Differences between the new Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+, 9 GT and 9

[@lr_spb]

The highlight of the GT+ model is its upgraded 7" screen and the enhanced braking system, which outperforms the GT by reducing fork dive by 70%, enabling effortless one-finger braking. The addition of radar cruise control makes highway rides exceptionally smooth, and the bike boasts a third-generation quickshifter, a step up from the GT's second-gen. The interface also sees an improvement with the replacement of the menu wheel with a joystick. To me, this motorcycle represents a new era. It's a sport tourer that leans more towards the sporty side than touring.

[@MisterRobsonz]

Im going for the base model tracer 9 and add a quickshifter to it. I can't find out if the quickshifter on the website (B5U-181A0-00-00) is a third-generation quickshifter like on the GT+ models.

[@lr_spb]

The Tracer 9 and GT models come with the 2nd-gen quick shifter, while the 3rd-gen quick shifter is only featured on the plus model.@@MisterRobsonz

[@tech9896]

Tracer 9 GT + is a brilliant bike it’s been 3 month since I bought it. It just floats like a boat on American roads

[@VToldsMotoShow]

I'm glad to hear that and good for you with getting the newest and greatest Tracer 9 with the plus now.

[@richardevans3813]

Absolutely brilliant video from the first motorcycle journalist ever to be blessed with an analytical brain. Unfortunately, in my short experience of only 68 bikes, there is no such thing as the "perfect package", or even bike for that matter. Nevertheless, I plumped for a GT, fitted a top box & put the panniers in storage simply because when it comes to sale time it will be valued as a GT , not as a basic model with valueless accessories. Apart from paying £1800 for instruments which should have been fitted anyway, the + model is Yamaha's version of "The King's New Clothes": Don't worry though, in my experience of Yamaha "market creaming", R1/FZS1000, dealers will be falling over to give discounts by the year end.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Thanks a lot and I'm glad you found the video useful. And wow, 68 bikes! This blows my mind. Now, you choosing a Tracer may tell a lot about how good of a bike overall it is. All the best!

[@richardevans3813]

@@VToldsMotoShow LOL! Between 1996-2020 never less than two nor more than six at any time but, like most things, the T9GT is a compromise suited to my old broken body. Never forget though, "The best bike is always the next bike". Regards.

[@leuterisminousis663]

As always, the presentation is excellent, as is your commentary, because after riding almost what I told you last time, the most affordable price was the v strom 1050. However, at about the same price was the rt1250 2019 model. Sure enough from the reviews I've seen I made an appointment for next week to try it out...anyway your videos are very real and really help prospective buyers but when we see you enthusiasm from the video guide you get us in trouble :)

[@leuterisminousis663]

I want to hear your opinion please. thank you for your time.

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

Rode the Tracer 9GT and the R1250GS. Can check it. Otherwise would like to try also the RT1250 and 1050 Vstrom. :)

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Thanks a lot - I'm glad that it's helpful. This is the goal, so I'm happy. If I were to choose between BMW R1250RT from 2019 or a new V-Strom 1050, I personally would be conflicted. BMW R1250RT from 2019 is so much more value anyway and so "technically" a much better deal in my opinion (would have to check if it's still covered by warranty though). But it's not exactly my personal style. Buying a bike is so emotional that arguments that in a few years, you'd lose so much more money when selling a V-Strom that when selling an RT may not be very helpful. Generally I myself enjoy the V-Strom 1050 more but I'm not OK with its design. On the other hand, RT is built for something very different - less aggressive touring while on a V-Strom you can have fun anywhere you want. It's a tough case that you've presented - I've got to give you that ;). Tracer is less of a tourer than these two I believe.

[@leuterisminousis663]

I really appreciate your opinion and I respect it because you are a real professional in the work you do and also a good person because you answer the messages of the channel subscribers which many reviews do not. I hope by the end of the season I will decide. I have had a hard time choosing her bike I will get. However the tracer very nice easy but not for me. The only thing I really liked was the sound of the engine. Aerodynamics not so good especially on the open road, suspensions even though they are also electronic on a ladder quite soft on sports quite hard especially in small potholes, after 130 km in car road several vibrations in the hands. For me what wins in the tracer 9 gt is that it has torque in the whole range of revs from very low. Thank you for your time and again I am waiting for more such nice videos as always be well🫡

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

@@leuterisminousis663 Tracer is a very very good compromise. Rode it. You can check it. :)

[@hrmacdonald4471]

Love the plus version but I hate the idea for messing around with a dirty greasy chain and not a fan of a motorcycle that always looks like it has a burnt out headlight. . Great review!

