After much wait, Yamaha has finally launched the updated Tracer 9 GT+ in America. The motorcycle has some notable updates, all of which are enough to cause a massive stir in the middleweight adventure bike segment. But to succeed, the Yammie will need to take on some established names such as the Ducati Multistrada V2. The Italian ADV is no short of protagonist in the segment, donning the super-credible Multistrada nameplate. So if you have $17,000 to spare, there’s a high chance you’ll end up comparing these two. And to make your life easier, we thought we’d do it for you. Here goes.
2024 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ vs Ducati Multistrada V2 - Engine
| Specification | Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ | Ducati Multistrada V2 |
| Engine | 889cc, triple-cylinder | 937cc, twin-cylinder |
| Peak power | 117 horsepower @ 10,000 RPM | 113 horsepower @ 9,000 RPM |
| Peak torque | 68.5 pound-feet @ 7,000 RPM | 71 pound-feet @ 7,750 RPM |
| Transmission | Six-speed | Six-speed |
| Weight | 492 pounds | 496 pounds |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 0.237-HP/pound | 0.227-HP/pound |
If you’re a firm believer in the “no replacement for displacement” notion, this will be an eye-opener. Even with less cubic capacity, the Tracer 9 GT+ has a respectable four-horsepower advantage over the middleweight Multi. Add to this its lower weight, and you’re looking at a higher power-to-weight ratio as well.
However, it isn’t a clean sweep. Being a twin, it’s the Multistrada V2 that produces more torque between the two. Its power output also kicks in 1k RPM earlier, so you’ll have more tractability overall. We’d still give this one to the Tracer, solely on the basis of outright grunt.
2024 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ vs Ducati Multistrada V2 - Underpinnings And Dimensions
| Specification | Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ | Ducati Multistrada V2 |
| Frame | Diamond | Steel trellis |
| Front suspension | 41 mm KYB upside-down forks | 48 mm Marzocchi upside-down forks |
| Travel | 5.1 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Rear suspension | Monoshock | Monoshock |
| Travel | 5.4 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Front brake | 2x 298 mm discs | 2x 320 mm discs |
| Rear brake | 267 mm single disc | 265 mm single disc |
| Wheel size | 17/17-inch (F/R) | 19/17-inch (F/R) |
| Wheelbase | 59.1 inches | 62.8 inches |
| Seat height | 32.3 inches | 32.7 inches |
| Fuel tank capacity | 5-gallon (18.7 liters) | 5.3-gallon (20 liters) |
Yamaha dubs its Tracer 9 GT+ as a ‘sport tourer. While, Ducati calls its Multistrada an ‘adventure tourer’. And this difference becomes quite evident in the underpinnings department. Starting with the latter, the V2 provides you with more suspension travel at each end, bigger front brakes, and a 19-inch front wheel to enable decent off-road ability. Similarly, you also get a longer wheelbase that’ll help you stay in control when the rear steps out in hare situations.
On the contrary, the Tracer 9 GT+ focuses on tarmac duties. A shorter wheelbase, 17-inch hoops, and a lower seat height should make it an agile handler on the paved tarmac, including twisties. So the final choice is solely down to your preference in this respect.
2024 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ vs Ducati Multistrada V2 - Features And Design
| Feature | Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ | Ducati Multistrada V2 |
| Instrument cluster | 7-inch TFT | 5-inch TFT |
| Traction control | Yes | Yes |
| Ride modes | Yes (Four) | Yes (Four) |
| Smartphone connectivity | Yes | No |
| Adaptive cruise control | Yes | No |
| Radar-guided brakes | Yes | No |
| Quickshifter | Bi-directional | Bi-directional |
| Electronic suspension | Yes | Yes |
| Heated grips | Yes | No |
| Wheelie control and slide control | Yes | No |
| Saddlebags | Yes | No |
This is where the Yamaha lands a MASSIVE punch right on the Multistrada’s face. Not only does it promise better electronics, but you also get creature comforts like saddlebags and heated grips as standard equipment here. The crown jewel, meanwhile, is the front radar system which enables adaptive cruise control and radar-guided linked brakes, only found on much more expensive bikes. If that’s not a win, we don’t know what is.
As for the design, both motorcycles look the same as their previous selves. Neither manufacturer has changed the aesthetics in a couple of years now, so it comes down to personal preference. We, for one, dig the Multistrada V2 thanks to its new Thrilling Black livery.
2024 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ vs Ducati Multistrada V2 - Price And Verdict
| 2024 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ | $16,499 |
| 2024 Ducati Multistrada V2 S | $18,895 |
In all aspects, the Tracer 9 GT+ has had an answer for the Multistrada V2. And it only gets better when you look at the MSRP. The new Yamaha undercuts the Multistrada V2 S by a sizable $2,350 which, we think, makes it the more well-rounded motorcycle here. That being said, if you like off-roading and don’t mind a few compromises, then you should pick the Multistrada V2 S.
So what’s your final pick? Would you go the ramen way or the pizza way? Let us know in the comments.