Yamaha MT-09

Yamaha updated the overall looks of the MT-09 in 2021, in which the motorcycle received a fresh new face, which is more in line with the rest of the motorcycles belonging to the MT family of naked roadsters from Yamaha. Compared to the pre-facelifted MT-09, this current version looks more muscular, but the front look of the motorcycle is a bit polarized and is not as widely accepted as the pre-facelifted version. Nevertheless, it continues to make the motorcycle look sporty and give it a distinctive identity, making it instantly recognizable.

At the front, the new fascia of the Yamaha MT-09 comprises a centrally-positioned projector within a slightly curved cowl, with the sides of the projector occupied by sleek daytime running LED strips which are curved in their look. This cowl is slightly positioned upwards, and offers almost negligible protection against wind blasts at high speeds, as there is no visor or flyscreen above it. The handlebar is almost straight and has silver-finished levers.

The side profile of the Yamaha MT-09 continues to be more or less similar to the pre-facelifted model, with minimal tweaks to the bulky-looking fuel tank and almost negligible panels in the side profile. Even the tail section of the Yamaha MT-09 has a minimalist appeal, while accommodating the long seat above it, and ends up with a tiny LED tail lamp at the back. Unlike the previous model, this current MT-09 has a proper rear fender with LED turn indicators and a license plate mounted on it. Most of the muscular appeal of the Yamaha MT-09 is centred around the edgy-looking fuel tank and the massive three-cylinder black-themed engine, with the motorcycle retaining the underbody three-into-one exhaust pipe.

The new Yamaha MT-09 now gets a new-generation 3.5-inch full-TFT instrument console, which looks better and is much more informative than the full-LCD instrument console in the previous model. While this new screen looks better and is more modern, it still has small fonts on display, which might not be too easy to read and pay attention to while riding, especially at higher speeds. The overall quality and fit and finish levels are top-notch and are as good as one might expect for a motorcycle of this category and stature.

The MT range of roadsters from Yamaha has already set tall benchmarks in the ride and handling department, and the MT-09 is no different either. For a motorcycle of this size and weight, the Yamaha MT-09 feels sharp and nimble when it comes to handling. Even at higher speeds, the feedback from the lightweight Deltabox aluminium frame, lightweight alloy wheels and suspension combination – fully adjustable 41mm inverted telescopic forks at the front and mono-shock at the rear, are highly appreciable. The braking setup – 298mm dual discs at the front and a single 245mm disc at the rear – does a commendable job too.

Powering the Yamaha MT-09 is a four-stroke, liquid-cooled, inline-three, 890cc engine, which makes it the only three-cylinder sports naked roadster from Yamaha to have a three-cylinder engine (the XSR900 also gets the same engine, but is more of a neo-retro sports café roadster). Paired with a slick-to-use 6-speed gearbox, this engine feels refined and smooth while on the swing and produces a maximum power output of 119 PS and a peak torque output of 93 Nm.

The Yamaha MT-09 has been updated with a new-generation 6-axis IMU, which adds more riding aids to the motorcycle, which now gets three-level cornering traction control, slide control system, front wheel lift control system and brake control system. The MT-09 also gets cornering ABS and bi-directional quick-shifter, for added sense of confidence.

The Yamaha MT-09 might not appeal to everyone with its looks, as the front fascia of the motorcycle has a subjective design. But as a motorcycle, its basics are well-sorted, with the MT-09 having an extremely likeable engine, planted riding dynamics and high-quality and proven chassis and its components.