Yamaha
There may not be much in the way of all-new Yamaha models for 2023, but there are a host of substantial updates to the company's existing range including the introduction of its first radar-equipped bike.
Adding a Bosch front radar sensor to the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT to create the Tracer 9 GT+, Yamaha has created the most mainstream model yet to use radar technology. It also makes an already attractive package even more desirable in the process.
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| Tracer 9 GT |
While the basics of the Tracer 9 GT are unchanged, the addition of radar - tucked almost invisibly below the nose fairing - means the GT+ has adaptive cruise control, monitoring the distance to the vehicle ahead and keeping safely away from it by modulating the throttle and brakes. Yamaha has also added an up/down quickshifter to the GT+, which allows the rider to shift gears without using the clutch or disengaging the cruise control. The bike won't brake hard using the radar, but it will alert the rider if the vehicle ahead is slowing faster than it can manage.
Even without the cruise control engaged, the radar allows the GT+ to have a 'Brake Control' function, continuing to monitor the road ahead and stepping in to help if it believes you're not braking hard enough to prevent a collision. You need to be braking already for the system to work, but it will increase the brake force automatically to both the front and rear wheels to stop faster.
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| Niken GT |
As well as the radar, the GT+ gets a new seven-inch TFT dash with three screen layouts, allowing it to show the messages from the radar system. It also has phone connectivity, and the GT+ gains new bar controls to operate it, plus a new height-adjustable rider's seat and a larger rear brake disc.
The smaller Tracer 7 and Tracer 7 GT don't get the radar option, but are revised for 2023 with a new five-inch TFT dash and smartphone connectivity, plus larger 298 mm brakes, and similar upgrades are carried across to the naked MT-07 range.
Sticking with touring-oriented models, Yamaha has also revamped the three-wheeled Niken GT for 2023, essentially giving it a completely new engine and frame while leaving the styling and front suspension unchanged. The current model is only approved at Euro 4 level, but Euro 5 certification is required for any new bike sold from 1st January 2023 in Europe. To achieve that, Yamaha has added the largely new 890 cc three-cylinder engine from the latest MT-09 to replace the previous 847cc triple, and since the new engine's cylinders are at a different angle to the old version, a new chassis was also required.
As on the MT-09 and Tracer 9, the larger capacity comes from a longer stroke than before, but the Niken engine isn't identical to the other versions. Due to the three-wheeler's extra weight, Yamaha has added a heavier crankshaft, increasing the flywheel effect on the engine and making it harder to stall. It's a fraction less powerful than the MT-09 version, with 113.3 hp instead of 117.3 hp.
Looking across to Yamaha's sports bike range, the main change is the new R125. Carrying over the same chassis and variable valve timed, 11 kW 125 cc single-cylinder engine as the previous model, the 2023 bike is completely restyled, with a new fairing, fuel tank and lights, and gains a TFT dashboard and traction control for the first time.
Elsewhere in the 2023 line-up, the XMAX scooter models are also restyled, with a new fairing for the XMAX 300 and 125, while the higher-spec Tech MAX variants get a new 4.2-inch colour instrument display, adding smartphone connectivity, as well as 3.2-inch LCD speedometer. The lower-spec models have a single, 4.3-inch LCD dash.
