THERE wasn’t much wrong with the original Yamaha Tracer but the company saw fit to redesign and “rebirth” the Tracer as the Tracer GT. I am always skeptical when a motorcycle comes with a Grand Tourer (GT) tag as the implications are tremendous. Many GTs have fallen flat on their faces for not being able to live up to it. But the Tracer GT does live up to the name. Read on to know why.
A GT needs to be fast and sporty, as well as capable of eating up big distances with comfort and ease. While the original Tracer had the ability, it needed a few additions to make it Yamaha’s own GT. This is why the Tracer GT exists and why I took it down south to Johor Baru for a quick tour.
The engine is Yamaha’s ubiquitous triple — a three cylinder, 847cc four-stroke with Double Over Head Cam (DOHC) and liquid-cooling. The 12-valve motor is shared with the MT-09 and features that crossplane crankshaft that defines the motorcycle.
It produces 84.6kW@10,000 rpm and 87.5 Nm of torque @ 8,500 rpm. An assist and slipper clutch come as standard. The Tracer GT also comes with a quickshifter (upshift only). Nothing more needs to be said except it is a stonking powerplant with torque to spare and a screaming top-end. To suit the new Tracer GT, the throttle body accommodates the new cruise control feature, incidentally easily accessed and utilized. The system functions between 31mph and 100 mph (49.8kph and 160kph) in fourth, fifth, and sixth gear.
The original Tracer was also a bit “Battlestar Galactica” for some people. To become a proper GT, the Tracer GT is designed with a softer, less angular profile while retaining the family resemblance. The new fairings increase wind protection and channels hot air away from the rider better. The new windshield is easily adjustable via a chunky manual mechanism (possible to adjust on the fly). The new windshield offers better protection than the Tracer and in the highest position (there are only two) only allows the windblast to hit you mid-helmet if you are 5 foot 8 inches like me. The low position is okay for rides in downtown areas.
The riding position is similar to the Tracer, except it has adjustability. The seat is adjustable for two heights. The lower 850mm position is perfect for my height while the 865mm position is for taller riders, naturally. The stock handlebar position is matched to the lower seat and can be adjusted forwards 10mm if you need the extra room. The footpegs are suitably sporty while remaining roomy. The passenger gets roomier pegs and repositioned grab handles compared with the original Tracer. Incidentally, that seat is one of the most comfortable ever, good enough for a tankful of fuel (18 litres) without numbing your bum. Vibration control is excellent with minimal vibes from the handlebar grips and footpegs. The new TFT screen is clear and concise despite being small. All the idiot lights are present and correct and includes an ECO indicator, D-MODE indicator all in full colour. The riding modes are the same as the Tracers’, incidentally. You might find the heated grip function an anomaly, however, it is good for pranking your friends. The centre stand, however, is an excellent addition and much welcomed.
The other transformation of the Tracer into the Tracer GT is its suspension. The original Tracer was as good as Yamaha could get but the Tracer GT ups the level by a notch. The fully adjustable 41 mm upside-down KYB forks are excellent even on rumble strips and composed at high speed. The rear monoshock is adjustable for rebound and preload, but performs admirably. The remote adjuster is a stroke of genius, easily accessible and easily adjusted for a passenger and/or luggage. Speaking of which, the Tracer GT’s hard panniers are an accessory in Malaysia. Handling-wise, the it surprises by being nimble and stable at speed, better than the Tracer, due to a 60 mm longer swingarm and a 59.1 inch wheelbase. Needless to say, the Tracer GT’s footpeg feelers had a hard time of it.
The Tracer GT is a definite contender in the middleweight sports tourer class. It has all the ingredients and carries the GT name with pride. The other upside of the Tracer GT is the sticker price; RM58,888.00 without roadtax and insurance. The Tracer GT is a keeper if you only need one bike to do it all.