2019 Yamaha MT-09SP vs MT-09 Review

[@stephenspiteri_zunkus]

Also an SP owner here. When I bought the bike it came with a very hard set up suspension and was totally unrideable on our roads. The manual is very helpful in setting up the bike and after I adjusted the preload for my weight, I then went ahead and set to the manual’s soft setting. This totally transformed the bike to the better. I later read that some magazine journalists in the U.K. had similar experiences from the factory setting and that they did the same adjustments as I did and were delighted with the transformation. I guess Yamaha were so critiqued from the press about having a soft suspension on their 09’s that they overcompensated with the adjustability on this model, especially since its labelled as an SP, thus thinking that it may appeal to harder, more track focused riders. For what you’re getting for the SP upgrade it’s a no brainier to my mind, especially if you’re thinking of doing the upgrades later yourself. You’ll actually end up saving money.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Thanks for sharing! When I tested the bike it was certainly too harsh for most of the poorer road sections we've got, at least comfort-wise, but would have been ideal at the track. They've come a very long way from the original model though, the dive on those forks was insane.

[@oldsmokie101]

stephen spiteri The sp suspension isn't that great. Aftermarket suspension is a £1000.00 and is way better the SP. Add that to stock mt and it's cheaper than SP. However, all bikes need suspension setting up, were different weights and ride at different levels on different roads. The manufacturer can't set it up once for everyone. Think shops are very poor not helping set up suspension on purchase. Glad you got it sorted ! Awesome bike.

[@stephenspiteri_zunkus]

Old Smokie , one has every right to voice his opinion and I respect that. I for one though believe in facts, preferably from my own experience. I have owned a number of bikes in my time, many of which I’ve tinkered with, especially in the suspension department. Done gixxer front ends and Ohlins rear shocks. I have read in magazines and articles that the same product fitted standard on a bike and the one you buy as aftermarket isn’t the same. While that may or may not be true, I can honestly say that for me and my type of riding there is no noted difference, neither in feel, finish or longevity of the product. What I’m trying to say is, you need a bike to have suspension that deals well with your level of riding and that can give you reasonable comfort on your ride. It is a tight balance and will never be sublime for all situations but most of us can be very content with good suspension that doesn’t introduce surprise moments that may catch you out and cause an accident. When the SP suspension is set up for your weight and riding style it is just great.

[@oldsmokie101]

stephen spiteri Yup. ALL suspension needs setting up, bikers are not one weight with one type of riding requirements. Sp is better than stock Mt. Nitron with Andreani is better than SP suspension. As you like facts....You can put Nitron and Andreani on mt09 for LESS than the extra cost of the SP over standard Mt. In addition, as you will know having sorted suspension out in the past, spring rate for you personally is pretty damn important. With aftermarket you can get the CORRECT spring rates on shock and forks. That's got to be a win ? With sp it's one spring rate for shock and fork across the board which cannot possibly be right for everybody. However, it's not a dig at you, just an option. I did say glad you sorted it and awesome bike. One of my bikes is a 20 year old cbr with old crappy suspension, and I love riding it. So your right, if it works for you that's all that matters.

[@RioterRides]

Atleast you can set it up harshly. I have the 2020 and even with the shock set all the way up it's still to soft. No so models in the us.😭

[@175yam1]

Got the sp myself,, all the bike needs is sticky tyres, tail tidy, and the awesome black widow full exhaust to let the bike spit fire,,, fun fun fun

[@UberKvlt]

175yam1 what did those upgrades end up costing in the end?

[@175yam1]

@@UberKvlt about £900

[@175yam1]

@@UberKvlt£400,, black widow exhaust, £200 r+g bits, chain guard,tail tidy and comfort seat from yamaha, power socket, so just under £1000 ,,,

[@Lordbaccus]

Yesterday I sat on an MT09 & an MT10 the the seat on the MT09 was a BRICK = nut buster

[@175yam1]

I test ride both bikes,,, the standard bike is excellent,,, but the sp is a better ride,, so for the money, sp smiles per miles,, I bought the sp,,, fast, light and enough power for anyone, a lot off fun,

[@akquicksilver]

I made a SP out of my 2014. Added a Penske completely adjustable shock, installed Race Tech valves in the fork, had the ECU flashed, added Akropovic exhaust, braided steel brake lines and an after market seat. Would like to have the ABS and TC, but I love it.

[@MotoJournoKris]

That's the great thing about the standard model, you can spend that money wherever you like and end up with a great end result tailored to specifically what you like. They are such good value bikes.

[@Pseudo_Placebo]

Why do I find this motorcycle so super awesome? Oh, it's in my garage :)

[@MotoJournoKris]

That definitely helps!

[@mindthenowmotovlogs8563]

Hell yeah

[@l1oyd]

Thanks! A great simple review.

