Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ Review (2025): Too Much Tech or Touring Perfection?

The Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ has arrived in 2025 as the pinnacle of Yamaha’s sports touring lineup, packing more advanced technology than any Tracer before it. Priced at £17,004, it’s the most feature-loaded variant, with radar-based safety, semi-active suspension, an automated manual transmission (AMT), and a matrix adaptive headlight system.

But does this barrage of gadgets enhance the touring experience or overwhelm it? In this comprehensive review, based on a hands-on test ride in challenging UK weather (as detailed in Moto Bob’s YouTube video), we explore the Tracer 9 GT+’s design, performance, tech features, and practicality.

Tracer 9 Lineup & Pricing

Yamaha’s Tracer 9 family caters to sports tourers with three variants:

• Tracer 9 Base: £11,134 – The entry-level model with the CP3 890cc triple, manual transmission, and essential touring features. Ideal for budget-conscious commuters who want reliability without extras.
• Tracer 9 GT: £14,354 – Adds side cases, a taller windscreen, heated grips, and cruise control. Suited for weekend warriors seeking comfort upgrades.
• Tracer 9 GT+: £17,004 – The top-spec with every tech bell and whistle, including AMT, radar safety, semi-active suspension, and matrix headlights. For riders who prioritize innovation and long-haul luxury.

The GT+ is £2,650 more than the GT, a premium for its tech suite. Compared to rivals like the Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro (£15,495) or BMW F900XR (£13,500), the GT+ commands a higher price but offers unique features like radar and AMT. For Indian buyers, expect pricing around ₹20–22 lakh (ex-showroom), making it a premium choice amid rising EV competition.

Engine & Core Performance

At the heart of the Tracer 9 GT+ is Yamaha’s renowned CP3 890cc inline-triple engine, delivering 119 hp at 10,000 rpm and 93 Nm torque at 7,000 rpm. This liquid-cooled mill is a torque monster, with 70% of power available from 3,500 rpm, providing effortless mid-range pull for overtakes and cruising. The 2025 update refines the throttle response, making it smoother in traffic without sacrificing the triple’s characterful growl.

The 6-speed manual (or AMT option) pairs with a slip-assist clutch for seamless downshifts, and the chain drive is low-maintenance. Fuel economy hovers at 18–20 kmpl in mixed riding, with a 17-liter tank offering ~300 km range—practical for Indian highways. The engine’s refinement shines on long rides, with minimal vibration at 120 km/h.

Handling & Chassis: The steel trellis frame and 41 mm KYB upside-down forks (adjustable preload/compression/rebound) provide a balanced ride, with 150 mm front and 147 mm rear travel absorbing potholes. The radial monoblock calipers with 298 mm front discs offer strong braking, aided by ABS. The chassis is agile for twisties yet stable at speed, with a 2,500 mm wheelbase and 17-inch cast aluminum wheels shod in 120/70-17 front and 180/55-17 rear tires.

Touring-Friendly Ergonomics: The upright stance, 825 mm seat height, and wide handlebar promote relaxed touring, with adjustable rearsets for taller riders. The GT+ adds a 53-liter top box and 30-liter side cases, totaling 113 liters of storage—enough for weekend gear.

Compared to the Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro’s 88 hp triple, the Tracer’s 119 hp feels livelier, while the BMW F900XR’s parallel twin is smoother but less characterful. For Indian roads, the Tracer’s compliance and power make it a top tourer.

Key Technology Features

The GT+ is Yamaha’s most tech-laden Tracer, with features that elevate touring safety and convenience.

4.1 Keyless Ignition & Central Locking

The keyless system uses RFID for proximity unlocking, integrating with central locking for the side cases, top box, fuel cap, and steering lock. No need to remove the key for luggage access—perfect for touring. The reviewer found it “convenient for long rides,” though the ignition switch can be “fiddly” in cold weather. Battery life is 2–3 years, with a spare key recommended.

4.2 Yamaha Automated Manual Transmission (AMT)

The Y-AMT (Yamaha Automated Manual Transmission) eliminates the clutch and foot shifter, using electronic actuators for seamless shifts via buttons on the left switchgear. Auto mode handles gears automatically, while manual mode allows paddle-like control. It’s ideal for riders with hand/foot limitations or fatigue on long tours.

Pros: Crisp shifts, no clutch fatigue. Cons: Slight jerkiness on pull-away, less engaging than a manual. The reviewer preferred manual for twisties but auto for motorways, noting it’s “serviceable” but not as smooth as BMW’s ASA. Priced at ~£1,500 extra, it’s optional on GT but standard on GT+.

