YAMAHA TRACER 9 (2021 - on) Review
Highlights
- Sporty adventure tourer for the road
- Same CP3 triple engine as the MT-09
- Great handling
At a glance
Owners' reliability rating: | |
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Annual servicing cost: | £230 |
Power: | 117 bhp |
Seat height: | Medium (31.9 in / 810 mm) |
Weight: | Medium (470 lbs / 213 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesThe Yamaha Tracer 9 is the latest version of the firm's popular Tracer 900 touring model, but now it has received an energising shot from the rasping attributes of the 2021 MT-09.
Yamaha’s Tracer 9 and the enticing upgraded Tracer 9 GT – just £2000 extra with a range of super-value additions – have cannibalised the 889cc 117bhp CP3 triple, the chassis, and the agreeable ergonomics to form another thoroughbred option in an increasingly crowded segment of the market.
We swapped between both bikes for more than 130 miles in the wine country of Catalunya and for what felt like a never-ending route of corners and curves. Does the Tracer 9 earn its spurs as the leader of Yamaha’s grandiose ‘Roads of Life’ campaign?
The turning prowess and power of the MT-09 with added comfort, less vibration and a range of add-ons with the GT make the Tracer 9 a motorcycle that lingers in the mind, long after the sidestand has dropped.
The sheer ease and stability of the handling, together with the MT torque makes quite an impact and just enough to cover how uncomfortable the ride can be in the 80-90mph range on straight roads.
This is a fine sports-tourer that should keep the Tracer name at the top end of the sale charts upon its arrival in the UK in May but the extra specs of the GT really make it an essential purchase.
At the Eicma show in Milan in November 2022, a new Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ was revealed, featuring loads of tech. It'll hit dealers in 2023.
Watch: Yamaha Tracer 9 video review
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineA Deltabox chassis with 50% more lateral rigidity comes straight from the MT-09 as do the highly effective and lighter 10-spoke SpinForged wheels (lower gyro effect) and an engine rotated almost 5 degrees more upright in the frame.
The front end feels lower thanks to the new KYB forks and the MT-09-styled fuel tank brings you nicely into a position that is both sporty and instantly controllable.
Combine willing Bridgestone Battlax tyres and the sensation through corners is the stuff of dreams: precise, light, so stable and fantastically reassuring.
Yamaha have given the Tracer a new longer 64mm aluminium swingarm that still keeps the bike’s wheelbase at 1500mm and hikes a potential extra payload to 193kg but the overall effect on centred rideability is very tangible.
The Tracer 9 launch accentuated the strengths of the bike through all manner of turns and kinks where the R1-style Nissin front brake was more than capable; the extra linear emphasis delivering the right amount of contact.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityThe CP3 triple is Euro5 friendly, 2kg lighter than the motor used on the outgoing MT-09 and provides 6% more peak torque, 3% more peak output and 9% more efficiency.
That the Japanese have dropped weight, met emissions targets and still found a small elevation in power means the engine is one of the finer technical accomplishments of the Tracer 9.
From the four D mode throttle response options the sportier setting is still the best choice giving a bigger slice of verve from Yamaha Control Chip Throttle.
New intakes and chambers mean the growl from the Tracer is eminently satisfying. Yamaha claim the audio ‘boosts the emotional connection’ with the bike and they’re not too wide of the mark.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueThe CP3 engine in the Tracer may have been tweaked for the new version of the bike but if the old version is anything to go by, there shouldn’t be any problems. CP3 engines have been known to see off 100,000 miles without issue.
Find out more about the Yamaha Tracer 9's reliability in our long-term test video round-up below:
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentThe Tracer 9 faces stiff competition from the similarly triple-cylinder engine powered Triumph Tiger 900 GT and GT Pro. Although the Triumph is more expensive and less powerful than the Yamaha, it's a classy machine with lots of tech and worth considering.
The equivalent BMW option, the F900XR is cheaper than the Yamaha and only slightly down on power despite using a parallel-twin engine. Unlike the Triumph, the BMW also uses a sporty 17" front wheel for road-focused handling.
You might also consider the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S, which has a similar power and price to the Yamaha and also has 17" front wheel.
Equipment
Yamaha have gone more ‘minimal’ with the sleek design of the Tracer 9. The layered plastics and panels promote better airflow while the rest of the ergonomics add to the impression of balance.
However, the company might want to consider a harsh review of the dash department in Iwata. Like the disappointing unit on the MT-09, the Tracer’s principal info interface lacks thought.
