All-new twin spar frame, updated big-bore engine and hefty tech upgrades for the stonking naked hoodlum
The MT-09 was the first of the latest generation of top-notch Yamaha road bikes, and has spawned a whole family around its grunty three-cylinder motor.
And now it’s getting a total makeover for 2021, with all new engine, chassis and tech components.
The heart of the matter is the engine – now up 42cc to 889cc thanks to a 3mm overbore, and every part is new. Power is up, to 119bhp@10,000rpm, and torque is up to 69ft lb – at just 7,000rpm.
There’s new ride-by-wire fuel injection, a revised injection setup, and an all-new exhaust system. The whole powerplant is nearly 2kg lighter than before too.
The most striking change though is to the frame. Yamaha’s tossed the old unit in favour of a twin-spar Deltabox type frame, as seen on the firm’s sportsbikes for decades now.
It’s a high-tech cast design, and together with the new swingarm, saves 2.3kg over the old setup. Yamaha’s also completely overhauled the swingarm pivot points and steering geometry too.
Next on the list is rider aids – and again, Yamaha’s completely revised the MT-09 package. A new six-axis IMU is fitted, to give smarter performance from the traction control, ABS and wheelie control. There’s a new quickshifter setup, and a sweet full-colour LCD dashboard with a 3.5 TFT display.
Add in new spin-forged ten-spoke rims, fully-adjustable KYB front forks, all-LED lighting and wider 180-section rear tyre, and you have a very tempting package indeed. We can’t wait for a spin on one!
Technical highlights
New 889cc, inline 3-cylinder, 4-valve, DOHC, liquid-cooled EU5 engine More power at all engine speeds
7% increase in maximum torque at lower rpm
4PS increase in maximum power
New 2.3kg lighter CF die-cast aluminium Deltabox chassis
Lower 189kg wet weight – 4kg reduction and the lightest in 900cc naked class Shorter wheelbase for more dynamic handling
New lightweight aluminium swingarm
Bare and beautiful ‘coverless’ new generation MT styling
Premium quality throughout, with Crystal Graphite frame finish
Full LED lighting with Y-shape brand signature icon design front and rear
New QSS – Quick Shift System with up and downshift functions
Refined A&S – Assist & Slip clutch
Light and compact new 6-axis IMU
Lean-sensitive rider aids: TCS, SCS and LIFt with three intervention modes ABS and BC – Brake Control system
D-MODE switchable engine running modes
New ultra-light Spin Forged 17-inch 10-spoke wheels
Larger 180/70-17 rear tyre with 120/70-17 front tyre
Fully adjustable KYB® 41mm USD forks with revised settings
Adjustable KYB® rear shock with revised settings
Full colour 3.5-inch TFT instruments with remote handlebar switch
Radial front master cylinder, 298mm dual front discs
Colours, availability and price
The new Yamaha MT-09 will be available in three colours: Storm Fluo, Icon Blue and Tech Black. Deliveries to European Yamaha dealers will commence from March 2021. Prices vary per region, so please contact the national Yamaha distributor for full information.