2021 Yamaha MT09 Full Test and Review

[@Edman116]

You had me at " We built a machine that makes every road a a stunt course, go to town"

[@keithohara4899]

I have put 192,000 kms on my 2015 FZ-09 and have loved every minute of it! This bike is an amusement park on wheels! Hopefully the new engine is as reliable as the outgoing one.

[@teddyvabson]

I just saw a post by one of the adventure riders here on KZbin and his Yamaha xt660 had 189,000kms if I remember correctly. That’s just insane reliability not all cars are capable of. What have you replaced on your bike?

[@keithohara4899]

@@teddyvabson the engine, transmission, clutch are all original. I've replaced maintenance items only, including lower fork tubes due to wear, steering bearings, wheel bearings. Lots of tire changes and new Amsoil every 6000 km. A couple of sets of front brake pads, rears are still original.

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

Agree. You may check my content, have some vids for almost any taste. :)

[@grahamhorne8259]

I have one on order and have watched nearly every review available and this is really is the best so far, Many thanks, awesome job. Graham from Australia.

[@Axiomadb]

i ordered one too, how is yours and is it as good as they say?

[@grahamhorne8259]

Absolutely as good as they say, fantastic bike, you will love it.

[@bmp72]

My Harley from 1981 is already fast enough... It's an FXB which is very low, and gives me the feeling I'm tearing up the road doing 90kmh. Good enough for me. I had a 1986 GSX-R 1100 back in the day and am glad I survived.

[@jamesbarbato2192]

Perfect timing… just grab my coffee and there’s a new episode of different spokes.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks for watching! Enjoy!

[@jamesbarbato2192]

Keep up the good work.

[@robthelad4995]

The reason some of us ride bikes is to get a rush! I know what you mean, to take it easy, but riding opens one's sense of freedom. Good review, and nice bike Yamaha! Enjoy!

[@mrsilbo6499]

A balanced review as usual, you seem to have found your inner hooligan quite successfully! 15kg lighter than an SV650 (I had one) & with 113bhp instead of 75bhp makes me sit up & take notice. And that triple induction roar is addictive. When you were gassing it, the sound was just like my old and much loved Kawasaki triples!

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

SV650 here tooo. You may check my content, have some vids for almost any taste. :)

[@claeshorsmann8140]

Thanks for the balanced review. It's great to hear a pro-and-con where the cons are actual downsides, rather than marketing talk masquerading as them. Still, I'm getting an MT-09 next season, levelling up from my Tracer 700. I took one for a test ride a month ago, and was grinning like a gingerbread horse (as the German proverb goes) all the way. So I still have a few months to brush up on the Zen thing...

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Glad it was helpful! It's hard not to like this bike from the saddle. I'm testing the MT07 right now and while it has calmed me down somewhat I'm missing the 900 Triple. Enjoy that bike!

[@claeshorsmann8140]

@@DifferentSpokesTV enjoy the MT07. In the guise of the Tracer, that platform was my portal into the wondrous world of motorcycling, and I love it for that.

[@MartinDoubek_ArnieX]

@@DifferentSpokesTV nice, I had chance to ride MT-07 and was sure that I will be getting something in this category... well then I sat on MT-09 and my world just collapsed... it is soooo much better and feels a lot safer too, handles much better etc. it's pity that all MT bikes has some kind of USD forks but MT-07 is still lacking in this regards and hell is it noticeable. If they made it just slightly more expensive and fitted better suspension it would be awesome bike. Throw in ride-by-wire throttle and traction control at least and boom it would sell even more than it already does :D. Well it's gonna be MT-09...

[@baymoto553]

@@DifferentSpokesTV I have the basic version and completely agree with your review. It's a great bike and amazing value for money. But now you have me thinking about an exhaust and tune. Thanks

[@AJJ1240]

First time on your channel.... I liked it.

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

Agree. You may check my content, have some vids for almost any taste. :)

[@ronnie.b31]

Love the way you explain how bike manufacturers need to advertise

[@mayimbe2198]

I enjoy your review style your voice your story telling keep up the good work 👍

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks! Very much appreciated.

[@99len]

Not true "until I hear it from you". Brilliant as always..

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks as usual! Take care.

[@darylwootton5217]

Great review and insights with regard to the power, I currently ride an Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor for this reason, all the good feelings and sounds (with additional S&S slip ons) without the Isle of Man TT prodings. Thanks for the always welcome content.

