2024 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ First Ride Review | Ultimate Motorcycling

We ride the new 2024 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+! Yamaha's flagship sport-touring machine boasts several vital updates this year, elevating one of the best values in the category even further.
What's on deck? Many electronic niceties, starting with a new radar unit that accommodates Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), a new full-color TFT display accompanied by new switchgear, additional seat padding, and more. Loads of new features typically relegated to luxury touring models come to the Tracer 9 GT+, and it's only an additional $1,600 over last year's MSRP of $16,499.
The Tracer 9 GT+ shares much of its core DNA with the naked sportbike MT-09, which utilizes the same 890cc triple-cylinder CP3 engine. It has a spunky, fast-revving attitude that spices up the sport-touring scene and remains in what's now middleweight territory.
Spirited handling is part of the Tracer 9 GT+'s arsenal, thanks to its compliant and confident chassis, allowing riders to whip it through twisty sections nicely. In addition, KYB semi-active suspension offers two damping modes that offer settings within earshot of one another.
Yamaha has once again hit the sweet spot in sport-touring with its Tracer 9 GT+, and Senior Editor Nic de Sena headed off to Boise, Idaho, to give it a whirl.
Have any questions? Drop them down below. Please read our full review of the 2024 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ for full pricing, specs, and more!
ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023...

[@THE-APEX]

I just watched this single review and CAN’T BELIEVE you guys don’t have more subs! Well said, fantastic road footage, well thought out still shots, B roll as good as the A roll. Bravo! Bravo! Impressive.

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

Hi @The-Apex, Thanks for the kind words! Take care! - Nic

[@boogiewoogit5597]

Nice work. Thx. I def recognize the scenery too, one of the many detours on my Seattle to SLC lone wolf rides. Another incredible ride, from north of Boise, all across Oregon until hit coast. I should start shooting some video of the beautiful US west on rides through mtn west and pnw.

[@gcSpec13]

Great review as usual Nick…this looks like a future demo ride for myself…

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

Hey, GcSpec13! Thanks for the kind words, again! 🙏 Definitely take a peek at the Tracer, which I feel is one of the best values in the category even with the price increase. Take care! - Nic

[@gcSpec13]

Coming from the world of sport tourers (vfr land) with spunky engines, yet touring amenities would you consider this on par with more "adv" style ergos? @@ultimatemotorcycling

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

@@gcSpec13 I'd say that the Tracer edges toward the ADV side of things with its ergos, as opposed to your traditional sport-tourer, ala the Honda VFR, Kawasaki Ninja 1000, Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+, et al., which offer ergonomics that are more in line a sport bike. Importantly, I'd note that the Yamaha is more relaxed than the aforementioned bikes. That said, the Yamaha is pretty neutral and is very much a street bike through and through. ADV touring machines often have taller handlebars and other elements that accommodate standing over the saddle, and that's not something I'd do unless stretching on the Yamaha. Meanwhile, I'll often stand when riding ADV bikes simply because it feels natural, and I can still control the bike quite well in either position. Hope this helps! - Nic

[@gcSpec13]

@@ultimatemotorcycling it doesn't help in a sense that if I listen to you any more my wallet will get a hurting lol I like the idea of a multi cylinder engine with character but will all day riding ergos. Although I love my vfrs/tuono, my hips and wrists would say thanks...too bad we don't get an nt1100 to compare here stateside...

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

@@gcSpec13 haha, well, it sounds like you're fairly setup in terms of motorcycles. The Tracer 9 GT+ could easily be a replacement for the VFR, as there is plenty of crossover in that department. But, a Tuono V4 is an absolutely awesome bike, even in the hyper competitive naked segment. My take on the Tracer 9 GT+ is that it represents one of the best values in the broader sport-touring class, in spite of the price hike, due to its well-rounded character and performance. It's just a solid bike, really. Take care! - Nic

[@Madvlad87]

Been looking at a FJR although near impossible to find in my area but these sort of caught my eye and wanted to go check one out and test ride it possibly. During your test ride, what was the MPG like? Wanting to go distance (go visit back to CO and hit up the Smokey mountains often) but don’t want to be filling up every 100 miles.

[@anthonypellegrino1633]

Love my “21” GT , just wish I could swap the dash for the single 7”……

[@bukweet]

It would be great to see a comparison of this bike vs. the new Suzuki GSX-S1000GX+.

[@ferociousfrankie]

It's obviously a great bike. The value proposition has decreased with the price though. You can get a used multistrada 950/V2/1260 with higher end components with Italian character and have money left over. The radar is the only thing you would miss.

[@mkviz]

The money left over would be used for the expensive repairs 😂

[@patrickmckellips5960]

Excellent review, does it compete with the GSX-S1000GT?

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

Hey Patrick, Absolutely. The Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+ is a direct competitor from our perspective at UM and Yamaha is certainly gunning for them, too. The Suzuki beats the Yamaha in terms of price and outright engine performance, but isn't as full featured (same level of electronics, semi-active suspension, Adaptive Cruise Control, etc). The semi-active suspension I feel is incredibly useful in a sport-touring application and is hard to pass up. The Yamaha's riding position is also more neutral and offers far more adjustment, which I'd wager gives it a leg up in outright comfort. As for the rest of the finer details, I'll save commentary for deeper comparison when each bike has the chance to speak for itself. Take care! - Nic

[@user-hf8ie8mf3n]

It’s more than I need, but I’d love one anyway. Already have a tracer 900 gt, but I’m thrilled with the evolution, especially this iteration. Very cool. 👍🤪🏳️‍🌈

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

Nice! Have fun out there and stay safe!

