Yamaha MT-09 SP Review (2021)
What Is It?
The Yamaha MT-09 SP is a naked bike at the sportier end of the spectrum and is powered by a Euro 5 compliant liquid cooled 889 cc triple engine, producing 117.3 bhp at 10,000 rpm and maximum torque at 7,000 rpm.
Specs
- Seat Height: Average (825 mm / 32.5 inches)
- Weight: Average (190 kg / 419 lbs)
- Economy: Average (50 mpg / 5.6 l/100km / 17.7 km/l)
- Range: Average (150 miles / 241 km)
- Power to Weight: High (0.616 bhp/kg / 0.459 kW/kg)
- Top Speed: High (140 mph / 225 km/h)
Pros
- Loads of usable torque
- Soundtrack
- Suspension
- Very light
- Handling
- Comfort
- Brakes
- Dash
Cons
- New headlight design divides opinion
- Exhaust styling
- Levers
What Is It Like?
Yamaha MT-09 SP 2021
Tell us a bit about you
I'm a 58 years young male, 5ft 6in ish and a little tubby. I have been riding for over 40 years and lost count of how many bikes I've had but at one point I had 22 at the same time!
Why did you choose it?
I had the 2018 model and liked it so thought I would upgrade.
What is good about it?
- Handling
- Power
- Trick Bits
What could be improved?
- Adjustable seat height
- Exhaust styling
Any mods or upgrades?
- EvoTech levers
- EvoTech radiator cover
- EvoTech stand bobbins
- Exhaust to follow soon
What is the economy like?
Roughly £12 for 100 miles.
How is the engine?
It's beastly, smooth and powerful with loads of torque.
How does it handle?
Superbly and it has fully adjustable suspension being the SP model.
What are the brakes like?
Very sharp, with plenty of feel and feedback.
Is it comfortable?
Yes but it's a bit windy at speed.
How reliable have you found it?
Very but it's brand new!
To Sum Up
The 2021 MT-09 SP is a massive improvement all round from earlier models. That being said all of them have been great. I love the style and aggressive good looks, with the usual nice Yamaha finishing touches.
The engine is incredible for a three cylinder 900 cc CP3. It packs a nice punch and if it wasn’t for the fancy electronics it would gladly lift the front wheel in most gears. Saying that it's very smooth and positive in traffic etc.
The fully adjustable front and rear suspension is on another level. It has the added benefit of cruise control, which works very well, however I'm not sure it's needed. The amount of rider aids / electronics is second to none.
With myself being short I’ve added a suspension / seat height lowering kit so I can touch the floor and move the bike around. This is the case for most bikes I own or have had in the past.
Yamaha have pushed all my buttons with this bike, it's top notch. I still have a number of modifications to carry out but being a brand new model parts are still under production.
- Woody, 2021
Price Guide
Add Your Review
Do you own this bike? We would love to hear anything good, bad, unexpected or that you have changed plus anything that a prospective new owner might find interesting or useful.