The Yamaha MT-09: An evaluation
This motorcycle is just mind-blowing. Our first two points of interest were:
• That thing is very light! Thanks to its much lower weight compared to the Yamaha FZ8 and the CB600RR, it is very easy to control and park.
• What a wonderful dashboard! I really like the sleek black fascia finish of this one, much like my brand-new Galaxy Smart phone.
The start button also serves as the engine cutoff, so pressing it turns on the triple-cylinder lump. There isn't much of a difference in the engine's sound, whether it's cold or heated.
Climb on
Like most modern Yamahas, this motorbike is a joy to ride. We had no issues with low-speed manoeuvres, and the clutch is light. With your feet raised, you can keep the bike taut at low speeds, in tight turns, or while weaving through stationary traffic, thanks to the rear brake.
The new engine comes into its own when the accelerator is pressed. Attempts by the beast in issue to raise the front wheel are ongoing and relentless. Riding high on the front wheel of this bike will make you the cover of every magazine!
Once warmed up, the exhaust produces an aesthetically pleasing sound while riding on the overrun. It sounds really unusual, popping and cracking more than the average exhaust.
Our Judgement
After putting several kilometres on it, DRIVEtorque can confidently say we are fans. The twisties are where it really shines, and even outshines, the CBR600RR.
Quick Specs
Engine type – 3-Cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valves
Displacement – 847 cm³
Bore x stroke – 78.0 mm x 59.1 mm
Compression ratio – 11.5:1
Maximum power – 84.6 kW (115PS) @ 10,000 rpm
Maximum Torque – 87.5 Nm (8.9 kg-m) @ 8,500 rpm
• That thing is very light! Thanks to its much lower weight compared to the Yamaha FZ8 and the CB600RR, it is very easy to control and park.
• What a wonderful dashboard! I really like the sleek black fascia finish of this one, much like my brand-new Galaxy Smart phone.
The start button also serves as the engine cutoff, so pressing it turns on the triple-cylinder lump. There isn't much of a difference in the engine's sound, whether it's cold or heated.
Climb on
Like most modern Yamahas, this motorbike is a joy to ride. We had no issues with low-speed manoeuvres, and the clutch is light. With your feet raised, you can keep the bike taut at low speeds, in tight turns, or while weaving through stationary traffic, thanks to the rear brake.
The new engine comes into its own when the accelerator is pressed. Attempts by the beast in issue to raise the front wheel are ongoing and relentless. Riding high on the front wheel of this bike will make you the cover of every magazine!
Once warmed up, the exhaust produces an aesthetically pleasing sound while riding on the overrun. It sounds really unusual, popping and cracking more than the average exhaust.
Our Judgement
After putting several kilometres on it, DRIVEtorque can confidently say we are fans. The twisties are where it really shines, and even outshines, the CBR600RR.
Quick Specs
Engine type – 3-Cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valves
Displacement – 847 cm³
Bore x stroke – 78.0 mm x 59.1 mm
Compression ratio – 11.5:1
Maximum power – 84.6 kW (115PS) @ 10,000 rpm
Maximum Torque – 87.5 Nm (8.9 kg-m) @ 8,500 rpm
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