Yamaha MT-09 Bike Overview
While Yamaha has produced numerous awesome bikes over the years, the MT series are some of the best and offer great value for money, even in terms of used bikes.
It offers a three-cylinder engine that performs really well and comes wrapped snugly in a light chassis. While the suspension definitely needs to be improved, the bike is otherwise a pleasure to ride.
The Yamaha MT-09 was the first bike that was revamped in the MT series with the upgraded 2016 model featuring a softer engine, which helps to iron out the otherwise not so smooth throttle. It comes with a new colour scheme and has a three stage traction system. The engine has been tweaked on making the bike more responsive. The first setting is the swiftest response, with the second setting definitely smoother. The third setting offers the most change, which makes it more manageable than previous models.
The triple traction control system of the bike offers better stability and handling especially, in wet and slippery conditions. The vehicle comes in three colours; Night Fluo, Lava Red and Matt Grey with a smooth finish. Apart from being funky to look at, the bike performs well on all parameters including the engine, which offers ample power just waiting to be revved.
While the changes in the bike are a welcome addition, the fact is that its suspensions could have been improved to make the ride smoother. Despite the wobbles, particularly at high speeds, the Yamaha MT-09’s overall performance still makes it attractive to many riders.
Yamaha MT-09 Bike Spec
- Top speed145mph
- Weight188kg
- Average fuel consumption42mpg
- Seat height820mm
- Capacity847cc
- EngineLiquid cooled, four stroke, DOHC, 12v
Yamaha MT-09 Bike Insurance
Yamaha MT-09 Bike Gallery
Owner Reviews
Pros
The engine power.
Cons
The suspension is a little harsh.
Read More
Not much good for pillion passenger - the rake of the seat throws the weight of the pillion on to the rider under braking. Also the high rear foot pegs make the pillion cramped for legroom. The ride is a little harsh and the suspension doesn't handle potholes and road irregularities very well. For shorter riders (like me) there isn't too much wind blast at high speed but taller riders may suffer more.
No breakdowns to report. The finish seems durable as I am not the type to 'pamper' my bike.
The brakes are adequate for the bike. It is equipped with ABS.
The handling is good on smooth roads but deteriorates somewhat on poor surfaces (bumps, potholes etc.). The bike is light and very responsive to steering inputs.
The engine is a gem. Very powerful and deceptively quick due to the smoothness of the delivery.
Much cheaper to run than my old honda vfr800. Good on the fuel for the power you get from the engine.
Pros
Light, fast, easy to handle, fun to ride.
Cons
Mudguard on the back. In rainy weather splats up the back of your jacket.
Read More
Ideal for a and b roads. As is a naked bike not really suitable for long motorway journeys.
No issues. Is classed as a budget bike but I think it's perfect.
Could be better. Only fault to the bike. It has abs but it no where near as good as my kawasaki z1000sx.
Very smooth, very powerful as a slow or very fast ride.
Exceptional. Endless, smooth power and effortless performance.
Good, efficient engine. As good as you treat it depends on revs etc.
Pros
The engine is something that always slaps a huge smile on my face. I absolutely love it and am always looking to get out on it no matter what.
Cons
Brakes and slightly soft suspension.
Read More
Surprisingly comfortable for a naked street bike. I have ridden for hours at a time and had no issues at all.
Never had any issues what so ever with this bike.
Breaks are decent but could do with a few upgrades to be called great. Breaded hoses made a sizable difference for me.
Super light and nimble, exactly what a Naked bike must be. Corners like a dream once you are use to the relatively twitchy throttle. But I'd suggest getting use to it in its B mode first before moving it up to A.
Plenty of power out of this 850cc triple engine. The only downside is getting use to the slightly twitchy throttle. Although vastly improved from the earlier models, it's still something to be aware of when in A mode.
Pleasantly surprised by the MPG I can get out of this, although the tank is rather small and getting much over 130 miles from a tank can be a challenge.
Pros
Comfortable.
Cons
Love it as it is.
