Computerized with ACC and electronic shifting! 5 latest Japanese tourers with advanced features for comfortable touring

Yamaha Tracer 9GT+ Y-AMT

The flagship of Yamaha’s large sports tourer is the Tracer 9GT+. The 2025 model will adopt the electronically controlled shift mechanism “Y-AMT,” and the name will be changed to “Tracer 9GT+ Y-AMT.” It is a noteworthy model that also incorporates a variety of other advanced features.

The conventional Tracer 9GT+ is an advanced version of the Tracer 9GT, which is equipped with an 888cc 3-cylinder engine, and adds advanced driving assistance systems such as ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control), which allows the car to follow the vehicle in front.

This is Yamaha’s first model to be equipped with millimeter-wave radar, and in addition to ACC, it also features the radar-linked UBS (Unified Brake System), which assists braking when there is a risk of collision with a vehicle ahead. It also comes equipped with a number of high-performance features, including an electronically controlled suspension that automatically optimizes damping force according to the situation, and a 7-inch high-brightness TFT meter that can display apps on the screen by connecting to a smartphone.

The 2025 model has evolved even further, adding a new radar to the rear of the vehicle in addition to the millimeter-wave radar at the front that detects obstacles and other vehicles. It also features new features such as BSD (Blind Spot Detection), which detects vehicles approaching from behind and displays them in the mirror.

In addition, as mentioned above, the new model is equipped with the Y-AMT. This is a newly developed automatic transmission that eliminates the need for a clutch lever or shift pedal, allowing gear changes to be performed using a shift lever mounted on the handlebars. By eliminating the need to operate the clutch or shift pedal, the rider has the advantage of being able to concentrate on other operations such as weight shifting, opening and closing the throttle, and braking.

The main function of the Y-AMT is that it has both an MT mode that allows manual gear changes using paddle shifters, and an AT mode that allows fully automatic gear changes. In MT mode, gear changes are performed using a seesaw-style shift lever on the left handlebar, allowing you to enjoy driving with a semi-automatic operation similar to that of a four-wheeled vehicle. In addition, the AT mode has two modes: “D” for gentle driving, and “D+” for sporty and agile driving, allowing you to select the mode that suits the situation.

In addition, when the Tracer 9GT+ Y-AMT is in AT mode and the ACC is operating, the Y-AMT not only selects gears while driving at a constant speed, but also automatically shifts gears depending on whether the vehicle speed is increasing or decreasing. This allows the world’s first control for a motorcycle to be adopted, allowing the system to shift up and down or maintain the same position while following a vehicle, just like a regular four-wheeled automatic vehicle.

The price (including tax) is 1,980,000 yen. The price (including tax) of the regular standard Tracer 9GT is 1,595,000 yen, so the premium version is 385,000 yen more expensive.

Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE

Kawasaki’s high-performance sports tourer, the Ninja H2 SX SE, is equipped with a unique supercharged engine and is also packed with advanced features.

It is equipped with a 998cc water-cooled in-line 4-cylinder engine equipped with a unique supercharger that incorporates technology cultivated in aerospace and other fields. The appeal of this model is that it allows you to enjoy overwhelming acceleration that cannot be experienced with a naturally aspirated (NA) engine.

Moreover, even though it delivers a massive maximum power output of 200 PS (210 PS with ram air pressure), it also achieves high fuel efficiency of 18.4 km/L in WMTC mode. Combined with a large-capacity 19-liter fuel tank, it achieves a long cruising range that is ideal for long touring.

Another major feature is the adoption of a comprehensive range of advanced driver assistance systems. Bosch’s “ARAS (Advanced Rider Assistance System)” is installed. Radar sensors installed at the front and rear of the vehicle detect the surroundings, allowing the use of various advanced safety features.

For example, it features “ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control),” which automatically maintains an appropriate distance while following the vehicle in front at a set speed on highways, and “FCW (Forward Collision Warning),” which warns the rider by flashing a red LED lamp on the top of the instrument panel if there is a risk of collision with the vehicle ahead.

