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I'd look at it, but the duke 990 that's hopefully coming back next year would be the enviable winner. Should be lighter & faster than the 890 giving a great bridge from sub 999cc and above 999cc power. Hopefully something to compete with the mt10 which is kinda chilling in its own market at
I actually bought this bike because the Street Triple RS wasn't in stock. From end of may till today i have 15.500km with it and i can say for all rounder it's the perfect bike. Track/City/Weekend rides it can do them all. The only thing that it lacks is braking power. I have installed some EBC HH pads and it brakes a little better, but still don't know why they don't install Brembos at least low tiered.
Have a 22 SP with 5k since getting last year. Best overall naked I’ve owned . Had a street triple RS, MT10, BMW s1000r, Z900, monster 821 previously. The combination of features ( class leading comfort, outstanding motor , playful/ fun handling agility, fuel economy, low maintenance costs/ reliability, technology and uniqueness in SP trim and best value dollar for content) make a tremendously rewarding ownership experience.
Many people talk about the looks of the MT09. I personally think it's a very handsome bike from all angles. The "controversial" head light looks like it came out of Transformers. Nothing like a Street Tripple or a KTM, both of which look like the eyes of a giant insect
Totally agree. It is much like the Mk5 Toyota Supra, at first it was an eww, then it was a thats actually not bad then I found myself admiring its lines from start to finish. I am currently in contact with a bike dealer on a Mt-09 23 with a AT2 Yoshi pipe on her. Lets see what develops.
I have a 2021 MT09 SP I have put a bit over 17K miles on. My experience & opinion mirrors yours exactly. This is the best review I have seen on TH-cam. The bike is a tun of fun. I commute, tour, tear up the twisties and ride it for fun. It always brings a smile but I find impossible to behave when I ride it.
Bought a used 2021 SP back in August 2023 with about 3200 miles on it. I am an experienced rider (30+ years) and appreciate the finer points you mentioned. A phenomenal engine, just okay brakes (only "okay" simply due to their lack of feel). Sport bike performance in a comfortable package. The SP version is indeed well worth it for the finely tunable suspension and cruise control. My biggest nits are: the lack of of steering range at full lock (which can make tight u turns exciting when you forget how limited it is relative to other bikes you regularly ride), the tiny dash, the narrow stock handlebars (which I have replaced) and lastly, the most irksome nit to me, a quick shifter that limits downshifts to an almost fully rolled off throttle (these days good blipper software on some other quick shifter equipped bikes I have ridden seem to allow downshifts under at least partial throttle). All in all it's a great package (whether SP or base) for something sporty but comfortable and, relatively inexpensive compared to the competition and the total package for the price. One more thing to those who think they "need" a steering damper. As a former club racer I have found that properly tuned suspension will very often negate the need for a steering damper. My SP has proved to be no exception. Once I got the suspension more or less dialed in for hard canyon riding, the skittishness in the front end becomes negligible. On the other hand, on my first sport ride on the bike (that is with the suspension still set up for the previous owner) the front end skipped all over the place on rough pavement. Food for thought. As Ian mentioned in the video, he did in fact do some suspension adjustments for himself. Worth noting also, as Ian mentioned, this is NOT a beginner bike so approach it accordingly including understanding suspension and rider aid adjustments. The wrong settings in the hands of a novice could land them on their head. That said, set up right in the hands of someone with intermediate or higher experience and 2021-2023 MT09 is simply a blast to ride.
Absolutely a great bike I have a 2021 MT09SP and I have 36k miles on it and it still puts a smile on my face. Great for every thing track, canyon ripping, travel.
I have a 2021 Mt09 sp ! Absolutely solid bike for the money ! Brakes are easily upgraded with better pads. Bike is a proven hooligan bike and also very suitable for everyday riding. Go for it, buy it :). I have 15000km, not one problem except a facture recall early on.
@@Bogby_Pogby Mt 09 as long as I mainly expect tarmac. Did 3000 miles in 8 days this summer without issues but I guess most would have appreciated a comfort seat. Next trip will probably include TET and then the KTM gets the nod.
@@BlazinBlades True. The more bikes the less compromise. No ADV bike I have tried comes close to a modern naked street bike in terms of riding on tarmac. But there is absolutely some good ADV bikes that can handle it all good enough.
I have an older FZ-09…2015… but still similar. I have/had quite a few other bikes with more power… but for around town this bike is just a blast to ride!!! Especially in “A” map (the most power, jerky, and tons of engine braking). Can’t beat this motor for fun!!!!!
I say it is the closest thing Yamaha has built to simulate the old RD/RZ 350s which were also a total blast very similar sensation of of available power pwer/weight etc easy to toss around and wheely etc The little twins were tw stroke so power stroke every time a piston arrived at tdc compared with the triple 4 stroke with higher rpm on average a very similar feel for plentius power as I recall and while the CP3 powered models are significantly heavier? Modern suspension tires and brakes and chassis technology mre than counteracts THAT negative....like an RD but way better
Great review Ian, as always. The problem I'm having is obtaining the MT-09SP. The supplier here in Canada laughed when my dealer asked about next year’s availability. I wish Yamaha upped their production of the SPs.
2022+ XSR900 with cruise might have been a consideration? It's less expensive than the MT-SP. Honestly if I wanted high quality suspension I would do it myself. I do see the SP as a good option, but the choices Yamaha made in shocks and cartridges would not be my choice, I would do much better in the aftermarket.
Recently rented tracer 9 gt for weekend(shares same engine and main frame), what impressed me - no heat from engine. Huge advantage for me as I cannot stand when bike cooks me alive like Ducati Monster 937 does. Great bike for next review btw
I own that same bike and have embarrest MANY full n sport bike owners in the twisties since it looks full n "dad bike" ....now that I have the MT10 howerer it is relegated to touring duty at slower paces ....still mostly twisty but longer routes the tracer and Im sure the MT09 t does have one serious drawback if one is averse to vibration it can be a killer in cld weather even with grip warmers ...first time a new desease manifested in my hands was long trip on tracer9gt the disease is called "VWF" vibration white finger and normally it only shows up in lie jack hammer opperators etc vibraty things espically in colder temps ....well guess what? The Tracer 9 hits that same sour spot apparently! And it is n joke when your fingers turn white and start ging numb and become like modeling clay! dangerous stuff on an MC especially far from home!! Even with the grip warmers if I take it on another long trip I m also taking heated gloves and maybe see if there is medication! It got scary! YMMV but yu are warned! There IS vibration and I am not the only one complaining!
