YAMAHA MT-09
It’s definitely not your common trackday bike, and that’s what caught our attention…
You know, it really is a refreshing change to take a closer look at a bike that’s a little more out of the ordinary; not our usual blinged-up sportsbike, but not the less, a tricked-up machine that in the right hands is just as capable, if not more so, than some bikes on your regular trackday. You’re looking at Alan’s Yamaha MT 09. It’s a 2014 model and he’s ran it on the road since new. He’s recently retired it from the road and is now only using it for trackdays. Beneath the tank sits an 847cc threecylinder motor which makes around 115bhp and 88nm torque... in a bike that weighs only 180kg, you can begin to see how this bike could be a whole load of fun. Admittedly, with it being one of the earlier model MT-09s, it’s not quite as fast as the later model which features a slightly bigger capacity motor, but having spoken with Alan, it’s clear to see that all he cares about is having fun on the track. It’s not all about having the flashiest bike or the best upgrades, but more about maximising what he’s got with his riding and putting a smile on his face while doing so.
The 2014 model didn’t feature abs or any of the other ‘trick’ electronic features and rider aids; it’s much more stripped back and basic compared the models that came in the following years. But in Alan’s words: “What does that matter? It keeps things cheap and fun, and makes it more about the rider’s input.”
Having ridden it on track as a completely standard road bike for many years, Alan knew exactly what he wanted to improve the package for trackdays. He went with Ktech internals in the forks and a Nitron shock in the rear, and he admits: “It’s nothing too elaborate as it’s just an MT-09 at the end of the day” – but it gives Alan the adjustable support he requires from the suspension for hard braking and accelerating on the track. The suspension was the first upgrade to the bike. Having felt the improvement, the other upgrades progressively followed thereafter. Next up was the gearing – he went one tooth smaller with the front sprocket to get away from the tall road gearing and make the bike rev more for the track... a wise move, as there’s nothing worse than a numb bike that’ll hold third gear down the straightaways. The next problem Alan encountered was scraping out the engine casings while simply cornering. Although protected with GB