Switchblade Symphony
We recently tested the absolutely fantastic MT-09 from our friends at Linex Yamaha Randburg and upon returning that model were greeted with the Tracer 9 GT. For two motorcycles that share so many bits and pieces, these two bikes could not be any more different. Where the MT-09 attacked corners, the open road and city streets like an axe in the hands of a lumberjack, the Tracer behaved more like a stiletto switchblade in the deft hands of knifemaker.
Related: Yamaha MT-09 (2022) Review
Light, agile, powerful and precise, with every passing kilometer on the Tracer, I became ever more enamored with this machine. This was going to be such a difficult test with the GT constantly being compared to the MT-09 as a baseline.
Styling
The Tracer 9 GT is striking, clad in its black/silver/Icon blue color scheme. It gives off adventure bike vibes with the tall screen and wide fuel tank, but the seating position leans more to the sports touring side of things. The lighting arrangement is odd for those used to a single headlamp with the GT having two small slit-like main lamps and two smaller fog lamps that give the GT a creature-like visage. The rear-end lighting setup is also rather odd with the rectangular brake lamp incorporated into the tail pice and not the indicator/numberplate mount extension. The GT model gets rigid panniers under normal circumstances but our test unit has them removed but the provision for mounting them sits very tidily on either side of the pillion seat.
Tech
With this being a GT model machine there is plenty of tech included. Yamaha has been well documented as liking to keep things very simple and it is quite a breath of fresh air when you get a bike loaded with tech. Included here you will get traction control, slide control for cornering, and lift control to stop wheelies, all of which can be adjusted or completely turned off, along with cornering ABS. These are all accessed through the split screen system in the upper fairing. The left screen has all your performance outputs and on the right the bike's health stats. There are a number of rider modes included that can handle most situations ranging from intrusive rider aid all the way to completely off if you should so choose.
Engine and Drivetrain
The Tracer9 is powered by a 898cc 3-cylinder engine that pumps out 117kW and 93Nm through a 6-speed transmission. Power goes to the back wheel via chain drive and the whole affair is kept in place by KYB semi-adjustable suspension. The GT can be very rapidly brought to a stop by the 295mm discs and Nissin calipers up front and the rear.
Let's Ride
Weighing in at a hefty 220 kg, one would imagine that the GT would be a bit of a pig but in reality, it does one's head in once you get on and realise that the Tracer is as light as a feather to maneuver and handles like a fighter jet. The rider position is a near-perfect triangle with your back straight and the foot pegs ever so slightly behind that line. The handlebars are shoulder width apart giving a great deal of control and couple to that the featherweight handling, and you get a very dynamic riding experience. Equipped with an 18l fuel tank and using 4l / 100km riding on a combined cycle you can expect roughly 500km on a tank of fuel. Outside of the incredible handling, the power delivery of the Tracer is simply fantastic with most of the torque being inside the usable power band.
Pros and Cons
- Stunning appearance
- Lightweight
- Great power delivery
- High-tech rider modes
- Comfortable
- Screen difficult to read in bright light
- Low hanging exhaust
Model and Pricing
Yamaha Tracer 9 GT - R 240 300 (est)
* Prices correct at time of publication subject to change without notice
** Visit your closest Yamaha Dealership for pricing on your chosen model
Verdict
The MT-09 is like doing open-heart surgery with a steak knife while the Tracer 9 is the No.2 laser scalpel. It is so precise and composed. This is not to say that the MT-09 isn't great, it just isn't as great as the Tracer. The GT is more grownup and less leery, both machines are excellent at what they do and at the end of the day it really comes down to the type of riding you want to do. The GT has the requisite environmental protection and added tech and offers a better long-distance ride while the MT-09 is made for blasting around on short trips.
We once again extend our thanks to Linex Yamaha Randburg for the test machine. Visit them for great deals and even better products