The split 3.5" TFT is a sound idea, with trip customisation data on the right and tacho and other figures on the left, but the display is set too far forward for taller riders, is hard to see in the sun and is an instant dust-trap.
Electronics including brake, slide and traction control are all funnelled through a new 6-axis IMU that is more compact than the hardware used on the R1 and runs 125 calculations per second and helped when the asphalt became a bit choppy and even muddy in parts.
The whole Tracer 9 experience dipped only through a brief blat on fast A-roads when the screen proved woefully inadequate for my 5ft 11in height, even at the peak of its 50mm range of movement.
Specs |
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Engine size | 889cc |
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Engine type | Three-cylinder, liquid cooled, 4v, Euro5 |
Frame type | Diecast aluminium Deltabox diamond form |
Fuel capacity | 18 litres |
Seat height | 810mm |
Bike weight | 213kg |
Front suspension | KYB 39mm telescopic fork, 130mm travel. Semi-active on GT |
Rear suspension | KYB shock 137mm travel. Adjustable preload & Semi-active on GT |
Front brake | Nissin radial master cylinder, x2 hydraulic disc, 298mm. Cornering ABS |
Rear brake | 245mm rear disc. Cornering ABS |
Front tyre size | 120/70 x 17 |
Rear tyre size | 180/55 x 17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
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Average fuel consumption | 56.5 mpg |
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Annual road tax | £117 |
Annual service cost | £230 |
New price | £10,199 |
Used price | £6,800 - £8,500 |
Insurance group |
- How much to insure? |
Warranty term | Two years |
Top speed & performance |
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Max power | 117 bhp |
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Max torque | 68.5 ft-lb |
Top speed | - |
1/4 mile acceleration | - |
Tank range | 224 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
- 2015: Upright all-round ‘Tracer’ version of the naked MT-09 launched. Half faired, it has stiffer suspension, a larger fuel tank, Super Ténéré dash, more upright riding position, revised fuelling, traction control, a power socket and a centrestand.
- 2016: Name changed from MT-09 Tracer to Tracer 900.
- 2017: New lighter slipper clutch, longer swingarm for improved stability, plus adjustable traction control.
- 2018: Higher-spec Tracer 900 GT introduced alongside, with colour-matched hard luggage, colour TFT dash, cruise control, quickshifter and heated grips.
- 2021: Tracer 900 (and GT) replaced by new Tracer 9, with completely new look, increased engine capacity, more power, larger fuel tank, cruise control and fancier dash. Tracer 9 GT has semi-active suspension, all-singing traction control and ABS, heated grips and cornering lights.
- 2023: Tracer 9 GT+ launched.
Other versions
The GT is a heavier but equally poised and thrilling version of the Tracer 9. Adding £2k to the cost of the bike seems like hefty ballast but in actual fact it’s great value.
The literal and financial ‘weight’ comes through a rudimentary Kayaba semi-active suspension with new IMU and wider damping options and the installed side cases as part of the floating carrier system. The cases alone cost £1100 on the older Tracer.
And for those who want the ultimate version, the 2023 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ offers yet more tech.
The ten settings of the heated grips worked great in the chilly early hours of the Catalan sun and the Yamaha’s up-and-down Quick Shift System is joyous part of the pack, even if the Tracer 9’s gearbox - with new longer first and second gear - is a sturdy and light piece of kit.
Lastly the grey/blue Icon colour of the GT also outshines the redline and Tech Kamo of the Tracer 9.
Owners' reviews for the YAMAHA TRACER 9 (2021 - on)
14 owners have reviewed their YAMAHA TRACER 9 (2021 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your YAMAHA TRACER 9 (2021 - on)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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Overall rating: | |
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Ride quality & brakes: | |
Engine: | |
Reliability & build quality: | |
Value vs rivals: | |
Equipment: | |
Annual servicing cost: | £230 |
Version: GT
Year: 2022
Feels very light and it's easy to maneuver. Worst part is the fit and finish.
Ride is very much acceptable, feels soft enough for UK roads without it feeling sloppy. Plenty of adjustment if needed. It's a great all round but more so towards the sports end of sports tourer. The wind protection is very poor for this kind of bike and the seat is not too my liking. It's too wide and too firm. Triumph do a much better job when it comes to seats.
I love the engine. It's playful and pretty rewarding even at the top of the rev range. 130mph+ doesn't take much effort at all. Fueling feels smooth and predictable. The bike doesn't feel like 220kg bike thanks to the great power plant.