@@dougiequick1 These things are very individual. As someone who has owned a MT/09, Tracer 900 & an XSR 900 I've never had any issues on any of those bikes with vibrations & I have had numb hands on a Triumph Trident 660.
Tried the regular MT09 once : I really liked the engine, the tank was pretty slim and easy to grab with my legs, the position was pretty upright, overall a pretty good bike. I liked it way much more than the MT07 which I also tried the same day. An R9 really would be a great bike even though I doubt it will be made since I do no think the sales of the R7 are very high.
Does Yamaha publish sales numbers? Every R7 I see around here is sold within a few days of being at a dealer. Sales aren't high or Yamaha didn't make that many of them?
@@thouseinthehouseAgree. I had to wait 5 month for an R7. The closest dealer that had one in stock was in OKC. I was really looking forward to an R9, but sadly, apart from rumors, it hasn't come to market. Still the R7 is a great reliable fully faired bike. Love it on track.
It’s the (you called it) jerkiness what makes this bike so amazing. And not predictable and boring. Like so many other bikes on the throttle. I think it says a lot of what kind of rider you are if you want this to be so “smooth”, or as I find it predictable and boring.
I bought this after trying the street triple rs and the duke 890r just prefer the engine and riding position of this the triumph and ktm both have better brakes but once you start chucking a few accessories on them they’re in the £14000 range in the uk when this is around £11500 with heated grips and a few yam accessories as a all round bike the mt is better than both imo I’ve chucked a scorpion red power full exhaust on mine and it’s made it more lively and sounds great Edit:noticed you never mentioned the turning circle it’s terrible on this 😂 pretty much my only gripe with it
Way back when the FJ09 came out, I was ready to buy one, but the foot pegs remain in the MT-09 location, which is daft for an adventure tourer. A decade later nothing has changed. Jerky throttles are a bane of my life: my 2005 FJR1300, my 2020 KTM 1290SAS. A friend has had 3 BMWs with fuel injection going back decades and all of them had smooth throttles, so come on Yamaha, get it together.
A very practical and useful review, great to see one without the interruptions which are supposed to be funny. Leave the fun to the bike, let it speak like you have. One thing that struck me is that with the performance modifiers available this could be a good learner bike, it's light so instead of starting with a more modest bike start with this with the power turned down.
@bigrockmoto I was wondering if you could do a super T review? There aren’t many good reviews out there about the bike and seeing how you have spent a lot of time on all the big competitors for it I would be curious to see what you have to say about it
Thanks for your thorough review! If it weren't so ugly and/or it had the level of build quality found on a Triumph or BMW, it would be top of my next bike list. While I love my Street Triple 765, as I get older the riding position limits how much time I can spend on it. This MT 09 SP would be top of my list if I could just get past the styling. The search continues...
Here we go, just stored my bike for winter and already miss it. So i'll watch way too many bikes videos for about 6 months. Thanks for this one, very compelling product offered by Yamaha.
Lol figured you're a Canadian. I'm in Ottawa and yes it's cold in the morning but good jacket, gloves, heated grips and windshield make it still rideable for me. Definitely going to be riding until the first snow. 💪
I’m a pretty husky guy and the suspension on the SP is not a selling point for me. The cruise control is. So I’m not disappointed that I got the base model instead. I dialed it in for my liking and it does well. Honestly if I wanted a superior suspension I’d go custom so the upgraded on the SP doesn’t matter to me. The throttle in d2 is only choppy in 1st gear below the power band. Also I live in a very high traffic area and lane split constantly. I have no issues maneuvering around traffic. If you’re at a dead stop and need to go 90° then yeah you’re waddling. But when moving I get around cars with no issue. Heat isn’t bad at all. I’ve had the bike for 2 years in 90+ temps and humidity at the same time and never felt more than a bit of warmth at most. I am of the few the love the look of the bike from the front, but with the Puig screen. I prefer the Street Triple directly looking at it but not from the cockpit. I think the Streetfighter is the only naked bike that nails the looks from every angle with the Tuono at 2nd. You spend most of your time in the seat and it’s hard to knock how good it looks from there. I wouldn’t knock anyone for choosing something else. But I think for the money, there isn’t a better bike on the market for the street. Especially when you take into consideration that everything is included and not optional extras you have to pay for.
Can you do a vid on learning how to wheelie on an adv then? This is something I’m going to start doing once i get my Tuareg and would be great to see a series on your progress so I could follow along!
Whats the problem with the exhaust? It's pretty neat imo, well tucked away and no clearance issues, also its pretty damn cool sounding for a stock exhaust. Also, no need to plug it up when you wash the bike 😂 Otherwise a nice review.
I've just bought this bike and it's incredible. I had the MT10 sp 2023 and hated it, just way too uncomfortable, the 09sp for me is far better. I took it to the french apps and had the best time ever, incredible machine and simply put its the best fun I've had on a motorbike in years. Fab fuel economy too 150 miles before the fuel light came on and I was spanking it, not bad at all for a 14 litre tank. Great review.
I had xt660z tenere for 4 years.. I sell it and bought an T7 since May 23'.. I like it,but i start to want more power and i dont go off road like i was.. I mean ,at 3000 km that ive done only 50 is off road! Im Yamaha man and i cant wait for Tenere 900 ,cause i bought it already if was released. And i find myself to look at mt9 again and again.. The only thing that keeps me not to sell my T7 and go for mt9 is the feeling of riding on bad tarmac country roads with all this holes and "death" traps.. Im afraid that i ride with mt9 more alert for bad condition bumby tarmac roads and not relaxed like i am with T7. I live at country side of Greece and i dont have the luxury for test drive. So ,whats your opinion,is it realy nigh and day about comfort on bad tarmac roads bitween T7 and mt9 or i overthinking it??
As an owner of the CP3 engine, how do you feel about those Tenere 900 rumors? The Tracer 9, as the nearest analogue, is around a hundred pounds lighter than the Super Tenere. I guess it all depends how wide and bulky the triple feels?
Nice video Ian! This was on my list, but I found a great deal on a used 22 Hypermotard 950 SP. Loving it so far but wish it had cruise control and a comfier seat! I'd like to swing a leg over this generation MT-09. Everyone seems to like them.
Thanks for your video yet again. Do you think the suspension on the regular MT-09 is not that great or is it doable? Don't think I can afford a used SP.
I’ve ridden both and ended up buying the regular MT-09. The suspension is perfectly fine for the vast majority of road riders and there’s almost no difference in ride comfort between them. I’m a fairly average rider who likes riding at a “spirited pace” and I’ve yet to get it out of shape. The SP suspension will probably suit you better If you do track days or ride on perfect roads with medium speed sweeping turns (like on a race track).
