From the Webike Community's My Bike, the "Owner Review Summary" introduces various motorcycles based on the voices of owners who actually ride or have ridden them. This time, here's what the owners have to say about Yamaha「MT-09」.
To be honest, Yamaha "MT-09" is this kind of bike!
The first thing that should be mentioned when introducing the MT-09 is its "in-line 3-cylinder" engine configuration. While single-cylinder, two-cylinder, four-cylinder, and other cylinder types are often seen in motorcycle engines, there are not many models that use the "in-line three-cylinder" layout, in which three cylinders are arranged in a row. Currently, Yamaha, Triumph (UK), and MV Agusta (Italy) are the only manufacturers that have "in-line three-cylinder" motorcycles.
The "in-line three-cylinder" engine also has a slightly special feel. Reciprocating engines, which convert the linear motion of the pistons back and forth into a circular motion, inevitably generate vibration.
In an "in-line 3-cylinder" engine, this vibration is completely canceled out by the movement of the pistons. In other words, the engine is compact because there is no need for a balancer to eliminate vibration.
In terms of engine feel, the fact that there is no balancer, which is an extra weight, and that the inertial forces of the pistons cancel each other out means that the engine blows up linearly in response to throttle operation and has little inertial torque at throttle-off. The reason why inline 3-cylinder engines are often described as having a linear lift is due to the crank layout, which cancels out the vibrations.
The MT-09 was introduced in 2014 as part of the MT series with such a rare "inline 3-cylinder" engine, but its existence was quite different. Although the MT-09 was a naked-style bike in appearance, it incorporated elements of a motard into the MT series. Motard is a genre of motorcycles in which off-road bikes are equipped with 17-inch front and rear off-road tires and the suspension settings are refined for road use, and the DNA of motard is still alive in the MT-09.
Moreover, when it was first introduced, the MT-09 did not have a traction control system to prevent slip-down, making it a rider's choice. Since then, the MT-09 has undergone a series of model changes, such as the addition of traction control, to increase maximum engine output while making it easier to ride. However, in the 2020 full model change with the complete renewal of the vehicle body, the model change is a complete turnaround from the previous "easy to ride" model change and an evolution that brings back the horse-jerky feel.
The MT-09 is characterized by a softer suspension setting than most road bikes, giving it a motard-like flavor that moves well. The large pitching motion of the front and rear suspension may vary depending on the rider's preference, but those who like to ride like a jagged horse will find the MT-09 to be a perfect fit.
On the other hand, riders who want to ride like a naked bike, as it looks like, should choose the advanced "SP" model. The price increases by more than 150,000 yen, but the suspension is more upscale, with KYB front suspension and Öhlins fully adjustable suspension, and the settings have a "road bike-like" feel that will allow the rider to set fast times on the race circuit. The settings of the bike have been modified to give it a "road bike style" setting that will allow the rider to set fast times on the track. The suspension has different settings for the motard-style standard and the road sport-style "SP".
How do Webike users feel about the MT-09?
MT-09
Average price of the new model: approx. 12115 USD
Used model price: approx. 7900 USD
Number of reviews: 21
Data as of February 7, 2023
Average Owner Satisfaction Rating: 3.79 out of 5 (1,377 persons evaluated)
It should be noted that the driving performance scored as high as 4.5 points or higher. It seems that its light and snappy riding and torquey acceleration are highly evaluated. In addition, the handling and looks of the car were also highly rated at over 4 points.
Also, although the loadability rating is low at 2.35 points, many owners enjoy it as a naked machine for sporty driving, and there are few complaints about the loadability.
MT-09, Quick Summary
Advantage
Powerful engine and lightweight body
Love the aggressive style
Easy to ride with the latest electronic control
A narrow seat makes it easy to get a good foot grounding.
The sound-designed three-cylinder engine is very comfortable
Disadvantage
Small steering wheel angle
The light weight of the vehicle makes it scary in strong crosswinds.
The face is not to everyone's taste.
Cargo capacity is nonexistent.
Cheap parts are not worth the price
MT-09 Owner's Voice
Here are some of the most impressive voices among the many reviews.
