Expected automatic gearbox option for 2025 – but there’s plenty of novel technology for Yamaha’s Tracer adventure touring range
We love the Yamaha Tracer 900 since its launch back in 2015. It took the basic engine and chassis package from the excellent MT-09 naked roadster, and put it in a slightly adventure-y touring package that really hit the spot. In truth, there was zero off-road ability from the Tracer – it’s a pure styling job – but as a road-based tall tourer, it was a big hit.
The engine was perfect for the job, more than powerful enough to take on long two-up jaunts, but also torquey and flexible for easy progress. A solid chassis package gave decent handling with loads of long-distance comfort, and while the early models were a bit Spartan on the technology and equipment front, Yamaha’s ratcheted up the luxury in the years since, with massive colour screens, plenty of rider aids and extensive touring kit all available, especially on the GT and + models.
It’s never had the outright performance of the 1000cc four-cylinder competitors of course, but was a big step above the 650-800 twins in the class, and it has, generally, been a brilliant piece of kit for Yamaha.
For 2025, we were expecting some of the mods just released – the Y-AMT automatic gearbox was a sure bet of course. What we didn’t count on was a whole new range of updated machinery, with a base Tracer 9, Tracer 9 GT, Tracer 9 GT Y-AMT and Tracer 9 GT+ models all released for 2025.
All the new models in the 2025 Tracer 9 range get a premium 7” TFT dashboard, which can be set to display one of three distinctive themes, while the Tracer GT gains electronic suspension, an electrically adjustable windscreen, heated handlebar grips, smart key system, cruise control and Yamaha’s all-new Matrix LED headlight.
The range-topping Tracer 9 GT+ gains the full suite of radar assisted aids providing Adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection and forward collision warning, in addition to hill hold brake control, Unified Braking System and a tyre pressure monitoring system – premium kit in this sector.
The Y-AMT auto box is standard equipment on the Tracer 9 GT+ and an option for the Tracer 9 GT. According to Yamaha, the addition of Y-AMT reinforces the Tracer 9’s position as the ultimate multi-role motorcycle, creating a machine even more flexible and adept at taking on whatever role its rider needs and wants to take on. And having tested the new auto box, it should be spot-on for the Tracer range – arguably even more so than on the MT-09 it was first released on.
The most eye-catching part of the new Tracer is surely that LED Matrix headlight. It’s made up of a series of multiple high- and low-beam lighting units which are linked to a camera integrated into the entire assembly. A computer uses the camera to detect surrounding traffic, natural light sources and weather conditions. Then, using this information, it adjusts brightness and light distribution on the various LED lights to provide optimal illumination at all times.
The system claims to increase rider confidence while riding at night, distributing the light carefully to ensure other road users are not dazzled, while adjusting the illuminated area for the rider. Even more impressively, the Matrix LED headlight array also has a cornering function: it works with the six-axis IMU to adjust the light beam when a lean angle of seven degrees or more is detected, creating a more comfortable riding experience.
While the adaptive headlights are fully automated, the rider can choose from three levels of sensitivity, while also having the possibility to manually override at any time while riding. Clever stuff – and what could be a real safety improvement when riding at night.
LED lighting apart, the list of updates to the Tracer range goes on. There’s updated suspension, with semi-active electronic KYB kit on the GT models, new lighter SpinForged aluminium wheels with bespoke Bridgestone T32 rubber, all-new bodywork, uprated six-axis IMU-assisted rider aids, wheelie control, lean-sensitive traction control, slide control and integrated braking control, with hill-hold functions.
You also get cruise control (adaptive radar-assisted on the GT+) and an up/down quickshifter on the non-Y-AMT models. Finally, there’s a smart keyless ignition system on the GT and GT+ models, which even unlocks the luggage as well as steering lock and fuel cap.
A heady list of treats then – but Yamaha’s not listed any updates to the engine, which stays the same 118bhp CP3 inline-three as before, which seems a bit of a shame. A bit more power or torque or some other development is always welcome on a new bike.
All four models will be on display on the Yamaha UK stand 2C20 in Hall 2 at Motorcycle Live and will be launched at EICMA next week. Prices should be announced next month and the TRACER 9 models will arrive in spring 2025. www.yamaha-motor.eu
2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 range technical highlights
- Three-cylinder 890cc CP3 engine, delivering 118bhp, with 93Nm of torque at 7,000rpm for outstanding low-to-mid range acceleration.
- Yamaha Ride Control features six-axis IMU and some of the most advanced electronics seen on a middleweight motorcycle, including lean sensitive traction control, slide control, wheelie control and brake control systems.
- CF aluminium die-cast Deltabox frame combines sportsbike levels of agility with the high speed stability required of a sports touring machine.
- Lightweight wheels and tyres. Specially tuned Bridgestone BATTLAX SPORT TOURING T32 tyres combine with spin forged wheels to save weight and create light and precise handling, while offering a reassuring and comfortable ride.
- Comes pre-equipped to fit the optional three-box luggage system, which is compatible with the GT and GT+ models’ keyless locking system.
- Premium 7” TFT dashboard with smartphone connectivity (as standard for TRACER 9 GT and TRACER 9 GT+), integrated Garmin navigation (as standard for TRACER 9 GT and TRACER 9 GT+), three display themes, and additional layouts for music, phone calls and navigation.
- Y-AMT transmission offers choice between fully automatic or finger controlled manual shifting with auto clutch, delivering more fun, comfort and confidence to the rider.
- Full LED lighting on all models, with camera controlled adaptive Matrix LED headlight on TRACER 9 GT and TRACER 9 GT+ models,
- New switchgear (illuminated on TRACER 9 GT and TRACER 9 GT+) designed for intuitive control of new features.
- Electronically controlled suspension automatically adjusts damping based on settings detected by IMU. (TRACER 9 GT and TRACER 9 GT+).
- 18 litre fuel tank
- Redesigned rider seat with more padding and two height settings.
- New ergonomics with more space for rider and pillion.
- Adjustable windscreen (electrically operated on TRACER 9 GT and TRACER 9 GT+)
- New self-cancelling turn signals with two-stage flasher and ESS (Emergency Stop Signal) function to automatically activate hazard warning lights when hard braking is detected
- Heated handlebar grips. 10 levels of heat with three programmable user settings. Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) standard on TRACER 9 GT+
- Smart key feature unlocks all functions including ignition, steering lock, fuel cap and luggage (TRACER 9 GT and TRACER 9 GT+)
- Vehicle Hold Control. TRACER 9 GT and TRACER 9 GT+ is the first Yamaha model to feature a hold control function, which holds brake input to maintain a stopped state on inclines and declines.
- Customisable riding modes. Three factory settings with two user definable custom maps.
- Third generation quickshifter for clutchless upshifts and auto-blip assisted downchanges.
- Adaptive cruise control (TRACER 9 GT+ only) or Cruise control and speed limiter.
- Integrated storage box with built-in USB port in fairing
- Larger and more padded seat for improved comfort for rider and pillion
- Massive official accessory range