2021 Yamaha Tracer 9 and Tracer 9 GT

by MotoGusto Editor

Lighter, more powerful and supremely versatile — and now equipped with the most sophisticated technology ever seen on a Yamaha Sport Touring — the all-new TRACER 9 and TRACER 9 GT remain true to the ‘Sporting heart, touring soul’ philosophy that has made them the number one bike in its class. Offering increased levels of thrilling performance combined with enhanced touring capabilities and a higher overall specification, these new motorcycles offer ultimate sports versatility.

ALL-NEW TRACER 9

Powering the all-new TRACER 9 is a completely redesigned fully EU5-compliant 890cc CP3 crossplane technology engine that is lighter, more powerful and more advanced than the original powerplant. A key feature of the new larger capacity engine is that this much higher torque output of 9.5kg-m / 93 Nm is produced at 7000rpm – 1500rpm lower down the rev range then previously – for outstanding acceleration and rapid overtaking.

Lighter, more compact and better handling, the TRACER 9’s all-new CF die-cast Deltabox chassis has been designed to give ultimate sports versatility with excellent comfort, making this the kind of bike that is ready to switch character to suit the rider’s mood.

Full three-bag luggage capability: Increased flexibility and versatility

To optimise its versatility and touring capabilities the new model is designed to accommodate a total of three hard luggage cases, enabling the TRACER 9 to run with any combination of sidecases and a top case. ‘Floating Stay’ system is used for the side cases to enhance high speed stability and isolate luggage movement on the bike, and a one-piece wraparound grab bar facilitates the fitment of a top case.

Class-leading electronic rider aids

Yamaha’s six-axis IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) has been introduced to constantly measures the TRACER 9’s acceleration in the forward-backward; up-down and left-right directions — as well as the angular velocity in the machine’s pitch, roll and yaw directions.

If any potential loss of rear tyre traction is sensed during acceleration, data from the IMU informs the ECU to activate the lean-sensitive TCS and momentarily restrict drive force until rear wheel slip is eliminated. This intelligent system intervenes at three increasing levels as lean angle increases, giving the TRACER 9 rider added confidence when accelerating on wet or slippery road surfaces.

LIF enables the rider to maintain a high degree of chassis control during aggressive acceleration by adjusting the rate of front wheel lift when it is sensed by the IMU. As with the SCS, the LIF system has three selectable intervention levels, and can also be turned off by the rider. To keep the whole system easy to understand and simple to operate there are three-mode settings available for the TRACER 9 rider. The TRACER 9 is also equipped with a two-mode Brake Control (BC) system that provides added chassis stability during emergency braking situations.

Yamaha D-Mode offers the TRACER 9 rider a total of four running modes to suit the widest variety of Sport Touring riding situations – one more than the previous model. Mode 1 gives a sharper and more aggressive engine response, Mode 2 is the all-round setting for a variety of situations, Mode 3 delivers a gentler character that’s ideal for relaxed riding, and the new Mode 4 is perfect for wet weather riding.

The TRACER 9 is now equipped as standard with a Cruise Control and can be activated when riding at a speed of 31mph or more and using fourth gear or higher.

While the overall design of the TRACER 9 frame uses the new MT-09 as its base, Yamaha’s engineers have developed a range of model-specific components that make an important contribution towards achieving excellent straight line stability and cornering agility when fully loaded.

Next generation design: Agile, compact and minimalist body style

Featuring completely redesigned bodywork, the all-new TRACER 9 seeks to build on the outstanding success of Europe’s best-selling Sport Touring by offering an even more sporty, dynamic and versatile package.

Very careful consideration was given to the layout and shape of the three-bag luggage system, and the overall look of the side cases and top case is designed to complement the bike’s sporty and dynamic character.

A key feature of the new TRACER 9 is the ‘arrow’ silhouette formed by the windscreen, front fairing and fuel tank cover that gives a dynamic and purposeful new look, and the compact new mono-focus LED twin-eye headlights – together with LED lighting throughout and twin TFT meters – reinforce the bike’s technologically advanced look and underline the TRACER 9’s high overall specification.

The all-new LED rear light design is quintessentially TRACER, and features specially cut inner lenses that give a smoother tail and brake light with a three-dimensional effect to underline the bike’s ultra-modern style – and the full LED lighting is completed with compact and lightweight LED flashers.