AY411
| Motive for purchase, intended use, and comparative models | As someone who loved the MT-09 and rode it through the 1st and 2nd generations, I couldn't pass up the dramatic evolution of the 3rd generation! |
|---|---|
| Advantages/Satisfactory points | Evolution of riding, functionality, and performance as expected! |
| Disadvantages/Dissatisfactory points | Less steering wheel turning angle. I thought it would be difficult to maneuver when making U-turns on narrow roads or in garages or bicycle parking lots (even though the old model had a normal steering wheel angle and I didn't mind it). |
| Advice for prospective buyers | Can't go wrong with this fun bike! Highly recommended! (But unfortunately, I think the vehicle itself is hard to find.) |
Yumiya
| Motive for purchase, intended use, and comparative models | I was looking for a bike that is racy, lightweight, and can handle city riding. After considering KTM DUKE890R, CBR650R, etc., I chose the one with the best cost performance and reputation. I jumped on it when it was just canceled. |
|---|---|
| Advantages/Satisfactory points | [Start to ride out] 1. Light and nimble. It is energetic. Good energy. Safe at high speeds. I drove about 350 km after taking delivery of the car, but I soon got used to it and enjoyed it by switching modes according to my mood today. There is no particular pain in my body, and I feel no fatigue. 2. I was prepared for vibration, but it was small compared to the roughness of the engine, and there was no problem even when cruising at high speeds. My personal feeling is that it is about 1/4 of the BMW S1000R and 3/4 of the CBR1000RR-R. [After riding about 500 km on highways and mountain passes] |
| Disadvantages/Dissatisfactory points | [Starting to ride] 1. The clutch and brake levers are not well aligned. The brake in particular feels far away even when the dial is set to 5. The clutch is light, so it may not be a problem once I get used to it a little more. 2. As everyone has pointed out, the steering wheel angle when making a U-turn. I don't care about the SS because my fingers get caught in the tank, but I had a feeling that the bar hanger was going to cut off, so I felt a bump in the middle of the turn. I am not sure if it will be a problem once I get used to it. [After running about 500 km, highways, and mountain passes] |
| Advice for prospective buyers | I've only been riding for a short time, but it's a fun bike to ride, and the 3-cylinder has a nice kick to it. I haven't gotten used to the suspension and brakes yet, but I have no concerns. It is easy to handle and I recommend it. My wife said to me, "Oh, you got a small one" (laugh). |
Roa kyūkuropusu
| Motive for purchase, intended use, and comparative models | Loved the look of it so much that I bought it on impulse. |
|---|---|
| Advantages/Satisfactory points | Anyway, it is a luxurious bike equipped with electronic control and as much technology as is currently available on the market! It is a bike with luxurious features for driving. It is a bike that is purely designed to be ridden at high speeds. It is lightweight, easy to turn, and can be ridden fast or slow freely. |
| Disadvantages/Dissatisfactory points | If you don't like the design for mass centralization, you may not like it. It has no load-carrying capacity. Also, the maintenance is terrible because the parts are packed so tightly together. |
| Advice for prospective buyers | We frequently hear that the MT-09 is too much of a wild horse to be handled very well, but that is not true. It is true that if the limiter is removed and the accelerator pedal is operated carelessly, the front end of the bike will rise up and the bike will swing around, but that is the same with any other bike. It is the same with all large multi-cylinder motorcycles. If you first learn to use the throttle carefully with the limiter on, and slowly get used to the bike and yourself, you will find that the bike is very easy to handle. In particular, the 21-year MT-09, to which a number of electronic controls have been added this time, assists the rider very well and is recommended for beginners. |
Cat and Motorcycle.
| Motive for purchase, intended use, and comparative models | Reason for purchase To replace a versys650 due to age-related deterioration. Purpose of use Track, safe riding competition, touring, and sometimes gymkhana. Comparison Z900, ZX6R, MT07 |
|---|---|
| Advantages/Satisfactory points | Riding Overspecified to the point that it is impossible to use. The quick shifter and cruise control are impressively convenient. It is light and has a short wheelbase, so it changes direction quickly. Appearance I personally like the single-lens headlights, although they are not well received. |
| Disadvantages/Dissatisfactory points | Riding The steering wheel angle is too small. A minimum turning radius of 3.4m (typical naked 2.7m) makes safe driving type fun impossible. Cannot clear staggered, lenses. |
| Advice for prospective buyers | Very cost-effective bike. Maybe you should consider petite customization of the touring hooks or adding side panniers as an option because of poor load capacity. |
Check out MT-09's competitors
Triumph is famous for its "in-line 3-cylinder" engines.
Triumph has been focusing on "inline 3-cylinder" models since 1990, after its revival, and today, the image of an inline 3-cylinder engine as a Triumph engine is well established. In-line 3-cylinder engines are characterized by linear torque development and good torque cut-off at throttle-off, and you can enjoy this "in-line 3-cylinder" character in any displacement range in the Triumph line-up. The Triumph lineup offers this "in-line 3-cylinder" character in every displacement range.
Also in the same MT series are the MT-10, equipped with a straight-four engine similar to the YZF-R1, and the MT-07, a parallel-twin engine with a 270-degree crank layout.
The MT-07, in particular, has about 200cc less displacement and a more compact chassis. It is also less expensive by nearly 2275 USD.
Now, if you're curious about the reviews of our competitors, check here!
*Average owner satisfaction and the number of reviews are as of February 9, 2023.
SPEED TRIPLE 1200 RS
Average Owner Satisfaction: 3.75 (23 people rated)
Average price of a new model: (approx.) 15495 USD
Average used model price: (approx.) 13335 USD
Number of reviews: 1
MT-10
Average Owner Satisfaction: 3.51 (231 people rated)
Average price of a new model: (approx.) 15300 USD
Average used model price: (approx.) 9940 USD
Number of reviews: 41
MT-07
Average Owner Satisfaction: 3.93 (731 people rated)
Average price of a new model: (approx.) 6140 USD
Average used model price: (approx.) 4905 USD
Number of reviews: 127