Yamaha introduces new Tracer 9 GT+ as part of updated 2023 sports tourer range

Yamaha has revealed the updates to its sports touring range for 2023, with a Tracer 9 GT+ joining other established models, while the Tracer 7, Tracer 7 GT, and Niken GT all also receive updates. 

2023 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+

The new model year will bring many changes for Yamaha’s sports touring range, but by far the most significant is the introduction of the new Tracer 9 GT+, which Yamaha describes as “the most technically advanced Yamaha motorcycle ever built.”

The fundamental edition to the GT+ which sets it apart from the existing Tracer 9 GT is the new radar-guided Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), featured for the first time on a Yamaha.

The ACC can utilise engine braking control and the new radar-linked Unified Braking System (UBS) - a motorcycling first - to keep a constant distance between the bike and the vehicles ahead while it is active. The engine brake is activated before the UBS in the event of a deceleration. 

ACC also “adjusts the suspension to optimise rider and passenger comfort,” Yamaha says. This is thanks to electronic suspension, KADS (KYB Actimatic Damper System), from KYB which is also integrated with the ACC.

Additionally, the ACC has a cornering assist to prevent mid-corner acceleration; a passing assist to allow smoother acceleration when the system senses the motorcycle is overtaking.

Furthermore, Yamaha’s ACC is paired with a third generation quickshifter, making the Tracer 9 GT+ the first Yamaha to use a third generation quickshifter. The two are integrated, meaning the rider can change gear also when the ACC is active.

The new quickshifter “gives an even wider range of functionality by allowing clutchless downshifts when accelerating and clutchless upshifts when decelerating,” Yamaha says.

Speaking more specifically now about the UBS, this has some features which are only enabled when Brake Control (BC) is enabled. These features are:

• Brake assist, activated by BC in the event of a collision;
• Front/rear brake assistance, which electronically adjusts the braking force at both wheels in order to maintain stable deceleration;
• Cornering brake control, which adjusts the braking force at both wheels while cornering to prevent the bike from sliding when it is leaned over.

Elsewhere, the Tracer 9 GT+ also makes use of a new seven-inch TFT colour display, featuring navigation from Garmin and smartphone connectivity.

2023 Yamaha Niken GT

Moving on now to the Niken GT, which features almost the same 890cc CP3 engine as in the Tracer 9 series. 

For the Niken GT, though, the engine is updated for 2023. Of course, it retains its Euro5 certification, but features a five per cent increase to engine capacity, and an increase in crank mass of eight per cent. 

This means the engine character is changed, with the increase in crank mass in particular leading to more controllable low-end power.

Of course, changing the mass of the engine means the position of the engine in the 2023 Niken GT also have to be adjusted in order to maintain desirable handling characteristics.

In the case of the Niken GT, the engine has a forward inclination of five degrees for 2023, an adjustment which itself brings the necessity for a new crankcase. There is also a new radiator, “to handle the increased performance,” Yamaha says.

2023 Yamaha Tracer 7 & Tracer 7 GT

Finally, we come to the Tracer 7 and Tracer 7 GT, which like the Niken GT find improved specifications for 2023. 

These do not relate to the CP2 engine, though. Instead, for the Tracer 7 and Tracer 7 GT it is the chassis which sees improvements for 2023. Both receive new suspension, as well as larger, 298mm, front discs. Both are also able to be fitted with a quickshifter as an option.

For the GT specifically, there are also 20-litre hard cases which can be added, a larger touring screen, a new seat, tank pads, and a rear carrier which comes as standard.

Check out our more detailed articles on the Tracer 9 and Tracer 7 lines. An in-detail article for the Niken GT will be available on Visordown soon.

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