Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ 2025 Review with Y-AMT and Radar

Anyone who thinks Slovenia is just a transit country on the way south has never spent four days traversing this compact paradise of curves on two wheels. Our tour kicks off in the hilly northeast, winds through the hop fields and river valleys of central Slovenia, and culminates in the wild alpine roads of the Julian Alps. Small, winding paths over gentle hills alternate with technically demanding mountain passes and curvy connecting routes with delightfully little traffic. Especially off the beaten paths like the Soča Valley, Slovenia reveals its true splendor: spectacular views, flawless stretches of tarmac, and an unspoiled curving experience that excites sporty riders and leisure riders alike. A country whose versatility makes it perfect for testing equally versatile motorcycles, the crossover bikes. In addition to the Tracer, the Triumph Tiger Sport 800, Kawasaki Versys 1100 SE, and Honda NT1100 are also in the mix.

The versatility of Slovenia wasn't the only reason for our visit; it was also a notable upgrade in terms of accommodation and lodging. This year marks the debut of the first MoHo motorcycle hotel in Slovenia. This network of hotels, run by passionate motorcyclists, offers services tailored to the needs of us two-wheeled travelers. The MoHo Grof in the idyllic Savinja Valley is no exception. Conveniently located in Vransko right off the highway, it allows tours across the country, which can be effortlessly downloaded and followed via a massive touchscreen in the lobby. After a long day of riding, you can drop off your sweaty gear for free cleaning by the next day. A dedicated motorcycle garage is planned, and food and drink are already taken care of. For our production, the touring tips are invaluable!

There are motorcycles that make you feel instantly at home, and for me, the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ 2025 is undoubtedly one of them. On this crossover tour through Slovenia, I've already covered over 1000 kilometers with it, and every new valley, every curve, every roll after a break reminds me why I love riding this machine. The upright seating position, relaxed ergonomics, and nimble character all make the Tracer a perfect companion for demanding tours. While it sits between a sport tourer and a classic tourer, its target audience is clear: those who enjoy sporty rides without sacrificing comfort and technology. This curve I'm navigating right now—tight radius, flowing line—feels like a home game. And that's exactly how it should be, right?

At its core, the Tracer 9 GT+ remains true to its proven concept even in 2025—and that's a good thing. The CP3 three-cylinder engine with 119 hp and 93 Nm is a prime example of a versatile, fun-oriented power unit: rev-happy, peppy, yet surprisingly composed when you want to take it easy. The Euro-5-Plus homologation is elegantly met without stripping the engine of its character. This package is complemented by the semi-active suspension, which can be adjusted in "Street" and "Sport" modes. For sportier riders, the Street mode might feel a bit too soft—those seeking more stability and a firmer feel are well-served in Sport mode. Most impressive is the balance the suspension elements can achieve at the touch of a button. While there are more comfortable touring motorcycles, the Tracer's firm chassis offers plenty in terms of sportiness.

The strengths of the engine and ergonomics apply to all modern Tracer 9 models, which unfortunately cannot be said for the suspension and electronics. There are significant differences between the Tracer 9 models: While the standard Tracer 9 is more puristic with conventional suspension and no luggage, the GT+ comes fully equipped—with a standard luggage system, radar assistance, and a unique LED light matrix with adaptive high beam. These new features, like the radar-assisted cruise control or the electronic windscreen height adjustment, give the Tracer 9 GT+ more than just a touch of premium class. At the same time, it rides as dynamically and playfully as ever. This results in a well-rounded, extremely versatile package that appeals to a wide range of road riders. However, with the GT+, the pinnacle of the Tracer, Yamaha has made a questionable decision.

The tire we selected is the opposite of a questionable decision. We chose the Metzeler Roadtec 02 as the standard tire for our tour. The main reason was its very wide temperature range. During our tour in Slovenia, conditions got intense, with temperatures soaring up to 35 °C and spirited riding. At the same time, afternoon thunderstorms frequently caused sudden wet conditions on the road, where the tire's full-silica rubber compound could really shine. More information on the Metzeler Roadtec 02 can be found here.

Yamaha's Y-AMT shifting technology operates reliably in principle: both the clutch and the gearbox are precisely controlled by electric motors. The system determines when to shift gears or disengage the clutch based on RPM and other parameters. Additionally, there is a manual mode, where you can independently shift up and down using two paddles on the left handlebar, similar to paddle shifters in sports cars.

In manual mode, the Tracer can be moved smoothly and controlled at any time—even in sixth gear at just 50 km/h, the CP3 triple runs quietly and refined. However, in automatic mode, the system is less accommodating. In "D" mode, which is intended for relaxed riding, the system holds gears for a long time under throttle. So, at highway speeds, you're still in fourth gear at around 70 km/h—even though the engine could easily handle higher gears. This is particularly noticeable in urban areas or at slower speeds: while manual inputs are possible in automatic mode, the gearbox sometimes won't allow a higher gear because the electronics don't agree with some parameters. Yet the manual mode shows that the flexible CP3 engine and gearbox can indeed be operated smoothly, quietly, and environmentally friendly. The automatic only allows fourth gear from about 60 km/h, with fifth or sixth remaining locked at this speed. Even additional input via the "Plus" button does not enforce an earlier gear selection.

So, for example, if you're navigating narrow alleyways, you should expect the Tracer to rev higher than necessary—despite being able to roll along smoothly at lower RPMs in higher gears in manual mode. This is not only acoustically noticeable but also stylistically unsatisfying—especially for riders who value refined riding.

