Self-shifting sports tourer: Yamaha's Tracer 9 family grows to include optional semi-auto gearbox

Yamaha are continuing their onslaught of new model releases with the introduction of a revised three-cylinder Tracer 9 family that sees the addition of the firm’s latest semi-automatic Y-AMT transmission system.

The news follows the technology being added to both the MT-09 and MT-07 nakeds – with the system removing the need for a clutch lever or foot shifter and instead replacing them with a pair of finger paddles on the left switchgear.  

• Related: Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT review

Not all of the Tracers will be fitted with the system though, with the family now consisting of the 212kg standard model, a GT, and a fully decked-out GT+. Over 70 official accessories will be available across the range, too.

• Related: 2023 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ review

UK prices for all models should arrive at Motorcycle Live in November, with bikes expected in dealers from the end of quarter one next year. The Y-AMT system comes as an option for the GT, and as standard on the GT+.

• Related: Best sports tourers as rated by MCN

As before, all models will be powered by Yamaha’s 890cc CP3 triple, producing a healthy 117bhp. Now meeting Euro5+ standards, a peak torque of 68.6lb.ft also comes at 7000rpm.

This power is kept in check by a full suite of lean sensitive electronics, courtesy of a six-axis IMU, plus five riding modes to choose from including two customisable options. These can be cycled through on the fly via the revised switchgear – with the changes made in ‘Custom 1’ and ‘Custom 2’ done either through the dash or via a Yamaha mobile app.

With the motor wedged in a die-cast aluminium Deltabox-style chassis, it’s likely to go toe to toe with Triumph’s newly announced Tiger Sport 800 for next year’s sports touring honours.

This chassis comes paired with an aluminium swingarm and steel subframe, with Yamaha claiming there to be both high speed stability and two-up carrying capacity for even the biggest of motorcycle tours.

The subframe is both 150g lighter and 50mm longer, meaning more room for a pillion seat. The rider’s perch has also been revised and is now said to be flatter and with more padding – offering a minimum seat height of 845mm. This can then be raised by 15mm, if preferred.

Wheel change

Sticking with chassis parts, the rims have also had a tweak. Produced using Yamaha’s Spinforged technology, they are said to be both lighter and stronger than traditional wheel design. The rear rim is now also thicker, with both ends wearing Bridgestone Battlax T32 sports touring rubber.

Alongside sharing the same frame, all bikes will also benefit from a mobile connectible seven-inch TFT dash, plus the ability to carry three-piece luggage without the need for an additional racking system.

Thirty litre hard panniers come as standard on the GT and GT+, with a choice of 34 or 45-litre top boxes.

The new dash offers a variety of display themes too, plus the ability to integrate Garmin’s Motorize app for directions. As you might expect, a full navigation subscription comes with both the GT and GT+ models, however it’s an option for the base Tracer 9.

Advanced new headlight

Sticking with the tech, the new Tracer can also benefit from a fresh Matrix LED headlight configuration, which consists of multiple high and low beam LEDs linked to a camera within the upper headlamp assembly.

This is used to detect surrounding light sources – such as passing vehicle headlights – to then adjust the beam to suit, meaning one less thing for the rider to worry about.

The GT models also receive semi-active KYB suspension called KADS (KYB Actimatic Damper System) which is said to be the most advanced set of springs fitted to any production Yamaha.

Changes are made on the fly, thanks to data input such as lean, load, throttle, and braking. Modes can also be chosen by the rider via the new switches, with the system also working in tandem with the radar-guided adaptive cruise control on the GT+.

Meet the Yamaha Tracer 9 family

Yamaha Tracer 9

The standard Tracer model is anything but basic, with a new seven-inch colour TFT dash and revised switchgear allowing you to cycle through your modes.

You also get a manually adjustable front screen, with 10 steps altering by a maximum of 50mm, plus manually adjustable KYB suspension.

An integrated storage compartment further includes a USB charging port, with cornering lights providing greater visibility up front. Under braking, the hazards will kick in if you squeeze on particularly hard.

Accessories include three-piece luggage, a quickshifter, tyre pressure monitoring, and more.

Yamaha Tracer 9 GT & GT Y-AMT

As you’d expect, the GT builds on the standard machine with the integration of a quickshifter and self-cancelling indicators as standard.

As you might have guessed, it also comes available in a choice of traditional manual or semi-automatic Y-AMT flavours, with the latter getting hill hold and a linked braking system thrown in for good measure.

Both options get Yamaha’s new Matrix LED headlight, plus electronic suspension, an electronically adjusted front screen with 100mm of movement, keyless ignition, and more.

Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+

The GT+ takes everything from the GT and adds even more, to build Yamaha’s ultimate road-focussed sports tourer. Here, there’s no choice of gearboxes, with Y-AMT equipped as standard.

Onboard radars also allow for adaptive cruise control, plus blind spot detection – with the rider able to select from four different following distances. Being adaptative, it will slow and speed up the bike accordingly to the vehicle in front – working with the adaptive suspension to maintain stability.

Backlit switchgear, tyre pressure monitoring, and a more durable drive chain complete the package. This chain is produced by DID and features a DLC coating for added durability.