[@anthonycaldi7056]

Great informative video glad I watched! I am in between this and the Ducati Hypermotard. You cannot beat the value of the MT 09. Like the paint scheme of the SP, but don’t believe I would opt for it over the standard, especially if the front forks aren’t considerably better. The standard MT 09 is such a value as it is in comparison to other naked bikes.

[@MotoJournoKris]

That's a hard call! The Hypermotard is a pretty extreme machine and of course a Ducati, but I have to agree the value for the MT-09 is exceptional, and it's a whole lot of motorcycle too. Let us know which you go with!

[@stephenspiteri_zunkus]

I rode both standard and SP. The front forks are awesome on the SP once you set them up for your weight and style of riding. In fact I think they are under rated.

[@175yam1]

Sp 9,,, great bike,, sold my mk 1 1200 bandit, Mt best fun machine, ever, cool bike, power, brakes, looks, light, easy to ride,, Mt Sp 09.smiles per miles

[@MotoJournoKris]

Nice stuff, you done any mods, or happy with the SP stock?

[@l1oyd]

I'm looking to move on from my 1250 to an SP. Any regrets?

[@175yam1]

@@MotoJournoKris tail tidy,, and black widow full stainless exhaust,,, the bike spits fire,,, great bike, ill upload a vid when I can

[@175yam1]

@@l1oyd nope,, fun fun fun, black widow exhaust,, spits out fire great bike,, lol

[@MotoJournoKris]

@@175yam1 Awesome, can't wait to see it!

[@oldsmokie101]

Try a standard mt09 with k tech or nitron shock with Andreani cartridges. Cheaper all in than sp but you end up with better suspension. You'll also get shock spring for your weight, unlike the stock ohlins.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Yep I've heard that's the case!

[@allenparsens5279]

Not that I am buying but it seems to me that you should always buy the upgrade as factory installed is always addressing a weak point in the base model, and it is going to be a lot cheaper than adding it afterwards.

[@MotoJournoKris]

It's definitely better value if you want the extras in most cases (and for resale), but if you were to upgrade the suspension you may choose to get it done specific to your weight instead of just fitting an Ohlins shock for instance. I preferred the standard suspension out of the box, but I'd have to spend more time with the SP to see if I could soften it up a bit for everyday riding.

[@allenparsens5279]

Moto Journo Kris Exactly right. I was even going to say the same but thought shorter is clearer.

[@shaunmcbride3768]

Nice review !! But you left it in mode B ???? Really ? Mode A is sick mate

[@MotoJournoKris]

A mode was very snatchy/light switch, especially over poorer road conditions, to the point of upsetting the bike. On the right bit of road that's ok, but definitely not my go to mode.

[@MrDeepseadweller]

I know it’s subjective, but I just don’t like the colour scheme on the SP, and the fact that it’s “take it or leave it” with no choice. If I could get the SP in all black, it would be a no-brainer since money isn’t an issue. However, I think I’ll probably end up getting the standard MT-09 in black, add a full Akra titanium exhaust, and maybe rear Öhlins if the stock shock doesn’t prove itself up to the task.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Absolutely, colour schemes on bikes (and everything) is such a personal choice at the end of the day, and being such a mean looking machine the MT-09 in all black is going to look pretty wicked. That and doing mods specifically to what you want is generally going to land you with a bike that most closely suits what you're after.

[@ryanzepp9185]

My mate got his tank painted gloss black on his sp it looks unreal with the blue wheels I can send you photos if you want?

[@MotoJournoKris]

@@ryanzepp9185 Definitely, I'm on Facebook under the same name, and I'm keen to see how it looks with that paint!

[@ryanzepp9185]

@@MotoJournoKris I'll send through now

[@Imaydn]

So from what i understand The Mt09 sp is better? Cause iam looking forward to upgrade comming from a MT07 what bike shouldni get now Mt09 or the Mt09 SP?

[@MotoJournoKris]

The SP definitely has some nice extras, it just depends if that's what you want, and your budget.

[@Imaydn]

@@MotoJournoKris budget aint not an issue, Thank for ur advice😊

[@MotoJournoKris]

@@Imaydn SP makes sense then!

[@Imaydn]

@@MotoJournoKris Gonna get one!

[@nickstevens3139]

I would get an SP if only for the Special Paint, some of the standard paints such as grey and mat black are awful.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Yep the SP colour scheme is definitely a winner.

[@pritamghosh4643]

Has the throttle response improved over the standard model?

[@MotoJournoKris]

I actually felt like it was sportier and more aggressive with a more direct connection between throttle and engine, where on the standard model I tested last they seemed to have tamed it down a little in comparison, which really helped on the rough road conditions.

