Yamaha MT-09: 2021 bikesales Bike of the Year Highly Commended

The third generation of Yamaha MT-09 already benefits from an impressive lineage, but it needed to ramp up the naked-bike recipe on every front to stand a chance of making it into the 2021 bikesales Bike of the Year, proudly presented by Shannons. 

And that it has, the latest iteration of Yamaha’s ever-popular streetfighter upping the ante in every respect, from performance and handling, to technology, safety, and sheer fun factor. 

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While it may have narrowly missed out on the top accolade, the decision to include it in this year’s top three ultimately an easy one. It builds on the previous generation’s legacy significantly, improving on what was an already strong bloodline, and is thoroughly deserving of its Highly Commended title. 

Key to the Yamaha MT-09's inclusion is its broad appeal, for both existing MT-09 owners looking to upgrade and for newcomers alike. Riders stepping up from smaller capacity hardware, commuters who want to attack some corners come the weekend, even big-bore sportsbike riders seeking thrills with extra comfort – the new Yamaha MT-09 will resonate with a broad church of potential buyers.

We’ve assessed the new Yamaha MT-09 across a wide theatre of operations, from the track to bumpy backroads, over our favourite twisties and amid the cut and thrust of the urban jungle. And in all manner of conditions, riding this bike has always left us struggling to contain the grin inside our helmet. 

A thorough engine and frame upgrade sees peak output up and overall weight down, while the weight reduction, chassis updates and suspension tweaks ensure an even more spirited, engaging ride. 

“But hand in hand with the mechanical overhaul lies a major tech update, which enhances not only the bike’s safety but also its flexibility across a wide range of roles,” said bikesales senior journalist, Rod Chapman. 

“That ultimately means more riders will be able to get more out of the MT-09 but with the backing of a more sophisticated electronic safety net. That builds rider confidence, which in turn ups the riding enjoyment.” 

The Yamaha MT-09 now comes standard with cornering ABS and cornering traction control, along with slide control and lift (wheelie) control. There’s a choice of four ride modes and a custom mode, allowing the rider to tailor settings to their preference.

An electronic ride-by-wire throttle and electronic fuel injection afford crisp but smooth fueling; throw in full LED lighting, a bi-directional quick-shifter, and new TFT instrumentation, and it’s a comprehensive technology injection. 

Judges praised the Yamaha MT-09 for its relaxed ergonomics, too. 

“The ride position is fairly upright, with only a mild forward lean to the broad handlebar, while there’s a good amount of legroom too,” said Chapman. 

And as the most affordable road bike on offer in the 2021 bikesales Bike of the Year, at $15,249 ride away, the Yamaha MT-09 is sure to provoke plenty of buyer interest. 

“It’s a lot of bike for the bucks and a great next-gen update, not to mention a whole heap of fun,” said Chapman. 

The new Yamaha MT-09 can be many things to many riders. From track-day thrills to weekend day-tripping to tackling the daily grind, it will do the lot with supreme ease, but with a massive hit of pure riding fun. And for all those reasons, the Yamaha MT-09 is eminently deserving of its Highly Commended status, in the 2021 bikesales Bike of the Year.

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