Read More
I have had nearly 60 bikes over the years this is one of my favourites.
Built very well.
Excellent.
Very light handles very well.
Nice and tourqey.
Not had it a year yet.
Pros
Fun without having to do 140 everywhere
Cons
Looks!
Read More
With Maxton front and rear is brilliant fun. Stock suspension rubbish though excels at 60-90mph on tight and twisty B roads
Superb
Looks a bit plastic but solid, solid quality and nothing gone wrong except wear and tear in 10k miles
Not the greatest stopping power but good feel. Excellent hard on the brakes and turning tightly.
Pros
All day comfort with a great engine. I love it. I ride as fast as I did on a sports bike – I have better comfort – all on a bike that is still looking good despite being out in the British weather ridden all week.
Cons
The size of the fuel tank.
Read More
Great for normal riding, but if you push it the suspension is a little lacking. It is a budget bike after all, so exactly what you expect.
Love it.
Apart from insurance (but I live in London) no issues here. The only big annoyance is the small fuel tank.
Mine lives outside, still in great condition after 2.5 years.
Had more powerful breaks, but has abs so great for a commuter bike
Pros
Initially it wasn't the looks, I genuinely ended up purchasing this bike because of the price to Power package I was getting, I actually went to the bike store to get an MT-07 but these were all sold out when first introduced in the UK with long back orders. The dealer convinced me to try their demo MT-09 and the rest is history – WOW it just blew me away! …so much acceleration, then as you fall in love with the performance and bargain, the look then grow on you and then you love the way it looks. Been riding for 17 years now in and around London and my latest bike is my MT-09 for the past almost 3 years now. It is also the first bike out of my previous many others iv'e owned along the way that has truly made an impression on me and just blown me away, just because of what it cost new, the new experience it offered in regards to where the power came in in the low revs. These bikes are absolute gems and come my future Trade-in time for a new bike, I am genuinely getting another one in the MT-09 family, this model bike has really worked itself into my soul. It's everything in one, it's a naked – 'sport-performance' – nimble, traffic fighting, Chunky sturdy looking 'Super-motard' – which also acts as the perfect road going Trackday bike – that sounds amazing with the upgraded Exhaust, the MT was & still is the new breed of beast on two wheels that still makes you smile everyday, year after year. Yamaha really nailed it with this machine. RESPECT! P.S And just look at those beautiful blue wheels.
Cons
I've taken it on a couple of track days and that is where you will really noticed how basic the suspension is. Abit software and vague and if if stiffen it up abit (using Pre-load) on the limited settings (NO compression adjustment) then you just end up with it being too stiff for your weight. So definitely abit bleh, …But just remember how much you payed and you will still feel like 'Bargain'!!!
Read More
There's no denying the Bike is snatchy on the throttle, but it really does have insance amounts of LOW down torque – which is a good thing and also why alot of riders bought this bike – so nothing that can't be managed by changing the mode to lower 'B' and just adjusting how aggressively you're used to twisting your wrist.
Holy Moly! ,.. I've owned various different bikes before this, including R6s and R1's, I've even taken part in some club racing & so I'd like to think I know and have experienced some of the extremes of engine performance and acceleration ability out there, but this MT-09 completely re-wrote the rule book in my opinion, its just a rocket from start to end on the rev range practically, never felt anything like it, so exciting, what a feeling, currently 27000miles on the clock and still Rocking along.
120miles +/- on a fuel tank (14Liters) ,.. So £15 does me the week fir my round trip 20 mile journey to work and back. My fuel economy will never be impressive when I have a rocket on tap which just entices you to nail it when the road opens up.
I remember when buying the bike, I was just super impressed with how much of a bargain it was in terms of price & just how much chunky looking bike and insane torque you were getting for your money. However two area's to point out on the bike was how quickly the Exhuast and also rear shock started to display signs of rust which compared to other bikes I've own which where even 2-3 times older than my MT-09 still weren't showing as much rust on these area's yet? So perhaps these non-treated areas is what allowed the price to be so low. But everything else on the bike is absolutely Solid.
