2021 Yamaha MT-09 Review | Street Triple Killer?

2021 marks an enormous evolution of Yamaha's MT-09, but how does that convert to the ride? It'd actually be easy to underestimate just how heavily this bike has been overhauled even looking at the lengthy update list.

The CP3 triple-cylinder that debuted in 2013 is more refined than ever, and also stroked 3 mm adding 42 cc to the capacity reaching almost 900 cc. An IMU joins the electronics system for cornering TC and ABS, while throttle control is the best it's ever been building on the 2017 update.

The chassis is transformed, with a heavily revised frame with 30 mm lower headstock that sharpens the handling and rebalances the entire bike, ending the motard, tall and light front end feel.

That change gives the suspension a better chance to shine, which combined, ensures great front end feel, more nimble and responsive handling and a more neutral overall machine.

Brakes are largely unchanged except for the addition of a Nissin radial master-cylinder, while the quickshifter is now bi-directional and still standard.

The seat is a little taller, as are the bars, however the overall feel of the bike is more in than on the bike, marking another improvement, with grabbing the tank between my knees easy at 180 cm with a 32 inch inseam. Reach to the ground was likewise easy.

Lighting is full LED too, with a new TFT display that's super clear and toggling through the modes is easy on the standard model, although the SP adding cruise control does lead to a busier left switchblock.

The SP continues to offer an up-spec option at a premium, with an Ohlins shock, additional suspension adjustability at the forks, special livery and aesthetic details, and a stitched seat.

Images and footage courtesy of YMA, by iKapture, Guy Streeter and Colin Chan.

Don't forget to subscribe and hit that notification bell!

[wbabojo]

It's not just an update in my view. It's a complete re-design. It's now 2 bikes in 1. A civilised, traffic filterer, quiet, smooth and stylish. Dr Jekyll take a bow. No need for an aftermarket exhaust, the standard sounds amazing, as when you get to stretch it's legs, Mr Hyde says hello. The experience gives the rider so much feedback, and is super-quick to turn in, the mass-centralisation making it an absolute joy to throw about. There is a crescendo of sound as the rev-counter turns to green, and you're in the zone. Yamaha engineers just knew what ticks all my boxes, nothing can live with this...

[kyriakos]

the greatest jack of all trades bike. super fun! i have it since the moment it came out, only thing that bothers me a bit is the turning radius

[kaecy]

I recently replaced my 2019 MT09 with the new MT09SP; I would say the difference is night and day. The handling feels more composed and gives you the confidence to take corners, the power is absolutely smooth. On the flip side, no Bluetooth integration, the dash is tiny (I wish I could see odometer/trip meter and Engine temp at the same time). If you don't care about the tiny dash, I highly recommend it.

[threethrushes]

Great video for such a small channel.

Keep it up and you'll be at 100k soon.

Best wishes from Prague.

[henrikhh]

I have just swapped my mt10 sp for the new mt09 sp. The throttle respons, gearshift and stability in tight corners is better than on the mt10. The 09 has also more electronics.

[anthonyosmond]

Got my MT09sp in the UK a couple of weeks ago, Have 500 miles on the clock, I absolutely love it!!!! Selling my Ducati multistrada, this is way more fun.

[Steve-motorcycles]

Picked up my MT09SP last week in the UK still breaking in the engine but love it so far

[astrostrotch]

I had the first model and loved the engine but the handling was appalling. The 2021 model bears no comparison, it handles beautifully, front end feel and steering is superb, I really can't believe Yamaha took this long to sort it out bearing in mind their motogp machines are probably the sweetest handling of them all. Makes me think they just don't care as long as they are selling units.

[calipulaco]

I Love the Style like a "GUNDAM MECHA" made into a Street Fighter Bike....

[Michael_Mears]

11:10 I was going to ask you exactly that. MT-09 $15.2K vs Tracer 9 GT $23.2K. If all the MPT-09 needs is a few bits 'n pieces to turn it into a decent touring machine, that $8K difference is a lot to work with.

[aaronstrassburg]

Great review! Got the 21’ mt09 SP on preorder. So excited for it!

[exothermal.sprocket]

Everything is improved. Except the cylops. TFT could be a nicer rectangle shape with more screen. And they missed their chance at putting a couple more liters fuel capacity on it.
Otherwise it's a winner.

[paulconnell]

Thanks Kris. A very detailed review compared to many. I have test ridden the previous SP and am waiting to ride the new one. Shipments have been slow. I mostly ride in the city and occasionally head for my beach house which is half way around the Coromandel circle (great twisties). Our country roads in NZ are worse than yours look on video. You mentioned the shock struggling with bad roads and a bit of pace. Would you recommend the SP? Others say that you need to really be pushing on to need it, but I wonder with the poor roads and tight corners....

[bruceleong]

Great review Kris. I have to admit I’m starting to warm to the new MT09 models, even though the looks didn’t grab me at first. But the improved handling, fueling and features sound too good to ignore. In your opinion, is the SP worth the additional cost over the standard bike?

[lukeyboybro]

Was there much wind protection at all with that small screen? Was considering buying one but pretty pricey for what it is. prefer the look over the other screen on offer though

[cliveomahoney]

Excellent review, thanks. Did you get to ride the SP? I'm interested in the suspension upgrade of the SP, which is basically what you're paying for, apart from paint and cruise control. I rode the old MT09, liked it but wouldn't buy it. This one looks pretty much perfect for me.

[stevegabriel]

Yammie fan boy here currently on FZ1 and looking for 2nd bike. Want to love the MT-09 SP but just can't get past the cyclops. Never owned a Triumph, but Street Triple R has peaked my interest which is surprising.

[nicholasmay]

Where can I buy the windscreen that’s on the SP in this video? I’ve looked all over and cannot find this specific one online.

[-tj]

It should be a Street Triple killer due to the bigger engine. I'd rather have it than that. More likely to be totally reliable, too.

[scotty]

So I’ve been looking at a new bike for a while and if u had asked me last week what I was getting I would have told u a street triple, but I went in and had another look at this mt09 and now I’m not sure again! It’s the comments made about how this new bike handles in the twisties that has me interested, is it that much better? I don’t care about comparing the looks of the two bikes (although the street triple wins hands down) it’s the little bit of hooligan in me saying to get the mt09