Radar-linked front/rear assisted Unified Brake System
As the flagship model in Yamaha’s Sport Touring line, the TRACER 9 GT+ has been chosen to debut a range of innovative new best-in-class technology – including the motorcycling world’s first ever radar-linked Unified Brake System (UBS).
The new system is an active design that offers increased controllability by using data from the millimetre wave radar and the 6-axis IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) to assist and regulate front and rear braking forces, via the Bosch hydraulic unit that optimises control and bias of the braking system.
There are three main elements to the radar-linked Unified Brake System that operate only when the BC (Brake Control) is turned ON. Firstly, brake assist intervenes when the system detects that a collision is imminent. Secondly, front/rear brake assistance adjusts braking forces to both wheels for stable deceleration. And thirdly, cornering brake control automatically adjusts braking force to inhibit tyre slippage when the machine is leaned over.
The radar-linked, Unified Brake System constantly analyses following distance data from the millimetre wave radar. If the system calculates that the rider’s braking inputs are insufficient to prevent a collision with the vehicle ahead it will increase brake pressure to the front and rear wheels to help slow the TRACER 9 GT+.
The previously described ACC system will also automatically slow the TRACER 9 GT+ when a pre-selected following distance is reached, but as soon as the rider applies the brakes the ACC is deactivated – and at this point the radar-linked Unified Brake System will intervene if it determines that the rider’s braking inputs are not sufficient to prevent a collision.
The system provides additional braking assistance and will only intervene when the BC is turned ON and the rider is braking – it is not a collision avoidance system.
The second element is the front/rear assisted Unified Brake System that adjusts front/rear braking force distribution. When only the front brake is used by the rider the hydraulic unit automatically applies braking force to the rear wheel, with the degree of intervention calculated using IMU data related to changes in acceleration and lean angle. When the only the rear brake is used the system will sometimes – but not always – apply additional braking force to the front wheel via the hydraulic unit depending on the brake pedal input and IMU data regarding the bike’s attitude.
The third element is the cornering brake control. This is in effect a ‘cornering brake control’ system that takes into account machine running data from the IMU and instantly adjusts the rider’s braking forces to inhibit tyre slippage.
The radar-linked Unified Brake System is linked to the electronic suspension, and as well as assisting and regulating front and rear braking forces it also adjusts front and rear suspension damping to maintain chassis stability. ABS always operates whether the BC is turned ON or OFF.
Millimetre wave radar
Both the new Adaptive Cruise Control and the radar-linked Unified Brake System use data from the new millimetre wave radar that detects the distance of the vehicle immediately ahead of the motorcycle. Weighing only 200g, this compact, integrated radar unit is situated behind a new protective cover at the front of the TRACER 9 GT+.
Both the new Adaptive Cruise Control and the radar-linked Unified Brake System use data from the new millimetre wave radar that detects the distance of the vehicle immediately ahead of the motorcycle. Weighing only 200g, this compact, integrated radar unit is situated behind a new protective cover at the front of the TRACER 9 GT+.
New 7in full colour TFT meter
TRACER 9 GT+ riders have a choice of three different screen themes with the new full-colour TFT high luminosity meter. Each screen theme is designed to convey a different feeling to suit different riding styles and varying personal preferences. With options giving a clean, contemporary look, a stripped down sports style or a visual identity inspired by Yamaha’s Jin-Ki Kanno development ideal, there is a visual theme to suit each rider.
TRACER 9 GT+ riders have a choice of three different screen themes with the new full-colour TFT high luminosity meter. Each screen theme is designed to convey a different feeling to suit different riding styles and varying personal preferences. With options giving a clean, contemporary look, a stripped down sports style or a visual identity inspired by Yamaha’s Jin-Ki Kanno development ideal, there is a visual theme to suit each rider.
In all three meter themes the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is featured prominently, enabling riders to instantly see the system’s distance setting and selected cruising speed.
New smartphone connectivity
Smartphone connectivity comes as standard on the TRACER 9 GT+ for an enriched riding experience. A Communication Control Unit enables riders to link their smartphone with the machine using Yamaha’s free MyRide app. The connection can be made via USB*, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, and once connected the rider can view information on incoming calls, emails and messages on the TFT instruments. Riders and passengers can also listen to music and respond to calls with a Bluetooth-connected headset*, adding a new dimension to every ride, whether long distance touring or commuting to work.
TRACER 9 GT+ riders can also view a range of menus and functions using the new ergonomic controls on the left handlebar, and when the bike isn’t moving its new high luminosity 7-inch TFT screen is able to display everything from weather reports to detailed notifications.
*Not included with the Tracer 9 GT+
New Garmin full-screen navigation capability
Garmin full-screen navigation can be easily installed, all the rider needs to do is connect their smartphone via the free MyRide app and download the Garmin Motorise app**. A full-screen navigation window can be opened on the connected TFT instruments, and the TRACER 9 GT+ rider can select from a choice of different types of routes – such as fastest, shortest, highway and more – and spoken turn-by-turn directions can be sent to a paired Bluetooth-connected headset*. Map data is downloaded to the smartphone and so the rider can still access navigation even when the smartphone signal may be temporarily lost in certain locations.
