Radar

Yamaha has filed patents for a new Bosch-made, forward-facing radar system, confirming early spy-shot images.

Given the affordable nature of the Tracer itself (starting at $14,999) and the relatively low cost of the radar sensors themselves, it’s likely to be the cheapest way to get a bike with adaptive cruise control in the near future. Only [Kawasaki](https://www.cycleworld.com/tags/kawasaki/), adopting radar on the [latest version of the Ninja H2 SX](https://www.cycleworld.com/story/motorcycle-news/2022-kawasaki-h2-sx-se-first-look-preview/), has put the same Bosch sensor behind a thin plastic cover that doesn’t interfere with the electromagnetic waves it emits and receives, yet hides the ugly electronic unit from sight. [Tracer 9 GT](https://www.cycleworld.com/story/motorcycle-reviews/2022-yamaha-tracer-9-gt-first-ride/) become the most affordable new bike on the market with a front-facing radar unit fitted, allowing the adoption of adaptive cruise control and emergency braking systems, but it’s arguably the most elegant incorporation of radar that we’ve yet seen on a motorcycle. Now there’s confirmation that radar is precisely what [Yamaha](https://www.cycleworld.com/tags/yamaha/) has been working on in an effort to develop a system that’s operationally impressive, well protected, and hidden from sight. Yamaha’s challenge, and the focus of the patent document itself, has been to create a mounting system that’s solid, insulated from vibration, and mounts the radar far enough forward to ensure a clear view of the road ahead. [subtly updated Yamaha Tracer 9 GT](https://www.cycleworld.com/story/motorcycle-news/yamaha-tracer-9-gt-with-radar-cruise-control/) fitted with a plastic cover panel between the headlights that appeared to hide a radar sensor.