2021 Yamaha MT-09 Review | Rider Magazine

[@supremoab8507]

I understand why so many people hate it because of how radical the design. But for someone who's working as a designer for years, I gotta say, I love this a lot. True to its vision, mirroring the logo (on the headlight) to get that general progressive theme. This might be my favourite of the current naked bikes in the market. The neoteric touch is a bit ahead of its time and is well complemented with the performance on paper. Give it a few years then people will appreciate what yamaha did on this one.

[@impactaustria]

I do enjoy the design too. It really looks more like a raw and functional machine than an animal. Kinda like a cyberpunkish robot or scifi battle droid. I love that.

[@cuzimaluzer777]

I have watched every single English speaking review of this bike and this is BY FAR the best that I have seen. Thank you.

[@hawaiiguy1]

the videography on its own is stellar !

[@RiderMagazine]

Agreed, Ray Gauger did an amazing job.

[@RiderMagazine]

Hey Greezy_Chef, Thanks for the kind words, it means a lot! Take care! - Nic

[@cuzimaluzer777]

@@RiderMagazine I just wish someone would talk about the seat. Like what's it like after a few hard hours

[@thomasmyers6000]

We need it here in the us ASAP

[@sn00pgreen]

see this is the first review where I've actually learnt they dropped the front 3mm...this is the type of info that's actually useful, not what pretty colors there are or how good or bad the bloody light is..well done

[@RiderMagazine]

Hey Lostnfound21, Thanks! The 30mm drop in head tube height was something that stood out to me when I wrote the "First Look" for the new MT-09, and I'd say that it's played a part in the MT-09's dramatically improved handling. I definitely wanted to hit on that point and most certainly pestered Yamaha staff with questions 🤣 We also need to remember all of the other changes in the chassis too. The frame is 50% stiffer, the swingarm is more rigid and mounted between the frame spars, and the suspension is revamped. When you add all those changes up, it makes sense why the new MT-09 is much different from its predecessors. Take care! - Nic

[@michals1108]

exactly

[@superturka]

The light stays bad

[@tropickman]

A review without riding the bike is simply lacking!

[@jose.ramoscaban]

Yamaha is just awesome! Today I bought the new MT09 and I’m already in love with my 5 Yamaha bike 💪🏼

[@michals1108]

I really like that kind of narrative. Talking about bike itself not some bs about colour and tiny vibrations

[@crazyrebl]

Best mt09 inside and out by far

[@ryanryno6976]

Never owned a naked bike but I like all the updates. I would get a fender delete and it would be perfect. I’d buy one.

[@banestock]

Great first ride review! Much better than anything else out there currently!

[@RiderMagazine]

Thanks a ton!

[@ferociousfrankie]

The headlight area looks better when it's turned on with the other lights surrounding it.

[@njminer]

Everything sounds like a great upgrade... except the paint. I can't imagine riding this without having it painted first. Great review!

[@aquaplaneepb9568]

It’s the colour I ordered I think it looks sick over the sp. if they did the same colour in the sp I would have gotten it

[@floridapatriot9776]

I can't wait. I'm buying a 2023 MT-09 this weekend. 4/28/23

[@georgesoross6406]

The bike rocks. There is no other in that category that can beat the MT09 especially the SP version!! In the twisty even the 1000 cannot follow this bike. It is powerful, light and agile. The best recipe for super fun! KTM Ducati MV F900 are miles behind. No way to catch the MT09 SP! NO WAY

[@rajindarsingh1417]

I believe the CP3 engine is such a gem . I ride an XSR900 & would love to get this to experience the improvements. I’m comparing it to the BMW Xr

[@RiderMagazine]

Hey Rajinadar, Agreed. Yamaha has outdone themselves with the latest CP3 engine. While not confirmed as of yet, we do know that the XSR900 will benefit from all these same upgrades and the new Tracer 900 GT does benefit from them. For my money, I'd be looking at Yamahas. Take care! - Nic

[@thedukeoffreedom3319]

Best bike on the road

[@aswinrayirap7115]

I'm from Nepal. . So amazing 😍

[@kittrainbow7]

Super nice , especially in graphite grey and with the mini dark windscreen 🇮🇹👍

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

First class review. Tempting bike.

[@paulconnell1309]

Very good review, thanks Nic. Also enjoyed you Z900 review. The obvious question which to buy. I am trading up from a CBR500R. Rode and loved the GSX S750 which is almost USD1,000 cheaper than an MT 09 here. A bargain.Very smooth and quick. Next test rides to do are the MT 09 and the Z900 which where I live costs $300 more than the MT 09SP. So on paper the SP is a better spec for similar $ to the Z and the standard MT 09 a bargain. Which would you recommend now you have ridden the latest MT 09 and the Z900.?? BTW I mainly ride in the city and when I get away its 25% Motorways, 25% B roads and then 50% twisties. Out of the city roads are a bit rough here in New Zealand. City roads very good.

