Yamaha MT-09 ABS… ¥1,254,000 (including 10% consumption tax)
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Dark Bluish Gray Metallic 8 (Dark Gray)
Color variations
Yamaha MT-09 ABS… ¥1,254,000 (including 10% consumption tax)
Deep Purplish Blue Metallic C (Blue)
Matte Dark Gray Metallic 6 (Matte Dark Gray)
Yamaha MT-09 SP ABS… ¥1,441,000 (including 10% consumption tax)
Bluish White Metallic 2 (Silver)
Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT… ¥1,364,000 (including 10% consumption tax)
Matte Dark Gray Metallic 6 (Matte Dark Gray)
Deep Purplish Blue Metallic C (Blue)
The design concept, which is said to express agile and flexible mobility, has remained unchanged since the first generation.
The blacked-out CP3 engine uses a right-side cam chain system. Its compact design is impressive.
The MT-09 underwent a full model change into its third generation in June 2021. The exterior design has undergone a bold transformation, giving it a more massive feel and a fresh look. The three-cylinder engine has had its bore and stroke increased by 3mm, bringing the bore and stroke to 78 x 62mm, and the displacement has been scaled up from 846cc to 888cc. Furthermore, every part of the body has been thoroughly designed to be lightweight.
The test ride vehicle this time is the MT-09 ABS, the latest model that underwent a minor change in April 2024. As an aside, the MT-09 SP was released in July, and the MT-09 Y-AMT in September.
Generally speaking, it is not uncommon for minor changes to be limited to a change in color, but this MT-09 has actually been significantly refined overall.
The development concept, previously known as “The Rodeo Master,” has been revised to “The Knight Horse,” further enhancing the sporty feel by pursuing both agility in city streets and cornering and stability on mountain roads. According to the
press release, the riding position has been completely redesigned, along with revised body rigidity balance and suspension settings. Sound tuning has also been implemented to emphasize intake sound. The air cleaner box cover now features an opening called the “Acoustic Amplifier Grille.” The pressed steel fuel tank that covers the top of the intake system has also been completely redesigned. The YRC (Yamaha Ride Control) has also been refined, offering three preset riding modes (SPORT/STREET/RAIN) and two customizable modes. Cruise
control is also available. The quick shifter is also updated. The 5-inch full-color TFT LCD meter, compatible with the navigation screen, has also been improved. It now features a smartphone connectivity function with a dedicated app installed, and the handlebar switches have also been redesigned.
The refined details include the headlights, which use small-diameter LEDs, as well as changes to the exterior design and rearview mirror. The USB power supply located under the seat uses a Type-C socket. New functions have also been added to the flashers (blinkers).
The 888cc power unit is mounted on a diamond-shaped frame made of lightweight
, high-rigidity CF aluminum die-cast with new support parts. It is a water-cooled, DOHC, inline, three-cylinder CP3 (Crossplane Concept Three-Cylinder) engine. Its design concept is described as “minimizing inertial torque and efficiently utilizing the combustion torque generated solely in the combustion chamber.” It can be understood as contributing to efficient driving (high performance) by faithfully generating the repeated explosive combustion energy within the cylinders.
The suspension is equipped with lightweight, spinforged cast wheels mounted on Bridgestone Hypersport S23 wheels. The 41mm inverted front forks are fitted with radially mounted monoblock ADVICS four-piston opposed hydraulic calipers. The master cylinder on the right-hand brake lever is made by Brembo. The rear suspension swingarm uses a bottom-link type with improved lever characteristics. It is equipped with a monoshock with a stronger spring rate. The pin-slide single-piston brake caliper is made by NISSIN.
With design changes including the front mask and refinements down to the finest details, this MT-09 is truly worthy of being called a major minor change. What kind of riding experience will it offer in terms of performance?
The cast aluminum frame, which has achieved the highest level of rigidity, has had its rigidity balance reviewed.
The holstered rear frame has been redesigned, with the USB power jack located to the left of the battery.
The refined details and the latest high-tech equipment are appealing.
When I received the test bike, I felt that the bike felt a little lighter to handle. Perhaps it was a rebound effect from the bold weight reduction, but the weight of this minor change was actually 4kg heavier. Despite this, the bike felt rather nimble when tilting and turning.
This is likely due to the slightly wider handlebars. Furthermore, I think the increased steering angle from 28 degrees to 32 degrees, which allows for deeper turning, also plays a role.
Incidentally, the minimum turning radius has also increased from 3.4m to 3.0m, which is also not to be overlooked. By restoring the steering angle to the same level as the previous model, tight turns and U-turns on narrow roads are easier. For many users, this is a very welcome improvement.
