Photo by Atsushi Sekino
[MT-09/SP ABS] Details and Test Ride Review
The MT-09ABS, a unique naked model with motard genes, has undergone a full model change! The standard model will be released on August 26. The advanced MT-09 SP ABS will be released on July 28. Prior to the launch, Yamaha held a test ride event for the media at Sodegaura Forest Raceway. Former editor-in-chief of a motorcycle magazine for beginners, Yatagai Hiroaki, reports on the test ride.
Starying that became a common mono-eye in the series
[Overall length x Overall width x Overall height] 2,090mm x 795mm x 1,190mm
[Vehicle weight] 189 [190] kg
[Distance between axes] 1,430mm
[Minimum ground clearance] 140mm
* with bracket [ ] indicates SP
The new MT-25/3 has been fully redesigned with an all-new exterior. The front mask has been changed from the twin-eye type to the mono-eye projector type used on the MT-25/3. The headlamp has been moved closer to the bodywork for a more concentrated look. The overall design has been changed from an edgy design to a more rounded one.
[Selling Price]
MT-09 ABS: 1,100,000 yen (tax included)
Color: Pastel Dark Gray/Deep Purple Blue Metallic C/Matte Dark Gray Metallic 6
MT-09 SP ABS: 1,265,000 yen (including tax)
Color: Black Metallic X
5 mm higher seat height (825 mm) position
[Seat height] 825mm
The wide, upright handlebars, derived from motards, are designed to allow the rider to freely control the bodywork. The top bridge has been lowered slightly to make it easier to hold the motorcycle in place. The seat height is 825mm, 5mm higher than the previous model, and with a height of 172cm and 75kg, my heels are slightly lifted for good footing. The SP with a different suspension has almost the same footing.
New body 4kg lighter - actual riding review
Fully redesigned and ready to go!
When the first-generation MT-09 was introduced in 2014, I thought, "This is a hell of a new model. At the time, Yamaha didn't yet have a parallel 3-cylinder in its lineup, and I was probably not used to the direct power of a parallel 3-cylinder, but it was still powerful. In addition to the STD mode, there were three other modes to choose from: A and B. Selecting "A," which has a more direct throttle response than the STD mode, gave us a taste of extreme acceleration from mid to low speeds. The first-generation model in particular was not equipped with traction control, which is a must-have feature on modern high-powered motorcycles, and I remember having to be very careful with the accelerator pedal. It was a jerky horse that required different riders.
Then, from the 2016 model year, the motorcycle is equipped with a two-mode traction control that allows the intervention to be changed in addition to the control being cut off. The 2017 model has a new look, a quickshifter for upshifts and more sophisticated electronic controls, including traction control. For 2017, the maximum power output has been increased from 110 hp to 116 hp. I was surprised at how much more precise the electronic control was, and how much easier it was to handle. It felt like a rare jerk that had been disciplined and mellowed.
In 2021, the MT-09 received its first full model change. Although there has been no official announcement from Yamaha, it is clear that the model change was made to comply with the Euro 5 regulations. The displacement was increased to 888cc to compensate for the reduction in horsepower caused by the regulations.
However, when I drove it, I felt that it was more powerful than that. The maximum output has been increased from 116ps to 120ps, so it's no surprise, but the mid to low speed acceleration seems to have regained the jerky feel of the original. Moreover, the electronic control has evolved to the level of the latest supersports, so it's more refined. To be honest, the first generation motorcycle was a bit dangerous and you never knew where it would go depending on how you opened the throttle, but the new model allows you to open the throttle aggressively.
The body is also lighter and more compact, giving the impression that it's easier to wield. In fact, the frame and rear arm are two. The total weight reduction is about 4kg, and you can feel the lightness directly in actions like quickly changing lanes.
The MT-09's evolution has been based on the concept of "Torque & Agile", and after a brief change of direction in 2017, the MT-09 is back to its roots with a full model change. The concept behind the new MT-09 is "The Rodeo Master". In Japanese, the phrase "Rodeo Master" sounds like a bit of a jerk. However, the MT-09 is exactly what it sounds like, a machine that you can feel the excitement of riding.
Detail lights & meters
Light switch
The headlight became LED projector type, and the indicator also became LED. Now, only the number lights use bulbs.
Centimeter
Basic screen
A full-colour TFT 3.5-inch instrument panel is used. A wide range of information is displayed, from basic information to gear position and quickshifter operation. There is also a lap timer for track days, as well as indicators for the optional ETC and heated grips.
