Sportier driving setting and the same three-cylinder engine with 119 HP of power, a guarantee. The price? Starting from 10,899 euros, first arrivals scheduled for April 2024
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TeoSic58
– Lanzarote (Spain)
“The dark side of Japan”: a motto chosen by Yamaha for the launch of the fourth generation of the naked MT-09, which alone inspires fear and, at the same time, curiosity. Perhaps this is precisely the effect we want to create: to generate interest around the motorbike, leaving some aura of mystery here and there, as if we had to give it a formal address. Proof of this was the launch video of the bike, shortly before seeing it live at Eicma 2023: night images and a see-through that undoubtedly created suspense. Now, however, after seeing it up close we also tested it far and wide: the MT-09 was exposed for a total of over 210 km. It doesn’t change in substance but in the details, the ones that count. Let’s find out point by point.
How it’s made, the design
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The identikit of the ideal customer for the Yamaha MT-09 is a motorcyclist looking for a hypernaked bike with a melodic sound as well as high-level performance and a sharp, sharp design, but still with a worm in his head: that of functional beauty, eliminating superfluous features. The aesthetic aspect of the bike now takes center stage a new LED front light, more attractive than the previous one and included in a redesigned cover. The design of the bodywork, which is inspired by that of the YZ cross models, also contributes to the ferocious look. This allows the rider to move more freely in the saddle, just like in the off-road discipline. This is also thanks to the redesigned fuel tank to promote a more active and free riding position, whilst maintaining a muscular profile. The MT-09 my 2024 will be available starting from 10,899 euros from April 2024 in three colors: the classic Icon Blue (blue and black) is joined by Midnight Cyan (in the photo), and Tech Black (totally black). Finally, the rider seat and passenger seat are now separated by a step. Obviously, there is no aerodynamic protection: but then again it is a naked bike.
How the instrumentation is made
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I also make progress regarding the infotainment system, now with a 5″ TFT screen instead of the previous 3.5″ one: the latter was really too small, so much so that it was among the defects of the MT-09 my 2023 tested during our naked comparison last year. Now the information is clearer, more legible and better distributed, with the possibility of choosing four different themes. The left block for managing the menus has also been revised: all the buttons are within reach of the thumb and – although rich – the block has clear commands with which to set the customized map rather than doing anything else within the submenus. Smartphone connectivity is standard: it offers the possibility of staying connected while riding by connecting the smartphone to the motorbike via the MyRide app. Once connected, riders can also use the free Garmin StreetCross navigation system which displays navigation turn by turn on the display with multiple display modes. Finally, under the passenger seat there is a USB type C socket for charging electronic equipment.
How it is made, the engine and the electronics
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The beating heart of the Yamaha MT-09 remains the CP3: it is a liquid-cooled three-cylinder in-line engine with Euro 5+ approval. The cubic capacity is 890 cc, the maximum power of 119 HP at 10,000 rpm and maximum torque of 93 Nm at 7,000 rpm. The gearbox has 6 gears and there is the quickshifter (bidirectional) third generation: it is now also possible to engage gears during deceleration and downshift during acceleration. As for electronics, the package is truly complete: we find the six-axis Imu inertial platform with all the latest control systems and driving aids. There are five engine maps, two of which are customisable: Custom 1 and Custom 2, in addition to Rain, Street and Sport. Low numbers in the map customization menu indicate greater power and less intervention by the electronic controls, high numbers the opposite. For 2024, the BSR (Back Slip Regulator) function has been introduced which offers stability when the rear wheel locks following excessive engine braking. Cruise control is added to the driving controls for relaxing transfers. The acoustics of the new MT-09 are further amplified via a redesigned airbox with two newly designed air intake ducts. In this way the sound is made even more pronounced, especially at high rpm.
How cycling is made
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The geometries of the Yamaha MT-09 vary, or rather: the ergonomics in the saddle vary, with a revised saddle-footpegs-handlebar triangulation and now loaded more forward for a “less seated” and more sporty ride. In particular, if the saddle remains unchanged at 825 mm of height from the ground, the driver’s footrests have been moved back by approximately 30 mm and raised by approximately 1 cm; at the same time the position of the handlebars has also been revised, now a little lower than before. The brake pedal has been redesigned and is now made of forged aluminium, while the tip of the shift pedal has been significantly flattened to reduce ankle movement when changing gear. The Yamaha MT-09 has a wheelbase of 143 cm and a curb weight 193 kg, while the tank has a capacity of 14 litres. At the front we find a Kayaba hydraulic telescopic fork with upside down legs with 41 mm diameter and fully adjustable, 130 mm travel; at the rear a Kayaba monoshock with progressive linkages, 117 mm travel, revised calibration. The brake package includes double 298 mm diameter discs with ABS system at the front and a single 245 mm diameter disc with ABS system at the rear. For the test we mounted Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 tires measuring 120/70-17″ at the front and 180/55-17″ at the rear.
What’s up, ergonomics in the saddle
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With a saddle placed 825 mm from the ground, anyone 175 cm tall or more can certainly touch the ground with the entire soles of both feet. This allows many to never have uncertainties when maneuvering, although the turning radius – improved compared to that of the previous generation thanks to the redesigned tank – is still not entirely satisfactory. The driving position is inclined more forward, rotated towards the front axle. However, it remains a fairly comfortable riding position: on the market there are naked bikes with decidedly more extreme riding positions (Aprilia Tuono 660 and Triumph Street Triple above all, to give a couple of examples), but also others with more upright riding positions (Ktm 890 Duke). In any case, embracing the 14 liter tank with your legs is an easy and intuitive action, managing to manage the bike with your thighs when the curves appear repeatedly.
How is it going
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Powerful and well-modulated braking, linear and always full-bodied delivery at every speed: this is how the new Yamaha MT-09 presents itself, ready to go. The gears go in like butter with the new bidirectional quickshifter: scrambled for 210 km or more in the space of a day in the saddle, it has never failed half a shot. Where the MT-09 faltered is in fast mixed conditions: at high speeds the front requires more attention. Above 139 km/h the motorbike must be used with great care due to its sensitivity to the rider’s inputs: as the speed increases, the sensation of movement of the front becomes more and more present. It remains, in itself, a sporty and in some ways nervous motorbike. In any case, combining the short wheelbase with 119 HP of power is certainly not easy. In Yamaha, however, they found the best recipe to make everything fit together.
Pros and cons
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Below are the strengths and weaknesses found on the Yamaha MT-09 my 2024 during the international test on the island of Lanzarote.
- Engine: full, smooth in delivery and powerful, a safety
- Sound: melodic at any speed, even when shifting. The three-cylinder is a guarantee
- Ergonomics: the changes to the saddle-footpeg-handlebar triangulation are spot on. Sporty but not extreme driving position, you drive it with pleasure and you can feel it and feel it well between your legs
- Stability on fast speeds: at high speeds the front moves
- Turning radius: Improved compared to the previous generation, but still a little limited
Data sheet
Yamaha MT-09
| Motor | liquid-cooled three-cylinder in-line, four valves, double camshaft distribution, 890 cc, Euro 5+ homologation |
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Yamaha MT-09: clothing
| Helmet | Airoh GP 550 S Challenge Blue/Yellow Matt |
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