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

Agree. Some may check my content, have some vids for almost any taste. :)

[@Rabessey]

I've an SP on order since August 3rd. Took the MTC (It'll be my first bike). My plan is to ride it like an old man...since I'm 63, that shouldn't be a problem.

[@jeladsnikpoh1289]

Thank you! Finally someone who recognizes reliability! Everyone talks only sportiness and numbers. Speaking of sportiness and numbers, I'm leaning towards the future R9. 😁 I like practicality, but the 'engineer and numbers' part of my brain sees superior aerodynamics, same engine most likely tuned for slightly less torque and more top-end horsies, with taller gearing, better shocks and breaks, better guage display as the better buy. It'll be faster and more fuel efficient, better corner carving, perhaps slightly less 'hooligan wheelie monster' with basically the same engine.

[@adamkreuz9068]

I'm 40 and planning on getting it as my second bike when my first one was over 10 years ago. I love the weight and the rider modes. I can go practice for hours in a parking lot and a little backroad cruising. I've never been a lead foot so I'll be alright

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

You may check my content, have some vids for almost any taste. :)

[@carlosvejar3938]

I am looking forward to getting one, Jefe. It's a nice ride

[@vancemarin8022]

Another great and insightful review !! I learned many years ago that if I had it I WILL use it so I stick to the under 500s !!👍👍🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Good choice!

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

Agree. Some may check my content, have some vids for almost any taste. :)

[@davidhaworth7152]

I have a XSR 900 I can not ride the speed limit on it. Impossible. So it remains my second bike. A ton of bike for the buck and never fails to bring a smile and test my heart :) excellent review.

[@revup9973]

8:41 “Don’t accelerate hard or you won’t have a passenger” 😂

[@Pillokun]

U nailed it totally about being a parachute when the seating position it upright instead of tilted forward, especially on an naked such as this. A thing I would change on the bike is to try to lower the headlight unit, as it would look meaner and more compact with it lower down, now it looks a bit funny. Nice review.

[@deweysturgill6220]

Unfortunately, it can't be lowered the way it bolts up. The headlight module is really big so no leeway on it. I've had mine a couple weeks now, and it's grown on me. It's got some annoying quirks, and some corners cut to keep cost down but it is an absolute hoot to ride. And that's what it's all about, is I'm grinning like a Cheshire cat everytime I ride it.

[@rsvtuono998]

Hi I think the front calipers are Sumitomo. Keep up the good work!

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks! Take care.

[@jasontaylor456]

I got my 21 SP 8 days ago. I do not disagree that the speed limit is a challenge but it is not the untamed beast of the past. Rider modes help a ton, and it won't get away from you unless you want it too. The up/down quick shifter is probably my favorite part of this bike and makes the slow cruise a delight.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yeah, I usually like to keep it simple, but once you've had a quickshifter and cruise control it's hard to go back.

[@Jesusprayerwarriorbw]

Great video bro!. Can you comment on the turn radius? I'm 99% sure I will get this bike. Thx

[@Wintersdark]

I do not have the self control to make every ride a manic rush. I do not have the self control to WANT to make every ride a manic rush. Seriously, though, something to look at when you're considering an MT09 is a Tracer 9. It's the same base bike, but you get the SP upgrades and more, such as a larger tank, longer swingarm, windshield, handguards, well integrated hard cases (which when removed leaves a super clean looking bike with no visible mounts) and more. Not for everyone, but if you want to do more miles but love how the MT09 rides, the Tracer is king.

[@philipcaseyacalloway204]

That "can't handle it" mentality and as exactly how my Buell was until I altered the gear ratio and that tamed the beast quite a bit. I've been holding off on one of these until the either discontinue them or finally (mostly hopefully) make a liter XSR.

[@MrCyclee]

my coworker had the first in socal and two brothers used his bike to test custom exhaust.. its an amazing machine and almost makes me wish i got it over my 2017 fz10

[@awangkuakram8371]

Crazy nice review! Although, I need to know how was the bike handles off-road? Is it manageable??

[@Skeeterflea]

It's hard to find a better value for a new bike. I'm trying, really hard.

[@ans05]

My local dealer has a blue in stock....pretty tempting

[@dukiemoto8676]

Really good review!

[@kerryrwac]

TFL Bike featured a Tenere and it's owner. He had a bunch of reasonably priced accessories on it that you might find interesting. Camel ADV was one of the makers.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks for the tip. I've been thinking of upgrading the bash plate, especially the way I ride it.