By changing the display to Lap Time Mode, which is convenient for track driving, lap times can be measured with the passing switch.
The number of revolutions at which the shift indicator operates can be changed to any desired number.
The brightness of the meter can be changed in three levels to suit your preference
Displayed items
Speed/Engine rpm/Quickshifter/Gear position/ETC (OP)/Grip heater (OP)/Brake control/Clock/Riding mode/Odometer/Fuel trip (activated when 2.8 litres remaining)/Trip meter x 2/Average fuel consumption/Instant fuel consumption/Air temperature/Temperature gauge /Fuel gauge / Fuel consumption / Running time / Lap timer (laps / lap times / latest lap times)
Riding performance
Engine
[Engine Type/Displacement] Liquid-cooled 4-stroke DOHC 4-valve in-line 3-cylinder/888cc
[Maximum output] 88kW (120ps)/10,000rpm
[Max Torque] 93Nm (9.5kgf.m)/7,000rpm
The main feature of the engine is the increase in displacement from 845cc to 888cc. The 78mm bore has been retained, but the stroke has been increased by 3mm and the compression ratio has been increased to 11.5, the same as before. Newly designed pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, camshaft and other components were used to reduce weight. The frame has been redesigned and the mounting position has been raised slightly from 47.5 degrees to 52.3 degrees. The intake sound has also been carefully designed, with a three-pronged funnel in the air cleaner box.
Frame
The engine is now mounted at 52.3 degrees, up from 47.5 degrees on the previous model. The injectors are longer than on the previous model to facilitate fuel atomization.
The frame was also redesigned. Lateral rigidity was increased by 50% compared to the previous model to match the engine power increase. At the same time, longitudinal and torsional rigidity have been increased.
The thinnest part is where the main frame becomes wide, but when you grab the other parts, they're actually quite thin.
The head pipe position has been lowered by 30mm to make it easier to apply the front wheel load, creating a character that can be handled more freely.
CF aluminum die-casting technology has resulted in a lightweight aluminum frame with a minimum wall thickness of 1.7 mm (previously 3.5 mm thin). This optimizes the frame's rigidity in terms of length, width and torsion. The frame's lateral rigidity has been dramatically increased by 50% compared to the previous frame, to cope with the increased power of the engine. The head pipe has also been lowered by 30mm to lower the top bridge position, making it easier to apply the front load.
Footwork
[Tire size] Front: 120/70ZR17 Rear: 180/55ZR17
The front fork is an inverted type with a 41 mm inner tube diameter. Preload can be changed by 15mm, and there are 11 levels of rebound and compression damping adjustment. The rear shock has a new linkage system, which reduces pitching more than on previous models. The biggest improvement to the suspension is the wheels. Yamaha's original "SPINFORGED wheels" are as strong and light as forged aluminum wheels, and the new cast aluminum wheels are 700g lighter than the previous model's front and rear wheels. These wheels are also extremely cost-effective and are likely to be increasingly adopted in the future. The tires are specially developed Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22.
Brakes
[Front] Opposing 4 pots/double-disc
[Rear] Single press 1 pot/disc
The front is a double disc set up with monobloc calipers mounted radially. An interesting feature of the brakes is that there are two ABS control modes. One is a standard ABS mode and the other is an ABS mode with 6-axis IMU cornering control, which can be switched in the settings menu.
In-house developed 6-axis IMU
Since its installation on the 2015 model R1, Yamaha has been the only one of the four Japanese manufacturers to develop its own 6-axis IMU unit. The IMU installed in the new MT-09 is 50% smaller and 40% lighter than its predecessor. It observes the vehicle's state and movement in three dimensions, and the data is used to control various electronic control devices such as brakes and traction control.
Seat
The front and rear seats are integrated, with the front section narrowed down significantly for better legroom. The key cylinder for removing and installing the seat is located behind the fender. There is almost no space under the seat, but an ETC (sold separately) can be stored and connected with a connector.
Footpeg
The sporty rubberless footpeg has two positions that can be selected by replacing the bolts. The back step position is 14mm higher and 4mm lower than the stock position. The quick shifter can be set to either all cut, up only, or down only.
