Kiwi Rider Podcast 2022 | E28
In this week's show, Ray talked us through his insurance win, we have
Yamaha's Tracer 9 GT already is a technological leader in the Japanese brand's lineup, and in 2024 it takes a further step forward. Now for 2024, we see the model take a further step ahead with the introduction of radar technology to the bike’s impressive tech package.
Headlining the updates for 2024 is the adoption of adaptive cruise control (ACC) in a first for the Yamaha brand. Yamaha’s ACC system utilises an in-built millimetre wave radar that constantly measures the distance from the vehicle immediately ahead of the Tracer 9GT+. The system automatically controls cruising speed, deceleration and acceleration to suit the situation.
This functions through a new Garmin-ready (meaning it is able to run the Garmin Motorise navigation app) 7-inch TFT display, which is programmed to display a rider intervention request icon when the ACC system senses that the bike is too close to the vehicle in front.
In a first for the motorcycling world, the Tracer 9GT+ will debut a radar-linked Unified Brake System (UBS). According to Yamaha, the new system is an active design that offers increased controllability by using data from the radar unit combined with the 6-axis IMU to assist and regulate front and rear braking forces. This all goes 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, the 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 system will also automatically slow the TRACER 9 GT+ when a pre-selected following distance is reached while running the adaptive cruise control, 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.
While the UBS system is designed to provide additional braking assistance, Yamaha has made it clear that it is not a collision avoidance system.
The tech injection continues with KYB electrically controlled semi-active suspension that features two modes - Sport or Comfort - and links in with the IMU for optimal control of dampening. The Tracer 9 GT+ also scores new switchgear to control the bike’s extensive suite of electronics, a refined height adjustable seat and a larger diameter rear brake disc along with a new rear brake pedal.
Pricing for the 2024 Tracer 9 GT+ is set at $28,299 with bikes already arriving in dealers.