[@peaceandfood7952]

Is there really huge difference between 900, GT, gt +

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

@@peaceandfood7952 When talking about chassis, engine, electronics; no. Bags and a few other small features differentiate the models. However, the US market only receives the GT+, as the models are quite relative to one another.

[@peaceandfood7952]

@@ultimatemotorcycling I mean when I was talking about GT and 900 I was thinking of older versions 2023,2022 I see the prices dropped!!!

[@Rambler358]

Any word on a possible Tracer 10 GT+ ?

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

Hey @Rambler358 Not that we're aware of at this time. That said, taking an MT-10 and converting it for touring duty is something that the aftermarket has facilitated for some time now. Personally, adding that kind of weight would detract from the MT-10's sportiness for me, but if you'd like to take that route, there is an established path. Take care, - Nic

[@newmanexplorer]

So I’m seriously considering selling my Motoguzzi to jump on a Tracer GT Plus. What do you think?

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

Hey @Guzzikos970, That's a tough question. It looks like you own either a V7 or a V9, which is definitely a whole different animal than a sport-touring bike like the Tracer 9 GT+. Is there a possibility you could keep the V7 for local cruises? That's genuinely one of my favorite standard/cruiser bikes because it has such a distinct personality when compared to the market at large. Meanwhile, the Yamaha could handle longer rides much better, offer far more advanced features, performance, and carrying capacity. A bike in that class will definitely open doors for your riding in terms of where you'll want to go. While I see the Yamaha as one of the best values in class, habe you considered the V100 Mandello or Stelvio? Those have the Guzzi charm with modern amenities. Take care! - Nic

[@newmanexplorer]

@@ultimatemotorcycling much appreciated on the detailed answer bro. I get your point, and I do agree that my v7 and the GT+ are different obviously, and I still have doubts of selling vs keeping. It’s a centenario edition and it’s only one out of 750 made for 100 years of MotoGuzzi so damn hard decision to make. But on the other hand I want to make longer trips and I am impressed by Yamaha. So I either will have to get kicked out by my girlfriend if I keep the Guzzi and buy a Tracer, or I have to teach her to ride as well.

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

@@newmanexplorer I'd go with the latter 🫡 The Moto Guzzi and Yamaha simply do very different things in very different ways. I'd boil it down to what you need right now: If longer trips are on the horizon, go with the Yamaha. If not, the V7 will always be fun. Take care! - Nic

[@dcxplant]

It would be helpful for moto reviewers to emphasize buyers don't want proprietary apps. We want CarPlay and Android Auto!

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

Hi Dxcplant, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are both fairly common in the automotive world. Seeing as they're both operating systems that the average consumer may be familiar with, it seems like the path of resistance. They're both proven OS' and continue to evolve in a positive direction. However, we review the bike as it is and can only comment on what's missing. Speaking broadly, Yamaha's solution on the Tracer 9 GT+ is one of the first that I've felt is worthwhile and it's shortcomings can be highlighted by requiring a third-party app and subscription through Garmin for navigation purposes. That said, it actually works as advertised and that's not something I can say about most of the proprietary apps from BMW, Ducati, KTM, MV Agusta, et. al. Take care, - Nic

[@lajostresser482]

Flagship? What happened to the FJR 1300?

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

It's still offered, though it hasn't been updated since 2016 and that was a minor update. Not a bad bike in the least, but long in the tooth.

[@lajostresser482]

Thank you@@ultimatemotorcycling

[@ChipZilla69]

This or the Tiger 900? I passed my test last week :-)

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

Hey ChipZilla69, The Tiger 900 bikes are great and are set to receive an update for 2024. Since you're a newly licensed rider, I'd suggest starting with something smaller and more affordable for two crucial reasons. Either of the bikes you have your eye on have a serious amount of performance and could be a lot to handle for a new rider. Beyond that, sport-touring bikes are physically larger and benefit from riders with a little more experience in the saddle. Looking at it practically, it'd be good to start with a smaller used bike simply because it'll be more affordable. I'd strongly consider one of the older V-Strom models if you're into the sport-touring category, or another upright sport bike of some kind. Hope this helps! - Nic

[@mikezaleski574]

@@ultimatemotorcycling Outstanding advice. Even riders returning to the sport should follow this advice. The Tiger 900 and the T9GT are actually quite a bit of motorcycle for new or returning riders.

[@kretonslovechild7999]

Call me a Luddite, but I'd much rather have shaft drive, larger side cases, and an electronically adjustable windscreen than some of flashy tech this bike has. To me these new generation sport-tourers are more like day trippers for two-up riding rather than true multi-day, multi-thousand mile sport tourers.

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

Hi @krestonlovechild799, While a shaft drive has some clear advantages in terms of maintenance, it shouldn't be viewed as a non-starter for those looking to tour. A chain final drive does require someone to lube it, but conversely, it's far easier to do that than service a shaft drive. In addition, I wouldn't flinch at the prospect of riding a Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ thousands of miles. The luggage, wind protection, performance, and semi-active suspension make it quite enticing for those duties. The rest of the bells and whistles are nice, though not critical on my list, personally. Just my two cents, - Nic