Is the 'OLD' MT-09 SP worth buying? 2023 Yamaha MT-09 review

The Yamaha MT-09 has been redesigned and replaced for 2024 by a new model with lower bars, a split seat and less divisive looks - but is the 2021-2023 MT-09 worth a buy if you can get a good deal? Join me for a frosty ride on the now 'old' MT-09, as I try to decide how it compares to the MT-07 and my MT-10 SP. Delicious triple noise ahoy!
------
📸 Follow me on Instagram: / timrodie
🚗 Check out my car channel: / timrodiedrivesstuff

[@yorkshire1290DUKE-R]

I recently "down graded" to a 22 09 after always having 1000 plus bikes. Its the most fun I've ever had on the road.

[@timrodierides]

Sometimes smaller is better. At least that's what I've told several people in my life

[@1celloheaven]

Bet none of them were blokes Tim!😂@@timrodierides

[@RynoDinero]

Damn I’m hella tempted now

[@paulmunday5552]

I have a 2023 Mt10 and love it. The extra power always puts a smile on my face 😊

[@queenslander954]

MT stands for ? Massive torque , Mike Tyson’s biceps

[@sirsmokealotofkush5857]

hows the insurance it was impossible for me as a first bike so i got the mt09 instead but £3k insurance for the year on it

[@paulmunday5552]

@@sirsmokealotofkush5857 I'm old so my insurance was £360 full no claims but it's still alot for insurance.

[@ac2-rm141]

Own a 22 MT09SP, really enjoy it. Will sell it when the 2030 MT09SP arrives.

[@hiddendragon415]

Yeah same, even if money wasn't a factor the MT09 Gen 3 ergonomics really suit me and I would be hard pressed to find a more suitable bike.

[@stinkstank5177]

@@hiddendragon415- Agree, being 6’ tall the 2023 mt09 with the bench seat fits so perfectly, I can ride longer without any back pain. My BMW RnineT is getting ignored lately!

[@1celloheaven]

Heh Tim...liking your videos particularly because of your turn of phrase and use of language. Always a pleasure to watch...quite compelling in fact. Bravo and stay safe !

[@timrodierides]

Thank you - really appreciate that. My brain is weird but it has a home on KZbin :D

[@LambChopRides]

Enjoyed that Tim! Love me a MT09SP 😁🥰

[@timrodierides]

Thanks kind sir! It was your video on it that inspired me to get one in!

[@OrangeGenerator]

I had a 2022 for a few months (had to sell due to finances) but it was bloody brilliant. bit firm susp for the road (and in my time i couldn't find a good adjustment setting). I liked the way it looked, called it Leela, due to the cyclops look. am now on a '23 Busa. and loving it.

[@timrodierides]

Loving the Futurama reference! Hope you're enjoying the Busa!

[@MachoMadness69420]

I’ve got a 2022 MT-09 and I can honestly say that I’m not interested in trading it in for the new model. I’d like to have cruise control, but in addition to the lower bars and 2-piece seat they’ve also move the pegs up and back, making it overall less spacious.

[@Antmanmoto]

Yeah cruise is nice! Still a killer bike tho

[@bansh3ee]

I like the fact that the indicators take just a few seconds to put back in with a flat screwdriver from my swiss army knife. Better than them being actually broken, as I managed to kick my left rear indicator a couple times, as well as get the front ones with a rain cover

[@timrodierides]

That's true, but the fact they get knocked off so easily by a bike cover when no other manufacturer has this issue... is a bit annoying. Other manufacturer's indicators don't seem to break either (nor do the Yamaha ones, they just pop out).

[@gerryryan2302]

Truly brilliant engine

[@brucekendall52]

Thks.

[@stesh101]

Great bikes. Just love the sound of the MT10 though. Miss the lightness of the mt09sp though

[@user-hf8ie8mf3n]

Great fun vid. And you point out the reason I’ve kept my xsr900 for 7 years. While I love my 10, my triples have always held a special 😵‍💫 place. Cheers. 👍🤪🏳️‍🌈

[@dannygernaat9961]

I rather ride a lighter bike hard, than poodle along on a big bike. You can't really enjoy big bikes on the road anymore

[@queenslander954]

Yea sure mate.

[@jackjack-xi7je]

Just depends on your riding style and what you want from your riding really.

[@Carvetii]

Yes you can.

