The new Yamaha MT-09 was presented in the Canary Islands, and we went to the island of Lanzarote to find out all the news about the renewed member of the “Master of Torque” family for 2024.
A volcanic island, full of desert areas, with good tarmac and excellent curves; this was the perfect combination to get to know the new 09. An excellent international press presentation by Yamaha – to match the model’s irreverence – which allowed us to review all the news about this bike and ride over 200 kilometers in the almost “martian” landscapes of Lanzarote.
WHAT HAS CHANGED
On an aesthetic level, the changes are not many but they catch the eye, largely thanks to the new lighting signature. The LED front headlight is now integrated, looking more compact. The entire fairing has a minimalist but very aggressive look. Another big change is in the fuel tank: Yamaha decided to reduce its height without reducing the fuel capacity. As a result, we now have a wider and more “sharp” tank, helping to emphasize the aggressive side that runs through the entire bike.
In the heart of the model lies the famous Yamaha CP3 engine. Despite environmental restrictions, the 3-cylinder in-line engine still delivers the same 119 hp of power and 93 Nm of torque. The real novelty here is the 3rd generation quickshifter system. This system offers two distinct settings: one focused on gear transitions during strong accelerations and decelerations, and another aimed at improving the riding experience by allowing fewer gear changes during acceleration and more during deceleration, so that the system can perform optimally in a wide range of situations. To provide a more natural feeling, this quickshifter will not operate in certain situations, such as when the engine revs are too low or extremely high, and when the motorcycle is not accelerating or decelerating.
Although the sound coming from the exhaust system may not be the most exciting, the Japanese brand has found a way to enhance the riding experience. At the top of the fuel tank, there are two “acoustic amplification” grilles, which along with the design of the intake ducts, transmit a fabulous sound. At higher RPMs, the MT-09 engine seems to suck in all the air available in the atmosphere!
CHASSIS
There are also updates in terms of the chassis. The front and rear suspensions are provided by KYB, with a fully adjustable inverted fork at the front and a rear mono-shock where the suspension linkage has been revised. The suspension overall works quite well, providing the confidence and ideal firmness to tackle a twisty road, without compromising too much on comfort.
The big news in the braking sector is the new radial master cylinder from Brembo – or new radial pump if you prefer – which allows us to dose the pressure almost perfectly in the four-piston calipers mounted on the front discs. The braking is quite linear and allows us to stop the 193 kg of the 09 in an impressive way.
The riding position has also undergone several changes. The handlebar position is now lower and adjustable in two positions. With the reduced height of the tank, it is easier for us to lean over the front of the bike. The footrests are now slightly further back, resulting in a more aggressive riding position, a bit more traditional naked and less supermoto.
As for the seat, it is now split and provides good support during harsh accelerations, while also hiding a USB-C port.
OTHER DETAILS
In this new generation of the MT-09, we also have an instrumentation that features a 5″ color TFT screen, where we can connect our smartphone, access a navigation system, and configure the riding modes. All these functions are controlled by a set of switches that we operate with our left hand. The whole system works almost perfectly. The information is very well organized, and the use of the switches is very intuitive. A few minutes at the controls of the new MT-09 are enough to understand the dynamics of the instruments.
After, in addition to the driving aids we were already accustomed to, we now have a rear slip regulator, which offers stabilization when the rear wheel is locked during hard braking. Taking a brief look, the MT-09 remains very fun and is becoming more complete. I can say that I didn’t love certain aesthetic details, the sound of the exhaust is also a bit disappointing, and the seat is still not super comfortable. On the other hand, the engine’s response and fun factor continue to be some of the model’s strengths, now alongside significantly improved instrumentation and an addictive intake sound.
The base version of the MT-09 will be available at Portuguese dealerships in mid-April and the SP version will arrive in May. As for the limited 35KW version, it is expected to arrive in June.
Regarding the prices to acquire a piece of Japan’s darker side, these will only be revealed closer to the model’s arrival in Portuguese lands.
YAMAHA MT-09
ENGINE three-cylinder in-line, DOHC, liquid-cooled
DISPLACEMENT 890 cc
POWER 119 hp (87.5 kw) @10,000 rpm
TORQUE 93 Nm @7,000 rpm
6-speed gearbox
Diamond type aluminum frame
14-liter fuel tank
Front suspension: 41 mm inverted fork, 137 mm travel
Rear suspension: adjustable monoshock, 117 mm travel
Front brake: 2 298 mm discs, 4-piston radial calipers
Rear brake: 245 mm disc, 1-piston caliper
Front tire: 120/70ZR17
Rear tire: 180/55ZR17
Wheelbase: 1,430 mm
Seat height: 825 mm
Weight: 193 kg
Price to be determined