[@MrBinkz]

What did you end up buying? I’m in NZ looking at similar bikes to you

[@paulconnell1309]

@@MrBinkz Gidday Aaron. Robbie for Holeshot on the shore offered me a 2020 Street Triple R with 5700kms and all the usual add ons. A fly screen, radiator protector, tank protectors, frame sliders, tail tidy and some bits of carbon here and there. The older grey with red colour scheme. So I bought that. Love it. The gear box is very smooth and the quick shifter and auto blipper excellent. Short shift and its tame but get the revs up and it is very fast. The Z900 was very quick and smooth, almost like an automatic, short change up and it pulls from every gear. I did not like the gear box much and sales are low so resale would be interesting. Also thought I did not need 950cc. The new MT09 has a very upright seating position that requires a lot of core engagement to protect your back. The seat rolls your pelvis upwards. Quick and raspy exhaust. Use a big hand full of revs changing down coming to lights and everyone knows you are there. Did not fall in love with it which surprised the sales person. Loved the GSX S750. Narrower bars are more natural for my frame and the bars are a little lower, which I now understand I prefer. Very very smooth, smoothest of the bunch but has a distinctive Gixxa growl if you punch it. Certainly no slug. Great value, but a bit old school. Almost bought one, was waiting for colours to land when I got the call and was tempted away. Very happy at this point and can't wait for summer and the Coro loop.

[@MrBinkz]

@@paulconnell1309 thanks for the reply. It’s funny you mention all those different bikes. You’ve more or less listed out my current shortlist being MT09SP, Z900, GSXS750, Street Triple R/RS and Tuono 660 haha. I’m in no hurry, have to wait for my 12 month restricted stand down to expire anyway.

[@dsgr6164]

I think I'd wait for an updated XSR900; probably will have the same specs but look uh... more palatable.

[@shubsodhi5986]

😅 why they gotta make it so ugly, its perfect on paper. And by ugly I'm not "just" talking about the headlight

[@MattieXMoto]

This is such a close spec comparo to the new 2021 Ducati Monster. Hp, tq, quickshifter, weight, looks, etc

[@thecoldsixthousand]

Except half the price!

[@markbaum9615]

Yamaha will be a tad bit more reliable Than the Italian nightmare........

[@anguskeys9385]

Great review, how does it compare to the 2021 z900?

[@Daphnesworld123]

I want to know that too

[@noahprestel5324]

I would take the cp3 Engine over a 4 cylinder any day.

[@mickstick2830]

@@noahprestel5324 exactly. this engine is amazing. Speaking of experience :P

[@RiderMagazine]

Hey Angus, Great question! I recently reviewed the Kawasaki Z900 ABS and I was impressed with it, but I'd like to save my final conclusions for any comparison stories. You never know what will jump out at you, good or bad, when you ride bikes back-to-back. A couple of off-hand comments I can make is that they're extremely different. The in-line four powered Z900 vs. the in-line triple powered MT-09 is like comparing apples to oranges - it's just a completely different experience. Suffice to say, I think this new MT-09 has a level of refinement that is flirting with pricier European models. Take care! - Nic

[@jarnocarrara7637]

Yes, this is the point. Please tell us how they are working in comparison.

[@toofastnobrakes]

The windscreen helps the looks a bit. But would like to see a taller version

[@jairondelafe1834]

They actually do have one. Kills the look. Useful for touring though. This small one looks great

[@Champion2Manager]

Very complete as a review! Well done ! MT09 baby 🥰

[@masterMv11]

Nice review, when do u think one will be done on the new tracer 900gt

[@RiderMagazine]

Hey Master David Murphy V11, Hopefully in the near future! We'll see how it goes! Take care! - Nic

[@masterMv11]

@@RiderMagazine cheers ,stay safe

[@thedukeoffreedom3319]

Do you think this bike would benefit from a steering dampener ? Would you notice it at lower speeds

[@michaelpuderramirez2331]

We really need more reviews from professionals like you. So many wannabe road testers with no credentials. Thank you for sharing abd thank you for your time, young man.

[@NexGenGents]

Stuck between the 2021 MT07 & MT09, it will be my second bike and my daily commuter with some fun on The Weeknd’s! It it worth getting the 09 for the extra money ?

