Versatile and sophisticated, and combined with the fun of a 889cc triple, the 2021 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT delivers an excellent sports touring package. It’s lighter and more powerful than the outgoing model too.
The only variant on offer, the GT also grabs a whole heap of tech and the redesigned powerplant that featured on the MT-09, a bike we were extremely impressed with for its usable and punchy engine.
The good news is, cross-plane crank inline three-cylinder motor has transplanted well into the GT 9 setup, producing 89kW (119hp) of power, with increased torque that impacts lower in the rev range.
The Tracer 9 GT moves well for a 900 too, and although it does not have the scary power delivery of a 1.0-litre sports bike, it will still bring the rider joyous amounts of fun. There’s more than enough grunt and zing to put a smile on the dial.
Now 1.7kg lighter than its predecessor as well, the motor forms part of a list of extensive upgrades for the 2021 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT. There’s even a concealed exhaust system that aids in weight centralisation and reduction.
The symphony from that exhaust is enthusiastic and makes the bike a joy to ride. Fitted as standard, the quick shifter works seamlessly both up and down the gears, helping get the most out of the 889cc triple when pushing through the twisty stuff.
The front brake lever is adjustable, however the clutch is not, and can take a little getting used to, especially when taking off from a standing start. There are four riding modes that aid getting the power to the tarmac on the Tracer 9 GT as well.
Mode 1 is the most sporty and aggressive, while Mode 4 is designed for slippery and wet conditions. The other two sit somewhere in between. Thanks to sunshine and fresh rubber though, we spent most of our testing enjoying the primary mode.
Through the corners, the Tracer 9 GT inspires confidence and is a boatload of fun. It shines with its versatility and capability as both a tourer and weekend scratcher. The seat is firm, flat and feels good doing highway miles tucked in behind the adjustable touring screen.
It feels just as good when moving around in the saddle, pushing the bike through the backroads, as well. Notably, the Tracer 9 GT utilises a 60mm longer swing arm than the MT-09, providing additional stability.
The KYB semi-active suspension works well and the rider has two settings to choose from. A-1 (our favoured choice) is aimed more at a sporty setup, while A-2 is the general use setting for comfort riding.
The front forks are electronically controlled and have adjustability for both rebound and compression dampening, while the front and back suspension both have manual preload adjustability.
Complementing the electronics suite of the Tracer 9 GT is Yamaha’s six-axis inertial measurement unit, which has been sourced from the R1. Combined with the ECU, this system provides the brains to control the cornering traction control system.
It also takes care of slide, wheelie, and suspension control and cornering ABS. The brakes have also been upgraded, with the Tracer receiving a new radial mounted front master cylinder. They work well and provide plenty of stopping power.
Two full colour TFT screens take centre stage. Looking more like something from Star Trek, we weren’t a huge fan of the setup to start with, but the more we lived with them, the more we got to like them.
They’re quite easy to navigate via the handlebar mount controls. Ergonomically the Tracer 9 GT ticks all the boxes too. The adjustable foot pegs worked well, and the handlebar position (which can be adjusted back and forward) is good too.
The adjustable windscreen worked a treat. The panniers are lockable, and perfect for weekend road trips. More importantly, they can be removed easily for commuting and better efficiency when lane filtering.
Some additional nice touches include cruise control, heated hand grips and a full LED lighting package. The 2021 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT can be had from $23,990 ride away and is available in Black on Black and Icon Performance (as tested).
Much like the MT-09, it’s a good looking bike, offering plenty of practicality as a tourer, commuter and weekend fun machine.
Our test bike was supplied by Yamaha Australia. To find out more about the 2021 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT, contact your local Yamaha dealer.
