Yamaha Tracer 900 GT [2018-2020]: The Crossplane Contender for Sport Touring Dominance
Introduction
The Yamaha Tracer 900 GT isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a declaration of intent. Designed to blur the lines between sporty agility and long-distance comfort, this third-generation Sport Tourer from Yamaha’s stable has carved out a loyal following since its 2018 debut. With its crossplane triple engine, tech-forward features, and GT-specific upgrades, this bike challenges the notion that practicality must come at the expense of excitement. Having spent a week threading it through mountain passes and logging highway miles, here’s why the Tracer 900 GT remains a compelling choice in the mid-weight touring segment.
Engine Performance: The Soul of a Hooligan, Temperament of a Tourer
At the heart of the Tracer 900 GT lies Yamaha’s 847cc CP3 (Crossplane Concept) inline-three engine—a powerplant that’s equal parts refined and rowdy. The 115 HP (83.9 kW) @ 10,000 RPM and 87.5 Nm (64.5 ft.lbs) torque @ 8,500 RPM figures only tell half the story. What truly impresses is the delivery: a linear surge from 4,000 RPM that builds into a thrilling top-end crescendo without ever feeling peaky.
The triple’s uneven firing order (270°-180°-270°) gives it a character that straddles the line between a V-twin’s low-end grunt and an inline-four’s top-end rush. In "Standard" ride mode, the throttle response is forgiving enough for wet roads, while "A" mode sharpens reactions for aggressive corner exits. The assist-and-slipper clutch ensures heavy traffic doesn’t become a forearm workout, and the standard Quick Shift System (QSS) allows clutchless upshifts that are smoother than most premium rivals.
Fuel efficiency sits at 4.3 L/100 km (54.7 MPG), translating to a theoretical 420 km (261 mi) range from its 18L tank—though spirited riding will see that dip closer to 350 km (217 mi).
Handling: A Diamond in the Twisties
Yamaha’s diamond-type CF aluminum frame strikes a masterful balance between rigidity and flex. Paired with a 24° rake and 100 mm (3.9") trail, the GT feels telepathic when transitioning between corners. The 1440 mm (56.7") wheelbase provides stability at speed without dulling flickability—this is a bike that dances through switchbacks like a supermoto.
Suspension Highlights:
- Front: 41mm fully adjustable inverted fork (137 mm / 5.4" travel)
- Rear: Monoshock with remote preload adjuster (130 mm / 5.1" travel)
The GT’s suspension setup is where it distances itself from the base Tracer. Gold-anodized forks offer compression and rebound damping adjustments, while the rear remote preload knob makes adapting to passenger/luggage loads a 10-second affair. Over broken pavement, the system soaks up imperfections without wallowing, maintaining composure even when pushed hard.
Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 tires (120/70-17 front, 180/55-17 rear) provide tenacious grip, and the dual 298mm front discs with ABS inspire confidence during late braking.
Comfort & Ergonomics: Touring, Redefined
Yamaha nailed the ergonomic triangle here. The 845-860 mm (33.3-33.9") seat height accommodates most riders, while the adjustable windscreen (manual, non-locking) does a decent job deflecting wind at highway speeds. Heated grips (standard on the GT) are a godsend in cooler climates, offering three heat settings that actually work.
The redesigned seat is firmer than the base Tracer’s but rewards you with all-day support. Two-up touring is viable thanks to generous passenger footpegs and grab rails, though the pillion seat could use more contouring for 6+ hour days.
Technology: Smart Without the Gimmicks
The Tracer 900 GT’s TFT display is a masterclass in intuitive design. Unlike overly complex systems in competitors, Yamaha’s 5.1” full-color panel prioritizes readability:
- Gear position indicator
- Real-time fuel economy
- Traction control and D-Mode settings
- Ambient temperature
Cruise control (operational in 4th-6th gears above 50 km/h / 31 mph) is seamlessly integrated, with incremental adjustments via the left switchgear. The three-stage traction control isn’t as intrusive as some European systems, allowing slight rear wheel slip before intervening.
Competition: How the Tracer Stacks Up
1. Triumph Tiger 900 GT
- Pros: Superior off-road capability, TFT connectivity
- Cons: 18% heavier (236 kg vs 215 kg), higher seat (850-870 mm)
- Verdict: Choose the Tiger for gravel; the Tracer for tarmac agility.
2. Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE
- Pros: Smooth inline-four, premium suspension
- Cons: 1043cc engine feels sterile compared to CP3, 14% thirstier
- Verdict: The Versys is a mile-muncher; the Tracer is the backroad specialist.
3. Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES
- Pros: Legendary reliability, semi-active suspension
- Cons: 228 kg weight dulls responsiveness, $4K+ pricier
- Verdict: Overkill for pure road riders; the Tracer offers 90% of capability at 70% of the cost.
Maintenance: Keeping the CP3 in Prime Health
The Tracer 900 GT is relatively low-maintenance, but these are critical:
- Oil Changes: Every 6,000 km (3,728 mi) with Yamalube 10W-40 (3.4L with filter).
