THE 2021 new model onslaught continues today, as the new Yamaha Tracer 9 and Tracer 9 GT are revealed.
The bikes are totally revised compared to the previous models and feature a new engine, frame, swingarm, R1-derived six-axis IMU, and all-new styling and design.
2021 Yamaha Tracer 9 and Tracer 9 GT revealed
Engine
- New 890cc inline 3-cylinder 4-valve DOHC liquid-cooled EU5 engine
- Lower weight and increased power at all rpm
- 7% increase in maximum torque at lower rpm
- 4PS increase in maximum power
For 2021, the Euro5 mill sitting in the Tracer 9 and GT has been significantly updated and now boasts 890cc. The increase in capacity has one eye on emissions and one on increasing performance, with the new engine increasing torque by 4% and taking power from 113bhp to 117bhp. The increase in cc has been attained by creating a new long-stroke version of the CP3, stretching the stroke by 3mm and gifting the unit an extra 43cc.
Cleverly the latest generation CP3 engine is lighter than the previous item, that’s despite making more power, torque and carrying the extra capacity!
Chassis
- Lighter and stronger CF die-cast aluminium Deltabox chassis
- Overall 2kg weight reduction for increased agility
- New lightweight aluminium swingarm
- Fully-adjustable KYB 41mm USD forks with optimized settings
- Adjustable KYB rear shock with revised settings and new linkage
The chassis of the new bike is an area that been massively updated for this year and is claimed to be lighter and more compact than before. The engine is also mounted in the frame at an increased angle, something that Yamaha is claiming will improve the new machines handling dynamics.
Complimenting the new frame is a redesigned swingarm that features new swingarm mounting pivots. To aid the bike’s high-speed stability, the swingarm of the Tracer 900 is 60mm longer than the MT-09 and gives the bikes a wheelbase of 1,500mm.
Equipment
- Full LED lighting with hidden headlights and TRACER signature tail light
- Renewed A&S clutch
- Light and compact new 6-axis IMU – first time on a Yamaha Sport Touring
- Lean-sensitive rider aids: TCS, SCS, and LIFt with three intervention modes
- ABS and Brake Control system (BC)
- D-MODE switchable engine running modes
- New ultra-light SpinForged 17-inch 10-spoke wheels
Another feature of the machine to undergo a very thorough overhaul is the electronics of the 2021 model. Like the MT-09 and SP announced last week, the new Tracer 9 gains an R1-derived six-axis IMU control system. It governs the ABS and traction control and allows the rider to manage a host of new and updated assistance systems including traction control, slide control, wheelie control, and brake control – cornering ABS. The bike features four riding modes to suit most applications from wet weather to sports riding.
Both versions of the new Tracer 9 now come equipped with a cruise control system, previously you had to stump for the GT variant to get it as standard. The system can only be engaged at 40mph and in gears four and above. Once engaged, the speed of the bike can be adjusted in 2kph increments.
Like the MT-09, the new Tracer 9 features spin formed wheels, where the rim is forged between rollers at high pressure. Yamaha has confirmed the rims are the lightest ever on one of its production bikes, with some areas of the rim being just 2mm thick.
Styling
- Twin full colour 3.5-inch TFT instruments with a remote handlebar switch
- Next-generation styling
The most noticeable change for the bike is the completely redesigned styling. It’s maybe not as radical a makeover as the MT-07 and MT-09 and bears a much clearer resemblance to the previous model than the smaller bikes in the range do. Pretty much every panel has been redesigned, with the new sleek fairing being the main element of change.
One very interesting element of the bike is the design of the TFT dash. It’s created with two 3.5” TFTs mounted in the cockpit, one on either side of the other. It’s a retro-looking setup, and personally, I think it’s nice to see a manufacturer trying something new. The left screen shows the rider key information about the bike, speed, gear, riding modes, and so on. The righthand screen is divided into four sections and can show the rider a range of information selected by them.
2021 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT revealed
At the top of the Tracer range is the new GT model that is now the highest spec machine in the Yamaha sports touring line up. It features all the updates as the stock bike, with a host of touring specific additions to make long-distance riding substantially more comfortable.
Hard cases come as standard on the model, each able to take a full-face helmet and have a free-floating design to aid aerodynamics. The top-spec model also gains KYB semi-active electronic suspension that is controlled by the already updated IMU system.
An up and down quickshifter is also included on the GT variant, along with LED cornering lights, heated grips, and dedicated paint schemes.
The new Tracer 9 and Tracer 9 GT is set to land in dealerships from March 2021 onwards. Pricing as yet is TBC.
