Yamaha MT-09

Overview

Hot on the tails of its worldwide launch, the Yamaha MT09 was launched in Malaysia in January 2018. Feeding the need of riders looking for an aggressive street fighter without sizably lightening their wallets, the MT lineup has been a success story for Yamaha, especially the new redesigned versions. This new version then is noticeably more aggressive not just in looks but also in performance. Since its launch, it has received rave reviews and shifted in big numbers. Yamaha has priced the bike at a reasonable RM 48,920 putting it in competition with the Kawasaki Z900.  

Design

The styling of Yamaha MT-09 leaves a few distinct impressions. Firstly, there is very minimal bodywork if any on this bike. Move your gaze down from the top and the 14-litre fuel tank is soon replaced by the CF-die aluminium frame which itself makes way for the large engine. Secondly, the bike looks lean compared to the equivalent like KTMs. The tail section is uncharacteristically slim and the seat isn’t even split. There are some striking elements too, like the LED headlight cluster, the swing arm mounted license plate holder, and the short under belly exhaust. If you want some more presence then you may have to get the Night Fluo color scheme that comes with fluorescent green wheels. Get it in the Tech Black color scheme and you might just disappear completely at night.

The compact dimensions expected from a hyper naked are very much present. The MT-09 is 2075 mm long, 815 mm wide, and 1120 mm high with a wheelbase of 1440 mm. There is 135 mm of ground clearance and the bike rides on 10 spoke 17-inch wheels. Wide 120/70 front and 180/55 rear tires round out its overall appearance.

The instruments are relegated to the tiniest of digital screens. Yet, somehow it displays the traction level, power modes, fuel consumption, trip meters on top of the usual information while still managing to show the time.

Ride & Handling

The MT-09 has a supermoto level 815 mm seat height and the handlebars are similarly wide. This combined with the thin tank gives the rider a slightly aggressive riding posture that still does not tax their comfort much. The rider’s footpegs are centrally located and the flat seat means they can easily move about. The chassis is aided by 43 mm inverted front forks with separate adjustability for compression and rebound damping on each fork and a monoshock in the rear.

All this means that the bike’s 193 kg mass can be shifted, powerslide, and tipped into corners with very little effort. Still, the ride is plush and comfortable. Again this makes the MT-09 very friendly to learners. The same cannot be said for the pillion rider comfort mainly due to high placed rear foot pegs. The bike also comes with three-way adjustable traction control that along with the wide and grippy tires, ensures that the bike stays on its feet.  

Engine & Fuel Consumption

Powering the Yamaha MT-09 is an 847 cc 3-cylinder 4 valved liquid cooled and fuel injected engine. Like the R1, it too uses a cross-plane crankshaft that reduces inertia torque. Using forged aluminium pistons, Yamaha has managed to employ a very high compression ratio. This is also claimed to be the most compact power plant in its segment. Power output is rated at 115 hp at 10000 rpm along with 87.5 Nm of torque at 8500 rpm. The engine is also equipped with a balancer shaft for cancelling vibrations. There are three power modes to choose from allowing you to vary the power on tap from aggressive to mild.

The bike uses a 6-speed transmission aided by an assist and slipper clutch. It gives the MT-09 a lighter clutch action and minimizes the effect of back-torque and excessive engine braking. It also comes with a quick shifter to allow smoother and quicker upshifts. The engine delivers its torque in a linear, learner-friendly manner with a big heap served at the bottom end. Wheelies come easy. It is indeed a hyper naked street fighter and making it act like a hooligan is very easy. The 0-100 kmph comes in at under 4 seconds while the bike tops out at 225 kmph.

Braking & Safety

The front gets a pair of 298 mm discs with 4-piston callipers and the rear gets a 245 mm single disc with a single piston calliper. ABS comes as standard on the Yamaha MT09.

Verdict

Yamaha has successfully taken a value for money approach with the MT-09. Not just this, it has the potential to go head to head against the most expensive and aggressive street fighters while still being usable by learners. It is a comprehensively equipped street fighter that can be ridden like an absolute hooligan by even inexperienced riders. A very good effort by Yamaha.