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Pro Tip: MOTOPARTS.store stocks high-flow oil filters for extended intervals.
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Chain Care: Clean/lube every 500 km (311 mi). The DID 525VM2 chain lasts ~25,000 km with proper tension (45-55 mm slack).
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Brake Fluid: Flush DOT4 every 2 years. Consider MOTOPARTS’ sintered pads for aggressive riders.
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Coolant: Replace every 48 months or 40,000 km (24,855 mi).
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Valve Checks: Every 42,000 km (26,098 mi)—a job best left to professionals.
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Tire Pressures:
- Solo: 2.5 bar (36 psi) front / 2.9 bar (42 psi) rear
- Two-up: 2.5 bar / 3.1 bar (45 psi)
Conclusion: The Swiss Army Knife of Sport Tourers
The Yamaha Tracer 900 GT doesn’t just check boxes—it redraws them. Few bikes in the sub-1000cc class deliver this level of emotional engagement while still coddling you on marathon rides. The CP3 engine is a masterpiece, the chassis is sharper than rivals twice its price, and the GT’s added luxuries (cruise control, QSS, heated grips) elevate it beyond mere transportation.
Is it perfect? The non-adjustable windscreen and basic rear shock could use refinement. But as an all-rounder that thrills on Saturday mornings and commutes dutifully on Mondays, the Tracer 900 GT remains a benchmark.
Upgrade Your Tracer 900 GT with MOTOPARTS.store
From premium chain kits to performance brake pads, MOTOPARTS.store offers everything to personalize your Tracer. Check our curated selection of:
- Sport touring windscreens
- Adjustable lever sets
- Quick-detach luggage systems
- Suspension upgrade kits
Your next adventure deserves the best gear—we’re here to equip it.
Specifications sheet
| Engine | |
|---|---|
| Stroke: | Four-stroke |
| Max power: | 84 kW | 113.0 hp |
| Max torque: | 88 Nm |
| Fuel system: | Electronic fuel injection (YCC-T) |
| Max power @: | 10000 rpm |
| Displacement: | 847 ccm |
| Max torque @: | 8900 rpm |
| Bore x stroke: | 78.0 x 59.1 mm (3.1 x 2.3 in) |
| Configuration: | Inline |
| Cooling system: | Liquid |
| Compression ratio: | 11.5:1 |
| Number of cylinders: | 3 |
| Valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Standard equipment: | ['Traction Control System (3 modes)', 'D-MODE selectable riding modes', 'Quick Shift System (QSS)', 'Cruise Control', 'Heated grips', 'TFT instrument panel (GT model)', 'Color-matched hard side cases (GT model)', 'LED lighting', 'ABS'] |
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase: | 1501 mm (59.1 in) |
| Wet weight: | 215 |
| Seat height: | 845–860 mm (33.3–33.9 in) |
| Overall width: | 851 mm (33.5 in) |
| Overall height: | 1430 mm (56.3 in) |
| Overall length: | 2159 mm (85.0 in) |
| Ground clearance: | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 18.17 L (4.8 US gal) |
| Drivetrain | |
|---|---|
| Clutch: | Wet, multiplate assist and slipper clutch |
| Final drive: | chain |
| Chain length: | 118 |
| Transmission: | 6-speed |
| Rear sprocket: | 45 |
| Front sprocket: | 16 |
| Maintainance | |
|---|---|
| Rear tire: | 180/55-z-17 |
| Engine oil: | 10W40 |
| Front tire: | 120/70-z-17 |
| Idle speed: | 1200 ± 100 rpm |
| Brake fluid: | DOT 4 |
| Spark plugs: | NGK CPR9EA-9 |
| Spark plug gap: | 0.8–0.9 mm |
| Coolant capacity: | 2.2 |
| Engine oil capacity: | 2.7 |
| Engine oil change interval: | Every 5000 km or 2 years |
| Valve clearance (intake, cold): | 0.10–0.20 mm |
| Valve clearance check interval: | 24,000 km (15,000 mi) |
| Final drive adjustment interval: | Every 1000 km (600 mi) |
| Valve clearance (exhaust, cold): | 0.20–0.30 mm |
| Recommended tire pressure (rear): | 2.5 bar (36 psi) |
| Recommended tire pressure (front): | 2.25 bar (33 psi) |
| Chassis and Suspension | |
|---|---|
| Rake: | 24° |
| Frame: | Diamond CF die-cast aluminum |
| Trail: | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Rear brakes: | Single 245 mm disc, 1-piston caliper (ABS) |
| Front brakes: | Dual 298 mm discs, 4-piston calipers (ABS) |
| Rear suspension: | Single shock, adjustable preload and rebound damping (remote preload adjuster on GT) |
| Front suspension: | 41mm inverted fork, fully adjustable (preload, rebound damping) |
| Rear wheel travel: | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Front wheel travel: | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
