2025-on Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ review: Small tweaks, extra tech

Although the focus for the 2025 Tracer 9 GT + is on the touring aspect, it still retains its sporty nature to an impressively high level. The chassis has seen some subtle tweaks to not only support additional load and luggage, but also to aid with agility, without losing too much stability. The result is a machine that is not only precise and confidence inspiring through the front end but will give far sportier bikes a run for their money on tight, twisting roads.

The new, spin-forged wheels and revised Bridgestone T32 tyres also help to save unsprung weight, which helps to add to the Tracer’s agile nature and ability to be thrown into a corner with incredible ferocity.

Yet the tour is as is important as the sport, and comfort is a key area that Yamaha have looked to improve and the Tracer 9 GT + is a reasonable place to spend a day in the saddle, helped by a revised, electronically adjustable screen and a tweaked handlebar position.

The riding position is roomy, with a good amount of space in the cockpit; the handlebars are placed comfortably forward, the ‘pegs are nice and low and not using a clutch lever or gear shifter does help to reduce fatigue, too. For a smaller rider (I’m 5’7), on its tallest setting the screen will offer complete coverage, with a little bit of buffeting at motorway speeds however, some taller rides will find the airflow is smoother with the screen down.

The GT + model also gets its own dedicated seat which is reasonably comfortable and supportive, albeit quite big in its size and shape which makes it difficult to sit naturally after a long stint if you’ve got a smaller rear end.

Although the motor remains pretty much unchanged for the 2025 Tracer 9 GT+, that is no bad thing whatsoever. The 890cc CP3 engine is both happy to chug along with minimal effort at motorway speeds or get fired it up when it’s tackling the type of mountain roads that the Tracer 9 GT+ was born to explore. From a sportsbike, to a naked, to a tourer, the CP3 really can do it all.

For the GT+ model, alongside the additional tech there is now only the ability to have the Y-AMT gearbox, over a conventional offering – but just hear us out, as it works impressively well in a sports tourer.

First released in 2024 on the naked MT-09, Yamaha’s Y-AMT system is incredibly effective on the Tracer 9 GT +, both for bashing out miles, and for tackling more spirited riding. It’s a doddle to pick-up and feels natural very quickly, with the automatic modes offering a soft throttle response at slow speeds, and a steady journey through the gearbox, even talking to the IMU for slicker changes on a motorway.

If you want to get a move on, one button will turn the system manual, and gear changes are made via the well-placed buttons on the left handlebar. It’s not only slick both up and down the gearbox, but is also a pleasure to use on tighter, twistier roads where your foot can stay located in a single location on the footpeg. Although it’s difficult to try something new, you may just be surprised with how effective it is.

Sure, the actual appearance may split opinion but it’s hard to fault the Tracer 9 GT+ in terms of its build quality. From the dash to the equipment, everything seems befitting of a flagship tourer, and it even comes with a 3-Year Factory Warranty as standard too.

Although there’s a load of extra technology, we can’t see this being too much of an issue where reliability is concerned and owners’ review of the previous generation (which is similar to the 2025 model in terms of its main components) are overwhelmingly positive, with little to complain about except the odd plastic rivet or minor corrosion when stored outside for many years.

The Tracer 9 GT+ is Yamaha’s flagship sports tourer, and that label comes at a price - £17,004, to be precise.

That’s a significant amount of cash, especially when it’s compared with some tall-round rivals – even if they do lack the sophistication and technology of the Tracer 9 GT+. These rivals include Honda’s DT1100 DCT Electronic Suspension for £14,299, Kawasaki Versys 1100 SE Tourer at £16,399 and Suzuki’s GSX-S1000GX at £14,799.

There’s also the small matter of Triumph’s Tiger Sport 800, which, although comes with a little less in the performance and technology department, is still an incredible machine at £12,177, with the GT Pack of panniers, heated grips and a few other niceties fitted.

The Tracer 9 GT+ is absolutely packed when it comes to equipment and technology; alongside a 7” TFT dash, an IMU with a full suite of modern riding aids and riding modes, there’s also Matrix LED lighting (more on this below) the Y-AMT transmission system, adaptive cruise control, and unified brakes, all of which are clever enough to work together, for a the smoothest and most effective use of the technology.

All of the electronics systems do work effectively after a bit of time spent getting used to them, although the adaptive cruise control is very sensitive in its lowest mode, and the forward collision warning is far better just switched off.

Lighting is often overlooked, for many it’s a huge factor – and where the previous Tracer 9’s lighting has always been fairly sub-standard, the 2025 model has adaptive Matrix LED lighting for the very first time, which is a vast improvement.

It works with the IMU and a forward facing camera in the nose to detect traffic, lighting and surroundings, which allows the individual LEDs in the lower section of the light turn and off depending on what you're following, what’s coming and also if you’re leaning.

On low beam, the lighting is impressive but on high beam the GT + offers a huge amount of illumination, and the automatic system can also be switched off. The switches are also backlit, as are the inside of the panniers.

Also, even though the dash and interface is easy and clear, the Garmin navigation is a pretty awful system to use and trust, and the Bluetooth phone connectivity can be a bit of a frustration, as it can override the connection between the phone and intercom.