Tremendous Tech Fillip

Yamaha's sports tourer middleweight receives a slew of smart updates, including those related to technology, for 2023

- Adam Child 'Chad'

YAMAHA'S HIGHLY ACCLAIMED Tracerg GT sports tourer was launched in 2021 during the pandemic and, unfortunately, we missed the opportunity to throw a leg over the new model.

However, everyone we spoke to who had ridden the GT rated it very highly of it, so we had high expectations of the new 2023 Tracer9 GT+, which gains a huge dollop of whizzy new technology, plus some smart updates.

The salient developments are the introduction of Radar Linked Unified Braking System, a world first, and, for the first time on a Yamaha, Adaptive Cruise Control; hence the large radar at the front. That, however, is not all: a new seven-inch TFT display, slick new switchgear, a larger rear disc (for the new braking system), a new seat design, and a third-generation quick-shifter all make their début on the 890-cc triple.

Yamaha treated us to a full day in saddle, including some motorway miles, enabling us to test the new Adaptive Cruise Control around the stunning island of Sardinia.

Yamaha have left the excellent and charismatic 890-cc CP3 triple alone. That means the same peak of 119 hp as before with the same 93 Nm (at 7,000 rpm) peak torque figure, too.

A third-generation bi-directional quick-shifter that allows you to downshift with the throttle still open has been added, meaning you can knock back a few gears-to third or even second-without closing the throttle. The system is smooth and effortless.

For me the Tracer's power and delivery are close to perfect; strong but not too fierce with a lovely spread of torque, plus a sweetly tuned roar when you grab a handful of throttle.