2019 Yamaha Tracer 900 GT

Built on and refined from the sport-touring-oriented architecture of Yamaha’s immensely popular FJ-09—all-day-capable chassis combined with a venerable crossplane-crank 847cc three-cylinder engine—the 2019 Yamaha Tracer 900 GT takes light-duty two-wheel travel to the next level for the tuning-fork marque. More mature-looking and substantial bodywork, adjustable suspension sourced from the MT-09 naked bike, and upgraded touring features such as cruise control, heated handgrips, and a full-color TFT dash give the Tracer 900 GT a even more satisfying long- or short-haul user experience.

Following the press introduction located near the Washington/Oregon border, Senior Editor Justin Dawes rode three consecutive 500-mile days aboard the Tracer 900 GT to put Yamaha’s comfort claims to the ultimate on-road test. “I ended each 10-hour day in disbelief,” he wrote. “How can a smaller sport-tourer be so comfortable?” Dawes summed up the Tracer 900 GT as a tremendous motorcycle with nimble handling, a raucous engine that is willing to pull from nearly any rpm, and comfortable beyond expectations. As cliché as it may sound, the Tracer 900 GT puts the “sport” in sport-touring. Or is it the “touring” in sport-touring?

Likes: Three-cylinder goodness, long-distance comfort, and sporty handling

Dislikes: Fiddly switch gear for the heated grips

Verdict: Sport-touring doesn't get much better

The Tracer 900 GT was introduced this past July, and it has received favorable reviews thanks to excellent overall comfort and handling. From the logbook: “The side cowls have a pyramid shape that adds to the premium look. They also increase wind protection while channeling hot air from the rider.”

The Yamaha Tracer 900 GT Is The Best Evolution Of A Sport Tourer

Yamaha’s 2018 Tracer 900 GT Is The FJ-09 We’ve Always Wanted

With its pricing and specifications, the Tracer 900 GT has risen to the top of the range for sport-oriented touring bikes. Kawasaki’s Versys 1000 LT and Ninja 1000 ABS are similarly equipped and priced, but for $1K more you could have a Ducati Multistrada 950—minus the TFT display and saddlebags.

Kawasaki Versys 1000 LT

Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS

Ducati Multistrada 950

The Tracer 900 GT costs $1,600 more than an FJ-09. That’s a significant difference, but the 900 GT has upgraded suspension, a TFT dash, cruise control, a quickshifter (up only), and hard bags. The standard Tracer 900, meanwhile, costs $10,699 and nearly matches the ’17 FJ-09 with an updated look.