[@StoicRiding]

Great review!, wise on your resolution about riding the sporty to keep license and integrity. I'm not so wise and got a MT09, the 2015 model, no traction control and I have that relation with the bike, when I go out, it takes the hooligan out. And also the exhaust+ECU made the power delivery smoother.

[@wbabojo2779]

A wonderful machine! It's a scalpel in the corners, you can place it exactly where you want to, entering, and equally exiting. I shouldn't worry about losing your licence because you have an MT09, the oh so good fuelling will enhance your peace of mind whilst riding. In my experience, people ride "Like a pissed off Hornet" lol because there's something missing in the ride, that they are trying to find. Believe me, it doesn't disappoint. I wonder if it is the pinnacle of the ICE, because how can Yamaha take it even further, without over-engineering it with present VVT technology? The elephant in the room here is the power to weight ratio, which must be the best ever for a production machine, as Yamaha engineers have looked at everything with the Euro 5 design

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yes, it's shocking that the emissions standards continue to get tighter but the bikes get lighter and more powerful.

[@crazyrebl]

Well said

[@roberthaldeman5312]

I am getting to close to 60. This looks like a young man's bike

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

I feel the same way. This bike would drive me nuts every time I rode it. A lot of folks are looking for that though.

[@warrenseiboth3466]

I'm 67 I have one I must be young😂

[@gorillaninja78]

Absolutely love this bike! Dream bike for sure… great review! ✌🏻🇨🇦

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks! This thing doesn’t disappoint.

[@johnlever6696]

I have put a deposit down on one but I’m second guessing myself now. Not sure I’ve made the right choice.

[@michaelhayward7572]

I love the XSR900, the tank shape is pure 70's TZ, i have test ridden it, i want it, but i know aged 60 and as an open face helmet and jeans rider, it will kill me. The 700 is the safer, sensible option, as even Cycle World alluded to 3-4 years ago.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yep, the XSRs are the MTs for people who want a more classic look. The XSR700 is gorgeous. Stick a pipe on it and it's hard to beat the total package.

[@Tiax776]

Waiting for the XSR 900 update.

[@santiagomoralesgarcia1802]

I have a MT 07 and I have self control. Some day I want to have the MT 09

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

Definitely one of the best reviews ever. Thumb up. Had the opportunity to rode the previous one. I would call this bike "the dark side of fun". :) Some may check my content, have some vids for almost any taste. :)

[@lovingmylifeasIage6741]

Long term, everything usually gets old. My Iron 1200 sportster is so much more versatile. I can strap on camping gear and bounce from one national park to another, across the country. Joy is so individual.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yeah, the Sportster is a different type of fun.

[@fj75]

Good review

[@MotoGuzziMoto]

Hahaha, its not that hard to maintain self control. What is great about the MT09 is that it has a lot of safety headroom so even if you go a bit fast, you know the bike has got your back. I have a hotted up 2017 that weighs 178kgs fully fueled, carbon wheels, ohlins front and rear and done nearly 50k kms and it makes fun riding very safe.

[@29madmangaud29]

great review.....

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks!

[@razorthreetwo5060]

First view... Love from India 🇮🇳

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks and take care!

[@MotoMechzorz]

Had an SP in the shop the other day and liked it overall except that ugly headlight. Not the bike for me. My Ninja 1k is fun but doesn't encourage crazy riding like the fz/Mt 09 does.

[@WildBikerBill]

The headlight looks like they put the anus right up front and stuck an LED into it.

[@ssmit80]

I can hardly keep from speeding to mich on my 40 year old Yamaha tripple. I would really have to try to stay out of trouble with the mt09. Would be fun though.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

I’d have to work on myself to deserve this bike.

[@nameless5413]

i would honestly get very small and light bike 150 Gillera (something like their CX or Crono used to be, yes i know its outdated reference) - light as feather, fast as lightning, proper full dress, i do not need my bike to show its privates to everyone after all.

[@jerryandnancywertzbaugher7778]

Since Yamaha introduced the SX650 in the late '60s (I have one still) they have become the world's premier Motorcycle brand; year after year, decade after decade.😎 A true leader in reliability and always at or near the top of the performance envelop. After recently acquiring a '19 Bonnie T120 and a '20 Beemer XR, I have been lusting after a KTM 890 as my next acquisition. But now it looks like I need to remember an old maxim; when in doubt go for Yamaha.😘

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks for sharing! I haven't ridden the 890 but have been on the 790 and it was a great bike. Just as light as the MT09 though noticeably less powerful. I think the 890 closed the power gap so it's a tough choice. Nice to have two bikes like that to choose from.

