Yamaha Tracer 9 GT / GT+ (’21+) — Seat Slope Mod Install Guide

This guide covers installing and troubleshooting the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT / GT+ (’21+) Seat Slope Mod, which levels the aggressively forward-sloped seat for a more neutral riding position. Huge thanks to the JK3D customers who helped prototype and document this product — I couldn’t have put it together without you.

Before you begin

• Not a confident wrench? This install is straightforward, but if you’re not comfortable doing this kind of work, have a qualified mechanic handle it. JK3D supplies the parts and the guidance here; installation is the responsibility of the installer.
• 2025+ models and all GT+ models — 6 mm only: these bikes use an improved forward seat mount, so the 6 mm shim is the correct height — do not add the 2 mm spacer. No install steps change; the forward mount may just look a little different. 2021–2024 Tracer 9 / GT can run either 6 mm or 6+2 mm (8 mm).
• Kit version: since 2024, only the Pro Adjustable kit ships. The install below is the same; see “Adjusting the Pro shim height” at the end for the 2 mm add-on.
• Warped 2 mm shims are normal. The material can look twisted when it ships — that’s just how it cools. It sits flat and consistent once bolted in place.
• A couple of terms: the frame bosses are the two metal studs on the frame where the bracket bolts on. TPU is the flexible rubber used for the offset bushings.

Step 1 — Assemble the parts & expose the bracket

• Make sure the 4× 6 mm bolts have their washers.
• Fit the top pad onto each frame shim if it isn’t already installed. (For the Pro Adjustable shims, see the height section at the end.)

Remove the seats, then remove the fairing pieces around the forward seat mount / fuel-tank bracket. The service-manual image below shows which pieces (click to enlarge). The MT-09 needs little fairing removal for this install.

With the fairing removed, the bracket should be exposed like this:

Step 2 — Remove the fuel-tank bracket

Remove the bracket entirely to reach the frame bosses. Keep all hardware — you’ll reuse the two fuel-tank bolts to reinstall. (Click images for full size.)

Step 3 — Install the TPU offset bushings

(Photos are from the previous generation — the process is identical. Do not remove the upper bracket from the fuel-tank frame bracket.)

1. Remove the OE metal and rubber bushings from the mount. Use pliers to push the rubber bushings out if needed; the metal inserts slide out easily. Keep the rubber bushings in case you ever return to stock — you’ll reuse the metal inserts next.
2. Insert the TPU offset bushings with the hole aligned toward the bottom center; they push through by hand. If a bushing has a flange on one side, that flange faces the tank.
3. Push the metal insert back in so the wide portion faces away from the tank.

Step 4 — Install the frame shims & reattach the bracket

1. Set a shim on each frame boss. It should rest flat on the frame on both sides. (Pro Adjustable owners: assemble with or without the 2 mm add-on first — see the height section at the end.)
2. Set the bracket on top of the shims and finger-tighten the 4× 6 mm bolts + washers. Apply a dab of blue threadlocker to the bolt ends first.
3. Lift the rear of the tank (grab it by the metalwork) to line up the two screw holes with the metal inserts, then finger-tighten the two fuel-tank bolts you removed in Step 2. A full tank is heavy at the rear — this is easier with the tank mostly empty.
4. Torque the two fuel-tank bolts to 7 Nm (factory spec).
5. Check for clearance: the bracket must not touch the fuel tank metal-to-metal. If it does, gently nudge the bracket toward the rear so the TPU bushing shoulder sits between the bracket and the tank.
6. Torque the four bracket bolts to ~12 Nm (slightly above the 10 Nm factory spec, to fully seat the shims).

Step 5 — Reinstall the fairing

Reinstall the fairing per the factory service manual (click to enlarge). It goes back on normally — the forward seat-gap filler has a couple of notes in Troubleshooting below.

Troubleshooting

Gap between the black seat/tank fairing and the tank. First, make sure the “a” quick-fasteners (from the manual above) are fully seated to hold that plastic firmly against the tank; also try adjusting the “b” fasteners.

On some bikes a small gap forms between the tank and the black plastic fairing cover once the shims are in (it varies bike to bike — a tolerance thing). If it happens, adjust the cover’s bolt/install positions to let it rotate back onto the tank. Shimming up the rear of that plastic fairing slightly at the back of the seat rotates it back toward the tank.

Another option: use zip ties or push rivets to secure the pad to the tank. Below, you can see the tank holes shifting up relative to the plastic — an easy fix is to widen the plastic holes upward. That isn’t reversible, but it wouldn’t matter if the tank were back in the stock position.

Forward seat-gap filler pad (seat in the low position). If the seat is in the upper/high position, no change is needed. In the low position, reinstall the front seat-gap pad by sliding the bottom hook tab in from the side. If it’s tough to seat, a little dish soap on the plastic lip helps it slide past the bracket — avoid greases, which can break down the plastic.

Adjusting the Pro shim height (6 mm ↔ 8 mm)

2021–2024 Tracer 9 / GT only. The Pro Adjustable shim includes an optional 2 mm spacer to raise the height from 6 mm to 8 mm — add it if 6 mm isn’t enough lift. 2025 and newer models, and all GT+ models, run the 6 mm shim only and should not use the 2 mm spacer. The 2 mm shim cannot be used on its own. Need a different thickness? Email support@jk3d.us.

To add the 2 mm shim:

1. Push the top pad off the 6 mm base shim (push from the frame side).
2. Press the 2 mm shim by hand into the openings on the base shim. If it’s stubborn, set the stacked shims flat-side-down on a table and press to interlock the tabs.
3. Press the top pad back on (use the table method again if needed for a snug fit).

To remove the 2 mm shim:

1. Push the top pad off from the frame side (this may bring the 2 mm shim with it).
2. Push the 2 mm shim out of the base from the frame side.
3. Reinstall the top pad on the base shim.

There should be no gaps between the plastic parts. To change height later, you can often slide the shims off without fully removing the bracket — just gently lift the fuel-tank brace to clear the frame bosses.