Exhaust system
As well as being Euro 5 compliant, the motorcycle has been thoroughly tuned for sound and features a 1.5 stage expansion chamber. During acceleration, the exhaust note is linked to the driving force, and the exhaust outlet is pointed downwards so that the sound is reflected from the ground and bounced back to the rider.
Handlebar
The motard-derived pipe bar and upright position allow for lean-wise, lean-in and lean-out operation. The position can be changed to 4mm up and 9mm forward of the normal position.
Drive Mode
There are four drive modes from 1 to 4, which can be changed by turning off the throttle while driving. 1 to 3 change the movement of the butterfly valve to the throttle operation, and the smaller the number, the more direct the response to the accelerator operation. 4 is like a rain mode, and not only the transient characteristics but also the power output is reduced. 4 is a kind of rain mode, and not only the transient characteristic but also the output is suppressed.
TCS mode
In addition to System Off, 1 and 2, the system is equipped with M (Manual) mode in which parameter settings can be changed as desired. The parameters can be set separately for the traction control (TCS), slide control system (SCS) and lift control system (LIF). The difference between the traction control system and the slide control system is that the traction control system controls the driving force during straight driving while the slide control system controls the driving force by monitoring the amount of rear wheel swing of the vehicle with the IMU.
Detail Utility
Fuel tank
[Fuel capacity] 14L
It has the same 11.5 compression ratio as its predecessor and uses high-octane fuel. The fuel warning light comes on when the fuel level falls below 2.8 litres, which means that the motorcycle can be driven for 230 km.
Cargo hook
While there are helmet holders and cargo hooks on the pillion footpeg, there are no hook points at the rear, so loading is not great. There is, however, a bolt to fit an accessory top box stay. If you plan to carry a large load, you'll probably need a carrier.
Switch box
[Left] Passing & headlight switch / indicator / horn / hazard / mode switch / mode paddle switch
[Right] Starter switch & kill switch/wheel switch
The mode and paddle switches on the left switch box are used to change the drive mode and traction control settings. The left wheel switch can be dialed or pushed, and is used to move the meter cursor and make decisions. It may look complicated, but the machine setting procedure is simple and easy to get used to.
SP with advanced specifications
[MT-09SP ABS]
[Selling Price]
MT-09 SP ABS: 1,265,000 yen (including tax)
Color: Black Metallic X
Test Ride Review
There is no difference in engine power between the standard MT-09 and the SP model, but the two motorcycles are almost completely different. Comparing the two motorcycles, you can clearly feel the difference in the suspension, with the SP having a calmer, more relaxed feel and less pitching motion during acceleration and deceleration. This reduces the "jerkiness" of the MT-09, but it also makes it easier to pick up the pace.
Detail Difference from STD
Equipped with special KYB front suspension.
The inner tube has a diamond-like coating for improved sliding performance.
The 15mm preload adjustment remains the same, but the rebound damping adjustment has been increased to 26 levels, and the compression damping adjustment can be set separately for high speed (5.5 turns) and low speed (18 levels).
The rear shock is a specially developed Öhlins fully adjustable suspension set.
The damping characteristics are 30 steps on the rebound side and 20 steps on the compression side.
Exclusive to the SP is the addition of cruise control, which can be used between 4th and 6th gear and operates between 50 and 180 km/h.
Cruise control is indicated on the instruments only by an indicator, without any indication of the set speed. The set speed can be increased or decreased in 2km/h increments and there is a resume function.
In contrast to the monochromatic STD, this model features a high-grade tank that has been painted in different colors.
The seams on the seats are double-stitched for a luxurious feel.
The swingarm has been buffed and clear coated, and the sprockets, handlebars, and levers have also been painted in black.
The front and rear brake reservoir tanks are treated with smoked clear.
Summary
Not just high class, STD and SP have different characters!
The MT-09 and SP have evolved greatly from the previous model, and after test riding the two motorcycles, I noticed that the MT-09 and SP have very different suspension characteristics and directions. The standard model's suspension has a softer setting that is inherited from the motard's DNA, giving the MT-09 a large amount of pitching. The SP, on the other hand, has a more relaxed road sport feel. Of course, there are differences in equipment, such as the presence of a cruise control system, but the first thing that struck us was the huge difference in the character of the vehicle. If you want to enjoy the jerkiness of the motorcycle, choose the STD, and if you want to improve your time on the track, choose the SP.
See YAMAHA Moto Index Page
See Accessories for YAMAHA MT-09 (FZ-09)
