Months after the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ debuted at the EICMA show in Milan, we now see American and Canadian riders will get the machine as well, offering sport touring fun with a lot of technological wizardry to boot. As sport tourers and adventure bikes are often headed to the same far-off destinations, even on the same roads at times, let’s take a look at what Yamaha’s latest machine has to offer!

New fork, with semi-active suspension! Photo: Yamaha

Familiar Layout, New Tech

First off, while this is a new model, it certainly isn’t all-new. It’s based on the Tracer 9 GT, which had its more recent overhaul in 2020 (more on thathere). The “Plus” version comes with the same engine (an 890 cc liquid-cooled triple) that’s powered the Tracer series, the MT-09 series and the XSR900 models. The frame is also the same; wet weight is 492 lb.

However despite similarities to the standard GT, including the same ABS and TC systems, the GT+ gets two new important technological updates. The first is a new radar-powered adaptive cruise control system. Like other adaptive cruise control systems, the GT+’s cruise control will maintain a constant speed until it detects a vehicle ahead in the roadway. Then, it will maintain a constant following distance from that vehicle, at whatever varying speeds it travels at. But unlike other other, similar systems, the GT+ system is also tied to the bike’s combined braking system (front and rear are linked) as well as engine braking. This is supposed to make a smoother ride, and keep the bike more stable.

The TFT can be integrated with a pay-to-play Garmin nav system. Photo: Yamaha

其他大型科技开发半主动suspension, powered by an IMU (a six-axis sensor that detects your ride telemetrics and adjusts the bike’s electronics accordingly).Yamaha’s press release says:

Adding further capability and comfort, the TRACER 9 GT+ comes equipped with the new generation KYB® Actimatic Damper System® (KADS) electronically controlled suspension. Developed jointly with KYB®, it provides sporty performance together with an extremely comfortable ride. Utilizing data from the six-axis IMU which constantly monitors vehicle dynamics from various sensors, the Suspension Control Unit (SCU) adjusts damping forces to suit prevailing riding conditions. The semi-active suspension also operates in conjunction with the Adaptive Cruise Control and Unified Brake System.

This sort of tech was previously available on the FJR1300 model only, but that bike seems to be off the menu for 2024—at least, it does not appear on North America’s Canadian or American website as a ’24 model at this point. No surprise there, if it is canceled. It’s been rumored to be on the chopping block for years. Some customers will mourn its cancellation, if it’s really gone, especially the Iron Butt Rally crowd. No matter how well-liked the Yamaha triple is, it’s no 1300, and doesn’t come with a shaft drive.

Yamaha also gave the GT+ a new up/down quickshifter, and a new 7-inch TFT screen that can link to your smartphone and offer pay-to-use Garmin navigation (a subscription-based service).

American customers will pay a $16,499 MSRP for the GT+ (seeherefor more specs and ordering info). Canadians will pay $20,699 plus taxes and fees.

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