Struggling between the amazing entry-level MT-07 and the remarkable near superbike MT-10, Yamaha MT-09 has always struggled as the middle child. But not for long!
The new and improved 2021 Yamaha MT09 tactically emerges and comes to the front, thanks to its complete makeover. MT-09 boasts more power, speed, and value than anything else in its category—and that’s worth paying attention to.
Featuring an aggressive style and powerful performance, the MT-09 makes excellent use of its engine, and nothing below its top speed can get away from it. Now, wearing a more refined look and features, it comes with an adjustable fork, inline-triple motor, adjustable traction control, and strong structure.
But with all that’s going on, most expert riders still want to know if MT09 is worth their time. Let’s find out more!
Yamaha MT-09 Review
Yamaha MT-09 Top Speed: 147.9 mph
The MT-09 is an excellent performer in all speed levels and riding modes. It just needs you to stay focussed as it does what it knows best, ride! Once it puts its robust power into action, it comes up nicely, riding through different terrains and leveled ground down the street. What’s more?
Fuel Economy
The new MT09 boasts a 9% fuel efficiency, better than the previous models featuring 55 mpg fuel economy. With a 14L fuel tank capacity, you’ll be looking to refuel after 150 miles.
Nonetheless, this also depends on your riding mode. The faster you go, the more likely you’re to consume fuel. So, you’ll be refueling sooner than expected.
Exhaust System
These crazy-emission days feature big, heavy, and ugly exhaust systems. That’s why most people don’t talk much about them since they prefer modifying to something better after purchase. That’s an extra cost for you, sadly.
But the Yamaha MT09 is different. It doesn’t look good either, but it’s well-concealed that it doesn’t get on your face as the first non-impressive thing to notice.
Well, it’s also on the noisemaker’s list as other brands. But the best thing is that it sounds incredible– an excellent, burbling, low-profile sound that’s not too loud, unlike what you get with most factory exhausts.
Besides, you only hear more of the air box when riding at a higher speed than the exhaust. The new MT09 comes with a tuned exhaust that gives pleasing-to-hear results.
Added Features
MT09 is packed with rider aids to ensure high-quality performance, comfort, and safety. It’s got unique and impressive ABS at its price point. ABS prevents the wheels from locking when braking by using speed sensors that accurately detect when a wheel is about to lock.
Yamaha MT09 combines lean-sensitive traction control (TCS) and slide control (SCS). Both technologies come with the advanced IMU in MT09 to control the speed. This way, a six-axis sensor package ‘yaws’ the bike, enabling the computer to hold the bike steadily without crashing.
There’s also an ‘Anti-Lift’ system that keeps the front wheel stable and firm in the ground when the speed is high. Better still, MT09 boasts 4 riding modes for the rider to select and switch smoothly between modes as they desire. These modes allow MT09 to cruise in any terrain without causing harm to itself and the ride.
Competition
Of course, there are better and bigger bikes with much to offer than MT09. Yamaha MT-10 and KTM’s 1290 Duke are among the more advanced bikes but are in a higher category than MT09. Thus, comparing and competing for these bikes in one track race is unfair. However, bikes like Brutale and Dragster 800s fall in the same class as MT09, and it can confidently take them out in no time.
Yamaha MT 09 Top Speed, Specifications, Features, & Price
Yamaha MT 09 Key Features
- Engine Type: 847cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, inline 3-cylinder; 12 valves
- Bore x Stroke: 78.0mm x 59.1mm
- Transmission: 6-speed; multiplate assist and slipper clutch
- L x W x H: 81.7 in x 32.1 in x 44.1 in
- Seat Height: 32.3 in
- Maximum Ground Clearance: 5.3 in
- Fuel Capacity: 3.7 gal
- Wet Weight: 425 lb
- 1 Year (Limited Factory Warranty)
MT Series Speed at 500 rpm in Each Gear
Speed at 5000 rpm | MT-09 | MT-10 | MT-07 |
1st Gear | 29.3 mph | 32.9 mph | 25 mph |
2nd Gear | 39 mph | 39.3 mph | 33.6 mph |
3rd Gear | 48.2 mph | 46.4 mph | 43.7 mph |
4th Gear | 56.5 mph | 54.1 mph | 54.8 mph |
5th Gear | 65.5 mph | 61.9 mph | 65.4 mph |
6th Gear | 75.2 mph | 68.4 mph | 73.9 mph |
Yamaha MT-09 Acceleration
Speed | Time |
0-10 mph | 0.48 |
0-20 mph | 0.96 |
0-30 mph | 1.45 |
0-40 mph | 1.94 |
0-50 mph | 2.44 |
0-60 mph | 2.95 |
0-70 mph | 3.59 |
0-80 mph | 4.16 |
0-90 mph | 4.98 |
0-100 mph | 5.82 |
0-110 mph | 7.04 |
0-120 mph | 8.45 |
0-130 mph | 10.77 |
0-140 mph | 14.64 |
60-130 mph | 7.81 |
SS/QM | 10.69/129 mph |
SS/KM | 20.229/144 mph |
SS/Mile | 29.420/147mph |
Top Speed | 147.9 mph |
ENGINE
Engine Type | 847cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, inline 3-cylinder; 12 valves |
Bore x Stroke | 78.0mm x 59.1mm |
Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 |
Fuel Delivery | Fuel injection with YCC-T |
Transmission | 6-speed; multiplate assist and slipper clutch |
Ignition | TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition |
Final Drive | Chain |
Chassis
Frame type: | Diamond |
Front Suspension | Telescopic forks, 137mm travel |
Rear suspension: | Swingarm (link suspension), 130mm travel |
Front tire: | 120/70-ZR17 |
Rear tire: | 180/55-ZR17 |
Front brakes: | Double disc |
Rear brakes: | Single disc |
Weights and Measurements
Wet weight: | 193kg |
Seat height: | 820 mm |
Overall height: | 1120 mm |
Overall length: | 2075 mm |
Overall width: | 745 mm |
Wheelbase: | 1440 mm |
Fuel capacity: | 14.00 |
SUSPENSION
Suspension / Front | 41mm inverted fork, fully adjustable; 5.4-in travel |
Suspension / Rear | Single shock, adjustable preload, and rebound damping; 5.1-in travel |
BRAKES
Brakes / Front | Dual 298mm hydraulic disc; ABS |
Brakes / Rear | 245mm hydraulic disc; ABS |
TIRES
Tires / Front | 120/70ZR17 |
Tires / Rear | 180/55ZR17 |
DIMENSIONS
L x W x H | 81.7 in x 32.1 in x 44.1 in |
Seat Height | 32.3 in |
Wheelbase | 56.7 in |
Rake (Caster Angle) | 25.0° |
Trail | 4.1 in |
Maximum Ground Clearance | 5.3 in |
Fuel Capacity | 3.7 gal |
Fuel Economy** | 44 mpg |
Wet Weight | 425 lb |
WARRANTY
Warranty | 1 Year (Limited Factory Warranty) |
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Conclusion
Ultimately, it’s all about what MT09 can do for its rider. Yamaha MT09 is an affordable bike that delivers better than its weight limit in terms of features and a magnificent engine.
Cunningly, it’s warm and responsive enough to protect novice riders but edgy enough to please the most committed sportbike rider. Still, there’s little to no fault in MT09 for its price range.