I have had the FJ-09 since 2017; I agree with you, the suspension is not very good (too stiff for me), yet the power of the CP3 motor has inclined my balance to keep it all this time. It's just fun! If I may ask, you tried the recent model of Triumph Tiger, which has a 3 cylinder motor as well; what is your impression of power comparison between the 2 motors? Regards!
I've ridden both the Trident and the new MT-09, and while the Trident's triple definitely is great for its class, the CP3 in my opinion is just superior in every single way. More direct throttle response, more torque, smoother power delivery, less vibration and less heat as well.
@@gsm_liv8980 The Trident as I checked, is inline 3-cylinder 660 cc. My interest was comparing the Triump Tiger GT, 3-cylinder that has 900 cc motor, analog to the FJ-09 / Tracer 900 ;-)
I'm not sure about the exhaust header pipe till the end , yamaha should cover it or redesign the exhaust, it's an eyesore to look at. Also not sure about that downward facing exhaust
In san diego area I found the pricing difference to be innaccurate because you wont pay JUST msrp for the SP (that I could find a few months ago anyway) whereas I had no difficulty finding multiple dealers fully willing to OTD the std MT09 for actual MSRP plus tax and license the SP they ALL would add on to that at bare minimum "Yamaha Freight" which I want to say is like $850 so take that 1700 price difference add 850 plus a little more tax and registration and the real bottom line is the SP will likely be over $2600 more than you get the standard for and maybe that is still a bargain idk. I finally passed on both and went for a standard MT-10 which I LOVE btw other than the fact it eats fuel and tires like a maniac (MT in MT10 apparently means EMPTY ? r "mre tires"? lol) I might have bought the SP version but it would have been close t FIVE THOUSAND dollars more because again they would not deal on the SP but actually sold me the standard 300 belw MSRP with no other fees or freight just tax and reg. just a little over $15k otd the two sp10 owners I spoke with both paid almost 20k Sorry but for 5k I can really do some upgrading! Like forged wheels and a Penske Shock? And a Graves cat delete with large silencer maybe a lithium battery lots of options
Ian, I’m servicing my braking system this morning, would you please comment on best braking performance whether you use Dot 3 vs Dot 4 vs Urine as brake fluid?
What do you think of the newly revised 2024 Yamaha MT-09. The only real down sides I see with it is that it is now 9 lbs heavier and it's reported to get 1 mpg less than the 2023 -- presumed to have the same horsepower and torque figures. It's got the larger and more sophisticated display and better brakes that you wanted though, among many other improvements! *I can only get the website to work through the phone currently, if you want to check it out.*
From what I've heard, that jerky throttle is largely due to emissions regulations, because when you let off the throttle while in gear, it cuts the fuel injectors, then starts them again when you get back on it
I was watching one of the revzilla podcasts (don't ask me which one,) and Ari was saying that the jerkiness on the MT09 is a result of choices the Yamaha engineers made when designing the bike. They could have built a drive train with less slack but the price would go up due to higher manufacturing costs. The MT is a great value proposition in the middleweight category. My pick is Yamaha over the significantly higher purchase and operating cost of a BMW. I'll learn to live with a mildly irritating drive train looseness rather than pony up for European refinement.
I’m comparing this to a Triumph 765 RS. Brakes are important. Like when I’m gunning my Diavel , a one finger braking keeps you FEELING safer. It’s 37k in Singapore & 40k for the RS, please help
I really like this type of motorcycles, it's nice to have both personalities in the same bike. The only problem for me it's the styling, tank shape and the front part is atrocious... Once you see what i mean, you can't unsee it ever again... That said, if you enjoy it when you ride that's the important part, have fun and do some power wheelies! ;)
I have an issue with your "Urban Test" assessments. This is based on the video shared: wide open roads, barely any traffic, a single stop sign and a single traffic light. Please take this as constructive feedback. Otherwise a thumbs up, as usual, for your efforts.
I commute in two cities on an MT09 and it is good daily and great weekend bike. - drive mode 2 - soften the rebound and damping a click or two - filtering is only restricted by mirrors (vs SUVs and vans mirrors) - I do not use cruise control, as creeping past vehicles put you in their blind spot for too long. Another option is Duke R.
Air must be cleaner in Japan. I live in the rainforest on the seacoast. I don't live in a dusty area. At 20,000 km the air filter on my CB500F was completely black inside. Bigger engines plug up their filters quicker. I would be doing it every 10000 km which is 6200 miles. It's cheap insurance.
26k! Miles till valve adjustment that's crazy. Some people won't even have to do this service as they get rid of the bike much sooner than 26k. Also seems like a lot of miles to go with checking valves and timing. Even air filter 24k miles until a change. These numbers are INSANELY HIGH
What did you do with the windshield? I remember taking that FJ on demo and the wind noise/buffeting was among the worst experiences on any motorcycle I've had, and I've ridden at least 60 different models over the last 25 years.
It's probably the best motorcycle in the category for many reasons. Yet it's a little disappointing how Yamaha has gone through as much redesigns and model refreshes as they have, addressed so many things about the machine that needed addressed, but always seem to hold back: - 3.7 [14L] gallon tank was too small in 2014, it's too small today. It's the same size as their smaller engine bikes. Makes zero sense. Give us 4.5gal [17L] like dozens of Japanese machines used to have decades ago. You've had 3 redesign opportunities to give us more capacity and you continue to fail. - Look around, Yamaha. Competitors have much better TFT screens with much better font, color, legibility. Suzuki for instance, who is traditionally slow in moving to modern tech. - We live in an era of crazy technology regarding light production and motorcycle manufacturers, in spite using LED headlight modules, still can't produce a decent nighttime beam pattern, still can't light up around curves. These goofy insect eyeballs don't fill the darkness evenly; hot spots, lines, lack of light flooding, and so on. - If you're going to use cruise control, don't limit that to "certain gears above a certain speed only" - Give us really good tires from factory, not these plastic hoops that destroy the greatest benefits of the machine that you wish to showcase. - Stop with the fiddly roller/push switches. The switchgear was crap in 2014 and you still haven't completely solved that problem, outside the Tracer 9 GT+. - Japanese styling in the last 15+ years has gotten really old. What happened to beauty? Anyone remember what a 2005 R1 looked like? Stunning. People aspire to beautiful aesthetics, it's why they often thrown down ungodly amounts of money on automobiles that don't command such prices from a purely functional standpoint. Give people stunning aesthetic beauty and they will come. MT motorcycles are anything but. - Give us motorcycle model NAMES....... not the alphabet soup, the sort of stuff that's so difficult to say to interested parties that don't understand motorcycles or motorcycle models, "what's an Empty Oh Nine?! and what does Ess Pee mean?!!" Tracer is a good place to start, but the entire naked lineup needs names. I don't want to sound like a complainer. I bought a 2018 MT-09 and loved certain aspects of it. The engine is a riot. It's what actually sold the machine to me in spite of all the other deficiencies. After a few years, the other deficiencies have become larger and larger in my mind and I ride the bike far less than I'd like to. Makes it more difficult as well after demo-riding the 2021+ models and feeling the night/day improvements. Another bike that has me debating is the Kawasaki Z900. Much less technology by comparison but honestly (outside of me wanting a cruise control), it doesn't need that tech. Engine is butter on the Z and has plenty of power. Just doesn't carry the "same" traits as the triple, and sometimes that's a good thing. Sometimes a smooth torquey four cylinder is a very good thing. The Z chassis is also rock solid and confidence inspiring, and (coincidentally) does extremely well with very minimal modifications for race track use. The last-gen MT-09 by comparison could never been fully "fixed" to be a decent track machine. The XSR900 is a notable half-step the SP model, giving you cruise control, much better styling, and a bit more aggression to the riding position which seems to be lacking from the MT.
