Yamaha MT-09: Ten things you need to know

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Yamaha continues its prominence in the hyper naked sportbike class with the introduction of the all-new 2021 Yamaha MT-09. Loaded with new components and new features, the latest offering from the Masters of Torque, the MT-09, is lighter, more powerful and is more advanced than its previous models. Here are ten things that you should know about the 2021 MT-09…

The Engine

The 2021 MT-09 is spotlighted by a new larger, yet lighter 890cc inline 3-cylinder 4-valve per cylinder DOHC liquid-cooled CP3 engine. This is an all-new lightweight engine that includes new pistons, connecting rods, camshafts and crankcases.

For 2021, the fuel injectors are mounted to the throttle valve side instead of being attached directly to the cylinder head. This improves fuel atomization, reduces the fuel adhesion to the intake port walls and increases fuel efficiency by 11%.

Chassis

A new lightweight compact Deltabox aluminum frame, subframe and swingarm are also features of the new MT-09. The larger twin beams that run directly from the steering head assembly through to the swingarm pivot provide strength for the frame that was developed in harmony with the new CP3 engine. The frame’s lateral and torsional rigidity balance has been refined with a 50% increase in lateral rigidity. The head pipe position is lowered by 30mm to improve front-end grip when cornering. It all means enhanced stability under pressure and improved handling overall.

The MT-09’s aluminum swingarm has a straighter right side for aesthetics and is 250 grams lighter. The swingarm pivot is positioned between the frame structure.

Design

The MT-09 is barer, more naked, moving the needle on the concept of style of the Yamaha MT lineup. Its “bare-bones” look strips away all but the essentials. What remains is the business end of the bike: tank, frames, engine, seat, controls… You know, the fun stuff.

The ergonomics are developed to accommodate riders of different shapes and sizes with the inclusion of adjustable handlebar clamps and footpeg mounting points. This flexible rider position allows customization of the bike so that the rider can make the MT-07 more of their own. The MT-09 adjusts to the rider. Not the other way around.

Yamaha’s exclusive spin-forged front and rear wheels are lighter with a significant 11% decrease at the rear wheel, increasing the MT-09’s agility and handling.

Lights

The MT-09’s new full LED headlight assembly features a single central bifunctional projector headlight with multiple LEDs that give a broad and balanced beam of light with soft edges for both low and high beam settings. Notable is the MT-09’s new face thanks to its twin LED position lights. These lights project a signature Y-shape icon that gives direction to the future of Yamaha’s MT design. At the rear, the lightweight LED taillight projects a Y-shape illumination, continuing the next level MT vibe.

Electronics

A lot is going on with the MT-09’s electronics. We start with a new Accelerator Position Sensor Grip (APSG) Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T), first introduced on the YZF-R1 and R1M. The configuration for the MT-09 is model-specific and replaces the prior model’s pulley set-up for improved feel and reliability.

The MT-09 has a 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). This is a first for Yamaha’s Hyper Naked class. The 6-axis IMU sends data in real-time to the ECU which manages the lean-sensitive Traction Control System (TCS), Slide Control System (SCS), the front wheel Lift Control System (LIF) and the Brake Control system (BC). 

Brakes

Equipped with the YZF-R1-type front braking system, the MT-09’s braking components is enhanced by a Nissin radial master cylinder. The piston moves in a direction that’s parallel to the brake lever travel and a pair of 298mm front discs.

Intake

A new high-efficiency air intake system improves the feeling of acceleration and torque when getting on the gas. The faster you accelerate, the intake sound roars thanks to a new intake system with a three duct layout airbox. Each duct has a different cross-section and length 

Suspension

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On the front end of the MT-09, you’ll find KYB 41mm USD forks, with fully adjustable preload, compression and rebound damping. At the rear is an adjustable KYB rear shock.

3.5-inch full color TFT display

A new 3.5-inch full-color TFT displays all pertinent data. The bar tachometer changes color reflecting the Yamaha MT-09 engine’s rpms. You can switch between displays as well as select a preferred mode for the electronic riding aids via a handlebar-mounted switch.

Quick Shift System

A Quick Shift System (QSS) provides seamless and clutchless full-throttle upshifts and smooth downshifts. This offers a riding experience that maximizes every bit of power in each gear. An additional bonus is the maintenance of chassis stability and control on the downshift.

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The 2021 Yamaha MT-09 will be available in three color schemes: Storm Fluo, Team Yamaha Blue and Matte Raven Black. They are scheduled to arrive in dealerships in early 2021 with an MSRP of $9,399.

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