G’day, sport (tourer)
We take on what we believe is the leading sports tourer on the market
FOR THE PAST year or so, I have enjoyed a sub‑£10k middleweight adventure bike; all soft and compliant. But for 2024 I am running Yamaha’s Tracer 9 GT+, a technological and performance powerhouse and widely acclaimed as one of the best – if not the best – sports tourer out there.
Collecting the bike from Yamaha in Woking, I threw a leg over with anticipation and everything felt good; I pulled away in Street mode, starting the 190‑mile run home through the aftermath of torrential rain.
I instantly noticed now much tighter the Tracer is than what I’m used to. Responses to inputs were instant, and the suspension picked up and communicated every detail of the road. The throttle response felt almost telepathic, the famous CP3 triple raring to go. The weather suggested Rain mode – and while this dialled everything back for safety, it also dulled the Tracer’s responses to the point I would prefer to manage things with my wrist.
The 17in front wheel and suspension geometry meant the chassis also responded immediately – I was heading for apexes too early, not needing time for the bike to react. The brakes were pin‑sharp and I was apprehensive of the adaptive cruise control but it is so easy to use and takes one level of stress away from your brain.
However… I had to stop after two hours as my sit‑bones were getting sore and turbulence from the screen, in both upper and lower positions, was very annoying.
I sense some experimentation in the coming months and am massively excited to see what it is capable of now the weather is improving. Bring it on…