And now we come to the most problematic point: With the Tracer 9 GT+ 2025, Yamaha is rolling out the new Y-AMT system as standard—forcing all buyers of the top variant to use the fully automated gearbox. A manual option is not available. This compulsion makes the weaknesses of the Y-AMT, which aren't overly dramatic on their own, weigh much more heavily.

Anyone who rides the Tracer 9 GT+ 2025 in everyday life will quickly realize: the real allure of the new Y-AMT system lies not in the automatic mode, but in the manual mode. A quick press of the finger is all it takes for the rider to regain full control over gear selection. And this is where the system suddenly shines: gear changes are precise, crisp, with clear feedback—whether shifting up or down. Combined with the ride modes Street, Rain, Custom 1, Custom 2, and Sport, the bike's characteristics can be further tailored. Especially in the Custom modes, you have full freedom to adjust the electronic aids to your own riding style.

The operation initially requires some adjustment, as the left hand is unusually involved in shifting. The new Yamaha indicators, with their unconventional design and operation—where Yamaha aimed to reinvent the wheel—further complicate matters, as the handlebar controls appear larger and more unfamiliar. However, those who embrace the concept will be rewarded: the Tracer, even with Y-AMT, quickly feels as familiar and engaging as previous models. The system particularly excels in curves, offering smooth gear changes and precise response—manual shifting here is truly enjoyable.

In more pragmatic situations, it has almost become a necessity to manually select the gears in urban environments or on narrow roads. In automatic mode, the peculiarities of the algorithm can be bothersome, and the shifting behavior inappropriate. Conveniently, if you forget to downshift when stopping in manual mode, the system timely disengages the clutch and shifts down the gears before the engine can stall.

The Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ 2025 presents itself as a modern high-tech motorcycle—complete with Keyless-Go, radar technologies, adaptive high beams, and the automated Y-AMT gearbox. However, this combination brings with it some peculiarities in everyday use that you should be aware of. For example, if you want to park the motorcycle on a slope, you'll find that—even with first gear engaged—the bike rolls. The reason lies in the Y-AMT system, where the electronically controlled clutch automatically disengages when the ignition is on. The solution: turn off the engine, then switch off the ignition—a brief "Bzzzt" signals that the gear is now engaged. This reliably prevents rolling away—cleverly solved, once you know it.

Refueling or maneuvering becomes a bit more cumbersome. If you want to quickly push the motorcycle out of the way, you encounter the next issue: with a gear engaged and the ignition off, the bike can't be maneuvered, as neutral can't be engaged with a quick kick as usual. First, you need the key within range, the ignition activated, and the front brake applied for the clutch to disengage again. This procedure will undoubtedly become second nature to owners. However, these quirks are particularly noticeable when transitioning from a conventional motorcycle.

Another detail concerns the safety logic of the Keyless-Go system: to prevent accidental battery drain, the motorcycle beeps about five seconds after the engine is turned off. What is intended as a protective function can be a bit annoying during touring, such as when you want to spontaneously take a photo by the roadside, quickly grab something from your bag, ask for directions with the ignition on, or pay a toll. If the motorcycle only beeped after thirty or sixty seconds, I believe safety would still be adequately addressed. It's not a big deal, but overall, it's a point that could use some fine-tuning in an otherwise well-thought-out operating concept.

A true highlight of the Tracer 9 GT+ 2025 is the new radar system, which enables adaptive cruise control (ACC), a braking support system, and collision warning. Especially on long highway stretches with heavy traffic, the radar cruise control is invaluable: set at 145 km/h, the system automatically maintains a safe distance from the vehicle in front, brakes independently, and accelerates just as automatically. Even when you switch hands on the handlebars or handle a tank bag, the speed remains constant and secure. The distance can be adjusted in several stages, and the system's responses are controlled and unobtrusive. This allows you to cover the miles in maximum comfort as an attentive passenger.

Temperatures reaching up to 35 °C, torrential downpours, and hot filming rides—during our crossover tour, not only were the bikes and we challenged, but so was our gear. The versatile soft luggage solutions from SW-Motech expanded our storage, and textile suits from Modeka made the tour as comfortable as possible. Both Poky's Modeka Lucano suit, Amelie's Striker III Lady suit, and my Aeris II suit stood out with pragmatic qualities like well-distributed pockets, cooling ventilation areas, and comfortable wear. Meanwhile, our sweaty heads were adorned with HJC F100 Carbon helmets, which are even more comfortable to wear than traditional flip-up helmets due to their flip-back system. The versatility of our gear was completed by the Cardo Packtalk Pro communication systems on our helmets, ensuring coordination on even the most chaotic tours.

The Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ Y-AMT passed our crossover tour with flying colors, providing enjoyable hours in the saddle and performing largely flawlessly. Nevertheless, I view this motorcycle as a potential misstep by Yamaha. On one hand, it offers, alongside the proven Tracer package of sportiness and touring qualities, extremely advanced technologies like radar-assisted systems usually reserved for top-tier adventure tourers. On the other hand, you have to fork out a hefty sum—€21,199 in Austria—for this bike. For this steep price, you need to be interested in both the Tracer and its technologies. It's likely not every potential buyer will want to switch to the new Y-AMT shifting technology. By mandating Y-AMT, Yamaha might significantly reduce the pool of potential customers, although a conventional gearbox, as seen in the manual version of the Tracer 9 GT, should easily fit into the GT+. Whether this decision will negatively impact the sales of the Tracer 9 GT+ Y-AMT remains to be seen. Aside from the Y-AMT mandate, the Tracer 9 GT+ is a fantastic touring motorcycle with few weaknesses.

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