Low maintenance chain
Tracer 9 GT+ also receives DID’s latest low maintenance chain. This features DLC coated rollers for excellent durability and reduced resistance. As a result, chain life is increased, and the need for adjustment is reduced, plus the motorcycle is easier to push around.
Another small, but practical, change has been made to the fuel pump sender, which has been optimised to allow for an even more accurate readout through the TFT dashboard.
Millimetre wave radar based rider aids
As well as Adaptive Cruise Control and the Unified Brake System and Forward Collision Warning, utilising the front millimetre wave radar, the Tracer 9 GT+ is fitted with a rear millimetre wave radar providing Blind Spot Detection. All these systems use data from the front and rear millimetre wave radar that detects the distance and presence of vehicles around the motorcycle. Weighing only 200g, the compact radar units are situated behind integrated covers at the front and rear of the Tracer 9 GT+.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
TRACER 9 GT+ comes equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and this advanced system offers all the advantages of cruise control together with the ability to automatically maintain a fixed distance from the vehicle ahead. Working in conjunction with Y-AMT, true fully automated shifting while the adaptive cruise control is engaged vastly reduces the fatigue of long-distance travel.
The front integrated millimetre wave radar constantly measures the distance from the vehicle immediately ahead of the Tracer 9 GT+ and sends signals to the ACC, which automatically controls cruising speed, deceleration and acceleration to suit the road situation as it evolves.
The ACC is adjustable, and when the machine is in motion its rider can select one of four different following distance options to suit their individual preferences, displayed as one bar for shortest following distance, and four bars for the longest following distance. ACC offers a number of advantages, including reducing rider fatigue by requiring fewer rider inputs, as well as ensuring improved ride quality by maintaining a constant following distance, and also promoting smooth traffic flow.
When the ACC system is active a green icon (with grey for standby) displays on the TFT dashboard, showing between one and four white bars beneath a car icon to confirm the selected following distance. When ACC determines the rider is too close to the vehicle in front, or if it senses that the machine’s current acceleration/deceleration status will soon lead to the rider getting too close, rider intervention request icon appears on the dashboard to notify the rider that appropriate action is required to avoid following too close.
ACC operates between 30 km/h and 160 km/h – in first and second gears from 30 km/h, in third and fourth gears from 40 km/h, and in fifth and sixth gears from 50 km/h. Speed can be increased and decreased in either 1 km/h or 10 km/h increments by pushing once or holding down the adjustment switch. ACC is deactivated by braking or rolling forward the throttle twist grip, beyond the throttle stop.
This easy to understand ACC status is shown in all screen modes including navigation mode and provides an additional rider aid that is designed to enhance the riding experience, particularly on busy highways.
Additional ACC functions
The ACC’s ‘passing assist’ accelerates the Tracer 9 GT + more smoothly than normal when it senses that the bike’s flasher is turned on and the motorcycle is performing an overtaking manoeuvre.
ACC is also integrated with the engine, braking and electronic suspension, and in order to maintain the pre-selected distance to the vehicle ahead, the engine braking and brakes are activated – in that order – to slow the bike. At the same time the electronic suspension’s damping force is adjusted to reduce excess pitching when brakes are applied to help maintain chassis stability.
With its ability to intervene automatically and adjust levels of speed, throttle opening, engine braking, braking and suspension when following a vehicle – as well as when cornering and overtaking – the sophisticated ACC provides a natural and seamless riding experience. Used for the very first time on a Yamaha, this best-in-class electronic technology takes highway comfort to a whole new level.
The easy to operate ACC reduces the rider’s mental and physical inputs and gives enhanced comfort and convenience for an unrivalled ride quality, making the Tracer 9 GT + Yamaha’s ultimate Sport Tourer.
Radar-linked front/rear assisted Unified Brake System
As the flagship model in Yamaha’s Sport Touring line, the Tracer 9 GT+ also utilises the radar-linked Unified Brake System (UBS).
The new system is an active design offering increased controllability by using data from the millimetre wave radar and the six-axis IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) to assist and regulate front and rear braking forces, via the Bosch hydraulic power unit that help control and bias of the braking system.
The radar-linked Unified Brake System works in addition to the Brake Control function found on other specifications of TRACER 9. With the radar constantly checking surroundings, it offers the added safety benefit of intervention when the system detects the motorcycle is too close to a vehicle in front.
The radar-linked Unified Brake System constantly analyses the following distance data provided by 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+.
When activated, the ACC system will also automatically slow the Tracer 9 GT+ when a pre-selected following distance is reached, but as soon as the rider manually applies 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 forward collision warning is switched on and the rider is braking – it is not a collision avoidance system and can be overridden by the rider.
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 also connected to the electronic suspension, and as well as assisting and regulating front and rear braking forces it adjusts front and rear suspension damping to help the ABS always operates whether the BC is turned ON or OFF.
Blind Spot Detection
Utilising the rear millimetre wave radar, the rider will be notified via indicators integrated in the rear view mirrors, if there is a vehicle present in the ‘blind spot’ of the bike. The radar will monitor vehicles approaching from the rear and determine if they stay in the areas which may not be clearly visible to the rider; if so, the indicator in the mirror will flash as a warning. While this function does “check” the area around the motorcycle, it is only a support feature and still requires the rider to check manually while riding.
Smart Key and Central Locking System
The Tracer 9 GT+ is equipped with a Smart Key system which allows keyless operation of the ignition, fuel filler cap and steering lock. In addition, the system controls the locking system of the standard fitment side cases and accessory top case. A Body Control Module (BCM) receives inputs from the Smart Key, enabling the cases to be detached or opened/unlocked. To maximise convenience these run on a wireless power supply, without the need for couplers or cables to be inserted or removed.
Price and availability
Tracer 9 GT+ will be available in Cobalt Blue. Delivery dates to dealers and price is not yet set. Other Tracer models have been announced for different markets but currently the only model arriving to Australia is the top-of-the range Tracer 9 GT+.