Yamaha’s highly acclaimed Tracer9 GT sports tourer was launched back in 2021 during the pandemic and, unfortunately, I missed the opportunity to throw a leg over the new model. However, everyone I spoke to who had ridden the GT rated it very highly, so I had high expectations of the new 2023 Tracer9 GT+, which gains a huge dollop of whizzy new tech plus some smart updates.
The headline developments are the introduction of Radar Linked Unified Braking System, a world first, and, for the first time on a Yamaha, Adaptive Cruise Control – hence the large radar at the front. But that’s not all: a new 7-inch TFT display; slick new switchgear; a larger rear disc (for the new braking system); a new seat design; and a third-generation quick-shifter all debut on the 890cc triple.
Yamaha treated us to a full day in the saddle, including some motorway miles, enabling us to test the new Adaptive Cruise Control around the stunning island of Sardinia.
Yamaha has left the excellent, charismatic 890cc CP3 triple alone. That means the same peak of 117bhp as before with the same 68.5lb-ft (at 7000rpm) peak torque figure, too. A third-generation, bi-directional quick-shifter that allows you to downshift with the throttle still open is added, meaning you can knock back a few gears – to third or even second – without closing the throttle. The system is smooth and effortless.
For me the Tracer’s power and delivery are close to perfect; strong but not too fierce with a lovely spread of torque, plus a sweetly tuned roar when you grab a handful of throttle.
This story is from the August 2023 edition of Motorcycle Sport & Leisure.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 2023 edition of Motorcycle Sport & Leisure.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Honda CRF1100L ES Africa Twin
Without panniers he was adventuring nowhere - so at least Bertie's got something sorted now
BMW R 12 nineT
Chad gets a track day surprise when BMW's R 12 nineT turns out to be surprisingly fun on track
Test fleet: VOGE 525 DSX
After testing the Voge's abilities on a long ride, it was time to take it to the Cotswolds and see how it would manage on the rougher stuff
Portuguese Perambulations
Nearly over before it had begun, a brief workshop stint allows Spain and Portugal to be explored
Highway to Heaven
Three friends take on the challenge of riding the length of Canada, from Vancouver in the southwest to Inuvik in the north. The road is long, the conditions merciless, and wildfires are tearing through the country. To top it all off, the final leg of the journey is the ultimate test of gravel riding skills, nerves, and courage - it's the legendary Dempster Highway...
Battlaxes at the ready!
We tend to take tyres for granted, never really looking at them in any detail, or at how they work, just hoping that they keep us shiny side up at all times. Even in the wet
Ducati Riding Experience
When I rode the Ducati DesertX to France last year, I did have a bit of an explore on some easy fire roads and gentle green lanes in the wilds of the Médoc area, but was left with the feeling that, had I the experience, the DesertX would have been capable of taking me along some more extreme trails to some even more exciting places. If only there was a way of finding out just how well the Italian adventure bike could cope with some more extreme terrain...
Four pot flyer
Many said that sports bikes, and particularly bikes in the traditional Supersports class that was populated by 600cc inline fours, were dead. Maybe they spoke too soon?...
Eastern adventurer
With an increasing interest in smaller capacity adventure bikes, the market expands with a new entry
First Time Lucky?
It's ironic that the first all-new MV Agusta model to hit the marketplace right after Italy's No.1 trophy brand was acquired by Austrian giant Pierer Mobility, owner of off-road titans KTM, should be the company's first dual-purpose model of the modern era, powered by MV's all-new 931cc three-cylinder engine that's destined to form the basis of a whole series of new models in coming months and years.
