spend time together, I just become more and more fascinated by the characteristics of the Tracer 9 GT+. It’s not every motorcycle that I can get under the skin or merge with, but I really do here. Ergonomically, this works great, a wide handlebar, a suitably hard seat that provides good support, but at the same time room for lateral movement and shifting of one’s own center of gravity allows me to ride long stages or sessions without getting tired. The Tracer 9 has always been well balanced and offers some of the best lateral mobility and cornering capabilities you can find. I can easily move the bike sideways underneath me and it’s great to be able to start the cornering motion with several different techniques. This makes the model very comfortable and not least very fun to ride. The engine and throttle response are lively and eager to work, so it’s easy to ride a little too fast. The Y-AMT technology is undoubtedly the “change maker” that takes the model to a new level and I personally really enjoy the variation possibilities this technology offers. The design, weight and balance, power and gear technology (Y-AMT) and the bike’s damping give me a fantastic mastery experience, not to mention a lot of riding pleasure.

Frame, swing arm and damping work very well and deliver well beyond expectations.

As a sports tourer, the model is simply perfect, and it should be noted that in this case there are no additional costs, absolutely everything is included.

Yamaha has chosen to use Bridgestone Battlax T32 on the bike and these tires glue everything well to the asphalt on dry and wet surfaces. Beautiful tires that create confidence and a lot of driving pleasure.

Loading capacities and logistics

The side bags are easy to put on and take off, and the electric locking system works well, there’s even a light inside the bags, which is nice to have on late fall evenings. If you drive with a “decent” additional weight (up to 10 kg), you won’t notice it much while driving and I think that’s within what I would define as acceptable. On the other hand, if you add more weight, you must expect it to affect the steering geometry, but this applies to all bikes.

So what does the test driver think of the whole?

Of course, I could write a whole book about the Tracer 9 GT+ and there is of course much more to say about this model. But for me, the most important thing is to convey the driving experience and the interaction between me and the machine. From time to time, all models lose their relevance and some even go out of date, they often don’t keep up with technological developments and remain in their respective technological decades where they are then parked. Yamaha obviously doesn’t want to do that, and with this model it is carrying out a significant upgrade to ensure renewed interest and technological relevance. It requires quite a lot and is often associated with the risk of failure. Motorcycle design is largely about developing features and capabilities while making compromises to keep production costs down.

Simply adding new individual components is often not enough to improve the overall performance and, unfortunately, customers notice this all too quickly. That’s why it’s very gratifying to be able to say that all the steps Yamaha has taken are perceived as having a very good effect on the bike’s overall performance and characteristics.
The Tracer 9 has undoubtedly grown up and its handling is formidable. It is without any doubt one of the very best sports tourers we have in the market and it delivers well above what I expected. I believe that the Y-AMT technology makes a significant contribution, but let’s not forget that this alone is not enough to deliver such a good result. We’re talking about a motorcycle that simply delivers consistently well and produces true riding pleasure within a wide range of applications and therefore contributes to the overall result being as good as it is.

Ergonomics, steering geometry, weight and balance, performance, everything is at a high level and can only be enjoyed. This is a motorcycle you can grow with and not least really enjoy over time.

But remember, be curious, dare to use new technology and dare to train, you will get a good return on all investments in this context and you have many great driving experiences ahead of you. Ride into the future on the fast train, don’t stand on the platform waiting for a local train!