[@general021]

You already know the answer

[@RiderMagazine]

Hey Cooking With Cuse, That's a tough question and one that I suspect more than a few riders are juggling, when it comes to the MT bikes. I think it comes down to skill level and intended use. The MT-09 has some serious performance on tap, so I wouldn't recommend it to someone that would be better served by the more user-friendly levels of performance that the MT-07 offers. However, if you're comfortable with what a bike like the MT-09 offers, I do think that it has some advantages that come with it. It has plenty of headroom for commuting and the extra displacement/performance also helps during those long-haul trips on the freeway. The MT-07/09 are both fun, sporty machines, while the MT-09 takes things a step further with the more sophisticated electronics package and robust chassis. Buying a new bike always comes down to an honest discussion about what you want and need out of a motorcycle. If performance is your thing, then the MT-09 might be more your style. If you want to wail on a bike that's perfectly capable of fulfilling the role you described, the MT-07 is up to the task, too. Hope this helps, - Nic

[@NexGenGents]

@@RiderMagazine yes I appreciate that reply! My first bike was a 2009 R6. With the MT07/09 being a new bike I would like to get a bike I can grow with as I hope to have it for a good wile. I’m afraid that if I get the MT07 I will grow out of the power and wish I spent more money and just got the 09. Yes it will be a daily driver to work in the city but I would love to have extra power for the weekends. I think the 09 would be the best bet for the dual purpose I would like it for. Thank you again for the response and I can’t wait to get me one of these!!

[@Devijg]

@@NexGenGents MT09 no doubt

[@markbaum9615]

Absolutely no debate.....09

[@TheChewbaca69]

This was very well done. Keep it up!

[@Supernova12034]

Now that you have ridden the tuono 660, how does this compare? Its heavier than the tuono by like 15 lbs?

[@barrykrakovsky756]

Informative review. Well done.

[@RiderMagazine]

Hey Barry, Thanks for the kind words! I appreciate it! Take care! - Nic

[@carnut666]

1:07 Hi. I was wondering if you know that wind screens make or model.

[@supernova046]

the mt09 is a fantastic bike,put a black widow on it n listen to the music..

[@bfarm44]

Why does it look like it’s missing side covers

[@mickleblade]

There's a lot of money to be made making customised parts eh?

[@smashhittherisespecialkapa3034]

This 2021 Smash Hit: The Rider 2021 Yamaha MT-09 Review | Rider Magazine Kim Chiu: Chinita Princess Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Disney It’s Show Yourself

[@RiderMagazine]

I literally have no idea what this means, but I'm keeping it.

[@raymondwright2660]

Nice review Nic one question are the hand levers both span adjustable?

[@paulhope3401]

Yes

[@matthewinsydneyful]

Hey, this guy can feel the extra whole 6% torque!! Wow! And, I think you it all in your imagination. All engines have grown due to euro 5.,that is the only reason,more cats in the exhaust, more cc required

[@georgesoross6406]

So because you are the genius around here, tell us which other factory did the same? Yamaha is the first who increased the engine capacity. As for the torque, go and ride old and new model. You can feel the difference right away. Then test the SP version! It is on another level

[@MotorcyclesTVOfficial]

Nice motorcycle and classic

[@ronahlstedt6045]

Are you going to review the SP model?

[@vladsta3833]

best review

[@markkaufman9881]

How well does this new and controversial headlight actually work? I Need a headlight that will actually light a dark, twisty and rainy country road for my commute to work.

[@RiderMagazine]

Hey Mark, This is one of those questions that's tough because I didn't have an opportunity to use it at night. We did run through a couple mountain tunnels and it seemed fine to me, but that won't tell the whole story, until we get an MT-09 in as a test unit. Take care, - Nic

[@paulhope3401]

It's better than the Gen 2 but still not amazing... merely ok. My friends new Street triple has a noticeably better headlight.

[@markkaufman9881]

@@paulhope3401 Wow. Talk about resurrecting an old thread! Thanks for the response. In the end, I ended up selling my’09 Bonneville and getting a new ‘22 Yamaha XSR700. And it’s headlight works well, as long as I’m going the speed limit, and not cornering too aggressively and making a big big dark spot in the direction I am leaning. Sometimes I miss the JW Speaker Adaptive headlight that I got for the Triumph Bonneville. It lit up the corners really well, unless I was going stupid fast, which I rarely did.

[@sooraj.v202]

How about pillion comfort on long rides any idea?

[@RiderMagazine]

Hey Sooraj, Pillion comfort isn't something I can comment on with any authority, mainly because I didn't ride as a passenger. Often, I'll sit up on the passenger seat for a second while cruising down the freeway and it seemed of average comfort. It has some padding and isn't as minuscule as what's often provided on supersports and superbikes. Take care, - Nic

[@shukla21avin]

What’s a better choice in this price range, new street triple R or mt09?