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Thanks and yeah, the one-eye design is strange. On the other hand, if one would be riding a lot in heavy city traffic, switching to hi-beam makes the other eye open and we've got it almost fixed. I like that Yamaha listened and fixed the gauges. Now it's time for the light and a windshield. Cheers!

[@tg8150]

I have an MT-09 and a Concours 14. I can honestly say I’ve done more maintenance in changing the fluid of the shaft on the Kawi C14 than I have with adjusting/lubing the MT’s chain. This isn’t 1975, chains don’t require hardly any maintenance these days. On a sidenote, the only time I’ve ever experienced a breakdown due to power train on a bike is when my uncle’s shaft drive K1200 BMW broke the innards of the final drive. It had to be towed. Granted it was a pos beemer, but it still wasn’t a chain that broke.

[@patrickmeylemans9627]

@@tg8150exact, 2 time issues on a Deauville and drive schaft issues…

[@rcafmaintainer3723]

Reference the lights, I agree. The Tracer 7 lights look better in my opinion. I added the fog lights for more visibility; that said the stock lights are pretty good .

[@chrisoz4929]

I’ve been waiting for this. Thanks V-Told

[@VToldsMotoShow]

You're very welcome!

[@tanaka836]

sooo...about the suspension.it''s the same on gt and non gt? i want something more specific please.. electronic on gt and non on the tracer 9.. is it better or the same? is it worth the money ? some people said that it's the same suspension,with both ok them will do the same job but the gt it's electronic...is such a thing true?? the internals, besides being electronic, are also different???

[@cyrusm3391]

I love this review and trim/price comparison. thank you!

[@cyrusm3391]

You have my subscription and also enjoy your humor..10 levels of warmth for each finger lmao 😂

[@garthwaters5756]

gday mate ive got the 2019 tracer 900 GT , tossing up whether or not to trade up to the 900 + , i think i might just bling mine up now lol , love ya vlogs mate 🤣

[@alexandrusavu2100]

id like the stock one with the gt+ screen ...i can add accessories later ...a quick shifter here a top case there .... i don t think the electric suspension is deal breaker ..not at all . if it was like the BMW one maybe..but this one is basically same as standard

[@heretohear8662]

Agree on the lights!

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

The one-eyed pirate look feels ugly. That is all. Drop by, you may like it. :)

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Somehow they're not getting convinced by the majority of such feedback that we're giving them.

[@heretohear8662]

@@RRRRefuelRideRace "One-eyed pirate look!" LOL!!

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

@@heretohear8662 Yeah, this is how I call it. :)

[@chuki-chuki2848]

I'm waiting for tracer 9 GT PRO MAX+

[@asturiancetorix2552]

I really don´t care about keyless stuff, central locking mechanism, eletric screens and superfluous accesories like that. Recently sold my 2020 BMW R1250RT to purchase a new Tracer 9 GT+, and yes, I will be perfectly fine reducing the ammount of sometimes irrelevant equipment on my bike. Man, you need two paper sheets to write down all that R1250RT equipment. Being sincere, those are less things that could eventually fail, and things that you really can be happy without. The Tracer 9 GT+ is a Sport-Touring machine, but it leans much more to the sporty side than to the touring side, so it so it yields in some aspects in favor of others. It´s light, nimble, has a sporty engine feeling, has great brakes... but lacks wind protection, many - maybe superfluous - touring gadgets, not very confortable seats... Yeah, you can´t have it all I guess. There are better machines for touring around for sure. Well, in fact my former R1250RT beats this Tracer to death in that aspect. But to enjoy short exciting rides in winding roads, and making an occasional trip from time to time, IMHO the Tracer 9GT+ is just a great bike. And of course I agree that the assimetric light is a pain in the ass XD

[@bratnikola]

Is GT 7 kilos heavier because of the panniers or because of the electronics? I need extra 7 kilos of max load.

[@ThePresidentofMars]

The biggest hangup for me on the 9 and gt is that weird dual screen. The 9gt+ just looks so much better.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Yup, gotta be glad that Yamaha listened and they're going away from this weird creation in a form of a display.

[@rcafmaintainer3723]

Heated grips are more than enough at 5! Above that, you might need winter wheels.

[@NooBiker]

Nicely done and well explained. Im thinking id like something a bit different, more comfortable than my current Kawasaki Z1000SX and hadn't considered the T9 so far

[@VToldsMotoShow]

If you replace the seat, it might get pretty cosy there. Especially if you're not super crazy tall.

