Yamaha MT-09 (2024 – ) review

On face value not much is different with this new, third generation MT-09 but there was not much wrong with the original 10 years ago, either. In fact the affordable, characterful, three-cylinder roadster was so good it became an instant best-seller (over 100,000 have so far been sold in Europe alone) spawning a whole family of MT ‘Master of Torque’ machines including the MT-07, MT-09 Tracer, XSR900 retro and more. Not to mention a raft of rivals. Unsurprisingly it’s been a case of evolution rather than revolution. 2017 brought revised styling and suspension, while 2021 saw an enlarged, Euro5 compliant engine and new ‘Deltabox’ twin-spar frame. This time round the engine and chassis, both already brilliant, are virtually unchanged. Instead, the MT-09 gets a new, sportier ‘super naked’ posture and riding position, improved styling, uprated tech and improved quality in the form of a slick new TFT dash, new switchgear and added refinement all round. The result, though not radical, is the best MT-09 yet. And also one of the best bikes you can buy.

Until now the MT-09 had been a kind of hybrid between a street tracker and a roadster. The resulting riding position, although good, was conspicuously upright, exposed and a little vague and confused. Not so anymore. A new, more focused approach and sporty attitude means this latest MT-09 drops the handlebars by 30mm and moves the footpegs back by 30mm as well, which makes a huge difference. Far from being extreme or cramped the new MT-09 is ‘just right’. Which is to say upright, comfortable for all sizes, cleverly ‘waisted’ around the tank to feel slim and manageable, yet also now making the rider feel more connected to the steering. Yes, it’s ultimately still an upright roadster so not as protected from the elements as a faired bike, but of the breed it’s about as good as they get.

Naked roadsters, of any type, will always ultimately have shortcomings when it comes to practicality and versatility. Being unfaired and without any provision for luggage limits suitability for touring or distance work and you’ll not be taking to the rough as you might on an adventure bike. That said, they’re straightforward, comfortable, good fun and great around town, too. And the new MT-09 does all of those things better than most. It’s unintimidating and accessible, comfortable enough, a hoot to ride, brilliant on city roads and more besides. As long as you don’t have any lofty distance ambitions the MT-09 pretty much does it all.

Although the 890cc 119 horsepower triple is essentially unchanged from the 2021 update. In short, the engine mounts are tweaked to suit the new attitude and the gearbox dogs revised to aid the updated quickshifter but that’s it and there was virtually nothing wrong with the old ‘un anyway! In fact, it’s one of motorcycling’s great engines. Easy and flexible when you want it to be, there’s also a fat mid-range from the crossplane crank layout before a wailing, thrilling top end rush. It’s an addictive power delivery and more than ample for this type of bike. The brakes weren’t bad before, either, but they’re now improved with a new Brembo radial master cylinder, which noticeably improves lever feel and finesses. No complaints here whatsoever.

Although the new MT-09’s frame is unchanged from the 2021 model, its suspension has been uprated firmer, heavier spring rates front and rear. But the biggest difference is the change in the whole bike’s attitude and the revised, sportier riding position – and the result is a revelation. Although still not extreme you feel more connected to the steering, more involved, while the riding position itself is at once compact and focused yet also somehow roomy enough to make the bike fun to throw around. Ride is good but, although firmer than before, the rear still felt a touch on the soft side for your tester. Saying that there wasn’t chance to adjust it on our test. More enticing still is the news that an SP version, with uprated multi-adjustable suspension front and rear, is imminent and surely headed for full marks in this section.

It’s a brand-new bike so, in some respects, it’s difficult to be certain. That said, the engine and chassis is largely unchanged. Although a great performer, the new MT-09’s power output is by no means excessive, meaning its hunger for consumables like chains, sprockets, brake pads, fuel and so on shouldn’t be anything to be concerned about. On top of that, Yamaha’s triple has always been impressively affordable, with this new version retailing at a very tempting £10,100. This and the popularity mean residuals should be pretty good, too.

Again, it’s a little early to be certain as it’s a new bike. But most of the core mechanicals, especially the engine, are unchanged and proven. On top of that the MT-09 life so far has had a pretty decent reliability record. The only area for caution applies to the brand new TFT dash and associated switchgear. They’re both an update on those introduced on the 2023 Tracer 9 GT+ and Niken GT, so should largely be sorted, but there’s always the possibility of a glitch. Apart from that, we have no significant reason for concern.

Fairly standard stuff, here. The new MT-09 comes with Yamaha’s usual manufacturer-backed warranty covering all parts and labour which lasts for two years with unlimited mileage. Servicing is fairly standard, too, with regular services recommended annually or every 6,000 miles, whichever comes first.

The original MT-09 although sprightly, fun and useful, was also conspicuously affordable so a little on the basic side. Not any more. Although this latest version is barely more expensive than its predecessor it’s now a classy, quality bit of kit with lots of nice touches. There are three riding modes with two customisable options and the expected array of traction control, cornering ABS and so on. The slick new dash is clean and attractive with a choice of themes, there’s Bluetooth connectivity for comms, tunes and navigation and more options via the Yamaha MyRide app. The new switchgear is a significant step upand even peripherals like mirrors, newly adjustable levers and footpegs are all better than before. For a so-called ‘budget’ bike it wants for nothing and is truly impressive.

The MT-09 has been one of Yamaha’s biggest hits for over a decade and it’s easy to see why. Affordable, accessible and unintimidating, the three-cylinder roadster is also reasonably versatile, practical and great fun for more experienced riders as well. Although good, those early models weren’t perfect, but every single incarnation since has been an improvement. The 2021 version, with new engine and frame, was a significant step up. This evolution, most notable for its improved riding position and attitude, refreshed styling and much improved dash and switchgear, makes it as close to perfect as could be imagined.