[@RiderMagazine]

Hey Avin, I'd need to do a back-to-back comparison before passing any final judgement, but the new MT-09 makes an extremely compelling argument at $9,399. On paper, the MT-09 offers more advanced electronics and a little more power. However, the Street Triple 765 R and RS are sweet bikes with excellent fit and finish. I think this would make a great comparison. Thanks! - Nic

[@shukla21avin]

@@RiderMagazine thank you so much. Will be awesome if you would have the opportunity to do a back-to-back comparison 😁😁

[@dale-fi1fi]

i need this bike just dont have 9k spare to splash out

[@theenzoferrari458]

It's called finance. Lmao.

[@dale-fi1fi]

@@theenzoferrari458 we all have enough bills to pay in this world lol

[@theenzoferrari458]

@@dale-fi1fi sounds like a personal problem to me. :]

[@dale-fi1fi]

@@theenzoferrari458 rather just by it out right

[@niramserdna]

Great job, thank you. The display is horrible to me, it seems bought by Aliexpress, in this regard Yamaha has not learned anything from the display of BMW, Honda Africa Twin or KTM. Although there will be people who like it !!! Naming the driving modes 1, 2 and 3 is a bit childish, in addition to missing at least one more mode. I also do not like the brake fluid deposit on the handlebar since it could be integrated. Looking at the handlebar with that deposit, it seems that a cup holder for the soda can or coffee is missing on the other side of the handlebar. These are the things I like the least, otherwise it seems like a great bike.

[@paulhope3401]

A larger screen would have been nice but Its built to a price point so its not going to have best/biggest in class parts for everything. The Brakes are also merely decent but not class leading... but for the price I can totally forgive and overlook these things. Re- naming the drive modes 123&4 being childish. Its a very small display, using numbers simply takes up less space and is probably the reason. Wth seperate TCS modes and a fully configureable Manual mode it really doesn't need any more D modes. It has everything you need in that department. Trust me, I own one.

[@ilusv]

Does this gen come with a steering damper?

[@general021]

Nope

[@RiderMagazine]

Hey ilusv, No, there's no steering damper on the MT-09. Take care! - Nic

[@gcSpec13]

Nic is spicy in this video, must like!

[@RiderMagazine]

🤣 Thanks!

[@ryanparfet7374]

What the original should have been

[@biggils8894]

Saying Bits and bobs automatically gives you a thumbs down. Cringe!

[@kelvinmwalwembe2357]

How much

[@RiderMagazine]

Hey Kelvin, *slaps fuel tank* This'll set you back $9,399 in the United States. Take care! - Nic

[@kelvinmwalwembe2357]

@@RiderMagazine in Tanzanian

[@grupo_guardioes_da_familia]

Ativei 👉🔔🤝👍 Deu um show 👏👏👏

[@naturalforlife6741]

Not the bike for me.

[@ShineBright__]

Soo ugly cables everywhere ( special underneath the headlight there is also a hole between the seat and the engine , gas tank is horrible without even talk about unacceptable exhaust......

[@Mabds46]

It can be good but its Ugly

[@marcov4190]

The air intakes are fake...

[@nigelfisher3756]

Cracking bike but......how can you part with your folding to look at such a butt-ugly bike. Surely, you’ve got to buy a bike you enjoy looking at back at at the end of the ride?

[@capngeo2002]

How many guns are pointing at you and forcing you to buy it? I like the looks so I guess that makes your vote moot.

[@nigelfisher3756]

Mine and hundreds or thousands of other potential owners’.

[@capngeo2002]

@@nigelfisher3756 Mine and hundreds or thousands of other potential aka assured owners'. Right back atcha. Wear a flotation device in the bath Mr Depth. Since Yamaha won't be going circling the drain needing your money.

[@markbaum9615]

I've got a 2020 blue mt09..... After an hour of balance pointers I find myself looking back at that badass thing with admiration

[@douglasalexander4348]

@@nigelfisher3756 You don’t speak on behalf of hundreds and thousands of potential buyers. Yamaha are brave enough to have gone with a unique look. Go and buy a ‘nice’ BMW. I’m sure your mum would approve.

[@playtech269]

MT 09 2019 are better

[@Supperup40672]

That thing is so dam ugly in the front end I would have to throw the gen 2 mt 09 front end on

[@fyorbane]

No comment on the dodgy looks.

[@RiderMagazine]

Hey Boz, I typically don't comment on a motorcycle's looks, unless it has some sort of impact on the riding experience or performance. An example of that would be the way a fuel tank or fairing is shaped and how that impacts wind resistance or comfort. The other things I'll touch on are fit-and-finish. The main reason I tend to avoid talking about looks is that it's a subjective and people will form their own opinions based on personal preferences. What I try to do is help a reader/viewer make an informed purchased based on tangible things that I've experienced while testing. That's my personal philosophy and not every motojournalist adheres to it, which is totally okay - it's always good to have variety. Take care! - Nic

[@playtech269]

MT 07 2017 are better