Garmin full-screen navigation can be easily installed, all the rider needs to do is connect their smartphone via the free MyRide app and download the Garmin Motorise app**. A full-screen navigation window can be opened on the connected TFT instruments, and the TRACER 9 GT+ rider can select from a choice of different types of routes – such as fastest, shortest, highway and more – and spoken turn-by-turn directions can be sent to a paired Bluetooth-connected headset*. Map data is downloaded to the smartphone and so the rider can still access navigation even when the smartphone signal may be temporarily lost in certain locations.
Navigation functions include real time traffic, estimated time of arrival, and alternative routes to avoid congestion. Other useful functions are the distance that can be ridden with the remaining fuel, and real time updates display local weather information as well as the weather situation at the chosen destination, and a weekly weather forecast.
Garmin Motorise also includes rider alerts that provide information on potential hazards such as sharp bends – and prevailing speed limits are displayed. There’s also a PhotoReal junction view that is automatically displayed in a split screen format when approaching a junction, giving information on the best lane to use for the next exit.
The Garmin Motorise app can be operated by a joystick and home button on the left handlebar while the machine is stationary – but the app is locked and cannot be operated when the motorcycle is moving.
New third generation quickshifter integrated with ACC
Unlike conventional cruise control systems which disengage when a rider uses the clutch or shifts gear, TRACER 9 GT+ riders can change gear using the new third gen quickshifter even when the ACC is active.
Unlike conventional cruise control systems which disengage when a rider uses the clutch or shifts gear, TRACER 9 GT+ riders can change gear using the new third gen quickshifter even when the ACC is active.
This new cutting edge Sport Tourer is the first Yamaha to be equipped with the third generation quickshifter that gives an even wider range of functionality by allowing clutchless downshifts when decelerating and clutchless upshifts when accelerating. For example, if the rider is cruising with ACC active at 100 km/h in sixth gear and is then automatically slowed by a car in front, the rider can downshift to suit the reduced riding speed without the ACC disengaging. Similarly, when cruising downhill with ACC in a lower gear the rider can shift up to reduce engine braking without losing ACC.
In order to retain a natural riding feeling the third generation quickshifter will not operate in certain situations where engine rpm is extremely low or high, and also when the machine is neither accelerating nor decelerating. In these circumstances the quickshifter icon on the new TFT instrument meter will indicate whether or not the quickshifter can be used, and once the speed or rpm is changed the system will resume operation.
** Garmin Motorise requires a subscription service agreement
* Not included with Tracer 9 GT +
Integrated KYB electrically controlled KADS semi-active suspension
The TRACER 9 GT+ is equipped with the most advanced electronic control technology to be found on any production Yamaha motorcycle, underlining Yamaha’s commitment to the Sport Touring category. The new generation KADS (KYB Actimatic Damper System) electronically controlled suspension system has been developed jointly with KYB and is designed to provide exciting sports performance together with an extremely comfortable ride.
In order to retain a natural riding feeling the third generation quickshifter will not operate in certain situations where engine rpm is extremely low or high, and also when the machine is neither accelerating nor decelerating. In these circumstances the quickshifter icon on the new TFT instrument meter will indicate whether or not the quickshifter can be used, and once the speed or rpm is changed the system will resume operation.
** Garmin Motorise requires a subscription service agreement
* Not included with Tracer 9 GT +
Integrated KYB electrically controlled KADS semi-active suspension
The TRACER 9 GT+ is equipped with the most advanced electronic control technology to be found on any production Yamaha motorcycle, underlining Yamaha’s commitment to the Sport Touring category. The new generation KADS (KYB Actimatic Damper System) electronically controlled suspension system has been developed jointly with KYB and is designed to provide exciting sports performance together with an extremely comfortable ride.
This fully integrated front and rear suspension system is governed by the 6-axis IMU which monitors various sensors and automatically adjusts the damping forces via the Hydraulic Unit (HU) and Suspension Control Unit (SCU). KADS can be set in Sport or Comfort mode and is able to adapt itself to a wide variety of riding styles by constantly adjusting damping forces to suit the prevailing riding conditions. By analysing IMU data including the bike’s lean angle and acceleration, this sophisticated suspension system delivers a high quality ride with unmatched roadholding and elevated feelings, providing levels of confidence that confirm the TRACER 9GT+ as Yamaha’s ultimate Sport Tourer.
Like every other electronic system featured on this highly capable motorcycle, the KYB suspension is fully integrated to always ensure stable handling performance, and it operates in conjunction with the ACC, front/rear assist Unified Brake System, as well as the radar-linked Unified Brake System and brake control.
The electronically controlled suspension’s handling characteristics are also affected by the integrated riding modes selection, and damping settings are instantaneously adjusted via a solenoid to achieve a smooth and comfortable ride in a variety of load and riding conditions.