Yamaha Tracer 900 GT [2021-2022]: A Sport Tourer That Rewrites the Rulebook

Introduction

The Yamaha Tracer 900 GT isn’t just a motorcycle – it’s a declaration of intent. Built for riders who refuse to compromise between weekend adrenaline and weekday practicality, this 2021-2022 model generation elevates the sport-touring category with a blend of triple-cylinder fury and tech-laden sophistication. After spending days carving mountain passes and slogging through urban jungles, one truth becomes clear: this machine doesn’t just adapt to your needs – it amplifies them.

Design & Aesthetics: Form Meets Function

Yamaha’s designers struck gold with the Tracer 900 GT’s aggressive yet purposeful stance. The sharp LED headlights (with intelligent cornering lights) glare like a predator’s eyes, while the sculpted 19L fuel tank flares outward to hug your knees. What impressed most wasn’t the Liquid Metal/Redline color options (though they gleam like molten metal), but how every surface serves a purpose. The adjustable windscreen channels airflow like a wind tunnel engineer’s dream, while the standard hard cases integrate so seamlessly they look born from the subframe.

The twin 3.5” TFT displays dominate the cockpit, presenting data with racetrack urgency. At night, the dash’s blue backlighting creates a fighter jet ambiance – a constant reminder this tourer houses serious firepower.

Engine & Performance: The Crossplane Crucible

The redesigned 890cc CP3 engine is nothing short of alchemy. Yamaha’s crossplane crankshaft works black magic here – the 119 HP (87.5 kW) peak feels less like an explosion and more like being shot from a electromagnetic railgun. What’s revelatory isn’t the top-end rush (though 10,000 RPM delivers that), but the 93 Nm (68.6 lb-ft) torque wave that starts lapping at your boots from 2,500 RPM.

Cruising at 120 km/h (75 mph) in 6th? The tach barely crests 4,500 RPM – this engine’s relaxed demeanor borders on aristocratic. But twist the YCC-T ride-by-wire throttle past 50%, and the triple’s snarl transforms into a baritone war cry. The up/down quickshifter slices gears with surgical precision, whether you’re climbing alpine passes or threading through traffic.

Fuel economy? Yamaha claims 4.8L/100km (49 mpg), but real-world riding hovered near 5.2L/100km (45 mpg) when exploiting that glorious midrange. Still, the 19L tank ensures 350+ km (217+ mile) range – enough to outlast most bladders.

Chassis & Handling: The Telepathic Tourer

Yamaha’s CF aluminum die-cast frame isn’t just light – it’s clairvoyant. Combined with the 60mm-longer box-section swingarm, the chassis telegraphs road textures like Braille. The KYB semi-active suspension (KADS) deserves its own shrine. In Sport mode, it firms up like a track weapon, keeping the 220 kg (485 lbs) mass planted through hairpins. Switch to Comfort, and the same 130mm (5.1”) front/137mm (5.4”) rear travel soaks up potholes like a luxury sedan.

The real magic happens mid-corner. With a 25° rake and 109mm (4.3”) trail, the Tracer initiates turns with sportbike immediacy yet maintains tourer stability. Pushing hard into a decreasing-radius bend, the Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 tires (120/70-17 front, 180/55-17 rear) clung like gecko feet, while the IMU-controlled Slide Control System (SCS) hovered discreetly in the background.

Tech & Electronics: The Digital Co-Pilot

Yamaha’s 6-axis IMU isn’t just tech – it’s a guardian angel. The suite includes: - Brake Control (BC): Modulates pressure during panic stops or mid-corner braking - Lift Control (LIF): Keeps the front wheel earthbound under hard acceleration - Cornering Lights: LEDs that illuminate apexes like daylight (activates at 7° lean) - Cruise Control: As smooth as a concierge’s bow

The four riding modes (from tame Mode 4 to razor-sharp Mode 1) transform character more drastically than Bruce Banner to Hulk. But the real star? The heated grips with 10 (!) settings – a feature that saved fingers during a surprise mountain hailstorm.

Comfort & Ergonomics: The Zen Sanctuary

Yamaha understands that sport-touring riders aren’t statues. The adjustable handlebar (20mm range) and footpegs (two positions) accommodated my 183cm frame perfectly. The comfort seat – firm yet supportive – had me clocking 500km (310 mi) days without numb-butt syndrome.

Wind protection? The manually adjustable screen (92mm taller than standard) creates a calm bubble even at 160 km/h (100 mph). Passengers get their own throne with dedicated grab rails – though the real luxury is not hearing complaints about being cramped.

Competition: How It Stacks Up

The Tracer 900 GT operates in a shark tank of capable rivals:

• Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX: More power (142 HP) but heavier (235 kg). Lacks semi-active suspension and the Yamaha’s intuitive electronics.
• BMW F 900 XR: Superior brand cachet but underwhelming 895cc parallel twin. Costs more for similar tech.
• Triumph Tiger 900 GT: Off-road capable but 13kg heavier. Triumph’s triple sounds sweeter but delivers less torque (87 Nm).

Where the Tracer dominates is balance – it’s the only bike in class offering IMU-governed electronics, adaptive suspension, and genuine sportbike DNA at this price tier.

Maintenance: Keeping the Beast Purring

Yamaha’s CP3 engine is notoriously bulletproof, but smart upkeep ensures longevity: - Oil Changes: Every 10,000 km (6,200 mi) with JASO MA2-approved 10W-40 - Chain Maintenance: Clean/lube every 500 km (310 mi) – consider upgrading to DID Gold chain - Brake Fluid: Flush every 2 years (DOT 4 only) - Coolant: Replace every 40,000 km (24,850 mi) – monitor levels given the tight 2L capacity

Common wear items MOTOPARTS.store recommends: - High-flow air filters (boost midrange growl) - Aftermarket sintered brake pads for aggressive riding - Progressive-rate suspension springs for loaded touring

Conclusion: The Shapeshifter Supreme

The Tracer 900 GT defies categorization. It’s a sportbike disguised as a tourer, a tech showcase that remembers it’s a motorcycle first. For those seeking a machine that transitions from office commute to Alpine pass without missing a beat, this Yamaha isn’t just competitive – it’s category-defining. The real question isn’t whether it can handle your needs, but whether you’re ready to handle its capabilities.

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Specifications sheet

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