It’s been five years since Yamaha first set foot in the sports touring segment with the Tracer 900. Now, that bike has been given a comprehensive update and a new name – Tracer 9. There’s also a GT version, which sits at the top of the range with a higher level of standard equipment.
Like the new MT-09, the Tracer 9 is powered by a newly designed 890 cc, CP3 inline three-cylinder engine that churns out 119 PS at 10,000 rpm and 93 Nm at 7,000 rpm. The horsepower has increased by 4 PS while torque output is 7% higher and peaks 1,500 rpm lower down the rev range compared to the outgoing engine. Despite the increase in capacity, the new engine is actually 1.7 kg lighter.
For 2021, the engine gets a new fuel delivery system with fuel injectors for a 9% increase in fuel economy, a lighter exhaust system that shaves a further 1.4 kg, and new engine mounts that help create a balance of rigidity for optimum handling performance.
The Deltabox chassis has also been heavily revised, which sees the engine mounted in a more upright angle of 52.3 degrees, compared to 47.5 degrees on the previous model. There is also a completely redesigned lightweight aluminium swingarm that pivots inside the frame’s outer structure. It is 60 mm longer than the one used on the MT-09, resulting in a wheelbase of 1,500 mm, which is the same as before.
Suspension comprises of 41 mm front forks and an adjustable rear shock that has been redesigned to match the revised frame and swingarm design. The Tracer 9 GT gets electronically-controlled semi-active suspension system known as the KYB Actimatic Damper System (KADS), hard side cases, Quick Shift System, LED cornering lights and grip warmers.
As for electronics, a six-axis IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), which was originally developed for the R1, constantly measures the acceleration in the forward-backward; up-down and left-right directions, as well as the angular velocity in the pitch, roll and yaw directions. It also governs the Traction Control System (TCS) as well as its Slide Control System (SCS), front wheel LIFt control system (LIF) and Brake Control system (BC).
Yamaha D-Mode offers a total of four running modes, one more than before. Mode 1 gives a more aggressive engine response, Mode 2 is the all-round setting for a variety of situations, Mode 3 ideal for relaxed riding, and the new Mode 4 is for wet weather riding.
A twin 3.5-inch multi-function TFT display provides all the necessary information needed by the rider. Digital tachometer and speedometer, fuel gauge, gear position and TCS mode indicator are displayed on the left side, while the right screen is split into four separate sections, each one displaying a range of information such as odometer, tripmeters temperature and more.
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