[@countryacademy9053]

My concern is it going to be enough bike. I survived my teens on a built zx12 followed by 2 hayabusas. All survived to new owners years later I find myself wanting to take out the gl1800 but get bored because I miss the speed aspect.

[@mr.mr.3301]

Funny I agree totally. Years ago I left sportier bikes for slower ones.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

These kind of motorcycles demand self control which I don’t possess.

[@verlinswarey507]

Liked this review much more than the bike itself! Just not my cup of tea.

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

Agree. Some may check my content, have some vids for almost any taste. :)

[@the.communist]

At last they got rid of the offcentre dash.

[@davidklementis5913]

If it was between a R6 and a R7 for the road, I'd go R7. I prefer a more upright sitting position so if I was to choose a bike just for twisty roads I would get a super moto or naked sport bike.

[@F4celessArt]

I've been looking at the MT09 or Tracer 900 for a while as a natural upgrade from my 07' FZ06. I like the engine and the sportiness of the chassis but I also might do 8hr riding days in which I need that upright comfort. From what you have described here it still suits that usage pattern of mine. Now I just need to find the cash to upgrade.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

The Tracer is definitely better for 8hr days.

[@stephenp7708]

I bought the MT-07 for exactly this reason. I know myself, and I wouldn't have my license long if I bought this bike.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Stay tuned. I’m testing the MT07 now and the vid will be out soon.

[@stephenp7708]

@@DifferentSpokesTV Looking forward to it! Lots of people describe the MT-07 as a beginner bike, and fair enough. For me though, I was choosing between it and the Tracer 900. It came down to whether I wanted to compromise on the commute, or on the weekends, and I chose to compromise on the weekends (I.e. hire something bigger with a wind shield). I love the MT-07. It's pure analog, you can wring its neck occasionally, and it's always fun. Sure, the brakes and suspension are crap, and I think the ABS kicks in too early, but for someone who spends 90% of their time riding in a city, it's hard to beat. (Warsaw, since you mentioned your Polish roots).

[@santiagomoralesgarcia1802]

@@stephenp7708 I have a MT 07 and in what way it is a begginer bike?, I had experience before riding it and it took me like a 1 hour to get 80% use to it. Also the MT 07 has the power to get crazy, glad I have salf control.

[@maxgilmore3170]

I think Yamaha is trying to make the sp slightly cheaper than a triumph street triple rs.

[@skipg4660]

dream bike

[@Fee.1]

Yamaha should have just revived the FZ-07R nomenclature in MT guise

[@dshall442]

You hit on something not too many talk about there around the 11:30 mark. The bike you ride has a LOT to do with the way you ride it. Yes, you can wheelie a Soft Tail and twist the wick to the point you're a bit too fast, but on something like this it's almost impossible to take a long time on the long way back...

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yep, it's just too easy on this bike. Before you know it you're doing twice the speed limit.

[@andik.4235]

Well, after a test ride of the Tracer 9 GT I would add that the Quickshifter is not always working and the handling is that of a fun bike. Very flickable but not the most stable either. So if it got really fast, a sport bike will be probably quicker because of a more confidence inspiring ride and the handle bar is to high for spirited riding. If you shift your weight forward to keep this wheelie machine in check, I got a problem that my arm movement was to limited. Brakes are ok, but the only meet the requirements, not more. A cool fun bike? Yes, definitly. Everybodys darling? Probably not. At least if you are likeing a stable bike like me, than look elsewhere. But I`m only a motorcycle rider, not even a small KZbinr. So what do I know? I`m corious about the R 9 and how Yamaha teach this thing to behave like a stable super bike. Nice video by the way. The production quality is constantly improving.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks, appreciate it! The R9 will definitely be interesting. I'll be curious to see how it compares to the 600s as well as the GSXS style bikes. Hard to beat that triple.

[@dirkmonteny3312]

Have mine for almost 3 months now and 5k on the counter and i love it, the looks, the way it handles but it's indeed hard to keep it at street legal speeds... I start off with the idea to keep it calm but a couple corners later that idea has somehow dissapeared. Took it on a track day, played around with the settings in M mode and had a blast. Negative points? Just two: the fuel gage and the fact the clutch sticks out so far on the right hand side; i keep bumpnig my leg against it when i put my foot down...