@michaelhayward7572 I've looked it up.. It's not the Ohlins rear or same Kayaba front forks which have both slow and fast adjustments. It's still 'Fully adjustable' but just not to the same extent as the SP's. If it had the SP's suspension I'd have bought the XSR instead of the SP.... when I read your post above I was beginning to think I'd made a mistake and bought the wrong bike. lol
These are nice bikes and 24 model is now improved. But...... The Triumph Street Triple RS is just SO much better than this for just a bit more money I think.
2024 mt09 SP has Brembo brakes and a larger screen.... what about the styling, do you think its any better? For me, Yamaha just don't know how to build a good looking bike. I think the mt09 is a fantastic bike but a bit ugly and cheap looking, however, the overall package is so good, people keep on buy it.
The gen 4 gets some great upgrades techwise but I actually prefer the gen 3 to the gen 4 in looks and finish. I guess it's a fine line to tread keeping a bike affordable enough to undercut its competitors as its main USP. I'm sure they could easily make it look great and give it a far more premium fit and finish but if that pushes the price up closer to its rivals it loses its price competitiveness and we will then complain about that instead. The fact that Its selling very well for them suggests that they have specced and positioned it well for its marketspace.
It's fuel cut on decel for emissions and until people stop buying them, Yamaha won't address it. Like you, I bought an FJ-09 when it came out and sold it after 4 months. The fueling was horrid and the suspension was worse.
Would you buy this bike over the competitors?
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I'd look at it, but the duke 990 that's hopefully coming back next year would be the enviable winner. Should be lighter & faster than the 890 giving a great bridge from sub 999cc and above 999cc power. Hopefully something to compete with the mt10 which is kinda chilling in its own market at
Yes, I would for sure.
I actually bought this bike because the Street Triple RS wasn't in stock. From end of may till today i have 15.500km with it and i can say for all rounder it's the perfect bike. Track/City/Weekend rides it can do them all. The only thing that it lacks is braking power. I have installed some EBC HH pads and it brakes a little better, but still don't know why they don't install Brembos at least low tiered.
I did. 😉😃
Have a 22 SP with 5k since getting last year. Best overall naked I’ve owned . Had a street triple RS, MT10, BMW s1000r, Z900, monster 821 previously. The combination of features ( class leading comfort, outstanding motor , playful/ fun handling agility, fuel economy, low maintenance costs/ reliability, technology and uniqueness in SP trim and best value dollar for content) make a tremendously rewarding ownership experience.
Many people talk about the looks of the MT09. I personally think it's a very handsome bike from all angles. The "controversial" head light looks like it came out of Transformers. Nothing like a Street Tripple or a KTM, both of which look like the eyes of a giant insect
Totally agree. It is much like the Mk5 Toyota Supra, at first it was an eww, then it was a thats actually not bad then I found myself admiring its lines from start to finish. I am currently in contact with a bike dealer on a Mt-09 23 with a AT2 Yoshi pipe on her. Lets see what develops.
Ive just down sized to a 22 MT09 from an S1000XR. I was shocked how fast and agile the yam is. I have no regrets.
I have a 2021 MT09 SP I have put a bit over 17K miles on. My experience & opinion mirrors yours exactly. This is the best review I have seen on TH-cam. The bike is a tun of fun. I commute, tour, tear up the twisties and ride it for fun. It always brings a smile but I find impossible to behave when I ride it.
Bought a used 2021 SP back in August 2023 with about 3200 miles on it. I am an experienced rider (30+ years) and appreciate the finer points you mentioned.
A phenomenal engine, just okay brakes (only "okay" simply due to their lack of feel). Sport bike performance in a comfortable package. The SP version is indeed well worth it for the finely tunable suspension and cruise control.
My biggest nits are: the lack of of steering range at full lock (which can make tight u turns exciting when you forget how limited it is relative to other bikes you regularly ride), the tiny dash, the narrow stock handlebars (which I have replaced) and lastly, the most irksome nit to me, a quick shifter that limits downshifts to an almost fully rolled off throttle (these days good blipper software on some other quick shifter equipped bikes I have ridden seem to allow downshifts under at least partial throttle).
All in all it's a great package (whether SP or base) for something sporty but comfortable and, relatively inexpensive compared to the competition and the total package for the price.
One more thing to those who think they "need" a steering damper. As a former club racer I have found that properly tuned suspension will very often negate the need for a steering damper. My SP has proved to be no exception. Once I got the suspension more or less dialed in for hard canyon riding, the skittishness in the front end becomes negligible. On the other hand, on my first sport ride on the bike (that is with the suspension still set up for the previous owner) the front end skipped all over the place on rough pavement. Food for thought. As Ian mentioned in the video, he did in fact do some suspension adjustments for himself.
Worth noting also, as Ian mentioned, this is NOT a beginner bike so approach it accordingly including understanding suspension and rider aid adjustments. The wrong settings in the hands of a novice could land them on their head.
That said, set up right in the hands of someone with intermediate or higher experience and 2021-2023 MT09 is simply a blast to ride.
Absolutely a great bike I have a 2021 MT09SP and I have 36k miles on it and it still puts a smile on my face. Great for every thing track, canyon ripping, travel.
