A New Tracer
With the addition of the new MT-09 to Yamaha’s lineup, it should come as no surprise that there’s also a new 2021 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT. This new bike is powered by an 890cc CP3 cross-plane inline triple that’s pretty much completely new.
Perhaps the best news about the Tracer 9 GT is that it doesn’t look anything like the MT-09, which is, well, ugly by just about all accounts. The styling of the Tracer 9 GT isn’t what I’d call sleek, but it’s certainly not a horrid-looking machine and is on par with the other modern sport-touring machines of today.
The bike has a curb weight of 485 pounds and that’s without the side cases. Fuel capacity is up to 5 gallons from 4.8, so you can go a little further. Fuel consumption numbers say the bike sips fuel at a rate of 49 mpg. The bike also gets 6-axis IMU, LED lighting all around, cornering lights, heated grips, and cruise control.
There’s also KYB electronically controlled suspension, Nissan brakes, two ride modes (Sport and Comfort), lean-angle-sensitive traction control, lift control, slide control, brake control (with ABS), a quick shifter, ride-by-wire-throttle, and two TFT displays that measure 3.5-inches.
The 2021 Tracer 9 GT has a starting price of $14,899. The motorcycle will be available in Liquid Metal (grey) or Redline (red). It will be available in April of 2021.
$14900? Really? And what is it w/Yamaha beating their bikes w/the ugly stick? I think- no, I know- I’d buy a leftover 2020 Tracer 900 GT first, but more likely a 2020 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 before I’d even give this Tracer 9 GT a close look.
Why does every article emphasize “CP3 crossplane”? If that’s an important thing, why? It’s certainly isn’t because it’s adding to the horsepower or torque numbers. These are fairly anemic. I’m looking for a lightweight sport touring bike emphasis on sport. The verses and the 1250 RS are just kind of porky, the H2 is too expensive. The KTM SDGT has everyone beat as far as I can tell. Except that talk about being hit with an ugly stick, KTM’s just look awful to me.
You are correct, almost EVERY article written on the FZ, MT, Tracer, XSR or Niken since its inception rave about the CP3 motor because for its displacement, it is simply one of the most well rounded, exhilarating, potent and yet user friendly motors available today.
Fairly anemic? compared to the other bikes you mention, that’s understandable but in an apples-to-apples fair comparison the CP3 more than holds its own.
Hi Tim!
I’d agree with Brian it’s difficult to compare the CP3 to the supercharged H2 and the beastly boxer BMW powerplant for power that’s for sure.
For me I like the crossplane firing order on the CP3 and how it gives a unique sound and personality to the bike, but it’s far from my favorite engine on the market and I’m no Yamaha fanboy.
The KTM is beautiful only to those who like a futuristic look without a doubt but I found the GT model I rode very buzzy in the bars and pegs at most rpms despite the great power and handling.
If sport touring is what you want the Yamaha FJR1300 is probably a good one, but nothing comes close the true definition more than the H2SX SE+ in my mind. The bike is so smooth it’s sneaky fast and has all the technology and touring features on it to boot. Expensive? Most definitely, but I own a 2018 model and it’s just so good words fail me.
I would say buy a used one and you’ll be very happy. Mine has 24,000 km on it now and it runs just like brand new since it got the major service done on it.