More please!
It’s hard to believe the MT-09 is eight years old, but in this time, it has established itself as an incredible success for Yamaha across the world. With the fabulous triple cylinder engine at the heart of the matter, the MT-09 created a market slot all of its own. There have been upgrades, notably in 2017, but the 2021 model is basically an entirely new machine, and a major improvement on what was already a standout motorcycle.
Speaking of that motor, the capacity has gone out from 847 to 889cc and is fully Euro5 compliant. One of the key components in this is an entirely new exhaust system which has managed to enhance the model’s signature angry growl while still meeting the emissions criteria. While the capacity increase is not massive, the effect is certainly noticeable, with maximum torque arriving at 7,000 rpm (1,500rpm lower than before) in the rev range, plus a slight increase of 4PS in overall power. The gear ratios have also been altered with first and second now closer, coupled with a quick-shifter that operates on both up and down shifts, further enhancing the performance.
Just about every component has been put on a diet. The completely new 10-spoke alloy wheels are made by a process called SpinForge, which adds ‚
strength yet shaves off an appreciable chunk of weight, giving the suspension an easier life and improving handling. Suspension itself has come under the microscope, because that was perhaps the weakest point of the previous models. Of the two new MT models, the higher-spec SP sports an all-new adjustable 41mm KYB front end which is shorter overall but retains the same travel, with a fully adjustable remotereservoir Öhlins rear shock. The standard model also has a new KYB front end with a KYB rear shock. Chassis-wise, both models share a completely new CF aluminium diecast frame, which has varying wall thickness according to the loads it is required to carry. Consequently, nothing is heavier than it needs to be, while the steering head is 30mm lower, putting more weight on the front wheel for improved steering and traction. The rear sub frame is now aluminium instead of steel, with an alloy swing arm that is 250g lighter.
Naturally, the electronics have come in for much tweaking which is too extensive to discuss in much more detail here. The 6-axis IMU comes straight from the YZF-R1 and is 50% smaller and 40% lighter. Suffice to say, the new owner will want for nothing in that department. New also is the full colour TFT dash display with its myriad functions and capabilities. One of the main visual changes is the very compact LED headlight – so compact that it’s hardly there. In fact there’s not a single item of the styling package that is carried over from the previous model, yet it is still unmistakably an MT-09.
I had most of a day at a private facility on the NSW Central Coast in which to get acquainted with the new 900s, along with the other members of the range, the entry-level MT- 03, the always impressive MT-07 in both LAMS and HO (full power) form, and the top of the range rocketship, the MT-10 with its Superbike R1-based engine. But it was the MT-09 that interested me most, as its stablemates are basically facelifts from
2020 while the 900s are all-new. Dodging rain showers on a sometimes slippery track, the 900s put a smile on my face from the moment I hit the road. That engine, always a gem, is now even better thanks to a little more grunt and a wider spread of power. But it is the riding experience overall that really makes these bikes winners. The handling is now razor sharp, thanks to the new frame and weight bias. It corners as if on rails, nothing scrapes, and the riding position is just fine for me as presented. The riding position can actually be tailored to suit riders of different dimension; handlebars and footrests are adjustable to cope with arms and legs of varying lengths. As you would expect, the brakes (with larger 298mm front discs) are simply stupendous. Also as you would expect, there is a comprehensive range of options including windscreens, seats and luggage.
The new MT09s are part of what Yamaha terms The Dark Side of Japan, which is their way of saying this is an edgy, predatory, quirky realm that sits on the edge of the Twilight Zone. It translates to mean that the overall design aspect is minimalist, sharp, futuristic even. There are no frills like side covers unless they are absolutely needed, which they are not. Regardless of the shtick, the result is a truly outstanding pair of motorcycles. They take versatility to a new level.