Your putting up some good miles! Daily rider?
I have a 2021 Mt09 sp ! Absolutely solid bike for the money ! Brakes are easily upgraded with better pads. Bike is a proven hooligan bike and also very suitable for everyday riding. Go for it, buy it :). I have 15000km, not one problem except a facture recall early on.
Currently running a MT09 sp and ktm 690 combo. That covers about any biking need from hooliganism to touring to cities to gravel to single trail
Which one do you tour on? The yamaha?
2 bikes are better than one
But having to choose one I would just choose my favorite ADV bike to cover all grounds 🍻🍻
@@Bogby_Pogby Mt 09 as long as I mainly expect tarmac. Did 3000 miles in 8 days this summer without issues but I guess most would have appreciated a comfort seat. Next trip will probably include TET and then the KTM gets the nod.
@@tdb0770 fair play, thanks. Enjoy your riding
@@BlazinBlades True. The more bikes the less compromise. No ADV bike I have tried comes close to a modern naked street bike in terms of riding on tarmac. But there is absolutely some good ADV bikes that can handle it all good enough.
I have an older FZ-09…2015… but still similar. I have/had quite a few other bikes with more power… but for around town this bike is just a blast to ride!!! Especially in “A” map (the most power, jerky, and tons of engine braking). Can’t beat this motor for fun!!!!!
I say it is the closest thing Yamaha has built to simulate the old RD/RZ 350s which were also a total blast very similar sensation of of available power pwer/weight etc easy to toss around and wheely etc The little twins were tw stroke so power stroke every time a piston arrived at tdc compared with the triple 4 stroke with higher rpm on average a very similar feel for plentius power as I recall and while the CP3 powered models are significantly heavier? Modern suspension tires and brakes and chassis technology mre than counteracts THAT negative....like an RD but way better
Great review Ian, as always. The problem I'm having is obtaining the MT-09SP. The supplier here in Canada laughed when my dealer asked about next year’s availability. I wish Yamaha upped their production of the SPs.
Sorry to hear that
Don't know what part of Canada you're in but there are currently 3 SP"s available in Portland Oregon.
2022+ XSR900 with cruise might have been a consideration? It's less expensive than the MT-SP. Honestly if I wanted high quality suspension I would do it myself. I do see the SP as a good option, but the choices Yamaha made in shocks and cartridges would not be my choice, I would do much better in the aftermarket.
Great review!
I got my eyes, and money on a 2024 mt09 sp. Hoping for some styling changes but either way im here for it.
Recently rented tracer 9 gt for weekend(shares same engine and main frame), what impressed me - no heat from engine. Huge advantage for me as I cannot stand when bike cooks me alive like Ducati Monster 937 does. Great bike for next review btw
At least in my are Tracers aren't very popular (I personally own a 21 and love it) and they're highly discounted new. 2022 model for $11,500
I own that same bike and have embarrest MANY full n sport bike owners in the twisties since it looks full n "dad bike" ....now that I have the MT10 howerer it is relegated to touring duty at slower paces ....still mostly twisty but longer routes the tracer and Im sure the MT09 t does have one serious drawback if one is averse to vibration it can be a killer in cld weather even with grip warmers ...first time a new desease manifested in my hands was long trip on tracer9gt the disease is called "VWF" vibration white finger and normally it only shows up in lie jack hammer opperators etc vibraty things espically in colder temps ....well guess what? The Tracer 9 hits that same sour spot apparently! And it is n joke when your fingers turn white and start ging numb and become like modeling clay! dangerous stuff on an MC especially far from home!! Even with the grip warmers if I take it on another long trip I m also taking heated gloves and maybe see if there is medication! It got scary! YMMV but yu are warned! There IS vibration and I am not the only one complaining!
@@dougiequick1
These things are very individual. As someone who has owned a MT/09, Tracer 900 & an XSR 900 I've never had any issues on any of those bikes with vibrations & I have had numb hands on a Triumph Trident 660.
You do outstanding work Ian. I hope you hear that often enough.
nice that you are reviewing more street bikes. good job
Tried the regular MT09 once : I really liked the engine, the tank was pretty slim and easy to grab with my legs, the position was pretty upright, overall a pretty good bike. I liked it way much more than the MT07 which I also tried the same day. An R9 really would be a great bike even though I doubt it will be made since I do no think the sales of the R7 are very high.
Does Yamaha publish sales numbers? Every R7 I see around here is sold within a few days of being at a dealer. Sales aren't high or Yamaha didn't make that many of them?
@@thouseinthehouseAgree. I had to wait 5 month for an R7. The closest dealer that had one in stock was in OKC. I was really looking forward to an R9, but sadly, apart from rumors, it hasn't come to market. Still the R7 is a great reliable fully faired bike. Love it on track.
It’s the (you called it) jerkiness what makes this bike so amazing. And not predictable and boring. Like so many other bikes on the throttle. I think it says a lot of what kind of rider you are if you want this to be so “smooth”, or as I find it predictable and boring.
Hey Ian, thank you for not putting any high pitched bings in your latest videos, my ear drums. Much appreciated.
I bought this after trying the street triple rs and the duke 890r just prefer the engine and riding position of this the triumph and ktm both have better brakes but once you start chucking a few accessories on them they’re in the £14000 range in the uk when this is around £11500 with heated grips and a few yam accessories as a all round bike the mt is better than both imo I’ve chucked a scorpion red power full exhaust on mine and it’s made it more lively and sounds great
Edit:noticed you never mentioned the turning circle it’s terrible on this 😂 pretty much my only gripe with it
Another great review. What suspension adjustments you made to run better? I’m running with stock settings.
Way back when the FJ09 came out, I was ready to buy one, but the foot pegs remain in the MT-09 location, which is daft for an adventure tourer. A decade later nothing has changed. Jerky throttles are a bane of my life: my 2005 FJR1300, my 2020 KTM 1290SAS. A friend has had 3 BMWs with fuel injection going back decades and all of them had smooth throttles, so come on Yamaha, get it together.
when Yamaha goes all-in in a segment they always end up bossing it. the masters
A very practical and useful review, great to see one without the interruptions which are supposed to be funny. Leave the fun to the bike, let it speak like you have. One thing that struck me is that with the performance modifiers available this could be a good learner bike, it's light so instead of starting with a more modest bike start with this with the power turned down.
@bigrockmoto I was wondering if you could do a super T review? There aren’t many good reviews out there about the bike and seeing how you have spent a lot of time on all the big competitors for it I would be curious to see what you have to say about it
As I understand it it is not a favorite of his, unfortunately!