[@NooBiker]

@@VToldsMotoShow I'm only 170cm / 5'7" 🤣

[@acherouvis]

I was considering the Z1000SX, the main drawback was the high insurance cost. The Tracer is a better motorcycle and lower insurance cost.

[@dougiequick1]

One lamentable thing is the US did not get the bare bones Tracer 9 so I have no one to sell my panniers to boo hoo cause I really only needed to use one of them one time to pick up a package that in all honestly I could have just driven my car or lashed it to the seat...the only other times I ran the luggage was just for the heck of it but I mean WHY run empty or un needed luggage? Which also begs the question why I even needed the tracer to begin with considering it weighs SEVENTY pounds MORE than the MT09! I maybe outght to have bought the MT09SP and saved thousands of dollars....the wind protection is nice though

[@stevec6427]

Thanks for this. I think im now settled on the Tracer 9 GT. I would like the + display but its not worth the extra cost just for that.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Perhaps in not so distant future, Yamaha will use the new dash in other Tracer 9 bikes too.

[@alex-su81]

When I did shop for my current bike I didn't get Tracer solely because of the dash. It's like Woody Allen in glasses constantly looking at you

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Haha, this made my day! Brilliant!

[@dougiequick1]

But WHEN will rgw PLUS finally show up?

[@GARdotETH]

I've got the 2021 GT and the "semi-active" suspension is a pure joke! My last manual MT-09 Tracer was so much better for comfort. I'm actually getting rid of my GT because it's so bad. Plus the left indicator has been popping out since I got it and Yamaha refuse to fix it. Yes you may think it just pops back in, but I broke the plastic mount it sits in trying to get mine back in and it turns out that plastic bracket is connected to the whole front headlamp cluster. I was quoted over £1200 to replace it all.....Yamaha's design flaw is your problem according to them. I've always had Yamaha's but I've lost faith in them after the last 3 years.

[@TheSnowwraith]

I'm torn over which version. In principal I like the Tracer 9, but where I ride it's really dark (I do a lot of night riding) and cornering lights are a must, but they only come with the GT upwards. I don't need panniers, so I hate having to buy stuff I don't need and the cornering lights arne't an upgrade to the standard Tracer. Then there's those god awful clocks that have prevented me from buying a Tracer. They're so small and crammed with numbers! So now they've released a sensible dash, only it's only available on the plus model. I'm guessing I'll have to wait another year and see what parts filter down the range. Nice video!

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Ah yes, I totally get your point and indeed even though your comment is sort of fun to read, in fact the described strategy is a pain in the ***. But I think that I may have a solution for you: install aux lights that will be directed to the sides at all times. They can be LED and operated with a separate switch to not bother you during daylight. I'd definitely do that if I were you and in this spot.

[@Nisotovski]

P.s. am thinking betwen gs1300 and the tracer 9. I really like the bmw shaft drive no messi cleaning the cain 😂 Wich one do you prefer? Yeah at the end the price is almost 10k euros more for the bmw... yeamha on the other hand cheap and fun bike to ride Nice to see side by side comparation All the best from Macedonia

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

Prices are going higher and higher and I think that the base model just offers a lot for the money. Especially if you can find a 2022 model. :) By the way another very good video. Got my like here. Keep it up bro.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Thanks a lot and yeah, we're clearly in the luxury segment here ;)

[@leuterisminousis663]

hello joy. Thanks for your opinion. I rode it but I was not satisfied. Watch the presentation on the channel and if you can sometime ride the Bmw rt 1250 or go to a shop and just get on its saddle I think you will understand the huge difference. Thanks again

[@silotx]

The F900XR used is an even better deal

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

@@silotx Rode it. A cool bike. Can check my video about it.

[@michal6531]

@@leuterisminousis663 its different type of bike, gs is less sporty so now its not for me, maybe in 10 years

[@pi_m6253]

Hey, I saw you also tested Versys 1000, which one is better? I'm considering T9 standard and I'm almost sure. Versys is heavier and standard version has ugly dashboard, but could be more comfy. What are you feeling?

[@VToldsMotoShow]

This seems to be a surprisingly common comparison. But they really feel differently with Tracer being super light, small and nimble while Versys being stable, heavier but not as eager to turn. I'd agree that Versys should be more comfortable. It's got a better stock windshield and seat I believe. But both these parts may be replaced or modified. In the end of the day I'd probably be going with a Tracer out of these two as I ride more in the city and it would be more fun for me to ride it there than Versys 1000. On the other hand, for long highway trips, I'd prefer Versys. But as long as I wouldn't be ending up on a twisty road - then I'd want to be on a Tracer again. I thing that this should be pretty accurate. But all in all, to get the best of both worlds, I'd seriously prefer to pay more for BMW R1250GS or get a used one. I hope this last sentence won't be too confusing.

