In the touring motorcycle segment, the globetrotting machines have been quite a sensation. But not every rider dreams of conquering continents or going beyond the pavement. Many simply want a comfortable touring rig that can deliver sporty performance while still handling mild off-road duties.
Modern riding needs modern solutions. Just like in the four-wheeler world, we have capable crossover motorcycles, one bike for every riding situation. Clearly, all major brands have a presence in this niche segment, and among them, here is a do-it-all motorcycle from Yamaha that does everything right off the bat.
How Modern Crossover Motorcycles Can Actually Do Everything
Gone are the days when motorcycles were divided into neat categories. If you are looking for sporty performance from your touring machine, you would naturally incline towards sport tourers such as the Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX or the Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+. Similarly, for rugged offbeat touring, the Honda Africa Twin or BMW R 1300 GS would probably be a good choice.
On the same front, then came a new breed of crossover motorcycles. These models share the same DNA as high-performance sport tourers, combined with the tall stance and relaxed ergonomics of the ADVs. Meaning, long travel suspension paired with an upright riding stance and engine tuned for both touring comfort and blistering performance.
As a result, crossover motorcycles feel just as confident on the freeway as they do carving through backroads, and just as practical for daily use as they are for long-distance touring. Today, the new segment offers a wide range, from compact options like the Honda NX500 to full-size beasts such as the BMW M 1000 XR. However, not all can balance the act of being a jack of all trades as much as the middleweight contender from Yamaha we are about to dig into.
The Middleweight Touring Bike With Honda Reliability And BMW-Level Road Manners
The Tracer 9 is all that is good about Honda and BMW, and it is in an affordable package.
The Tracer 9 Is The Yamaha Motorcycle That Gets It All Right
Not too long ago, Yamaha took a more focused approach to the U.S. market by discontinuing the high-spec Tracer 9 GT and GT+ models. Now, the brand only offers the base Tracer 9, while the GT+ is available globally with radar tech and Yamaha’s Y-AMT transmission. Despite this, the standard Tracer 9 truly covers every base, sitting comfortably between the dirt-focused Tenere 700 and the long-haul powerhouse FJR1300ES. What you get is a smooth triple-cylinder power, a lightweight chassis, and rider-focused tech, all wrapped in a package that feels approachable yet exciting.
Mid-Weight All-Rounder At Mid-Premium Pricing
Yamaha has also nailed the pricing formula with the Tracer 9, starting at $12,599. That’s more evident when you compare with rivals. The Triumph Tiger 900 GT, priced at $15,195, and the Honda NT1100, at $11,899, lean heavily into touring comfort, while Yamaha keeps things agile. Meanwhile, the BMW F 900 XR starts slightly lower at $11,995, but the Tracer 9 delivers more usable performance and better-equipped features without the expensive add-ons.
10 Bikes That Prove You Don’t Need Two Motorcycles To Do It All
The most powerful motorcycle here is a 150-horsepower Suzuki sports tourer with a Gixxer-sourced four-cylinder engine.
The CP3 Triple-Cylinder Engine That Defines Versatility
One of the main strengths that Yamaha got right with Tracer is its CP3 inline-triple engine. Although it is right out of the Yamaha MT-09, the Crossplane Concept three‑cylinder has been tuned for smooth and tractable power. The liquid-cooled 890cc DOHC short stroke engine features a bore of 78.0mm and a stroke of 62.1mm, delivering high-revving performance with everyday usability. Then, at a higher compression of 11.5:1, you get better efficiency without sacrificing reliability.
Smooth, Strong, And Spirited Power Delivery
With an output of 117 horsepower at 10,000 rpm and 68.6 pound-feet of torque at 7,000 rpm, the Tracer is bang in the middle of the competition. More importantly, it delivers smooth, linear torque early in the rev range, adding to its versatile nature. The six-speed manual gearbox paired with an assist and slipper clutch keeps gear changes light and controlled.
Further, as an option, Yamaha offers a quickshifter for seamless upshifts and downshifts. Fuel injection is managed by Yamaha’s Chip Controlled Throttle system, so throttle response always feels sharp. Fuel efficiency is also among the right on Tracer 9, with a claimed average of 48 mpg. You can expect a range of around 240 miles with a 5-gallon fuel tank.
The Middleweight Japanese Adventure Bike That Can Do It All
The adventure bike in context is based on the Tenere 700 but brings more do-it-all abilities for extra money
Platform That Balances Touring Comfort With Sporty Fun
Just like the engine, the Tracer 9 shares its foundation with the MT-09 platform, which means you get the same fun factor but in a taller, touring-focused package. It is built around a diamond-type aluminum frame and has a 59.1-inch wheelbase, offering stability while keeping overall weight down to 483 pounds. Also, with a 24.4-degree rake and 4.2 inches of trail, you can expect flickability that feels close to a naked bike. On top of that, the seat height is adjustable between 33.3 and 33.9 inches, making it suitable for a wide range of riders.
Speaking of its tall stance, you get just over five inches of suspension travel at both front and rear. Supported by 41mm KYB inverted forks up front and a KYB monoshock at the rear. You can also adjust preload and rebound at both ends. Braking is solid with dual 298mm discs up front and a 267mm disc at the rear, all backed by lean-sensitive ABS. Its sporty all-rounder nature is further enhanced with the 17-inch SpinForged wheel setup slapped with road-biased tires.
The Yamaha That Combines Real-World Speed With Everyday Usability
Commute, corner-carving, or hooliganism… the MT-09 is always ready to play no matter what
Modern Features Wrapped In Sleek Aesthetics
As mentioned earlier, unlike its international Tracer 9 GT+ model, the standard Tracer 9 keeps things just about right with rider-focused features. It starts with a seven-inch full-color TFT display offering smartphone connectivity and three display themes. Backed by Yamaha’s YCC-T ride-by-wire system and a six-axis IMU, you get five ride modes (three preset and two customizable), along with cornering ABS, cornering traction control, back-slip regulation, slide control, lift control, and cruise control. In addition, you can turn off these when you want to ride raw.
Coming to aesthetics, Yamaha has kept the Tracer uber sleek and narrow. All supported by a well-sorted riding geometry that ensures an upright and comfortable saddle time. To add to that, you get full LED lighting, including cornering lights, a manually adjustable windscreen, a wide handlebar, and a cozy seat. Practicality comes from standard hard-sided cases that can fit a full-face helmet and a USB-C charging port with a smartphone storage box. Ultimately, Tracer 9 checks every box, from sporty performance to everyday practicality in one cohesive package.
Sources: Yamaha Motorsports