Awesome I just watched your tour at the dealership and this was by far my choice.
I appreciate you adding in the Canadian stats. Helps so much!
You bet!
Thanks for your thorough review! If it weren't so ugly and/or it had the level of build quality found on a Triumph or BMW, it would be top of my next bike list. While I love my Street Triple 765, as I get older the riding position limits how much time I can spend on it. This MT 09 SP would be top of my list if I could just get past the styling. The search continues...
Here we go, just stored my bike for winter and already miss it. So i'll watch way too many bikes videos for about 6 months.
Thanks for this one, very compelling product offered by Yamaha.
Already...! Where do you live?
@@dpajc056 Eastern Quebec. Leaves are already falling down trees, snow is just around the corner.
Lol figured you're a Canadian. I'm in Ottawa and yes it's cold in the morning but good jacket, gloves, heated grips and windshield make it still rideable for me. Definitely going to be riding until the first snow. 💪
@@dpajc056 Québecer would be the proper word, thank you. ;)
@@jaybou007😊
That ‘simple’ tft with its settings and functions would give me a nervous breakdown.
Great vid as usual. Thank you from 🇬🇧
I like the way you mounted the rear bag using a SW-Motech ring. Can you tell what that mount plate is?
I’m a pretty husky guy and the suspension on the SP is not a selling point for me. The cruise control is. So I’m not disappointed that I got the base model instead. I dialed it in for my liking and it does well. Honestly if I wanted a superior suspension I’d go custom so the upgraded on the SP doesn’t matter to me. The throttle in d2 is only choppy in 1st gear below the power band. Also I live in a very high traffic area and lane split constantly. I have no issues maneuvering around traffic. If you’re at a dead stop and need to go 90° then yeah you’re waddling. But when moving I get around cars with no issue. Heat isn’t bad at all. I’ve had the bike for 2 years in 90+ temps and humidity at the same time and never felt more than a bit of warmth at most. I am of the few the love the look of the bike from the front, but with the Puig screen. I prefer the Street Triple directly looking at it but not from the cockpit. I think the Streetfighter is the only naked bike that nails the looks from every angle with the Tuono at 2nd. You spend most of your time in the seat and it’s hard to knock how good it looks from there. I wouldn’t knock anyone for choosing something else. But I think for the money, there isn’t a better bike on the market for the street. Especially when you take into consideration that everything is included and not optional extras you have to pay for.
you're looking happy!
Looking at buying the 2024 MT09 i can not wait till march to grt it
Great video! All around a great bike. I think it looks very good as well. Best!
Can you do a vid on learning how to wheelie on an adv then?
This is something I’m going to start doing once i get my Tuareg and would be great to see a series on your progress so I could follow along!
i watched the whole video. now i want the MT-09
Whats the problem with the exhaust? It's pretty neat imo, well tucked away and no clearance issues, also its pretty damn cool sounding for a stock exhaust. Also, no need to plug it up when you wash the bike 😂 Otherwise a nice review.
Totally agree with the exhaust..nice growl from stock exhaust and tucked out of the way, tend to forget it's even there.
Great review, could you share a picture with the bags that go in the brackets that you have both in the tanks as well as the pillion seat?
I've just bought this bike and it's incredible. I had the MT10 sp 2023 and hated it, just way too uncomfortable, the 09sp for me is far better. I took it to the french apps and had the best time ever, incredible machine and simply put its the best fun I've had on a motorbike in years. Fab fuel economy too 150 miles before the fuel light came on and I was spanking it, not bad at all for a 14 litre tank. Great review.
Can I ask what you found bad about the mt10sp? I'm trying to decide between the 09sp and the 10sp and interested to hear your thoughts
Mainly just too uncomfortable for me as a taller chap. The 09 is a better fit for me ergonomically
@@truckermark2946 The 09 SP. Much better for me as I'm 6ft tall. The 10 was too cramped. The 09 is way more fun IMO and has more usable power
Drive mode 4 also lowers the fuel consumption. I owned a 2022 and you can notice it in the instant consumption.
super analysis mate, what's the lowest revs you can use the quick shifter up and down please?
Are the MT-09SP front forks the same as the XSR-900? Same gold color, just wondering.
What about the tracer or the other 900 xrs should do a comparison
I had xt660z tenere for 4 years..
I sell it and bought an T7 since May 23'..
I like it,but i start to want more power and i dont go off road like i was..
I mean ,at 3000 km that ive done only 50 is off road!
Im Yamaha man and i cant wait for Tenere 900 ,cause i bought it already if was released.
And i find myself to look at mt9 again and again..
The only thing that keeps me not to sell my T7 and go for mt9 is the feeling of riding on bad tarmac country roads with all this holes and "death" traps..
Im afraid that i ride with mt9 more alert for bad condition bumby tarmac roads and not relaxed like i am with T7.
I live at country side of Greece and i dont have the luxury for test drive.
So ,whats your opinion,is it realy nigh and day about comfort on bad tarmac roads bitween T7 and mt9 or i overthinking it??
Love it MT 09SP!!!!
surprised you didn’t mention the Monster SP🤷
$15,695 MSRP can be problematic.
The nasely whistle at low RPM's is just so Yamaha
Not just Yamaha... the Triumph 675 i3 has it too... and probably even a bit more pronounced.
As an owner of the CP3 engine, how do you feel about those Tenere 900 rumors? The Tracer 9, as the nearest analogue, is around a hundred pounds lighter than the Super Tenere.
I guess it all depends how wide and bulky the triple feels?
How in the world do you buy all these bikes?
Life is very good to you.
What bikes do want to sell?
Nice review .
Very simple! He has 183K subscribers!
I buy and sell, I don't keep a lot of bikes at once.
Check to see if you have the recall for the ecu flash. My 2022 improved dramatically after that. Much smoother now.
This is a 23 model so should have it already.
Nice video Ian! This was on my list, but I found a great deal on a used 22 Hypermotard 950 SP. Loving it so far but wish it had cruise control and a comfier seat! I'd like to swing a leg over this generation MT-09. Everyone seems to like them.
Did you also try the xsr900?
How would you rate against the sp?
I weigh about 115kg (maybe 255 lbs). If I'm laying on the tank, do we think that front wheel is going to lift on me under decent acceleration?
Great review! 🤙🏼
Glad you liked it!!
Why not the new XSR900?
Can you also do a review on the new 9gt ➕️ tracer .
