Yamaha MT 09 SP

Hopped-up go-faster version of the fabulous fruity triple

Yamaha’s original MT 09 had a supple rear shock and absorbent ride. We liked it, but its different feel led to criticism that it was ‘too soft’, so it was revamped for 2017 with a new fork and the XSR900’S less pliant rear shock. Now Yamaha go sportier still for 2018, with the MT 09 SP. There’s full adjustability in the new fork, with compression and rebound damping tweakable in both legs (base bike has compression in one, rebound in the other). An Öhlins shock with a remote adjuster is in the rear, and a range of accessory springs with different rates will let you tailor your SP precisely. The 847cc engine is unchanged but this doesn’t matter, as it’s a glorious road motor. New image though, the SP echoing the colours and finishes of the MT 10 SP. Available in January. It’s not the only revamped MT. The best-selling MT 07 is revised with sportier fork settings and a rebound adjuster on the shock. New body design too... though not that you’d obviously notice. Coming in March.