[@mn_mt0964]

I have heard this is on every model but it's something everyone can live with due to the hooligan nature of the bike beats clutch case

[@mn_mt0964]

My biggest complaint is the passenger pegs gotta go my foot hits them and that's no good for me

[@daveinwla6360]

Yup, you describe "sui-cycles" well. They are the bane of self-control.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

And yet, I'm very glad for their existence :)

[@stylez521]

2:15 "New engine, bigger than the last one. New frame, stiffer than the last one. New styling, bet-..................................."

[@jeffreymurillo3131]

I don't have the new model but I have the XSR900. My personal experience with the fly screen is that they funnel all the bugs to my helmet lol As for the seat height, I'm 5'6 with 29 in inseam so I usually have to use either 1 foot or be on the balls of my feet with both. I recently completed a cross country trip from NY to CA with my only issue is the boring long highways. I survived those because I have a throttle lock, got 80k miles on her now. If I ride in B mode with 10+ over the speed limit, I manage to reach 190miles with 1 fill up 150 aggressively. Btw, they use Advics front caliper.

[@jeffreymurillo3131]

Yes, there are 3 options, OEM, 15mm, Lust Racing 25mm, TRex Racing 50mm. This guy installed the OEM, YT video code is BH8jLWxYx5I

[@dg8062]

Very well done....and I'm a critical as* h#le too.

[@cosef4491]

I don’t waste my time anymore checking out Japanese motorcycles. If they spent as much money engineering their motorcycles as they do having moto journalist and KZbinrs hyping them up they might be worth consideration but as it stands euro bikes are the only motorcycle with top notch fit, finish, quality, cutting edge tech, premium service and high customer satisfaction. Nobody wants to talk about the part of the consumer report survey that talks about the much higher customer satisfaction with euro and American brand motorcycles. Japanese motorcycles don’t look or feel special.

[@markdearlove8634]

Nice, but too fast for me

[@lovelessissimo]

I wish it looked like the z900.

[@brittennz]

Thanks, have a great weekend. U made main

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks! Appreciate it.

[@idioluh5838]

Sometimes I'm thinking of maybe getting a tracer 9, but this? No. I'm too old for this sh***.

[@robertadams4415]

Don't know won't get one

[@sathishrao7926]

Great bike ! But I’ll choose its ‘mild-mannered’ Kawi Rival Z900 with one more cylinder, more power and more torque at lesser price here in India.. ( Despite that Motorcycle video ranking Z second from the last ) !

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

The Z is definitely nice too. Triple vs four is always an interesting battle.

[@akeenonwamarah3554]

That's the mt09 sp

[@BMWHP2]

Do i have the selfcontrole to not set the MT09 on the rear wheel every 5 minutes, and keep my licence a few years more? I guess Yamaha and I have to find out, when they bring me the MT09 for a test month.😉

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Love those hooligan bikes. They’ll set the pavement and your licence on 🔥.

[@tg8150]

Can we lose the 90’s color scheme on the wheels Yamaha? They ruin the whole bike. The standard all matte black is the best looking one IMO. The SP version is fluff stuff the average rider would never utilize.

[@1MrBryn]

I want to love this bike, because it's a fantastic package. It's just so ugly though. Fingers crossed the styling is sorted with a new XSR version.

[@rabbychan]

what exactly don't you like about the look?

[@ulaskvlcm]

Nice bike but KTM 890 Duke R has more power-torque, less weight, and Brembos.

[@rabbychan]

Also uglier

[@assessor1276]

A buddy has one and he LOVES it - but why why why why do they have to make it so fugly. When will the J4 get real and see that Royal Enfield is eating their lunch with traditional (i.e. NON-ugly) motorcycles with a real 2-person seat, foot pegs in a realistic position and a round headlight? Really, an MT09 / CB900 / GS900 / KZ900 that appeals to the boomer rider (someone with some cash) would sell like crazy.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Well, you have the XSR900 and XSR700 that give you the modern performance with a more classic look. I think for me, the XSRs are a bit more my style, but from the saddle the MTs feel a bit sportier.

[@countryacademy9053]

I love enfield style. The true retro does something for me but they're a slow tractor.

[@gerardmontgomery280]

Yamaha can't be seen to promote that type of antisocial behaviour. You clearly didn't see the UK lunch for the SP mate. They rented an old air field and let reporters run rampant. There where broken bones, dislocated shoulders and many, many pictures of people jumping a street spec bike

[@blackbuttecruizr]

Get your hands on the Tracer, then let's talk... Same engine, different tune, better ergos....

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yeah, I definitely like the added practicality of the Tracer.

[@ecrusch]

meh... (Great video though)

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks! The MT07 is next.