In addition, it is equipped with “BSD (Blind Spot Detection)” that detects the presence of a vehicle approaching in the rider’s blind spot and warns, and “VHA (Vehicle Hold Assist)” that maintains braking effect even without the rider’s brake input when stopped. It realizes driving assistance, convenience, comfort, etc. in a wide range of situations.

The suspension is equipped with Kawasaki’s unique semi-active electronically controlled suspension, KECS (Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension), which adapts to road and driving conditions with an extremely fast response time of 0.001 seconds and optimizes damping force, providing high driving stability in a wide range of situations.

The car also features Showa’s Skyhook-type EERA (Electronic Ride Adjustment) technology (activated in Road mode and KECS normal mode in Rider mode). It also has the function of automatically adjusting the damping force in the shock absorber according to the unevenness of the road surface, minimizing impacts from the road surface, improving tire contact with the ground, and achieving excellent stability when cornering.

Other features include “AHB (Auto High Beam),” which automatically switches between high and low beams depending on the brightness of the lights of vehicles ahead and streetlights, and “LED Cornering Lights,” which automatically switch the lights on according to the angle of the vehicle. The bike also boasts equipment that takes into consideration ensuring visibility when riding at night.

The body color is “Emerald Blazed Green x Metallic Diablo Black” and the price (including tax) is 3,124,000 yen.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin

Honda’s adventure model, the CRF1100L Africa Twin, is the perfect model for touring in a wide range of fields, including on-road and rough terrain.

The lineup includes the CRF1100L Africa Twin <s>, which uses long-stroke suspension to achieve high off-road performance, and the CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES, which features electronically controlled suspension.

Each model is also available with a “DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission)” specification, which combines an AT mechanism that eliminates the need to operate a clutch lever or shift pedal, and a semi-automatic mechanism that allows gear changes using the shift switch on the left handlebar. There are a total of four types available, offering a wide variety of variations.

The engine is a 1082cc water-cooled in-line twin-cylinder that is designed for both exciting off-road riding and comfort over long distances. It is equipped with a variety of electronic control systems, including a throttle-by-wire system that responds linearly to the rider’s inputs and a 6-axis IMU that enables precise vehicle control.

For example, there is a “riding mode” that allows you to select power characteristics according to various situations, from on-road to off-road. There are four main types available:

・”TOUR”: Delivers a powerful acceleration feel even when loaded with travel luggage.

・”URBAN”: Covers a wide range of situations from urban areas to winding roads.

・”GRAVEL”: Delivers reassuring power delivery even on rough roads such as flat dirt.

・”OFF ROAD”: A mode for enjoying serious off-road driving.

In addition to these, there are also “USER1” and “USER2” modes that allow riders to combine power feel and engine braking to their liking, with a total of six types available.

Furthermore, the Showa electronically controlled suspension “EERA” adopted by the CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES and its DCT specification is key in that it combines the characteristics required for both on-road and off-road riding at a high level. It has five suspension modes – “MID,” “HARD,” “SOFT,” “OFF ROAD,” and “USER” – and automatically selects the optimum suspension mode according to the riding mode, achieving suspension settings that match the power characteristics.

The current model, which underwent a minor change in 2024, uses tubeless tires on the front and rear of the CRF1100L Africa Twin (s). It also comes with a large, five-stage adjustable windscreen, improving practicality.

Additionally, the CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES has changed the front wheel from 21 inches to 19 inches. A wider front tire has also been adopted, improving on-road riding performance. Furthermore, the shape of the upper middle cowl has been changed to control the flow of wind from the front onto the rider’s body, which has the effect of reducing fatigue during long-distance riding.

In addition, both types are equipped with an adjustable seat that can be adjusted to two different heights to accommodate riders of various body types. It is also packed with features that allow you to enjoy comfortable touring, such as cruise control, which maintains a set speed on highways without operating the accelerator.

The price (including tax) ranges from 1,639,000 yen to 2,057,000 yen.

Suzuki GSX-S1000GX

The GSX-S1000GX, which was released in 2024, is a large model of a type known as a crossover bike that belongs to Suzuki’s GSX-S1000 series.

A crossover bike is a model that combines a sports tourer and an adventure bike. It has been developed as a bike that can be enjoyed for comfortable long-distance touring in a wide range of terrain, with high performance both on-road and off-road.