These are abit softer compared the likes of the R6 and R1 I've owned before, ..but everything is relative to you dialing in your senses to the MT09s abilities and I genuinely have never thought twice over the last almost 3 years now of owning the bike about thinking I needed more braking power at any moment along my daily commutes.
Pros
It is light and so responsive to the power of the engine and gearing. The new looks of the led lights. Make it stand out. On the motorway it could do with a screen which i do have the small one that looks great but is not ideal for pushing the air out of the way.
Cons
The seat could be improved. Now after three thousand miles it seems ok. It could do with some development.
Read More
I am waiting for the good weather and dry roads. At the moment it is difficult to say with our roads at the moment. The standard suspension settings seem ok. I feel slighlty that the turn in is slow but as I have not experimented with any settings its early days.
The gearing is for a top speed of 125 with the engine power of over 110 bhp. It is so quick on acceleration and responsive in any gear. I have fitted the akropovic exhaust which is not noisy but improves with less weight and free flowing exhaust gases.
Sixty plus can be seen if kept to 60mph on the motorway. its a good bike for speed and miles per gallon
It would have been five but after a short while driving in rain that was so heavy the roads were flooded. When I mentioned to the dealer I thought it could be rain. The dealer mentioned it could be chargeable which upset me on two things. Should the bike be able to go out in heavy rain? Why would yamaha dealers charge me or have a bike that is not fit for purpose. It turned out to be a o2 sensor and the dealer did not charge. upsetting though
abs is a bonus and the brakes can be pulled up with one finger control.
Pros
Looks & go’s great
Cons
Seat
Read More
Feels great on the a & B roads
Great performance
No complaints
Excellent build quality
Good but could be better
Pros
Comfort, light and agile with a great engine.
Cons
Hideous standard rear end
Read More
Not as planted on bumpy roads
Cracking power all over the range
Too early to say but first service costs are ridiculous
Yamaha are in my opinion the best Japanese company for build quality however no manufacturer makes a bike ready for our winter roads.
Happy with standard tyres so far with plenty of feel on the brakes.
Pros
Mpg. And for comfortable it is
Cons
Finishing touches
Read More
Smooth, light. Easy to Chuck around
How can you go wrong with a triple
Best fuel costing bike I’ve had. Mpg is excellent
I’ve had no issues. But little things like the small finishing touches could be done done a bit better
Nice breaking system, grips well
Pros
Riding modes, seating position
Cons
Seat comfort
Read More
Smooth ride. Feels light, corners well
Gutty 900cc engine with 3x riding modes.
So far so good. Sturdy
Good comfy grips. No strain on wrist
Pros
Cost, looks, its very versatile, goes a lot better than it looks like it should.
Cons
Suspension, its not as bad as the press make out, mine is still standard and I have had it for 5 1/2 years and done over 30000 miles. I honestly can ride this faster than my old R1 (5pw model) on local bumpy B roads.
Read More
Handles well, brakes excellent,very light & powerful. Mine is the original 2013 model, and has not been flashed or had the yamaha remap. Runs really well on Michelin PR5's
Fantastic low down/midrange power. Mine is still restricted in 5th & 6th (can be removed by ECU reflash), so tops out at an indicated 138mph
Does around 45mpg with fast road riding, I have seen 58mpg riding steady with my kids as pillion. Small tank, needs to be filled every 120 odd miles
Bought mine new in 2013, now done 33000 miles. Only fault has been Can Chain tensioner. 1st one changed under warranty, had changed again about 24000 miles. Ridden through 5 british winters, original chain & sprockets lasted 30000 miles (front sprocket was fairly hooked!)
I'm running Michelin PR5's, as mine is the early one it doesn't have ABS. In the dry you can stand it on its nose, the front doesnt wash out
Pros
The sound and the power output.
Cons
Suspensions, especially the rear shock absorber.
Read More
Smooth enough in Mode B (rain) but this bike is more then a beast!
