Yamaha MT-09
Rarely does a revamp emerge with less tech than before. The new MT-09 doesn’t buck the trend
Still uncluttered, still pleasing boisterous, and still pleasingly MT-09. But for 2021 the hugely popular three-cylinder Yamaha is also more sophisticated and friendly, thanks to more gizmos, more grunt and a confidence inspiring front end.
Yamaha wanted to keep their minimalistic approach that’s been core to the MT-09 since the bike’s 2013 debut. But they also wanted to ramp up refinement. The compromise between the bike’s three pillars – agility, torque, character – and the practicality demanded by the modern market means the MT’S essence is padded out with impressive technical aids. Now there is a six-axis inertial measuring thingy, control over traction, slide, braking and front wheel lift. New compact TFT dash, too.
Non digital things are also improved. The inline three-cylinder engine expands by 42cc to 889cc, with four more horses and reworked audio from the revised intake and exhaust. A new chassis with a repositioned swingarm applies a 50% increase of lateral rigidity, is more compact and saves 2.3kg. There’s a higher handlebar position with shorter 41mm KYB front forks too. Lighter Motogp-style spun forged wheels don’t hurt either. ‘Precision’ comes to mind on damp and dirty roads of Catalunya, close to Barcelona in that Spain. A full day of rain has provided challenging sections on the 220km route, but the new MT-09’S front end sticks and holds. Gone is the previous version’s slight willingness to run wide, the increased confidence in the front end helping the fresh MT-09 to come alive on twisty and slick tarmac. Bridgestone’s excellent S22 tyres suit the bike and undoubtedly help. And, despite the occasionally slippery seat, with just 189kg to hurl around the Yamaha is easily encouraged. It’s also easy to get results from the new larger engine. The throaty triple rasps and screams through the range with an urgency and racket that could come across as unsettling. At first. Yes, the brilliant triple is grunty, but in higher gears there’s noticeable vibration deep into the rev range. Nothing to be vexed about, but it is there. A two-way quickshifter is standard, and though downshifts require a good stab the system is effective. It also feels robust while clicking through the gearbox to a pop-pop-pop soundtrack. Addictive.
As for the new electronics, they get on with the job discreetly. Despite tricky conditions they don’t encroach on the general feel of the MT-09, and the only fiddling necessary is to click into throttle mode ‘1’ to sharpen response.
On a less positive note the TFT dash is small, unimaginative and a bit plasticky, while the Y-shaped LED lights won’t be to everyone’s taste. Colour choices come in a three: Icon Blue, Tech Black and Storm Fluo, which is a bit retro and would be the one we’d go for. It’s also the colour of the bike on this test.
For official accessory enthusiasts Yamaha have 55 to choose from: tank pad; heated grips; top box, plus preconfigured ‘Weekend’ and ‘Urban’ packs. You get the idea. As before there’ll also be an SP version with higher-spec forks, Öhlins shock, cruise control, different paint and black accents.
Yamaha have doubtless elevated the thrill and the cred of the MT-09 – the pinnacle of their ‘hyper’ naked bike range. Any gripes are minor when measured against the improved confidence level provided by the new front-end feel. With its more modern look and fresh tech this MT-09 takes a step closer to the image and appeal of its Triumph and KTM rivals.
The MT-09 exists in a very competitive market place where slim performance differences mean styling, extras, customisation potential and marketing can seal a sale. And the price for all this newness? £8999 on the road.
Which is the same as before…
‘With its more modern look and fresh tech this MT-09 takes a step closer to its Triumph and KTM rivals’