[@petej7534]

Please review the Mt10 standard. If you've ridden Mt10 also then can you help me decide whether to purchase or save money and go with the mt09??? Thanks

[@MotoJournoKris]

I'm hoping to get the standard MT-10 a little later in the year to review, but I tested the MT-10 SP and it was amazing. There's a pretty significant increase in price to match though. The MT-10 powerplant is something else, and the SP at least was both easy to ride for general road use, and hectic if you wanted to have a bit of fun. I don't think you could go wrong saving the extra, but the MT-09 is amazing value all things considered. The MT-10 has a fair few advantages over the MT-09, better suspension and brakes, a much more advanced electronics system, a much more sportsbike derived feel to it, and much more, where the MT-09 feels a bit more motardy

[@fireblade1016]

Where did you record the test ride video? Place looks awesome!

[@MotoJournoKris]

There's a bit of variety, including heading towards Wisemans Ferry from Sydney and near Berowra Water Ferry.

[@fireblade1016]

Moto Journo Kris love it! Keep up the good work!

[@MotoJournoKris]

@@fireblade1016 Thanks!

[@MrJustiy]

Hi, what’s the mt09 like at freeway speeds, as half my riding will be freeway, half twistes

[@MotoJournoKris]

It cruises really easily, but there's not a lot of wind protection. It'll depend what you're used to. Coming from something with wind protection you may notice the difference, however it's typical of a nakedbike.

[@baecchi4153]

please do a mt10 ...

[@campowell6372]

I have my full license but haven’t riden for a few years now last bike was a 390 duke is the 09 sp too big of a jump you think?

[@MotoJournoKris]

It's always a bit of a personal judgement. The 09 really is a crazy machine, but you could run it in the lowest power mode while you reacquaint yourself, and get used to riding on the roads. That said it's still probably offering a lot more performance, more aggressively than many 650s doing that. If you're not sure though, I'd jump back onto something smaller, depending on your past experience and how quickly it comes back to you. I do tend to recommend erring on the side of caution!

[@campowell6372]

@@MotoJournoKris thanks mate appreciate it. Maybe the 07 would be a better option

[@NANKEL1]

I bought my wife one and like it so much I bought one for myself

[@MotoJournoKris]

Very nice!

[@Chrispage2]

I have a deal for 7000Euro on used sp who has 4000kms on it. And 6500euro used 8k kms standard option. Both 2018 models. Any advice you can give? Should I go for sp because of price or go with standard? Roads in my country vary from bad to good, there are a lot of potholes in urban areas.

[@MotoJournoKris]

For such a small price difference I'd lean towards the SP, especially being lower mileage, but I really like that paint scheme, so that would be a big point for me personally. I thought the standard suspension was a bit more forgiving, but you'll have more adjustability in the SP, which means more ability to dial it in to your weight, even if you end up changing springs or getting a bit of work done to suit your weight.

[@Chrispage2]

@@MotoJournoKris Yeah I will be going for mt 09 hunt in early January, will update how it went and what I got ;)

[@MotoJournoKris]

@@Chrispage2 Look forward to hearing what you get!

[@Southice]

Where do you live?? That is very very cheap compared to prices in my country..

[@Chrispage2]

@@Southice Latvia, but offers were in Poland, in the end I got mt 09 sp with extras on it and new tires with 4k on odo(kms) for 7.6k

[@clutchitup8565]

i dont like how the ohlins cartridge sits on the side of bike like that

[@MotoJournoKris]

It's normally to keep it as far away from the heat generated by the exhaust/engine as possible, and for access for adjustability in some cases.

[@Elmuchacho17]

This or the xsr900?

[@MotoJournoKris]

I reckon I'd go the MT-09, the base model is crazy good value and comes with a quick shifter as standard. That said, it depends how much you want that neo-retro styling.

[@Elmuchacho17]

Moto Journo Kris yes! I ended up getting the xsr 900 I’ve done 200miles and I’m kinda wishing I got the sportier MT09 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@MotoJournoKris]

@@Elmuchacho17 It's always a hard choice, give it some time though!

[@Elmuchacho17]

Moto Journo Kris mmmmm not sure, I’m like a dog on a bone. Really like the aggressive looks. Not sure you can really make the xsr900 look very aggressive. Where as the mt already looks it and has a more extras. Is the 2018 mt the same as the 2019/2020?

[@MotoJournoKris]

@@Elmuchacho17 True, the MT-09 already has the really aggressive styling down, and the quick shifter as standard is very nice. Yep from memory there's been no changes.

[@Bugside]

those wires on the bar look kinda cheap, coming out of the plastic, and stuck with zipties

[@MotoJournoKris]

It's common on a lot of bikes but the tall motard-style bars make it really stand out on the MT-09, as there's a lot more distance to route the wires and nowhere to really hide them.

