Innovative 2024 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ Rider Aids

The 2024 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ is a groundbreaking sport touring motorcycle that combines cutting-edge technology with advanced safety features to deliver an exceptional riding experience. This article explores the electronic rider aids available on the Tracer 9 GT+ and considers their usefulness in enhancing rider safety.

Leading Edge Motorcycle Innovation

Motorcycle technology has evolved rapidly in recent years, with manufacturers focusing on enhancing rider safety through the integration of electronic rider aids. The Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ is a prime example of this innovation, offering a comprehensive suite of electronic rider aids that provide riders with enhanced control, stability, and confidence on the road. We delve into the various electronic rider aids available on the Tracer 9 GT+, discussing their features and benefits, and explaining how they contribute to a safer riding experience.

Features That Enhance Rider Safety and Comfort

A good deal of motorcycle innovation in recent years has focused on increased safety and rider comfort, while at the same time improving performance.  The art and science of engineering is in finding a proper balance between what the rider can do, what the motorcycle can do, and what they can actually do together.  On-board computers and sensors are constantly evaluating conditions and making decisions on behalf of the rider. 

The six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) on the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ is a good example of just how far motorcycle technology has come.  The IMU is the brains behind many of the rider aids found on the Tracer.  For example, it informs the engine control unit (ECU) which in turn works with the Traction Control System, Slide Control System, and Front-wheel Lift Control System to minimize risk.  The IMU also informs the Hydraulic Control Unit which works with the Brake Control System to modulate brake pressure.  It even plays a critical role in the electronic suspension system by providing continuous input on riding conditions.  All of this technical wizardry works together to keep riders from getting too far ahead of their skill.   

Here’s a look at a few of the top Tracer 9 GT+ features that make sport touring riding a better experience all around.

Yamaha D-Mode

The Yamaha D-Mode, short for Drive Mode, is a rider aid that allows the rider to choose between different engine power delivery modes: “Standard,” “A,” and “B.” This feature offers significant benefits in terms of adaptability to various riding conditions and rider preferences.

By adjusting the engine’s performance characteristics, riders can tailor the bike’s power delivery to suit their riding style and road conditions. “Standard” mode provides a balanced performance, while “A” mode delivers maximum power for spirited riding, and “B” mode offers a softer throttle response for more relaxed cruising. This adaptability ensures that the motorcycle is responsive but still safe, no matter the situation.

Yamaha Traction Control System (TCS)

The Tracer 9 GT+ is equipped with a sophisticated Traction Control System (TCS) that continuously monitors wheel spin and adjusts engine output accordingly. This feature enhances safety by preventing wheel slip in various conditions such as rain or sand.

TCS is of course especially beneficial when riding on slippery surfaces or during hard acceleration. It helps maintain stability by reducing the likelihood of rear wheel spin and potential loss of control.  This ensures that riders can confidently navigate wet or uneven roads, improving overall safety.

Adaptive Cruise Control

Cruise control generally is a convenient feature that allows riders to maintain a constant speed without continuously working the throttle.  Adaptive Cruise Control takes the concept a step further.  Yamaha incorporated Millimeter Wave Radar in the Tracer 9 that enables the cruise control system to maintain a user set following distance. 

While primarily designed for comfort, it’s easy to see how adaptive cruise control contributes to safety by reducing rider fatigue on long journeys.

Yamaha Quick Shift System (QSS)

The Yamaha Quick Shift System (QSS) enables seamless upshifts and downshifts without the need for clutch operation. It enhances both performance and safety by trivializing gear changes.  So much so that riders can even change gears without disengaging the cruise control.

QSS allows riders to shift gears effortlessly, promoting smoother acceleration and deceleration. This feature is particularly valuable when overtaking other vehicles or navigating challenging terrain. By reducing the need for clutch engagement, QSS minimizes the risk of rider error during gear changes, ultimately enhancing safety.

Yamaha’s Unified Brake System (UBS)

The Unified Brake System (UBS) on the Tracer 9 GT+ is designed to distribute braking force between the front and rear wheels, providing enhanced stability and control during braking.  The Millimeter Wave Radar unit sends inputs to the unified braking system to increase braking pressure (the rider must be braking in the first place) when closing on objects ahead.  Yamaha is quick to say this is not a collision avoidance system. 

Unified braking systems have long helped riders achieve more balanced and controlled braking, especially during emergency stops. By automatically distributing braking force to both wheels, it reduces the risk of front wheel lockup, which can result in loss of control. This technology significantly enhances rider safety in high-stress braking situations.

Yamaha Cornering ABS

The Tracer 9 GT+ features Cornering ABS, which is a sophisticated anti-lock braking system that adjusts brake pressure during cornering to prevent wheel lockup and maintain stability.

In emergency braking situations while cornering, standard ABS may not provide optimal results. Cornering ABS enhances safety by allowing riders to brake confidently and effectively, even when leaning into a curve. This technology reduces the risk of losing control and low-side crashes, making it a critical safety feature.

Yamaha KYB Electronic Suspension

The Tracer 9 GT+ is equipped with next generation electronic suspension which Yamaha dubbed the KYB Actimatic Damper System (KADS for short).  Working with KYB, Yamaha developed this system to provide sport bike performance with touring comfort.  Like so many components of the Tracer 9, KADS utilizes inputs from the IMU to make suspension adjustments in near-realtime based on current road and riding conditions.  The result being optimal riding comfort and control on any road.

A Look to The Future of Sport Touring

The 2024 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ represents a remarkable advancement in motorcycle technology, particularly in the realm of electronic rider aids. These aids, centered around an advanced inertial measurement unit, include Yamaha D-Mode, Traction Control System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Quick Shift System, Unified Brake System, Cornering ABS, and thew KYB Electronic Suspension.  Collectively they contribute to a safer and more enjoyable riding experience.

Whether it’s maintaining control during hard acceleration, navigating treacherous terrain, or confidently cornering at high speeds, the electronic rider aids on the Tracer 9 GT+ offer riders a sense of security and control that is invaluable for their safety.

Motorcycle technology will no doubt continue to evolve.  The Tracer 9 GT+ from Yamaha offers a look into the future.  Find all the specs at Yamaha Motorsports.