Twin 3.5-inch full colour TFT meters: Clear and comprehensive information

The all-new twin 3.5-inch multi-function TFT meters display extremely clear data and feature an intuitive rider interface that separates the critical running information from the functional operational information.

Commanding riding position: Adjustable to different riders and riding situations

The TRACER 9’s roomy and commanding riding position ensures the highest levels of comfort, and the ergonomics can be easily adjusted to suit different physiques and riding styles. The newly developed rider’s seat is mounted 15mm lower than the previous model, and features a simple tool-less two-position height adjuster. Further changes to the ergonomics can be made by adjusting the footrests by 15mm up or down, and the handlebar position can also be moved forwards by 9mm and upwards by 4mm by reversing the direction of the handlebar clamps, giving a total of 8 different riding positions.

For increased wind protection and reduced fatigue caused by buffeting on longer rides, the TRACER 9 is equipped with a large screen that can be adjusted by a total of 50mm through 10 increments of 5mm. Compact and lightweight handlebar brush guards also help to protect from the wind and weather.

New FeaturesRider Benefit
New larger-capacity 890cc engineIncreased cc gives major increase in power and torque throughout the rev range or thrilling acceleration. Lower weight for easier handling. EU5 compliant
All-new die-cast aluminium Deltabox chassisLighter and stronger CF die-cast construction for more agile cornering. Increased wheelbase ensures straight-line stability at higher speeds and when fully loaded
Full 3-bag luggage capabilityFully equipped to accommodate hard side cases and a top case for ultimate versatility. Total load capacity including rider/passenger increased by 7% to 193kg
6-axis IMU plus lean-sensitive rider aidsCutting-edge technology that gives the highest degree of controllability in varying weather and surface conditions. 3 modes to suit every riding style
Next generation design and stylingCompact and modern design with excellent wind and weather protection. Perfect blend of sport style with touring functionality
Full LED lightingHidden and separate low/high LED headlights with dual LED position lights to see and be seen. Full LED flasher and tail/brake for ultra-modern TRACER signature style
Full-colour 3.5-inch TFT instrumentsIntuitive design with clearly displayed information enables the rider to quickly check with minimum distraction
Lightweight SpinForged wheelsUltra-light new wheels – reduced unsprung weight for more agile handling and responsive suspension
Adjustable suspensionHigh specification fully-adjustable 41mm USD front forks and adjustable rear shock enable optimum chassis set-up to suit varying riding styles and loads
Customizable ergonomicsNew 2-position rider seat offers 15mm tool-less height adjustability. Rider footrests up/down adjustable by 15mm, and handlebar clamp can be reversed to give alternative position to suit different physiques and preferences
Radial front master cylinderR1 type radial front master cylinder  delivers linear stopping power with the highest degree of controllability

Technical highlights

  • New 890cc inline 3-cylinder 4-valve DOHC liquid-cooled EU5 engine
  • Lower weight and increased power at all rpm
  • 7% increase in maximum torque at lower rpm
  • 4PS increase in maximum power
  • Lighter and stronger CF die-cast aluminium Deltabox chassis
  • Overall 2kg weight reduction for increased agility
  • New lightweight aluminium swingarm
  • Next-generation styling, perfect blend of sport style and touring functions
  • Full LED lighting with hidden headlights and TRACER signature tail light
  • Refined A&S clutch
  • Light and compact new 6-axis IMU – first time on a Yamaha Sport Touring
  • Lean-sensitive rider aids: TCS, SCS and LIFt with three intervention modes
  • ABS and Brake Control system (BC)
  • D-MODE switchable engine running modes
  • New ultra-light SpinForged 17-inch 10-spoke wheels
  • Fully-adjustable KYB® 41mm USD forks with optimized settings
  • Adjustable KYB® rear shock with revised settings and new linkage
  • Twin full colour 3.5-inch TFT instruments with remote handlebar switch
  • Radial front master cylinder, 298mm dual front discs

The new TRACER 9 will be available in two new colours. Redline is a bold bright red finish that complements the bike’s sporty character, while Tech Kamo features a green-grey tint that creates a powerful and mature look that reflects the bike’s long-distance travel capabilities.