Hi could you tell me what make that luggage set up you have
Thanks for your video yet again. Do you think the suspension on the regular MT-09 is not that great or is it doable? Don't think I can afford a used SP.
I’ve ridden both and ended up buying the regular MT-09.
The suspension is perfectly fine for the vast majority of road riders and there’s almost no difference in ride comfort between them.
I’m a fairly average rider who likes riding at a “spirited pace” and I’ve yet to get it out of shape.
The SP suspension will probably suit you better If you do track days or ride on perfect roads with medium speed sweeping turns (like on a race track).
@@frenchtoast-d7u thanks 😊
Any vibration at the handlebar?
Would you be able to review the Tracer 9 GT?
Great analysis.Thks.
Glad you liked it!
Hello, should i get the 23 mt 09 sp or is better to w8 for 24 mt 09 sp?
Thinking about trading in my 2023 zx6r in for a 2023 mt09 sp
I have had the FJ-09 since 2017; I agree with you, the suspension is not very good (too stiff for me), yet the power of the CP3 motor has inclined my balance to keep it all this time. It's just fun! If I may ask, you tried the recent model of Triumph Tiger, which has a 3 cylinder motor as well; what is your impression of power comparison between the 2 motors? Regards!
I've ridden both the Trident and the new MT-09, and while the Trident's triple definitely is great for its class, the CP3 in my opinion is just superior in every single way. More direct throttle response, more torque, smoother power delivery, less vibration and less heat as well.
@@gsm_liv8980 The Trident as I checked, is inline 3-cylinder 660 cc. My interest was comparing the Triump Tiger GT, 3-cylinder that has 900 cc motor, analog to the FJ-09 / Tracer 900 ;-)
I'm not sure about the exhaust header pipe till the end , yamaha should cover it or redesign the exhaust, it's an eyesore to look at. Also not sure about that downward facing exhaust
In san diego area I found the pricing difference to be innaccurate because you wont pay JUST msrp for the SP (that I could find a few months ago anyway) whereas I had no difficulty finding multiple dealers fully willing to OTD the std MT09 for actual MSRP plus tax and license the SP they ALL would add on to that at bare minimum "Yamaha Freight" which I want to say is like $850 so take that 1700 price difference add 850 plus a little more tax and registration and the real bottom line is the SP will likely be over $2600 more than you get the standard for and maybe that is still a bargain idk. I finally passed on both and went for a standard MT-10 which I LOVE btw other than the fact it eats fuel and tires like a maniac (MT in MT10 apparently means EMPTY ? r "mre tires"? lol) I might have bought the SP version but it would have been close t FIVE THOUSAND dollars more because again they would not deal on the SP but actually sold me the standard 300 belw MSRP with no other fees or freight just tax and reg. just a little over $15k otd the two sp10 owners I spoke with both paid almost 20k Sorry but for 5k I can really do some upgrading! Like forged wheels and a Penske Shock? And a Graves cat delete with large silencer maybe a lithium battery lots of options
I would like to see a head-to-head comparison of this bike and the Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory.
Ian, I’m servicing my braking system this morning, would you please comment on best braking performance whether you use Dot 3 vs Dot 4 vs Urine as brake fluid?
urine produces the best stopping power
@@BigRockMotoAwesome. Thank you for this technical recommendation.
Here I thought urine is what happened when the brakes fail😅
@@BigRockMotoDOT 5 urine works great for track riding
My favorite bike 👍🏼👍🏼
What do you think of the newly revised 2024 Yamaha MT-09. The only real down sides I see with it is that it is now 9 lbs heavier and it's reported to get 1 mpg less than the 2023 -- presumed to have the same horsepower and torque figures. It's got the larger and more sophisticated display and better brakes that you wanted though, among many other improvements!
*I can only get the website to work through the phone currently, if you want to check it out.*
I just traded in my 21 Yamaha tenere 700 for a 23 Yamaha Mt 10 the non SP. I also purchased a 23 klx 300 for dirt riding. Loving the combo lol
Very nice!
The Mt 10 is a lot bigger gap on price for the SP model then the Mt 09 regular to the SP
I did the same, Sold my 2022 T7, and then bought a Gorgeous Raven Black XSR900 and a crf300.
From what I've heard, that jerky throttle is largely due to emissions regulations, because when you let off the throttle while in gear, it cuts the fuel injectors, then starts them again when you get back on it
I was watching one of the revzilla podcasts (don't ask me which one,) and Ari was saying that the jerkiness on the MT09 is a result of choices the Yamaha engineers made when designing the bike. They could have built a drive train with less slack but the price would go up due to higher manufacturing costs. The MT is a great value proposition in the middleweight category. My pick is Yamaha over the significantly higher purchase and operating cost of a BMW. I'll learn to live with a mildly irritating drive train looseness rather than pony up for European refinement.
I live in oc what twisty road is this?
I’m comparing this to a Triumph 765 RS. Brakes are important. Like when I’m gunning my Diavel , a one finger braking keeps you FEELING safer.
It’s 37k in Singapore & 40k for the RS, please help
I really like this type of motorcycles, it's nice to have both personalities in the same bike. The only problem for me it's the styling, tank shape and the front part is atrocious... Once you see what i mean, you can't unsee it ever again...
That said, if you enjoy it when you ride that's the important part, have fun and do some power wheelies! ;)
Jerkyness? Check your chain tension... Checking more regularly to keep it within manu specs made a big difference for me.
I have an issue with your "Urban Test" assessments. This is based on the video shared: wide open roads, barely any traffic, a single stop sign and a single traffic light. Please take this as constructive feedback. Otherwise a thumbs up, as usual, for your efforts.
noted!
That’s urban for most US people. 😅
True that. My first ride on a beastly K1600 GT was through downtown Phoenix & suburbs. Stop to stop to stop. 😳😳. Had I known……………
@@luisrazi "That’s urban for most US people"....was that 'roundabout when Lewis and Clark were riding their mules way north of Ian's address? 🙂
I commute in two cities on an MT09 and it is good daily and great weekend bike.
- drive mode 2
- soften the rebound and damping a click or two
- filtering is only restricted by mirrors (vs SUVs and vans mirrors)
- I do not use cruise control, as creeping past vehicles put you in their blind spot for too long.
Another option is Duke R.
24:47 You should not have been in 4th. Wring it out! All the CPs want to be :)
You make me also catch my breath bro
There is aftermarket headlight kits for this bike, they're not cheap.
Where is the Tenere 900? Now that would be something.
I wonder the same many months now!
Tracer.
