Technology becomes affordable: Motorcycle with radar for 105,000 shekels

Yamaha's Tracer 900 was introduced in 2015 as the sport-touring version on the popular MT-09 platform with its unique triple engine. Since then, it has undergone two significant updates, and in the third generation in 2021, it received an upgraded engine with its displacement increasing from 847 cc to 889 cc, and the power climbed to 119 hp.

For 2023, Yamaha introduced the Tracer GT Plus, which was launched this week by the importer Metro Motor in Israel. The touring version of the Tracer includes extensive equipment such as boxes and suitcases, a high windscreen, and an especially comfortable seat. There is also a semi-active electronic suspension system that adjusts the damping according to the riding condition and feedback from the asphalt.

And most importantly: for the first time on a Yamaha motorcycle, the Tracer 900 incorporates a radar system that serves as the basis for adaptive cruise control, which, like in cars, changes the speed of the motorcycle according to the speed of traffic ahead. In new cars, it is already almost standard from family cars and up, and in recent years it has been starting to make its way into the world of two-wheelers.

The cruise control can be adjusted in four settings that determine the distance from the car ahead and is active in a speed range from 30 to 160 km/h. In the first two gears, the system does not increase speed during, for example, a turn but does gradually increase speed while the signal is on and the rider is overtaking.

The system is operated through a new 7-inch TFT screen, which is controlled by a new joystick on the handlebar. The screen naturally offers cellular connectivity through a dedicated Yamaha application and includes navigation software. In addition, the system performs active braking when it detects a hazard ahead.

Until now, to purchase a motorcycle with this technology in Israel, which is already offered in the more expensive models of Ducati, BMW, and KTM, riders had to pay from 150,000 to over 200,000 shekels. The Tracer 900 GT Plus will be substantially cheaper, with a price of 105,000 shekels.