Judging it as a standard street bike, a deeper steering angle (for better maneuverability) would be preferable, but because it has high racing-like potential, the small 32-degree steering angle is a good compromise for enjoying hard sport riding and maintaining high handling stability even when subjected to sudden, large external disturbances.
The seat, which was a long double type before the facelift, has now been changed to a separate type. Sitting down on the front cushion and standing upright on the bike, it feels like the reach to the ground has improved somewhat. It feels intuitively familiar.
The seat height remains unchanged at 825mm. Both heels are still off the ground, but that height has been lowered slightly. Judging from the photo, it feels about 10mm easier. While the rear of the front seat has a fairly taut, wide design, the front section has been slimmed down, including the chamfered corners on both sides, so when you put your feet down, you feel like you’re landing closer to the bike. While the high-waisted seating sensation remains, the reach to the ground has been improved.
The tapered front of the seat and the slimmer sides of the tank, which come into contact with your inner thighs when gripping the knees, combine to create a smart riding position. While this isn’t a direct comparison with the previous model, but rather a comparison based on a memory and feeling, I was impressed by the more comfortable fit.
Furthermore, the slightly set-back, elevated footpegs and low-set handlebar position intuitively give it a Supermotard-like feel. From the moment you straddle it, you can sense its exciting essence, and its formidable character and high potential as a hot item among naked sports bikes.
To put it another way, the moment you straddle the bike and start riding, you’re properly prepared for a sporty ride. This naturally prepares the rider’s mind, and I really like the fact that you can enjoy a ride with just the right amount of tension.
As I’ve said before, to be honest, the bike I’m most interested in buying right now is the MT-09. Initially, I was impressed by its high cost-performance ratio (affordable price point), but the combination of its moderate size and weight in the mid-range and its exceptionally lively, high-performance three-cylinder engine is also very appealing.
From city streets to suburban areas and highways, and even on winding mountain roads, the MT-09’s performance is undeniably lively. Opening your right hand anytime, in any situation, it feels lively. The powerful torque feel allows for responsive acceleration, and the subsequent feeling of revving up is truly spectacular.
The thrust when you open the throttle is comparable to that of a high-end (over 1L) ultra-high-performance vehicle. Moreover, its punchy acceleration—the MT-09’s true essence, the delicious output characteristics unique to its three-cylinder engine—are fully demonstrated even on ordinary streets, providing a truly satisfying ride. Of course,
there are certainly more powerful, higher-end vehicles out there, but on Japanese street riding, its sheer power is so overwhelming that it almost feels like a waste. While there are opportunities to get a glimpse of its “powerfulness,” there are also many times when you feel stressed because you can’t fully utilize its inherent potential. In
this respect, the MT-09’s 880cc three-cylinder engine delivers exquisite performance. The rider feels a wealth of benefits from Yamaha’s “Crossplane Concept.”
The biggest factor that attracted my desire to buy this bike is the engine characteristics that give me a sense of “room to maneuver” along with its power.
The nimble quick shifter and flexible, responsive output characteristics make for a light and nimble ride. Acceleration and deceleration are smooth, and the rotation feels well-balanced even when cruising. It can be enjoyed comfortably in situations ranging from cruising around town to long touring and sporty riding.
Meanwhile, the handling, matched to this power output, is also very satisfying. The transition into a turning position while slowing down before a corner is extremely quick and nimble. The steering response and vehicle behavior when turning are also agile. The engine’s sharp acceleration characteristics allow for easy cornering and control.
Even when aggressively shifting your center of gravity by changing your seating position on the seat while riding at a high pace on mountain roads, you can maintain a proper connection between your lower body and the vehicle, allowing for rhythmic and stable control.
Its potential for handling everything from tight corners to high-speed corners, and even sporty riding like attacking a circuit, is first-rate. Another plus is the excellent braking performance, with sharp braking from both front and rear. Sudden braking is possible at will, and the ease of control, allowing for delicate adjustments of speed while cornering, is also first-rate.
This is the first bike in a long time that has made me truly want one, so when I imagine myself as an owner, I imagine adding the optional comfort seat when I buy it. I also imagined that some riders might want to change the handlebars to slightly narrower ones to find the best riding position and ride feel for themselves.
In any case, the MT-09’s overall performance is excellent. This facelift has further enhanced its product appeal.
While it is agile, it can also be ridden calmly and comfortably on a regular basis. Its flexible and easy-to-handle character is very pleasant. This is where the value and appeal of a mid-range sports bike can be felt.
Foot reach check (rider height 168cm/weight 52kg)
The seat height remains unchanged from the previous model at 825mm. As you can see, the heels of both feet are slightly off the ground, but there is little sense of insecurity when supporting the bike. The front of the seat and the body are also narrowly carved out, and the design has been carefully considered to ensure that the ability to reach the ground is not impeded.