[@seanengel3647]

@@VToldsMotoShow This is actually something I have been wrestling with for a couple of months now! When I go for long rides (550kplus) we have to go about an hour and a half on the highway before we get to the mountains. And once there, I dont want a big touring bike. You can throw the Versys 1000 into corners but it doesnt really seem that that was the idea behind the concept.

[@zaabi3303]

Great video iwill buy one tracer 9gt

[@QuickShiftMoto1]

Besides the fact that Yamaha has no intentions to bring the GT+ to the US, if they were it would also be at a $17k price point. I own a 2022 Tracer 9GT and was lucky enough to buy mine in October from a dealer that received 7 of those in October and was scared he wouldn't be able to move them so he discounted them by $3000. In addition in the US you have to figure another 1500 to 2000 dollars on top of the advertised price in freight (Yamaha charges extra for that), dealer fees and taxes. At $17k, which would be the list price here when I look at the EUR price in Europe (PLUS 1500 to 2000 dollars in freight, dealer fees and taxes!) the GT+ is no longer a good or even decent deal anymore. Maybe Yamaha knows it too and doesn't even try to sell it here. They released a memo indicating that they have no intentions to bring the GT+ to the US. Moreover, we aren't even getting any 2023 models yet ... Yammi is still selling a huge 2022 stock off well into spring and maybe summer.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Converting the numbers into what we've got locally, indeed it would be pretty pricey especially comparing to some other bikes available. Perhaps Yamaha knows the market well and that's reflected in their decisions of not launching the + in the US. On the other hand, if there are clients that would want one and pay that much, then why not let them?

[@chrisoz4929]

One question, I see that you carry out lane splitting when you ride. Is that allowed in Poland?

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Yes, it is. You've got to "keep appropriate distance" when overtaking. Other than that, you're good to go as you please. One precaution would be to use indicators if you visibly cut the line but this shouldn't be a big deal. Riding a bike as if it was a car wouldn't make much sense here nor anywhere in Europe for that matter. But yeah, it's fine - cops on motorcycles ride the same way.

[@chrisoz4929]

@@VToldsMotoShow Thanks. Since I moved to Poland, I’ve not been able to work that one out.

[@andrewshore262]

Nice review I’ve been looking at the Tracer 9GT plus (the website here in the U.K.), I think they’ve built a bit of winner coming in at just under £15000. The GS was under consideration but, new model coming out this year(?) which will have an impact on values for the old GS, the electronic issues on the later GS’s can be a recurring bad dream, you need to get the TE in the U.K. in order to have any of the worthwhile toys - which pushes the price right up. The 2023 V Strom is a bit cheaper but doesn’t offer anywhere near the performance or equipment of the Tracer (you’ll argue it’s a totally different ride and segment but I disagree) . The Versys SE offers a challenge how do you think it compares for comfort / performance (I have ridden either yet)……or maybe still go for a GS?

[@cubeover]

Tiger, tiger burning bright, in the forest of the night… i mean 1200 GT Pro

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Versys 1000 and Tracer 9 question is surprisingly common I see and there is only one good answer to that I think. It's based on whether you prefer a nimble bike that'll be fun to ride in the city like a Tracer 9 or something that feels more stable, serious and will be more comfortable on a long highway run as Versys would be. For a twisty road - Tracer for sure, for a long stretch of straight roads - Versys 1000. If you want both, then R1250GS. If you don't like its engine or anything else in it, the next best thing is Triumph Tiger 1200. That's how I see it and I'm quite convinced about those assessments in general hoping that they'll be helpful to you.

[@andrewshore262]

@@VToldsMotoShow Very helpful - I always watch your reviews & editorial comment I believe you get it right more than wrong! One comment in particular you made about the V Strom being slightly unstable at very low speed (filtering through traffic etc) is bang on the money (I thought it was just my crap riding lol). Since my earlier comment, I test rode a Tracer felt cramped to me (I’m 183cm) but not young so less bendy these days. I’ve discounted the Versys on price & depreciation values plus your review commented on cornering ability if you hit the brakes mid corner (wants to carry on) that put me right off it. The Triumph I have ridden very top heavy with lagging electronics (display) but the handling was good…….. Which narrows it right down (for me) a GS or at the other end of the scale the new 2023 V Strom with the QS & TFT 🤪. Comfort has to be number 1 for me, everything else is negotiable, that’s the problem when you get past 60 years of age 🤣.

