Yamaha MT-09: bikesales Bike of the Year 2021 finalist
The next generation of Yamaha’s ever-popular streetfighter delivers a heap of thrills and solid tech for a modest price
Why is the Yamaha MT-09 a bikesales BOTY finalist?
The Yamaha MT-09 is now in its third generation, with a recent major update delivering more performance and even more riding enjoyment, for only a minimal increase in price.
Yamaha’s revised CP3 inline triple not only now meets Euro 5 emissions compliance, it’s also received a 42cc boost in capacity (now 889cc) and is 1.7kg lighter. Yamaha says it produces three per cent more peak power (119hp/87.5kW at 10,000rpm) and six per cent more peak torque (93Nm at 7000rpm), while the brand claims fuel efficiency has increased by a whopping nine per cent.
But that’s only part of the story; there’s also a new (and lighter) chassis, subframe, and swingarm, lighter spinforged rims, revised ergonomics and a lighter all-up weight (now 189kg wet, down 4kg).
Add in a suite of cutting-edge safety systems courtesy of a six-axis inertial measurement unit, multiple ride modes, a chip-controlled ride-by-wire throttle, new TFT instrumentation, full LED lighting, and refreshed styling, and gains have been made in virtually every respect.
But it’s the way all these enhancements come together that lies at the heart of the new model’s appeal. It’s just a wonderfully cohesive, incredibly enjoyable package, with a long list of clever features that enhances riding enjoyment and safety.
An upright ride position and a wide handlebar deliver all-day comfort, while the rorty inline triple and quality KYB suspension deliver sportsbike-like performance and handling. It’s superb fun – and superb value.
Who will the Yamaha MT-09 appeal to?
The Yamaha MT-09 has always had broad appeal, and that formula is one thing that hasn’t changed with the new generation. The 2021 Yamaha MT-09 will entice existing MT-09 owners looking for the next step forward, as well as relative newcomers looking to step up to their first big bike, along with experienced sportsbike fans looking for decent performance but with more comfort.
And the Yamaha MT-09's potential playground is just as broad. Commuting, weekend day trips in the hills, track days – even the odd multiday tour for those who don’t mind the minimal wind and weather protection – it's all within the Yamaha MT-09's remit.
Yamaha is also throwing the net far and wide with the MT-09's pricing (see below), which – in an age where so many performance bikes’ prices start with a ‘2’, not a ‘1’ – will surely grab plenty of attention among potential buyers.
How much does the Yamaha MT-09 cost?
The Yamaha MT-09 retails for $15,249 ride away. That makes this spirited naked bike the most affordable road bike on offer in the 2021 bikesales Bike of the Year, bettered outright only by Honda’s narrow-focus CRF250R motocrosser.
For those looking for a little more, Yamaha’s new MT-09SP has also undergone all the platform's changes, but adds a premium KYB fork and Öhlins monoshock, plus electronic cruise control, a different seat and a number of cosmetic enhancements, for $17,299 ride away.
What have we already said about the Yamaha MT-09?
We attended the national media launch of the 2021 Yamaha MT-09 back in early May, sampling the bike both through NSW’s Central Coast hinterland, and at a tight and challenging private circuit (now known as ‘70North’, previously ‘The Farm’). Despite the often-damp conditions, here’s what bikesales senior journalist Rod Chapman had to say...
“Our wet and bumpy run down the Putty Road brought its own insights, underlining the unflappable nature of the MT-09, the quality of its chassis and suspension combo, and the confidence boost afforded by its new lean-angle-sensitive safety systems.”
And this...
“The all-new MT-09 and MT-09SP are a big step forward – even more fun, even more flickable, and now backed by even smarter safety tech. These bikes should be on every naked-performance-bike fan’s radar.”
Yamaha MT-09 at a glance:
Price: $15,249 ride away
Engine: 889cc, liquid-cooled, 12-valve, DOHC inline triple
Output: 119hp (87.5kW)/93Nm
Transmission: Six-speed
Weight: 189kg (wet)
Seat height: 825mm
Fuel capacity: 14 litres
Related reading:
2021 Yamaha MT Range Launch Review
Pricing announced for 2021 Yamaha MT range
More power, more tech for all-new Yamaha MT-09
2018 bikesales Bike of the Year Finalist: Yamaha MT-09SP
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