With a high revving inline-three engine and cunning edge technology, the MT-09 really is the ultimate adrenaline machine for riders of today.
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When it comes to modern naked motorcycles, the Yamaha MT family is one of the names that is being mentioned frequently. There is a model that could fit almost every level of riders. From the infamous 270-degree crank MT-07, middleweight MT-25, and beginner friendly MT-15, Yamaha has built quite a reputation in the naked motorcycle scene.
However, there is one model that is absolutely a fan favourite. One of the models that absolutely defined the name “Master of Torque.” That model is the Yamaha MT-09. This model sits in between the MT-07 and the monstrous MT-10. The MT-09 is infamous for its torquey high-revving inline-three engine offering a fun and thrilling riding experience.
Ever since the launch of the first model back in 2014, the MT-09 absolutely dominated the inline-three motorcycle game. It has developed a fanbase of riders who want a torquey and powerful naked bike that is high-revving and produces a sound that would absolutely make your jaw drop. Even though there are strong competitors from Chinese manufacturers such as the CFMoto 675NK, the MT-09 is still able to hold its ground in the inline-three motorcycle game.
I was able to spend some time with the 2023 model and get a feel of what it’s like to handle this absolute beast. What I can say is that this motorcycle really lives up to its name. All of the things that people say when riding this motorcycle, I can absolutely vouch for it.
Engine and Transmission
This motorcycle is powered by an 889cc CP3 inline-three engine that produces a whopping 118 horsepower at 10,000 RPM and 93 Nm of torque at around 7,000 RPM. For a super bike, those numbers might be common by modern standards, but for a naked bike, those numbers are absolutely astonishing.
Other naked bikes might use a dual-cylinder engine or inline-four engine that sounds good already, but this bike with its inline-three engine produces a sound that could absolutely blow you away. As the RPMs climbs higher and higher, the exhaust note really fills you with more and more adrenaline which is suitable with how this bike behaves.
The transmission used is a 6-speed gearbox paired with an assist and slipper clutch that really helps to keep the shifts smooth and prevents the rear wheels from losing grip when downshifting aggressively. This motorcycle also comes with an up and down quickshifter that really helps you to change gears almost seamlessly. It is especially useful when you want to get on it and feel the raw power it is able to put down.
Design and features
The MT-09 still inherits the usual MT design with its relatively small headlight, the minimal body panels it has, the one-piece seat and the large sized fuel tank. I really like how minimal the motorcycle looks because it does not look too flashy and does not draw that much attention. The attention that it could give is when the raw power is being unleashed.
This motorcycle comes with three different colour options: Cyan Storm, Icon Blue, and Tech Black. The one I tested was finished in Tech Black. To some people it might look a bit boring because it is fully black. No decals, no nothing, just straight up darkness. However, I like it because it adds to the aggressive character of the motorcycle. The matte finish has also caught my eye because it makes the bike look sleeker.
This bike uses a 3.5-inch full colour TFT-LCD screen which is very visible during the day and of course it is absolutely clear during the night. The navigation menu can be scolded through using a joystick on the right handlebar.
Electronic riding aids include front and rear ABS, four power modes that allow for navigation through 6-axis IMU-controlled traction control (TCS) levels. It works alongside with the Slide Control System (SCS) and Lift Control System (LIF) which prevents the front wheel from lifting up off the ground too high. It is especially helpful for those who are not used to the power of the bike and prevents any unwanted wheelies from happening.
Riding Experiences
The riding position is what you would expect from a naked bike, upright, not too aggressive, very comfortable if you are a tall person. I am 178 CM tall and I can say that I sit quite comfortable on this bike. Doing long distances on this bike would be absolutely no problem. You do feel its weight of 189 kg once you pick the bike up, but once you get going, it really does not feel like the stated weight at all.
The acceleration is something that needs to get used to. The power really hits you like a punch. The instant torque it has could really push you at the back of the seat. So throttle discipline is really important when riding this bike. However, the riding aids that it has really does help with managing the power.
The assist and slipper clutch really helps to make the bike feel smoother during city rides. Considering the power the bike has, the assist and slipper clutch really helps to build more confidence in any medium speed rides, while the quickshifter really adds the element of excitement every time you get on the power.
Handling and Braking
The MT-09 uses a high-performance braking system that uses a Nissin radial master cylinder. For the front, it comes with dual front disc brakes with 4 piston calipers, while the rear gets a single rear disc which is able to provide enough stopping power after some spirited riding. There is also an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) that comes standard which is a nice feature to have so the wheels don’t lock up.
In terms of suspension, the MT-09 uses a KYB suspension setup all around. In terms of the front, it uses an upside-down fork, while the rear uses a rear monoshock that offers preload, rebound, and compression adjustments that could tailor to how you want the suspension to behave.
The bike does feel really agile considering its size. It is able to be flicked around quite easily through corners and you can definitely feel the nimbleness it has. However, lane splitting could sometimes be a bit of a hassle. You don’t want to clip someone’s mirror or even go too fast and lose control completely which would end badly.
Verdict
Overall, the 2023 Yamaha MT-09 really is a motorcycle that is built for riders who want a sense of adrenaline every time you go out for a ride. The sound from the inline-three engine, the power, the features, really makes the bike a complete package for avid riders.
For riders who want an absolutely fun bike that has the ergonomics for a comfortable daily ride and enough horses to feel the thrill of riding, or maybe even some pop up wheelies, the Yamaha MT-09 is absolutely a bike that should be taken into consideration.
Currently listed on the used market for around RM37,000 – RM40,000, the MT-09 really is a good bang for your buck. Some people might say it is a bit overpriced, I’d say it is good value for money.
Having had the opportunity to experience the definition of “Master of Torque”, I can say that this bike really showed me the true meaning of adrenaline rush. The amount of fun it is able to give and the features it has to offer could understandably be why it is the dream bike for many riders. If I had 40 grand right now, I wouldn’t think twice to pick one up for myself.
2023 Yamaha MT-09 Specifications
Engine & Performance
- Engine: 890cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, inline 3-cylinder
- Max Power: 117 horsepower at 10,000 rpm
- Max Torque: 93 Nm Torque at 7,000 rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed with Standard up-and-down quick shifter system (QSS)
- Clutch: Wet with multiplate assist and slipper clutch
Chassis & Suspension
- Frame: Lightweight controlled-fill aluminum die-cast frame
- Front Suspension: 41mm inverted KYB fork, adjustable preload, compression, and rebound
- Rear Suspension: KYB monoshock, adjustable preload and rebound
- Front Brakes: Dual 298mm discs, 4-piston radial-mount calipers with ABS
- Rear Brakes: Single 245mm hydraulic disc with ABS
- Tires: 120/70ZR17 (front), 180/55ZR17 (rear)
Dimensions & Electronics
- Wet Weight: 189 kg
- Seat Height: 826 mm
- Fuel Capacity: 14 Liters
- Electronics: 6-axis IMU electronics (Traction Control System (TCS), Slide Control System (SCS), and front-wheel LIFt control system (LIF) ) , Riding Modes (Sport, Road, Rain, Rider), full-color 3.5-inch TFT display , ABS
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