[@cubeover]

@@andrewshore262 Which Tiger model and year have you tried, that you found top-heavy? BTW all, the software update for newest Tigers 1200 brought display boot time down from 9s to about 5s now.

[@richardhretczak536]

Great comparison but at the same time low mileage used Trace 900 GT represents even better value.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Thanks, I'm glad you like the video. If the differences in features and onroad capabilities are close, then maybe. However, as far as I remember, there is one thing that the previous model doesn't have. I think that it's cornering ABS but I'm not sure right now. It might be worth having along with a Tracer 9.

[@marcus_alfaromeo]

What happened to the S80 V8

[@VToldsMotoShow]

I sold it a few years ago once I got a company car and was afraid to touch the Volvo. But now I’ve got another petrol V8, this time 4.2 L with 350 HP.

[@Nisotovski]

I will take the standar tracer 9 for that price. I will jjst add heated grips and quickshifter. I never understand the need of heated seat. If you ride in cold weather you will freeze anyway the seat aint gonna help.. the grip on the otherway heps my finger from frosting ... i really dont need those extra sh**t I will add aluminium paniers from swmltech and quality is 10time better then the plastic one from yamaha Am nkt sold on the bigger display cz it doesnt suport google maps.. why do i need to use the garmin map? This was very noce comparation video. You have a very good chanal keep up the good work 🤘

[@GiannisFilippou-ve2qc]

Hello what your height?

[@VToldsMotoShow]

I’m 183 cm tall (6 feet).

[@dougiequick1]

BTW the tracer is already porky to the point I almost wish I had bought the MUCH ligher mt09sp saving money to boot since I dont ever take a passenger or haul heavy luggage anyway,,,,,the ONLY think valuable to me really is the windscreen and fuel range....naybe the longer wheelbase but idk really ,...actually I like the xsr better but there is no SP version....To me an XSR SP (Ohlins suspension) WITH a frame mounted Cafe fairing like Honda Cafe 1100 BUT with taller bars would have been IDEAL for me! Much lighter and sportier than Tracer but damn Yamaha wont build for me....yes THAT with the new plus mods would be an AWSOME motorcycle! I love the radar cruise and expecially the 7" color display! I would not miss the luggage so much maybe just run a topbox although they are SO SO homel looking they are pracical as hell

[@Fernando90054]

I know that Yamaha is improving the bike, yes I concur with that view. But the question is:- Is it enough to bring other’s brands customers to switch for a Yamaha tracer 9 GT plus? And the answer will be “No”. The one eye policy from Yamaha is a stubborn idea that they won’t let go and that is making them lose everyday potential customers by the dozen! I was on my BMW S1000 XR at a stop light and a Guy on another bike complimented me for the bike:”- Hey man, that bike of yours is a Beast!” He said. So, what are the odds of listening that kind of compliments, in the same circumstances, but instead, if I was riding a Tracer 9 GT Plus? 😂😂😂

[@tg8150]

Depends on how intelligent the person giving the compliment is. If they realize how much better Yamaha is vs BMW, you’ll get more compliments. Sounds like the person complimenting your pos beemer wasn’t too intelligent. Everyone knows BMW is overpriced and lacking quality & reliability with their outsourced Chinese built engines.

[@Fernando90054]

@@tg8150 I don’t assume that bikers are more or less intelligent than the rest of us. And that assumption related to Chinese manufacturing of western branded vehicles is generalized. I’m a fan of Yamaha engines and quality, I don’t doubt on that. The thing is that BMW has quality too and today a very strong brand image. I concur about the prices, always! Fortunately I had zero problems with my BMW’s and a not so expensive cost for their servicing. Cheers . Be well and ride safe ✌️✌️

[@oldmangaming3715]

Mi Bmw g310 gs was new cheaper than a Sponsored Chair :)

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Ah yes, that might be. It's like with designer clothes, just here with the chair it's worth it as functionality comes with the price.

[@seanengel3647]

Yikes. The GT Plus seems soo electronically complicated, I would lose track of what the bike is supposed to be doing and what it's not supposed to be doing. I know there are riders that appreciate these things and I suppose you could get used to it but honestly I dont want the bike to do something I am not expecting when I have already been three hundred kilometers in the mountains and we are going to go over the last peak before heading for home...

[@cubeover]

All it does is not allowing bike to fall when you fail at that. ABS was just the start…

[@VToldsMotoShow]

I feel the same but maybe it's just a lot of marketing around something that's in fact simple. Doesn't sound that simple yet as long as it can be switched off and wouldn't switch itself on on its own, it should be fine and easy on one's mind. But I definitely feel you here.