The front cowl uses a layered design to suppress the negative pressure that occurs while riding, preventing unpleasant wind from getting sucked in. Combined with the three-stage height-adjustable windscreen and standard knuckle covers, it provides excellent wind protection.

The 998cc, water-cooled, 4-stroke, in-line 4-cylinder engine delivers a maximum output of 110kW (150PS) and a maximum torque of 105N・m (10.7kgf・m).While it has the power performance required for sports riding, it is also characterized by the adoption of unique new technologies and equipment that improve touring performance.

The first thing that stands out about the electronic control system is the suspension. It is equipped with the electronically controlled suspension “SAES (Suzuki Advanced Electronic Suspension),” which is the first to be adopted on a Suzuki motorcycle. This is based on the Showa EERA and has been set up specifically for the GSX-S1000GX, making it possible to automatically adjust the amount of suspension damping and preload according to changes in vehicle posture caused by speed, road conditions, and braking.

The bike also comes equipped with the “SDMS-α” system, which allows the rider to select one of three riding modes and switch between engine control maps, supporting riding by selecting a mode that suits the rider’s preferences and various weather and road conditions.

In addition, the electronically controlled SAES suspension also incorporates the Suzuki Road Adaptive Stabilization System (SRAS), which works in conjunction with the SDMS-α. This allows for seamless switching between a setting that prioritizes responsiveness when driving on normal roads and a setting that provides a smoother ride when driving on cobblestones or uneven surfaces.

Other features include “Smart Cruise Control” that allows you to maintain a set speed without operating the throttle, and a “Two-way Quick Shift System” that allows you to change gears (up/down) without operating the accelerator or clutch lever. It is equipped with a number of features that reduce fatigue during long touring trips.

The price (including tax) is 2,057,000 yen.

Honda Rebel 250 E-Clutch/S Edition E-Clutch

Honda’s Rebel 250 series is not a pure touring bike, but it is a cruiser model that can be ridden comfortably on straight roads, making it the perfect bike for touring. Furthermore, in March 2025, the Rebel 250 E-Clutch and Rebel 250S Edition E-Clutch, equipped with the latest electronically controlled shift mechanism, Honda E-Clutch, will be released. Computerization has made it possible to choose a model that will make motorcycle travel even more comfortable.

The Rebel 250 and the Rebel 250S Edition, which is equipped with a bikini cowl, are popular with a wide range of riders, from beginners to veterans, thanks to their 249cc single-cylinder engine that is easy to handle even at low rpm and a seat height of 690mm that allows excellent foot reach. The 2025 model has undergone some changes, with the handlebar shape revised to optimize the position, and the material inside the seat changed to improve comfort.

In addition to the standard 6-speed manual transmission, the Rebel 250 also comes with an additional specification: the Rebel 250 E-Clutch, which is equipped with a Honda E-Clutch. Also, the Rebel 250S Edition with a bikini cowl is only available for models equipped with the Honda E-Clutch.

The Honda E-Clutch is a mechanism that uses the latest electronic control technology to automatically control the optimum clutch, while still having a clutch lever and shift pedal like a conventional MT (manual transmission) model.

This means that even though it is a manual transmission vehicle, there is absolutely no need to operate the clutch lever when starting, changing gears, or stopping. Gear changes are performed with the shift pedal, just like with a normal manual transmission vehicle, but because there is no clutch lever operation, there is almost no need to worry about stalling and falling over when driving at low speeds on congested roads or making U-turns on narrow streets. In addition, because shifting up and down can be done smoothly without a clutch lever, it can also be used like a quick shifter when driving sporty.

In addition, even when the clutch control is electronically controlled, the rider can still manually control the clutch like a normal manual transmission vehicle by operating the clutch lever.Furthermore, the system can be turned off, so the bike can be ridden like a normal manual transmission vehicle.

The price (including tax) for the Rebel 250 E-Clutch is 693,000 yen, while the standard Rebel 250 is 638,000 yen, so the E-Clutch equipped model is 55,000 yen more expensive. The Rebel 250 S Edition E-Clutch is 731,500 yen.