2024 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ First Ride Review

New for the 2024 model year is Yamaha’s Tracer 9 GT+. This is a middleweight-plus size sport-touring bike from the Tuning Fork brand. The 2024 Tracer 9 GT+ benefits from a few nice upgrades that many motorcyclists have asked for.

Editor’s note: We reported on the technical improvements of this vehicle, during the 2023 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ First Look Preview. Also read and watch our 2022 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT Review and 2022 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT Long-Term Review editorial for more information on the previous version.

Beginning with the fresh 7-inch color TFT dash, it’s bright, crisp, and easy to read in direct sunlight. It’s complemented by improved backlit switch gear. A joystick-like control device replaces the scroll wheel and affords greater tactile function. Menu navigation is equally slick and it’s simple to dial in settings including power mode selection, traction control, slide control, wheelie control (Yamaha calls it lift control). One gripe: Why can’t the display be touchscreen compatible?

The vehicle can easily be paired to an iOS-powered smartphone via Bluetooth for phone and headset function for rider and passenger. Expanded functionality is offered by using Yamaha’s MyRide Link proprietary smartphone app. Onscreen turn-by-turn navigation is also offered but you have to download both the Yamaha app and a Garmin Motorize app to do so (subscription required).

The electronic cruise control has been updated and now includes radar-powered adaptive cruise control function. Similar to the technology used in modern automobiles, it relies on radar hardware in the bike’s nose to gauge distance from vehicles ahead. It’s a really handy feature and makes cruising down the highway more carefree. There’s a convenient and easy way to use the adjustment button (four increments of range adjustment) on the switch gear so riders can tweak the range/following distance. Good job, Yamaha.

The radar hardware also supports a radar-assisted linked braking. It functions by amplifying brake pressure input if the electronics detect increased deceleration (via radar) from the vehicle ahead.

As always, the Tracer 9 continues to include linked brakes so if you operate the front brake lever it automatically adds a little bit of brake power to the back brake and vice versa. Yamaha also fitted a larger rear brake disc (22mm larger in diameter). We never complained about the stopping power on this 503-pound bike, but we’re always a fan of powerful brakes, so a bigger rotor is another plus. A few other little tweaks include a new seat cover for the rider and passenger and this fresh colorway which looks really tasty.

As always, the 890cc CP3 inline-three engine that debuted for the 2021 model year bikes (read and watch the 2021 Yamaha MT-09 MC Commute Review and the Yamaha Builds A Better Triumph - 2021 MT-09 Review), we love this engine; it sounds nearly identical to the sweet-sounding Triumph, plus it is smoother, and has little vibration—and the vibration is where you want it. It’s a really nice powertrain pumping out 104 hp and upward of 62 lb.-ft. torque at the 180-series Bridgestone Battlax T32. During our ride we registered 42 mpg during a generally moderate pace.

The sluggish-feeling quickshifter on this bike’s predecessor was never one of our favorites. And we’re glad to report this third-generation quickshifter is more refined. It allows users to upshift/downshift during throttle application. It’s just more seamless and generally faster in operation. It feels racier in a good way, so another good nod to Yamaha.

Overall there’s a lot to like about this ‘24 Tracer 9 GT+. If you are an existing 2021 and newer Tracer 9 GT owner, we don’t think the fresh dash and the radar-powered adaptive cruise control is significant enough for you to plunk down $16,500 for a new model, but if you’re someone who desires a feature-rich sport-touring bike that’s comfortable, has good character, has a lot of bells and whistles, isn’t too large, isn’t too small, and is relatively versatile inside the class, then this is the bike for you.

Helmet: Shoei RF-SR

Jacket: Rev’It Defender 3 GTX

Pant: Rev’It Defender 3 GTX

Gloves: Rev’It Sand 3

Boots: TCX Rush 2 Air