[@theresonly1truth138]

It's a bargain for those who wants to make the upgrades because upgrading it individually costs lots more

[@MotoJournoKris]

Yep, the price difference is pretty small really, which makes it a hard choice, it's nice to see really competitively priced up-spec options. The standard is pretty sorted in the suspension these days though. Just the colour would probably be enough on its own for some people too!

[@theresonly1truth138]

@@MotoJournoKris though the inverted black and white display on the SP is significantly more awesome.

[@MotoJournoKris]

@@theresonly1truth138 Shame no TFT, but that dash is great.

[@Cryptosporidium-zu2sc]

What about if we have the ability to work on our bikes? I like the all black MT09 and I'd probably swap a better rear shock in it if the stock gives me issues

[@jasoncee666]

I want the best suspension for rough roads so I hope with adjustments the SP can be better in this department?

[@MotoJournoKris]

The SP is significantly sharper handler with stiffer suspension out of the box, as often seems to be the case with the higher spec suspension, such as Ohlins systems - although this is only Ohlins on the rear. You're most likely to see a benefit in rough conditions as the speeds rise, while the standard MT-09 was significantly more comfortable for rough roads out of the box at the more normal road speeds. The greater adjustability certainly helps, but there's also the fork and shock design and spring choice that come into it. Obviously you've got a greater range of adjustability there, and you could probably get the standard systems optimised by a suspension expert much more easily if different springs are required.

[@jasoncee666]

@@MotoJournoKris thanks for that info, I'll just have to extensively test ride both hey😛 leaning towards the SP👍

[@MotoJournoKris]

@@jasoncee666 It's a hard one. I liked the stock suspension on the standard, but I like really like the SP colour scheme and who can say no to Ohlins, so for the price difference it just makes sense. Definitely test ride both!

[@jasoncee666]

@@MotoJournoKris Yes it's a hard decision mate. Just to give you an idea I live fairly rural and the roads are very bad, worn and patchy. Some bumps even disturb my Crf250rally which is considered soft as a baby's bum😛 I really want the power of the MT09 but really wonder if it's just not a good idea. The MT03 I rode for my licence tests felt alot harder sprung than my crf. Maybe I should consider the upcoming Tenere700.

[@MotoJournoKris]

@@jasoncee666 It would definitely be worth a look at, as that's going to be more optimised for rough terrain, including really bad roads, plus it's looking like it'll be a pretty amazing machine. The MT-09 is a big step up in performance though in comparison engine-wise, as the Tenere 700 will be powered by the MT-07HO powerplant, which is about 40hp down on the MT-09. That said it has a great reputation, while the triple has a very different character to most other machines available. The Rally is built to a price though, so the suspension is going to be basic, compared to more expensive machines, even the MT-03 is the same in that it's optimised as a one size fits all, general road option. Once you add adjustability you expand how you can work within the standard suspension, and the more expensive the system the greater the adjustability you'll get and the more fine tuning. For a long term bike purchase getting a proper suspension specialist on the job can net the best results, as unless you're pretty much what the factory envisaged as the rider for their machine, there'll be some compromises.

[@Cryptosporidium-zu2sc]

The more I read and watch about this bike the more I want it, only gripe I have which for the life of me o cant understand is why they chose that placement for the dash display..WHY ISNT IT CENTERED?!?!

[@MotoJournoKris]

They are amazing machines, and definitely worth looking into. With the ignition placement there's limited space up there, while the dash's design being asymmetric means it'd probably look funny centered!

[@Cryptosporidium-zu2sc]

@@MotoJournoKris I didnt think of that kind of makes me feel better, I've been riding an R6 for over 9 years currently have an 08 and this bike looks like the perfect balance of supersport corner carving fun and a comfy commuter. Thanks for the reply, I'll probably end up getting the regular MT09 in all black! You've got a new subscriber!

[@Chrispage2]

I bloody love the placement of that speedo.

[@mscott4850]

I found that the placement of the speedometer was perfectly off-set when I attached my phone mount left of center on my handlebars. This setup works great for long rides and I don't have to worry about the wind or bugs on the back of my phone.

[@ivosdv]

Between those 2 I'll get the XSR900

[@MotoJournoKris]

The XSR is wicked, and very very competitively priced, without the more Transformer-like styling.

[@ryanzepp9185]

Ugliest bike ever made 🤦‍♂️

[@MotoJournoKris]

@@ryanzepp9185 I don't know, I really like the XSR700, but that modern-retro style isn't for everyone!

[@ryanzepp9185]

@@MotoJournoKris all personal preference!

[@madmandotau]

The standard bike's suspension is laughably dangerous.

[@madmandotau]

@GregAndr it handles like a boat man. The standard MT is about as stable in corners as a 1 legged chair

[@madmandotau]

@GregAndr I've no experience with the 07. Have to hit up the google for that info.