Launched three years ago, Yamaha has released its updated Tracer 900 and announced the new addition of the Tracer 900GT this morning at EICMA in Milan, Italy.

The Tracer 900 has quickly become established as the definitive Sport Tourer in the fast growing sub-1000cc class. With its thrilling sports performance, agile handling and the ability to handle long distances with ease, the stylish Tracer 900 has become one of Yamaha’s best-selling models with over 35,000 units sold.

If there’s one key element that accounts for its widespread success, it’s the fact that this beautifully styled motorcycle is one of those rare models that has the ability to excel in almost any role, from long distance touring through to sport riding and day-to-day commuting. Powered by Yamaha’s much loved 847cc CP3 engine whose strong linear torque makes the Tracer 900 so enjoyable to ride, this truly versatile model represents the true spirit of motorcycling.

Source: Supplied.

For 2018, Yamaha’s team of designers have concentrated on reinforcing the much loved strengths and values of the Tracer 900, while also introducing a range of updates and changes that are aimed at enhancing the bike’s touring potential – as well as delivering an even more refined, high quality product.

There’s a larger windscreen that offers better upper body weather protection for a more relaxing and enjoyable ride on longer journeys – and with its manual height adjustment facility, it can be quickly set to the desired position. For enhanced passenger comfort the 2018 model also features a revised passenger footrest assembly together with the newly designed grab bars.

Yamaha’s designers have also made subtle but efficient revisions to all of the body panels and covers in order to improve the overall look, feel and quality of the 2018 model. A new air intake area on the front cowl gives a more refined appearance, and the design of the fuel tank’s sidepanels and side wings are also revised to enhance the overall style.

Source: Supplied.

For 2018 the Tracer 900 is equipped with a newly designed aluminium swingarm as well as revised rear shock settings to further enhance the bike’s touring performance, allowing the installation of Genuine hard side cases.

Both the rider’s and passenger’s seats are new for 2018, and as well as giving higher levels of comfort, they also enhance the premium look and feel of the Tracer 900. The rider’s seat can be adapted for height in 2 positions, high and low, to accommodate your personal riding style. Plus, there’s a soft pad on the tank for added rider comfort on longer journeys.

The Tracer 900 also benefits from narrower handlebars together with slimmer and lighter hand guards. The new layout gives a more natural riding position for added comfort, and the new handlebars help to keep the rider’s arms out of the airflow at higher speeds – and the reduced width also helps to improve the bike’s lane filtering abilities – where it’s permitted.

Source: Supplied.

2018 Yamaha Tracer 900 key features:
– More refined, high quality body panel design.
– Narrower handlebars with lighter and slimmer hand guards.
– Newly designed seating for increased rider/passenger comfort.
– New one-hand adjustable windscreen for better weather protection.
– Revised rear geometry for improved touring characteristics.
– New passenger footrest assembly gives greater comfort.
– New passenger grab bars.
– New rear fender.
– 847cc, three-cylinder, liquid-cooled, four-valve engine.
– Assist and slipper (A&S) clutch.
– Three-mode Traction Control System (TCS).
– Tracer-specific D-MODE selectable running modes.
– Slim and lightweight CF die-cast aluminium frame.
– Large capacity long-range 18-litre fuel tank.
– Main stand and ABS fitted as standard equipment.

Joining Yamaha’s Sport Touring range for 2018 is the Tracer 900GT, a new model that comes with a premium specification as standard. Developed from the Tracer 900 and sharing the same 2018 specification upgrades, the Tracer 900GT is designed to offer sport touring riders the ultimate package at a competitive price.

The Tracer 900GT comes fitted with quickly detachable 22-litre colour matched Genuine hard side cases as standard, allowing its rider to get up and go from day one.

Source: Supplied.

Tracer 900GT riders get a unique view from the cockpit, with the latest TFT (Thin Film Transistor) instrument panel. Featuring a full colour display, these high specification instrument panel comes with a comprehensive range of information, including gear position indicator, ambient temperature, coolant temperature, current riding mode, fuel gauge and fuel consumption.

The Tracer 900GT is equipped with a premium suspension package that features fully adjustable front forks offering the rider the ability to set their bike up to suit different loads and conditions. These fully adjustable forks come with a beautiful gold finish.

For easy and convenient suspension set up when carrying a passenger or luggage, the Tracer 900GT features a remote preload adjuster for the rear shock. It’s the quick and effective way to set the bike up.

Source: Supplied.

The Tracer 900GT’s Quick Shift System transforms acceleration performance of the bike by allowing the rider to make seamless clutchless upshifts. Based on the system used on the latest MT-09, the QSS gives this premium Sport Tourer an even more exciting character that’s sure to be appreciated by performance minded riders.

The Tracer 900GT also benefits from the fitment of a cruise control system as standard equipment. It’s the same system that’s used on the MT-10, and can be set to control the riding speed in fourth, fifth and sixth gear when riding between 50 km/h and 180 km/h. This system is operated by a switch on the left handlebar cluster, and can be used to increase or decrease cruising speed in 2 km/h increments.

Advantages include reduced right arm and hand fatigue on long journeys, and also being able to maintain a constant speed when riding on hilly or uneven roads – as well as being able to set a speed that complies with speed limits that are 40 km/h or above.

Source: Supplied.

The system is automatically cancelled by the application of brakes, clutch or throttle, and features a resume button that allows the rider to reset to the previous setting. Cruise Control makes longer journeys more enjoyable, and also can help to avoid exceeding speed limits.

The Tracer 900GT is an all weather, all season motorcycle that’s built to get across continents, and the provision of heated grips is a real bonus for the serious Sport Touring rider.

2018 Yamaha Tracer 900GT key features:
– Colour matched hard side cases fitted as standard.
– Full colour TFT instrument panel (Thin Film Transistor).
– Fully adjustable gold coloured upside down front forks.
– Rear shock with remote preload adjuster.
– Quick Shift System (QSS) for seamless upshifting.
– Cruise control.
– Heated grips.
– 847cc, three-cylinder, liquid-cooled, four-valve engine.
– Assist and Slipper (A&S) clutch.
– Three-mode Traction Control System (TCS)
– Tracer-specific D-MODE selectable running modes.
– Slim and lightweight CF die-cast aluminium frame.
– Large capacity long-range 18-litre fuel tank.
– Main stand and ABS fitted as standard equipment.

Pricing and availability locally in Australia is yet to be confirmed. Stay tuned to Yamaha Motor Australia’s official website at www.yamaha-motor.com.au for the latest details.