What do you think about the new R1300GS headlight? 😂
I might be weird, but I love the cyclops headlight. It's the best looking of all the FZ/MT generations imo.
I want an r9!!
Does this bike have Bluetooth?
Would you ever consider reviewing some older motorcycles Ian
Air must be cleaner in Japan. I live in the rainforest on the seacoast. I don't live in a dusty area. At 20,000 km the air filter on my CB500F was completely black inside. Bigger engines plug up their filters quicker. I would be doing it every 10000 km which is 6200 miles. It's cheap insurance.
26k! Miles till valve adjustment that's crazy. Some people won't even have to do this service as they get rid of the bike much sooner than 26k.
Also seems like a lot of miles to go with checking valves and timing.
Even air filter 24k miles until a change. These numbers are INSANELY HIGH
That’s Yamaha for you. I have a wr250r dualsport and also has 24,000 mile intervals on a high revving 250cc single engine
I dont like the MT09 styling either, so i got the XSR900 ;)
All I can say is I have over 30K miles on my FJ-09 and I still absolutely love it. Different bike but same engine.
Wish they would make a MT10 tourer.
Right on!
What did you do with the windshield? I remember taking that FJ on demo and the wind noise/buffeting was among the worst experiences on any motorcycle I've had, and I've ridden at least 60 different models over the last 25 years.
@@exothermal.sprocket true, I went through several and finally got a Madstad.
When is Yamaha gonna produce an XT900 Tenere?
Already do... Tracer.
I'm so torn between this bike and the XSR900
It's probably the best motorcycle in the category for many reasons.
Yet it's a little disappointing how Yamaha has gone through as much redesigns and model refreshes as they have, addressed so many things about the machine that needed addressed, but always seem to hold back:
- 3.7 [14L] gallon tank was too small in 2014, it's too small today. It's the same size as their smaller engine bikes. Makes zero sense. Give us 4.5gal [17L] like dozens of Japanese machines used to have decades ago. You've had 3 redesign opportunities to give us more capacity and you continue to fail.
- Look around, Yamaha. Competitors have much better TFT screens with much better font, color, legibility. Suzuki for instance, who is traditionally slow in moving to modern tech.
- We live in an era of crazy technology regarding light production and motorcycle manufacturers, in spite using LED headlight modules, still can't produce a decent nighttime beam pattern, still can't light up around curves. These goofy insect eyeballs don't fill the darkness evenly; hot spots, lines, lack of light flooding, and so on.
- If you're going to use cruise control, don't limit that to "certain gears above a certain speed only"
- Give us really good tires from factory, not these plastic hoops that destroy the greatest benefits of the machine that you wish to showcase.
- Stop with the fiddly roller/push switches. The switchgear was crap in 2014 and you still haven't completely solved that problem, outside the Tracer 9 GT+.
- Japanese styling in the last 15+ years has gotten really old. What happened to beauty? Anyone remember what a 2005 R1 looked like? Stunning. People aspire to beautiful aesthetics, it's why they often thrown down ungodly amounts of money on automobiles that don't command such prices from a purely functional standpoint. Give people stunning aesthetic beauty and they will come. MT motorcycles are anything but.
- Give us motorcycle model NAMES....... not the alphabet soup, the sort of stuff that's so difficult to say to interested parties that don't understand motorcycles or motorcycle models, "what's an Empty Oh Nine?! and what does Ess Pee mean?!!" Tracer is a good place to start, but the entire naked lineup needs names.
I don't want to sound like a complainer. I bought a 2018 MT-09 and loved certain aspects of it. The engine is a riot. It's what actually sold the machine to me in spite of all the other deficiencies. After a few years, the other deficiencies have become larger and larger in my mind and I ride the bike far less than I'd like to. Makes it more difficult as well after demo-riding the 2021+ models and feeling the night/day improvements. Another bike that has me debating is the Kawasaki Z900. Much less technology by comparison but honestly (outside of me wanting a cruise control), it doesn't need that tech. Engine is butter on the Z and has plenty of power. Just doesn't carry the "same" traits as the triple, and sometimes that's a good thing. Sometimes a smooth torquey four cylinder is a very good thing. The Z chassis is also rock solid and confidence inspiring, and (coincidentally) does extremely well with very minimal modifications for race track use. The last-gen MT-09 by comparison could never been fully "fixed" to be a decent track machine.
The XSR900 is a notable half-step the SP model, giving you cruise control, much better styling, and a bit more aggression to the riding position which seems to be lacking from the MT.
You make some super good points
Another superb review, many thanks. I had the gen 1 XSR900 which had a similar motor and it impressed me every ride.
Great to hear!
Ref aesthetics...get the XSR900, it has all the SP features as std, yet still looks like a real motorcycle from the 80's early 90's.
I don't believe it has the same suspension?
@@paulhope3401 fully adjustable, not sure if its Ohlins.
@michaelhayward7572 I've looked it up.. It's not the Ohlins rear or same Kayaba front forks which have both slow and fast adjustments. It's still 'Fully adjustable' but just not to the same extent as the SP's.
If it had the SP's suspension I'd have bought the XSR instead of the SP.... when I read your post above I was beginning to think I'd made a mistake and bought the wrong bike. lol
@@paulhope3401 no worries bud, thanx for the correct info.
Sp should have steering dampener
These are nice bikes and 24 model is now improved. But...... The Triumph Street Triple RS is just SO much better than this for just a bit more money I think.
If you’re going to show seat position you should state your height. Otherwise it’s a waste of time showing the position as it only relates to you.
2024 mt09 SP has Brembo brakes and a larger screen.... what about the styling, do you think its any better?
For me, Yamaha just don't know how to build a good looking bike. I think the mt09 is a fantastic bike but a bit ugly and cheap looking, however, the overall package is so good, people keep on buy it.
The gen 4 gets some great upgrades techwise but I actually prefer the gen 3 to the gen 4 in looks and finish.
I guess it's a fine line to tread keeping a bike affordable enough to undercut its competitors as its main USP.
I'm sure they could easily make it look great and give it a far more premium fit and finish but if that pushes the price up closer to its rivals it loses its price competitiveness and we will then complain about that instead.
The fact that Its selling very well for them suggests that they have specced and positioned it well for its marketspace.
It's fuel cut on decel for emissions and until people stop buying them, Yamaha won't address it. Like you, I bought an FJ-09 when it came out and sold it after 4 months. The fueling was horrid and the suspension was worse.
ECU flash fixes it. My 2017 XSR900 runs flawlessly with Graves exhaust and ECU flash. Sounds epic too.