The new TRACER 9 will be available in two new colours. Redline is a bold bright red finish that complements the bike’s sporty character, while Tech Kamo features a green-grey tint that creates a powerful and mature look that reflects the bike’s long-distance travel capabilities. The premium TRACER 9 GT (below) is also offered in an exclusive Yamaha Icon Performance silver finish.


ALL-NEW TRACER 9 GT

The new TRACER 9 GT is the highest specification model in Yamaha’s 2021 Sport Touring line, and features a range of advanced technology and additional equipment that provide an even more luxurious ride for those customers who require the ultimate Sport Touring package as standard.

The TRACER 9 GT is supplied with completely new hard cases fitted as standard equipment, meaning that the bike is ready for the Roads of Life from day one. Each case is able to carry a full-face helmet, and is attached to the bike’s durable steel subframe via a fully floating carrier system that absorbs any wind or surface-induced chatter to give a natural riding feeling. Coloured sidepanels match the bike’s finish for a fully integrated look.

Yamaha and KYB have jointly developed the TRACER 9 GT’s electronically-controlled semi-active suspension system that provides the ultimate in riding comfort combined with a precise feel from the road. Officially known as the KYB Actimatic Damper System (KADS), this highly advanced suspension generates a much wider range of damping force than conventional suspension, and is able to respond instantly to varying riding conditions in order to achieve optimum handling performance.

This use of this semi-active suspension system has been made possible by the bike’s new IMU which works together with the ECU as well as the Hydraulic Unit (HU) and Suspension Control Unit (SCU) to calculate the optimum suspension settings for any given riding situation: fast or slow, wet or dry, smooth or bumpy, solo or two-up.

The advantage of the solenoid system is that it is able to make extremely fast adjustments to damping settings, and it can handle both minor and major changes. By constantly analysing and computing the 6-axis data, the IMU can signal the ECU to adjust damping settings in order to maintain chassis stability at all speeds, and by doing so the KADS supplements the rider’s skills to ensure a more rewarding and enjoyable Sport Touring experience.

KADS can be used in two modes: A-1 is the sporting mode that is designed to deliver taut and responsive suspension action for fast riding on dry roads – and can also accommodate wet conditions. The system can be switched to A-2 mode that is designed to give a more supple and comfortable ride on rougher or uneven surfaces, making it the ideal choice on longer and more relaxed journeys.

Up-and-down Quick Shift System (QSS)

For clutchless up and down shifting the TRACER 9 GT is equipped with a new Quick Shift System (QSS). A sensor on the shift rod detects movement in the gearshift pedal, and the ECU cuts drive torque to the transmission to enable smooth and fast gearchanges, both up and down the transmission.

LED cornering lights

The TRACER 9 GT is equipped with a highly sophisticated intelligent cornering light system that is programmed to light up the road ahead when the IMU senses that the machine is leaning at more than 7º and its speed is at least 5 km/h.

A key feature of this LED cornering light design is that the IMU’s high speed calculations and processing power enable the system to increase the brightness of the cornering lights as the banking angle increases, giving the rider a clear field of vision when riding at night. The TRACER 9 GT is only the second Yamaha to feature cornering lights after the FJR1300AE, and unlike the FJR’s system which consisted of three LED lights on each side of the fairing, the TRACER 9 GT’s design consists of a single LED situated above each of the two position lights.

Grip warmers

Wind chill can make the rider’s hands cold and uncomfortable even on a cool summer’s day, and the TRACER 9 GT’s grip warmers can be precisely adjusted through a range of 10 settings using a scroll wheel to achieve the optimum temperature. Specially shaped grips feature thinner rubber that enables efficient transmission of the heat to keep hands warm whatever the weather.

New featuresRider Benefit
Hard side casesAdded versatility for every journey, capable of accommodating a full face helmet. Fully floating carrier system ensures a smooth ride when fully loaded
KYB electronically-controlled suspensionSemi-active KADS suspension system delivers ultimate chassis performance for sports agility and touring comfort
Up and down QSSSmoother and faster clutchless gear changing, up and down the transmission
LED cornering lightsPowerful seamless illumination for increased visibility and reduced fatigue at night
Dedicated colours and graphicsPremium looks and increased pride of ownership

Deliveries to European Yamaha dealers will commence from March 2021. Prices vary per region, so please contact the national Yamaha distributor for full information.

#yamahamotorcycles #tracer9 #tracergt #motogusto

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