Very disappointed in Yamaha with this one. Bike has 9000 miles on it and there is corrosion on the rear suspension components, the paint on the side lugged retainers down near the swing arm have have started to bubble and the whole exhaust is rusting. You would think it lived in a swap but it's been washed, dried and gt85'ed after every wet ride I did.
Mine is a GT so it does come well equipped. Really just needs an after market exhaust but due to the design of the standard exhaust, it's only piece so you need to technically buy a full system to replace it which is expensive.
Version: Tracer 9 GT
Year: 2022
Annual servicing cost: £200
Great all rounder
Did a 3,000 mile tour through Germany, Austria & Slovenia with full luggage and a pillion, the bike performed very well. I would say it is a little compact for two up touring but the bike does handle very well and is very stable. Brakes are a little on the soft side so maybe an upgrade on lines & pads is required.
Great engine, plenty of power for real world use, smooth and sounds great even with the standard exhaust.
After 10,000 miles I can report no problems mechanically or electrically, my only comments would be that the paint is thin on some of the frame components and some of the bolts around the bike are looking a little tarnished.
No complaints here, very reasonable to run and maintain
The dash is dated and not very easy to read but it does tell you everything you need to know. Seat - I bought the comfort seats but actually prefer the standard version. Added bar risers, top box and a few Evotech parts. Tyres - Metzeler Roadtec 01SE are my favourites.
Buying experience: Bought new from Wigan Yamaha, great service from them.
Year: 2021
Annual servicing cost: £200
Absolute mint bike
Buying experience: Dealer 12500
Version: GT
Year: 2021
The only thing I hate about tracer 9 gt it's the floor distance to the carter...
Version: GT
Year: 2022
Fantastic engine. Overall a great bike. Screen is poor and switch gear can be difficult to use. I really don't like the roller wheel
Switch gear can be fiddly. Roller wheel for heated grips is really poor and hard to use on the move
Year: 2021
Annual servicing cost: £300
The best feature of thus bike is its ability to do it all, it's equally at home taking it easy touring around the Lincolnshire Wolds where I am based as it is out in the open road. Its also a capable ride when out on a spirited group ride, id love to see the Tracer 9 upgraded to a 1000cc with a bit more power, but in the real world this bike has plenty of usable power. It sounds glorious too.
This is a great all round bike, it's comfortable, upright, handles well and progressive. The seat is perfectly adequate with all day comfort. I tend to break from riding every couple of hours, but that's not a comfort issue, the bars, pegs & seat are all adjustable. The front brake isn't as harsh as you'd find on a sports bike but, feel a tiny bit spongy at first until you get used to them, but then again this is a sports tourer. I find them more than adequate for the size of the bike.
The sound from this triple is an absolute soundtrack. The engine is super smooth and the fueling is faultless, I use the premium fuel but could not comment on how it responds with E10 in the tank. It has loads of usable midrange overtaking power, 3rd gear through 4 to 5th will see you past most things. Its quick and addictive in these situations.
I've had plenty of Yamaha's over the years and all of them have been totally reliable, this bike is no exception. It is built and designed very well. I mainly ride in the dry so could not comment on the corrosion side of things. There is a minor recall with the ECU mapping which Yamaha sorted on the first service.
No adverse running costs here and its great on fuel, it likes the premium E5 in my opinion.
I love the styling, the 2021 revamp is fantastic in my opinion. The dash divides opinion, but I love it, it works very well and the split screens gives lots of information which surely is better than having to search for it using buttons and switches on the go, it's all there in front of your eyes which is a great feature. I love the underslung exhaust, the standard Bridgstones and the centre stand as standard. I ditched the standard screen for a shorter one.
Buying experience: I bought from a Grimsby Yamaha dealer. Absolute top service from them boys.
Version: GT
Year: 2021
Step up from the previous version. I’ve had each iteration of the Tracer 900/9 and each has been better than the last. This one has a very different riding position. Suits me now but took a while to get used to. You feel much more in than on the bike.
Ride with semi active suspension is lovely. Nice and smooth. Does take a little while to get used to. Brakes are the only issue. Stop well but lack feel. Hoping this will improve with time.
Smooth. Power delivery seems a much less off/on than previous version. It’s not loud but it’s a much improved sound.
Only has 1400miles on so early days. Nothing so far though
The run in service is a rip off but normal service costs should be in line with previous version.
Not much else you’d need. I added top box and rad guard. Only issue I have is the annoying wheel on the right of the bar to adjust screens/turn grips on or off. I also added the MRA screen - awesome and much improved over the standard one.
