Sport Touring With An Updated CP3
The new MT-09 saw quite a sizable amount of updates when it was unveiled by Yamaha late last year. The new Tracer 9 comes with updates in a very similar vein; the motorcycle is getting a pretty big visual overhaul and lots of new tech is finding it’s way over as well.
The Tracer has always been the touring version of the MT-09 (FZ-09). Originally, Yamaha took it upon themselves to take the successful inline-three engine over from the ‘wheelie-machine’ FZ-09, and package it into a far more comfortable touring-style motorcycle.
Since the new MT-09 got an engine overhaul with the CP3 being updated for Euro 5 standards, that means that the Tracer 9 also gets the same treatment. The displacement has been bumped up to 890cc with an entire re-design of the inside of the engine. These changes boil down to a 4 horsepower gain and almost 4 pounds of weight saved.
The chassis also receives an update with the new CP3 engine rotated more up-right for a more stable and maneuverable bike thanks to its new center of balance. To continue the ‘feel’ updates, the swingarm got lengthened by 60mm, but the wheelbase remains the same.
Two separate 3″ TFT displays make their way to the dash to give you more control and the ability to closely monitor your data and telemetry while riding.
The GT has been the ‘souped’ up version of the Tracer 900 since it’s initial release, and this year’s model brings that same attitude. The semi-active suspension will be included in this year’s GT version; fully developed by Yamaha and Kayaba. Heated grips, a quick shifter, and color-matched saddle-bags/panniers? Sounds like a good deal to me.
The Tracer 9 and GT will arrive in showrooms this coming March. The Tracer 9 GT will run you a cool $14,899 thanks to all the added features. Unfortunately, Yamaha USA doesn’t have the base Tracer 9 on their website, but for context the European release has it priced at £10,199.
Thanks Chase, nice write-up. As a current owner of a trouble free gen2 FZ1, I’ve been interested in the Tracer GT 900. It receives consistently good reviews. However, with the 2021 upgrades,a little pricey for me. I’ve found several 2020 GT’s for sale at a hard to resist price point. Hmm, I could change my mind though!
I was waiting eagerly for this bike, planning the purchase with solid intent, then I saw the idiotic attempt to redefine the way a dash system conveys the operator information. The engineering manager at Yamaha that acquiesced to this uniquely “artless” and gratuitous deviation from current accepted conventions for this “concept” needs to be given something else to do. I will have to wait until the dash is revised or buy something else. Shame is the rest of the bike is brilliant.
When I saw the twin TFT displays I knew this feature would perhaps be the most polarizing aspect of the bike. It may be “artless” but I would argue it is far from “gratuitous”. Like twin analog clocks that display different information, there is reason behind this design. And rev counter, speed and gear appear easy to read for that split second I glance at the dash.
Lol, the twin displays to me are the best thing about this bike imho. The monolithic TFT slabs on most bikes look like like someone stuck an outdated ipad on there. This should agf much better…
I think it’s awesome! Best looking display out there!
I currently have a Triumph Trophy (lowered) and love everything except the weight. I have been following the Tracer for two years. It has everything my trophy has and then some plus (or minus) it is significantly lighter. When I was looking two years ago at the 2019 I could not find a dealer in MI that had one. Cycle trader then, as now, has dealer adds that consistently list the Tracers at significantly lower prices than MSRP but never have the bikes.
It will be interesting to compare the Semi-active suspension against other offerings, like say Ducati Skyhook and such.
Waiting for mine. Ordered the GT version. Upgrading from a Tracer 700 2018.