4.3 Radar-Based Tech

The front and rear radars enable Active Cruise Control and Blind Spot Monitoring, displaying alerts in the mirrors. Cruise maintains speed/distance on motorways, reducing fatigue, while blind-spot warnings aid lane changes. No interventions (braking/steering) make it rider-friendly for Indian traffic. The reviewer praised it for “taking mental load off busy roads,” though it’s less useful for weekend twisties.

4.4 Semi-Active Electronic Suspension

The KYB semi-active suspension adjusts damping in real-time via IMU data, with modes: Sport (firm for handling), Street (balanced), Rain (soft for wet roads), and Custom 1/2 (A1/A2 soft, C1/C2 firm). It adapts to speed, lean angle, and load, offering plush touring or sporty cornering. The reviewer called it “perfect for sports touring,” minimizing adjustments on varied roads.

4.5 Electronic Windscreen

The electrically adjustable windscreen rises/falls via menu controls, with 10 positions for wind protection. It’s smoother than manual rivals, the reviewer noting it’s “neatly done” but “not a deal-breaker.” At ~£200 extra, it’s optional on GT but standard on GT+.

4.6 Cockpit & Connectivity

The 7-inch TFT dash is customizable, with backlit switchgear for night rides and a joystick for menus. Garmin navigation and smartphone connectivity via the Yamaha MyRide app track rides and display calls. The USB-C socket and 10-level heated grips add convenience. The reviewer appreciated the “intuitive layout,” though menu navigation requires stopping.

4.7 Matrix Adaptive Headlight

The matrix LED headlight uses a camera for auto-dipping and cornering illumination, adjusting beams for traffic/weather. It dips for oncoming cars and illuminates turns via IMU. In wet tests, it performed well but lagged on side traffic. The reviewer found it “impressive” for motorways but “twitchy” on reflections, recommending “slow mode” for stability.

Touring Comfort & Practicality

The Tracer 9 GT+ excels in touring with an upright stance, 825 mm seat, and adjustable rearsets, reducing fatigue on 500 km days. The 53-liter top box and 30-liter side cases (central locking) hold helmets and gear, with 17-liter tank offering ~300 km range at 18 kmpl. The electronic windscreen and heated grips combat weather, and the tall handlebar aids visibility.

The reviewer rode 300 km in rain, praising the “open, comfortable position” for motorways and the suspension for potholes. Fuel stops are infrequent, and the low center of gravity aids loading.

Real-World Riding Impressions

City Commuting: The AMT shines in traffic, with auto mode eliminating clutch work. The upright stance and 170 mm suspension handle potholes well.

Motorway Cruising: Radar cruise reduces fatigue on highways, with the matrix headlight illuminating lanes. The triple’s torque pulls at 100 km/h effortlessly.

Twisties: Manual AMT mode offers crisp shifts, but the bike feels less engaging than a pure manual. Suspension firms for corners, with good lean clearance.

Drawbacks: AMT jerks on pull-away, and radar dips unexpectedly (e.g., on bollards). The reviewer overrode manual in twisties but used auto for touring.

Pros & Cons at a Glance

Pros:

• Cutting-edge radar safety tech
• Superb semi-active suspension
• Excellent touring comfort
• Keyless convenience with central locking
• Matrix headlight for better visibility

Cons:

• AMT less engaging for purists
• Adaptive headlight twitchy in reflections
• Higher price than GT
• AMT-only on GT+ limits choice

Who Should Buy the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+

• Long-Distance Tourers: Radar cruise and suspension reduce fatigue on highways.
• Tech Enthusiasts: Radar, AMT, and matrix lights appeal to gadget lovers.
• Riders with Limitations: AMT suits those with hand/foot issues.

Prefer the GT or base for manual purists or budget buyers.

Competitors & Alternatives

• Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro (£15,495): 94 hp triple, adjustable suspension, but no radar/AMT. Better manual engagement, similar comfort.
• BMW F900XR (£13,500): 105 hp parallel twin, Active Cruise, but less torque. Superior build, pricier maintenance.
• Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE (£16,999): 120 hp inline-four, electronic suspension, but heavier and thirstier. Stronger engine, less agile.

Yamaha wins on tech innovation; Triumph on character.

Final Verdict

The Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ (£17,004) is touring perfection for tech-savvy riders, with radar safety, semi-active suspension, and AMT enhancing long-haul comfort. The CP3 triple’s torque and chassis balance make it versatile for Indian roads, from cities to highways. However, the AMT’s jerkiness and headlight twitchiness may frustrate manual enthusiasts. If you crave gadgets that work (mostly), it’s a winner—otherwise, the GT offers 80% for £2,650 less. Ride reviews post-September 30, 2025, will confirm its place as India’s perfect EV tourer.