Yamaha MT-09 SP
Bigger engine, new chassis, updated looks – the previous SP never really hit the mark but the all-new version is a seriously good machine
Regular readers will be very aware of our appreciation for Yamaha’s inline-three engine. We’ve gushed about it being an exemplary road engine so many times you’ve probably switch off. Well, apologies, but we’re going to froth yet again. Blame Yamaha – they’ve reworked the triple, inflating it from 847 to 889cc, and it’s now better than ever.
‘The enlarged motor has colossal midrange heft, shimmying out waves of smooth thrust,’ enthuses Simon after a low-level assault across Cambridgeshire. ‘It makes the bike king of punting through traffic – think it and it’s there. The old MT woes of tricksy throttle response had already been banished, but this latest version is better again – you have multiple power modes to choose from, and none of them are snatchy. In some ways the inline triple is what the old Street Triple used to be before Triumph got confused about the word “Street” and thought it meant “Track”.’
This puntiness occurs from the rumble of idle right to the wail at the 11,000rpm redline. There’s none of the mild low-rev clunking of the V-twins, and you don’t hunt the top-end whizz as is sometimes the case on the Triumph – the Yamaha seemingly romps with the same bulging gusto whatever the circumstances and back-to-back can make even the Ducati feel a tad lacking. Surely this is all the engine you could ever need. Even the new ever-changing exhaust note defies criticism.
The first version of the MT-09 always seemed to suffer with a mildly mismatched chassis. Tall and quite firm at the front, low and supple at the rear, this slight out-of-balance feel gave the bike a tendency to push wide on corner exits. Mild revisions over the years improved things (as did winding up the rear shock and backing off the forks for a more level stance) but the trait was never really eradicated, even on the hot-poop SP with its multi-adjustable KYB forks and Öhlins shock. This year’s revised MT has a lower headstock and better bulk distribution, and with more weight on the front it’s confidence inspiring and sure-footed. This doesn’t mean needlessly nose-down like the Triumph. The 09 retains the agility and flickability that’s always made it such fun, while still being less nervous when really cracking on than the KTM or Ducati. And while the standard 09 is great, now the SP finally provides that extra ooh expected of its spangly bits. ‘The suspension is well set-up,’ agrees Simon. ‘There’s both ride quality and handling poise, and nothing gets too wayward until the point where you can’t hang on any more.’
Manners and usability are impressive when you’re not in the mood for darting about with relish. The triple happily swallows lazy, hamfisted
‘Its enlarged motor makes the MT the king of punting through traffic’
throttle and gearbox abuse (slick quickshifter, by the way), comfort and ergonomics are good, and the updated electronics include cruise control for brain-off negotiation of average speed cameras, as well as the fancy lean-aware traction and ABS enabled by the multi-axis monitoring box. It’s a bike designed for a passenger too.
Its mix of thrills and civility make it a fine compromise. ‘For me the MT-09 SP sits between the extremes of the friendly Ducati and focused Triumph,’ confirms Simon. ‘But unfortunately the SP has little of the sexappeal of either. It’s just uglier...’ I think he’s being harsh. I love the brushed finish on the aluminium swingarm and the blue ‘spin forged’ wheels. Yet I know what he means. All the SP’S glitter isn’t obvious – the R1m-derived paint scheme is subdued, and it lacks the air of supremeness it should have. It’s not helped by the somewhat irritating new colour TFT dash, which is too small for our aging eyes and has the least intuitive control. Then again, the MT is also cheapest and has the lowest monthly payment on PCP finance. It’s fabulously capable, regardless of your ability, plus there’s also its reassuring sense of dependability– when was the last time any Yamaha had a significant recall or reliability issue?