Yamaha MT-09
Futuristic, aggressive, easy to ride and less than £8000. Where’s the catch?
YAMAHA’S MT-09 WAS the first green shoot in the recovery of the firm’s fortunes. Launched in 2013 with an all-new three-cylinder engine, lightweight chassis and affordable asking price, it was an instant success. It was also the father of a new family – joined first by by the two-cylinder MT-07 and now also 125, 300 and 1000cc models. The MT-09 and MT-07 engines also spawned halffaired Tracer derivatives and retro-styled XSR versions. But while the range has sold well, after four years demand for the original MT-09 was showing signs of flagging.
Which is why there’s an updated, 2017 MT-09, with styling revised to echo that of the more-aggressive, R1-powered MT-10. The new MT-09 engine gets a slipper clutch from the XSR and a quickshifter from the MT-10. The bike has adjustable traction control, three engine modes, a bigger pillion seat on a stumpier tail unit and the suspension – often criticised as the Achilles heel of the first MT-09 – has been overhauled.
Most impressively, these updates have barely pushed the price up. At less than £8000 on the road, the MT-09 still promises exceptional value for a large-capacity bike. But does it deliver?
B-ROADS
A lack of fairing isn’t a burden on B-roads, where the MT-09’S triple provides instant acceleration and a barking soundtrack. The engine has three modes. The baseline is the STD mode, with A being more aggressive and B less. It remembers which mode you’re in when you turn it off. There’s little difference between A and STD at bigger throttle openings or higher revs, but A’s eagerness is often too much low down or from a shut throttle. B mode is smoother and more linear, with less chance of inadvertent throttle surges.
Exit a 30mph limit in third and the MT-09 picks itself up like a pointer eyeing a rabbit. Either take the revs to the 11,000rpm limit and flick up the standard quickshifter, or short-shift smoothly through the gears using the clutch, riding the ample midrange torque. The quickshifter works only on upshifts, not down, but the slipper clutch prevents a lock-up if you come down too many gears too early.
The handling adds to the excitement, but not always in a good way. Steering is agile, precise and quick – see a manhole cover and the slightest input sees you swerve it. But the short wheelbase allied to an over-sprung, under-damped rear shock is lively at best and worrying at worst, especially when taking bigger bumps and undulations at speed. The front suspension is softer than the rear and also feels lacking in damping qualities as standard, dulling front-end feel. The shock has preload and rebound adjustment, and forks are fully adjustable – increasing their rebound and compression helps. Even so, the MT-09 is fun to ride – but it’s no magic carpet.
MOTORWAYS
Naked bikes can be a pain on big roads, but the MT-09’S responsive engine does a lot to make them bearable. Blipping up to speed to take a gap is effortless, engine braking is predictable for smooth cruising, while the riding position is spot on for most rider, with a natural reach to the bars, a narrow frontal area and tank and a relaxed reach to the footrests.
There’s no issue with wind at 70mph, even into a headwind. Even sitting at 80mph is almost as comfortable, but the difference in fuel economy is huge – 60mpg at a steady 70mph drops to the high-40s at 80mph.
IN TOWN
The MT-09 has a useful, tight turning circle, which with a delightfully light clutch action and that narrow seat allows good balance when filtering or negotiating car parks. Its overall lightweight nature also adds confidence to a ride through town – it certainly doesn’t feel the big bike that it is. The rear brake is a little sharp, which could be improved by adjusting the lever, and even in soft ‘B’ mode, initial engine response can be jerky. In a 30mph limit, it’s more comfortable to be in fourth gear – second or third have the bike lurching, even on constant throttle. While the quickshifter is great out of town, in town it’s best to change up the old fashioned way – it’s much smoother.