New Yamaha MT-09 vs Previous Model

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Is this a normal evolution or a change of direction?
The MT-09's character was further sublimated, and it was also more forgiving.
I was also impressed with the cornering performance of the MT-09SP

Is this a normal evolution or a change of direction?

Eight years after its introduction, the MT-09 has been given a full makeover.

The three-cylinder engine has been stroked to increase displacement and meet Euro 5 standards, while torque has been increased, especially in the mid-range, and it is fully armed with state-of-the-art electronic control. This means that the new model is a normal evolution based on technological progress, but I had a feeling that the direction of development had changed.

The frame's balance has been optimized in the direction of increased rigidity, and lateral bending rigidity, which contributes greatly to high-speed stability, has been increased by 50%. In fact, the frame shape has been transformed into a delta-box-like shape in the vein of the YZF-R1 and other models.

In addition, the head pipe position was lowered by 30mm. The head pipe position has been lowered by 30mm to achieve a sharper head turn. The suspension stroke has been reduced by 7 to 8 mm from the previous model, which had a motard-like feel, and is now at the level of a standard road sport.

That's why I thought that the MT-09, which has always had its own unique sporting character, has now become something more like a hyper naked, as they say, in order to be accepted by more people. But that seems to have been a bit shallow.

The frame is made of lightweight aluminum with a minimum thickness of 1.7 mm using the latest CF aluminum die-casting technology (previous frame had a minimum thickness of 3.5 mm). The engine mounting angle has been raised from 47.5 degrees to 52.3 degrees, making it more compact, and the dimensions have been improved.

The MT-09's character was further sublimated, and it was also more forgiving.

Start driving slowly, turn around lightly and the revamp is already apparent. It's nimble, racy, and even more refined. It feels like a middle-class motorcycle, not so different from its little brother, the two-cylinder MT-07.

The 4kg weight reduction gives the impression of mass concentration. The engine mounting angle has been raised by about 5 degrees to shorten the front to rear direction, the rear frame has been lightened, and the exhaust system has been lightened and shortened. The wheels, which are 700 grams lighter front and rear, must also have contributed.

In general, high lateral rigidity of the frame makes the motorcycle more stable but less flexible to turn, but this motorcycle has high-quality flex. Even in tight turns, the rear of the frame flexes with the load applied, and the motorcycle changes direction comfortably.

It's more stable than its predecessor, which means it's more fun to drive on the track, but it's also more nimble on tight winding roads.

The new MT-09 features a newly developed "SPINFORGED WHEEL" that is a cast wheel with the strength of a forged wheel. The wheel on the right is the SPINFORGED WHEEL, and there was an exhibit where visitors could experience the reduction in moment of inertia due to weight reduction.

The controllability of the engine, which uses an electronically controlled throttle, is also impeccable. It's a far cry from the early models, which were regarded by some as being difficult to handle, despite having the best throttle response. The drive mode can be switched between four levels, and even the sharpest one is sharp but not nervous.

Traction Control, Wheelie Control, and ABS are also controlled by the 6-axis IMU to keep the motorcycle from behaving in a way that might chill you. However, you can also deactivate these controls (with the exception of ABS) and enjoy the exciting ride as a bare motorcycle. It's a testament to the MT-09's true nature.

The quickshifter, which also works on the downside, is excellent, and it is very impressive to be able to go down a gear with just pedal operation, with a light touch, and no shock.

While maintaining the basic performance first developed in-house for the 2015 YZF-R1, the sensor configuration has been reviewed to achieve a 50% reduction in size and a 40% reduction in weight.

I was also impressed with the cornering performance of the MT-09SP

The higher-end SP model comes with KYB's top-of-the-range front forks with rebound damping on both sides, and an OHLINS rear shock.

I thought it was just set up for the track, but it actually surpasses the performance of the standard suspension in every way. The price of 160,000 yen is justified.

Together with the standard model, the new MT-09 is the ultimate street sport that can be used, played with, and sporty.

The KYB front forks on the MT-09SP (left side) have rebound and compression damping adjustment on each side, and the pressure side can be changed individually for high and low speeds. The rear features a specially developed OHLINS fully adjustable suspension.