Now in its third generation (and third name), the 2021 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT sport-tourer is better in every way. (Photo by Joe Agustin)

Over three generations, Yamaha?s middleweight sport-tourer has evolved steadily, and like a shapeshifter, it has morphed between three different model names. First came the 2015 FJ-09, then the 2019 Tracer 900 GT, and now the 2021 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT.

With each iteration, the FJ/Tracer has raised its game, with better performance, wider-ranging capabilities, and more features.

Here are our top 10 highlights of the 2021 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT:

1. That Triple!

The 2021 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT gets the larger, lighter, more fuel efficient 890cc Triple from the MT-09.

In a world full of parallel-Twins, V-Twins and inline-Fours, an inline-Triple marches to a different drummer. It produces good low- to midrange torque as well as a top-end rush, and its sound is truly unique. The Tracer 9 GT gets the larger 890cc CP3 (Cross Plane 3-cylinder) Triple from the MT-09, which is lighter (by 3.7 pounds), more fuel efficient (by 9%), and more powerful (with 6% more peak torque).
Yamaha?s Y-CCT (Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle) throttle-by-wire setup now uses an APSG (Accelerator Position Sensor Grip) for a smoother connection between the loud handle and the rear wheel. Fueling issues that plagued the FJ-09 were mostly solved on the Tracer 900 GT, and the Tracer 9 GT feels even more refined. A 15% increase in crankshaft inertia further smooths out...