Yamaha Tracer 900GT+ Review
POSTED: 20/08/2024
One of the bikes I have taken an interest in over the last year is the Yamaha Tracer 900GT+. With an 890cc, three-cylinder four stroke OHC, delivering 119PS the hype over the CP3 engine, in its tenth year of existence has been tangible. Everyone has praised this engine in the media and its versatility is also exploited by Yamaha in the XSR900, MT-09, Tracer 900/GT and the recently released Heritage XSR900GP. Wrapped in a beam frame, used throughout the range as well, with a weight of 220kg the platform is, like the engine, versatile as well.
A consideration for my next bike, I really needed to test ride this one to elevate its standing in my search or remove it from the race!
A lovely sunny free afternoon saw me at 5-Ways Motorcycle Centre, Hull. A quick chat with Tim, and I had the keys to the demonstrator Tracer 900GT+ in my hands. Out to the bike park and kitted up I see the demo bike resplendent in Power Grey colourways.
A handsome looking bike, with a pseudo adventure bike style, three quarter fairing. The gold accent on the fairing nicely compliments the adjustable gold KYB forks. These forks work as part of the radar system (adaptive cruise control) and the Yamaha unified brake system, but more about that later!
The Tracer 900GT+ has a very clear TFT screen which gives access to several modes and full connectivity. The display gives a wealth of information and is navigated with a ‘joystick’ on the left bar cluster. It isn’t as intuitive as some other manufacturers systems, but no doubt becomes better as you get used to the bike as an owner.
Swinging my leg over the saddle it feels like a tall bike, although the height is a conservative 810mm-825mm, it feels taller due to the width of the saddle, leading to the extra ‘leg -spread’. It isn’t ungainly, just not flat footed for my leg length. The saddle is very firm but comfortable. Firing up the engine it makes a pleasant ‘revvie’ noise from the under-engine exhaust.
Into first gear and out of the yard into traffic. Pulling up at the first set of lights the brakes have a firm neutral feel. The demo model doesn’t have the capacious but oddly shaped, panniers fitted, and it is a narrow machine which filters easily through Hull’s near stationary traffic. Out onto the A63 dual carriageway, I select cruise control and set it at 70mph.
The adaptive cruise control matches the speed of vehicles ahead and slows the Tracer to match traffic.
At 70mph I elected to remain in lane one as there was a lorry travelling at its maximum speed of 56mph. As I approached the lorry the Tracer slowed in a very controlled way to match the speed and maintain a safety bubble of around 2 seconds (the distance can be set to the riders’ preference). No discernible braking, just smooth and controlled slowing. Very impressed!
Pulling out of lane one the Tracer immediately, but still smoothly, accelerates back to the set 70mph. The unified brake system works in conjunction with this and has an ‘assist’ if it detects you aren’t braking firmly enough when closing in on traffic. I didn’t test this aspect!
Peeling off the main road in search of some ‘twisties’ the handling is impressive. Out into the more rural roads, I remember there is a quick shifter as standard on the Tracer. A bit of a cliché but it really is buttery smooth, both up the box and down. The most impressive shifter I have experienced. I have dubbed it a slick-shifter as it is so good!
Handling on back roads shows the sporty heritage of the Tracer 900GT+ as it holds a line well and responds to counter steer input in a confidence inspiring neutral way. The engine. It performs well, has plenty of power and picks up through the gears in a positive way. However, I find it a ‘lively’ engine, which for me, doesn’t seem to match the Tracer 900GT+ character and touring pretentions. It seems busy and I find I can’t gel with it. A real shame as the engine has had such great reviews. Perhaps it’s the nature of triples? I couldn’t get on with Triumphs triple offerings in the past, so maybe it’s just me.
Overall, a well-equipped and very capable bike. Comfortable, but my wrists started to ache during the hour I was riding, which surprised me, as I didn’t feel canted forward. The screen was effectively adjustable on the move but did feel very flimsy. The technology on it is fantastic, I thought the radar was a bit of a gimmick and would be crude, however, it proved me wrong, and the system is brilliant – I would have it fitted to any bike if it were possible!
The itch is scratched, and it isn’t the bike for me. With its sports heritage, it would suit a rider wanting to come from sports bikes to more sit up and ride touring bikes, still retaining pin sharp handling from the excellent chassis combined with a willing sporty triple engine.
Review written by Chris Hood
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