Yamaha’s heavily revised Tracer 900 has hit showroom floors, but the big news is that the new GT version comes standard in a premium specification and with a keen sticker price.
The standard version costs $15,499 plus on-road costs, while the GT sets you back $16,999. Yamaha has stuck to the prices it announced long before the value of the Australian dollar started falling.
Powered by an 847cc three-cylinder engine, and with a kerb weight of 214kg (227kg for the GT), the past three years have seen the Tracer 900 carve out a strong foothold in the growing sub-1000cc sports-touring class.
Latest upgrades to the two-model range include improved wind protection, a new swingarm/rear shock combo, and redesigned seat. All this is aimed at improved touring comfort and handling.
Standard features on both include a slipper clutch, ABS, traction control and that most underrated item for a motorcycle with touring ability, a centrestand.
The up-specced GT version boasts two 22-litre panniers, TFT dash, quickshifter, cruise control and heated grips.
AMCN is about to spend a bit of time riding a GT through New Zealand, so stay tuned for the full review soon.
Hamish Cooper