New Yamaha MT09

[ChrisW]

Popped in to the Yamaha dealership on Deeside today, just to have a quick look at the new MT09 as I’d not seen one IRL yet and wanted to have a quick sit, see if it might suit me. The lovely chap there all but insisted on my demoing one (good job I know my licence & NI numbers…) so I asked if he had an SP demo.

Only nipped out for fifteen minutes or so but I think it’s really, really good so far.

Looks and feels premium - I can see this stealing sales from the MT10.

It’s really very comfy - both the seat and ergos. Much more leg room than an MT07. Still feels nice and sporty though. You’re feel placed up over the front, unlike the earlier 09s. I’d still put a lower bend bar on it though.

The gear-change & quick-shifter are just excellent, up and down regardless of throttle.

Switchgear and dash look & feel very nice. I like the new indicator switch they’ve come up with. Engine modes are switchable on the fly.

The protective engine case cover you can see is stock - comes with the bike (on the non-SP versions, too) which I thought was novel.

Mirrors are odd - they really seem to get in the way, they’re very high & I couldn’t seem to swivel the head/body at all. Dash was a bit confusing but I’m told there are lots of layout options, which I didn’t play with.

Obligatory ‘the headlight doesn’t look as bad in the flesh’.

I really got on with it even on just this short ride. The dealership lets you take demo bikes for 48hr tests so I’m going to book it out for one of them soon, if the weather behaves.

I think I do actually want one of these.

[Dodgy69]

Looks like a 2 piece seat aswel, not sure if that's better or worse. Still needs a tail tidy imo, but yes, a cracking bike. 48hr test is great aswel. Get the deal done.

[Taff]

Jeepers, that's the most 'unfinished streetfighter' I've seen for years.

[mangocrazy]

I'm definitely warming to the looks, and my liking for the 3 cylinder engine has never been in doubt. I'd definitely go for the SP over the standard MT09 - better suspension is always worth it.

[Yorick]

The looks are challenging, but could be overlooked. But headlight is ridiculous

[Scotsrich]

That’s probably top of my list when the OH stops going pillion and I get rid of my 1250R.

I’ve been looking at them for a while. When I considered trading the R in for a GS1300 for what it was going to cost I could have bought one of them new and kept the R as well.

[Dodgy69]

Front indicators can pop out of their rubber mountings with the slightest knock aswel. Pita.

[Noggin]

I like that. Still want to tick the MT10 box (well, need to ride one first) but as that's basically because it has the R1 engine, maybe I should have a look at a decent (old ) R1!! LOL

[Taipan]

Loved mt MT09 and think it was the best looking model with the double headlight.

[Bustaspoke]

I've never heard a bad word about that engine but I've struggled with the looks of the MT,if I didn't already own a triple I would be buying a XSR900,in Gauloise blue with the nose cone.