Buying experience: Decent. Motts in Basingstoke always good service and price
Version: Tracer 9GT
Year: 2021
Yes would recommend to anyone the fuel economy is fantastic only anoying feature is the clock is to small bike used for motorcycle Training 4000 miles in 6 weeks hasn't been garaged been in plenty of rain with no problems
Have done 5 hour sessions standard seat very adequate pillions say it's very comfortable only there word for that and it will ride around the town all day
Engine is very smooth
No problems with the bike built quality very good
Its only had 1st service will need tyres soon
Performance and economy excellent I have fitted extensions to front mudguard and rear hugger
Buying experience: Purchased from Mitchell's Motorcycle in Inverness excellent experience
Version: GT
Year: 2021
only 10,000 KM and have a problem with display and control (caused by riding in rain) that Yamaha has not been able to resolve yet, they have had my bike for 20 days now.
i can ride a bike for full tank, about 320KM before i get tired, it is very comfortable for my size. I am 170cm tall, 31 Inch inseam. Brakes work great although they are not exotic brands. Very good all around bike in sport touring class.
very smooth engine, more than adequate HP and Torque, sounds great too
rode in moderate rain for four hours, right-display malfunctions for 3 days, Wheel Switch and Drive Mode switches stopped working for four weeks. Vide my video here https://youtu.be/FXKWPwhLphg
I only have 10,000 km on bike, other than one oil and oil filter change (cost me $125 Canadian) no other services needed. It seems to have a very long, 42,000 Km valve timing check interval, that is great!
I love standard center stand. Top box rack and top box is the only accessory I added, great value and function very well.
Buying experience: I purchased it from Yamaha authorized dealer, considering this was one of the first 2021 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT in Canada, I did not get a "sales" deal, I paid full MSRP price. I expected that.
Version: tracer 9
Year: 2021
great bike had honda crossrunner . trade it in for tracer 9. done 25 000 miles on crossrunner . but tracer 9 is better spec , did not get gt. so was 2000 cheaper. done 3000 mile no problems so far . always had honda . first yamaha just as good . 3 hours have to stop but get that on all bikes
front brake could be better will change it
one of the best
Buying experience: 600 miles service joke should get it for nothing they are just check the bike they bulit 160 pond
Version: 9GT
Year: 2021
So far so good, just replaced my 10 year ownership of FJR1300. Bike feels very light and easy to handle. Plenty power and torque even after the mile munching FJR. Currently doing high 50's mpg. Bought it with comfort seat, it's pretty good. Handling is easy on tight bits and stable on quick bits. I have found no problem with screen, 6'2'' tall. Much quieter than the big tourer. Clocks fussy but sure I'll get used to them.
Ride quality excellent, brakes lacking bite and slightly disappointing.
Awesome
Feels well put together with a nice finish on all parts although comfort seat doesn't clamp down tightly, feels a bit loose when riding.
58mpg so far
qiuck shift is very good, suspension excellent. Even on our rough Peak District roads bike settles as soon as it has gone over a rough patch.
Buying experience: Bought from CMC Cannock, no discounts but good service, would recommend.
Version: GT
Year: 2021
Compared to the 2018 GT I had the new one has a more comfortable seat and the suspension and gearbox are improved, however it has the same universally panned screen and the clocks are pants. The clocks are so DIM that they are unreadable on a sunny day and the brightness adjustment makes bugga all difference. They have also lowered the steering yolk so the handlebars are about as tall as ape hangers, which means that if you hit a sharp bump the handlebars are jerked forward and I have grip tighter as a result.
Screen, clocks and steering yolk position as above.
Buying experience: I bought from CMC in Clay Cross and it was a good experience. I bought my previous Tracer 900GT for them and it too was a good experience.
Version: Gr
Year: 2021
Seat is very uncomfortable
The seat is extremely hard and uncomfortable.
Version: GT
Year: 2021
Just taken delivery of My New Tracer 9 Gt. Didnt do a test ride first just went with the hype ,bought it straight off , and rode it 100 miles home. Had I done a test ride then I probably would not have bought it. I'm 6' 1" and found the seat excruciatingly uncomfortable. My lower back was hard against the pillion pad and could not get comfortable . Ive now raised the seat and will try again. The other problem with the seat is its shape. Its shaped like a bobber seat and when I put my feet down the flaired rear of the seat digs into the back of my legs, it also causes problems when you are trying to paddle backwards. The other problem I have is with the gear change. With my size nine boot I have to point my toes down vertically to get under the gear change leaver. The foot peg is higher than the gear leaver so for me is around three inches too high. I hope the after market boys are reading this
Buying experience: Good service from Saltire in Edinburgh