One of the most powerful Motorcyce i had!
Sure depends of how people drive it, but i had to change the tyres after 4000kms, cant complain the rest!
Never had any issues with it!
Like a race one
Pros
It is my bike and does what I need it to do.
Cons
Brakes
Read More
Handles like a dream, just a shame the roads was not of better standard in UK
115bhp is ample for me, great performance with exhilarating feelings.
Depends on my mood and how I want to ride it!
No issues at all!
Anchors could be better!
Pros
Love the power and handling I think it looks pretty damn good too
Cons
The seat which is really uncomfortable on long journeys
Read More
I think it's pretty smooth. Engine is nice it corners well no real complaints from me
For me it's perfect. It doesn't try to rip your arms off but there is plenty of power there.
Not expensive to run mine says it's doing 50mpg servicing it's about average. The bike didn't cost too much in my opinion
Not had the bike long but no issues so far
No complaints on relation to braking
Pros
Best - easy to filter as handles well and nice weight. It is also a perfect height for me
Cons
The saddle to be more comfortable
Read More
Corners well, smooth through gears, nice ride
Good power can get nicely away when required
Or a guzzler, I get good mileage
The digital speed panel had to be changed as stopped working
ABS breaking is excellent
Pros
Great fun, well priced, easy to work on! It wants to pull your arms off!
Cons
Fuelling
Read More
Twitchy throttle at low speeds, but pulls well
Fuelling
Pros
First Yamah I've owned. Certainly won't be the last. Nimble and fast it's all the bike you're gonna need really. Looks, light weight, leg room for taller people, build quality.
Cons
More padding in the seat.
Read More
Suspension on the soft side which I don't mind not being on the skinny side. Handling is very good, does everything you want.
More than fast enough for most people. If you're gonna give it a handful put your weight forward or you'll be on the back wheel through all the gears.
More padding in the seat.
Can't fault the bike at all. Looks great and everything put together well.
ABS model. Stops as you would expect. Front end can drop due to the soft forks.
Pros
Awesomely fun bike to ride. Make you smile all the time. The engine&exhaust sound (esp with Akrapovic full system) is one of the best on the market. I think this bike is a real star, taking into account its price. If you like naked bikes, you have to give it a try.
Cons
Suspension should be better.
Read More
2016 MT-09 is smooth to ride and has tons of torque. Awesome handling. The suspension is on a plushy side. Even taking into account the suspension "issue" it is still strong 5 stars. This bike is just fantastic to ride.
This bike is famous for its fantastic engine!
Suspension should be better.
Build quality is adequate to the price. Some parts are made of plastic, but overall quite good quality.
Adequate, but I wouldn't go further than this
Pros
I love the MT09, brilliant bike for the price.
Cons
The suspension.
Read More
Rides well, very light and can be thrown around with ease either in town or on the twisty roads. Suffer from soft suspension even at max settings, common problem with this model but apparently much better on the 2017 model
Probably the best thing about the bike, extremely torquey with tons of power in every gear, it's a wheelie machine!
The suspension.
Great build quality as with all Yamaha bikes, never had an issue
Standard brakes are decent enough, could always be improved but decent for the price point of the bike.
Pros
It's a great bike. Riding bikes puts a smile on my face. This one puts a mad grin on it and naughty look in my eyes. Had to buy a radiator guard. The overall is a fantastic fun bike to play on. The way the suspension keeps it right. The feed back through the tires is great.
Cons
The seat comfort.
Read More
It's 46kg lighter than my FZR1000 and boy that makes a difference! It corners fantastically. I can't wait for dry roads.
It's not as powerful as my FZR1000 but it doesn't need to be. It's a strong pulling motor. Smooth and vibe free.
The seat comfort.
No problems yet
ABS that works. So much feel through your fingers you can feel exactly what's happening
Pros
I love it, it makes me feel good to even look at it!
Cons
Smoothness at low speeds but that is the animal!
Read More
Smoothness at low speeds but that is the animal!