[@rockyk3973]

Bought a pristine used 2021 MT09 SP back in August of 2023 with about 3200 miles on it. Great machine all around and that engine, simply amazing. Styling aside, if a sporty naked with this kind of performance at its wet weight had existed 20 years ago, it would have been considered a unicorn bike. Since I started riding almost two decades even prior to that, well, all I can say is my, what we take for granted these days. My only real complaint is that the quick shifter blipper feels a bit crude and unrefined compared to other sporty bikes I have ridden. That is, it does not want to downshift unless deliberately rolling off the throttle or, to upshift unless deliberately rolling on the throttle. A "blipper" should "blip" (rev match) within normal sport riding behavior without an artificially narrow requirement on the rider. I speak as a former amateur road racer before quick shifters were common and, having seen rev matching done properly on other quick shifter equipped sport nakeds. I think I read somewhere, that the latest generation MT09 has in fact addressed these quirks regarding throttle position when using the quick shifter, so it may be that Yamaha knew this was a niggle and decided to address it in the latest generation.

[@frankensteinsgarage9632]

I rode the first gen mt09 not long after they came out. I was so impressed with the engine. But the front end felt non existent. And not in a good way thats for sure. Im re-thinking the idea of buying one. Either a current 3rd gen sp model. As ive heard they have improved a lot or wait until the 24 model comes out. The bike makes a lot of sense for me. Good sound, good power, comfortable seating position for occasional commuting and weekend rides. They look good, except for the 3rd gen but ugly headlight. But not as serious as street triple 765 when it comes to seating position. I like the triumph but it felt like a super sport without a fairing.

[@chriswest2290]

Wait for the 2024

[@nigeldean3315]

Yes it's a great bike but even the. latest SP does like a drink when you start using it as it is intended😊

[@saleemanwar31]

My 23 MT-09SP was just stolen Wednesday Night a few days ago. It hurts watching this stuff, I’m dealing with the police and insurance. Hopefully some positivity will come out of it. I put around 1500 miles on the bike in the last 2 months I had it and it was an incredible bike. Got it with 1835 miles on the Odometer slightly used.

[@timrodierides]

Nooo! Gutted to hear that. Hopefully it's all resolved and you can get another soon

[@thepassionofthegoose5472]

Condolences.

[@Antmanmoto]

Sorry to hear!

[@saleemanwar31]

bike has not been found. Insurance is still working on the pay out. I need to find another one.

[@benkelly2190]

Hey Tim, I used to live round the corner from that church, some nice little roads round that way! When are we gonna see you on, the new GS 1300? 👍🏻

[@timrodierides]

Soon hopefully!

[@FIared]

Gen 2 for the win

[@aluisious]

The people complaining "it lacks front end feel on the track" are silly. Go get a supersport, it's what they're designed to do.

[@aluisious]

If the MT09SP didn't sell how they expected it's probably related to them not making or shipping any of them. A couple years ago I was interested in this, and they didn't have any in California.

[@davidgray8863]

With price drops putting the 23 SP close to the price of the basic 2024 09 will the "old"sp be the 2024 09's biggest rival? Have Yamaha given themselves a problem if the old sp is better for the same price?

[@JeremyVaught]

2023 MT-09 SP here, first bike back after taking 20 years off of riding. Absolutely love it. I have gone on some road trips, longest is 350 each way. You are right, it falls a little short with that kind of ride. 6th gear is untaxed at 60mph so every mph up is more revs, which is more gas. All good though, I'm looking into buying a bike for long road trips, and the MT-09 will be my closer to home fun machine. Zero plans to sell or upgrade, this is an absolutely fantastic bike. Also, I bought it for the upright position. Since the new generation bike requires more forward leaning, it is a significant downgrade for me. Great video! Thanks! UPDATE: And one more thing, TST Industries front blinkers. One of the first things I did was replace the stock blinkers and add their tail tidy, both are so good. UPDATE 2: I just did an 1100 miles in 22 hours ride. Butt soreness and knees needing to stretch out were my only issue. On the plus side, to alleviate both I discovered I can easily stand up on the pegs for short periods, even at 80mph.

[@przemysawolchowik375]

2023 non SP here, is your bike vibrates / surging at 2,3 gear low rpm when cold at static speed like 30 mph?

[@JeremyVaught]

​@@przemysawolchowik375 How low of RPM are you talking? I can't say I have vibrating that is enough to make me think it isn't normal. In your question, you mention 30 mph in 2nd or 3rd gear. At that speed, no matter the engine temp, I've not had any surging that I recall. The street I live on is 35mph, and in a 1/2 mile drops to 25. So I'm often cold engineing at those speeds in 2nd and 3rd, even 4th at 35mph if it's very early and I want to be as quiet as possible. It just hums along. Does that help?

[@przemysawolchowik375]

​@@JeremyVaught Thanx, it helped. It must be issue with my model. It's in break in period but it shouldn't work like that. Cheers

[@JeremyVaught]

@@przemysawolchowik375 Have the dealership take a look. I’ve heard of rare issues from the factory, hopefully it’s an easy fix. Best of luck with it!

[@NooBiker]

One common comment on the MT-10 is the small fuel tank. I'm thinking the Tracer 9 is a good option? (Unless you really want a naked bike, of course)

[@timrodierides]

Yeah the MT-10 could use a few more litres given it's not especially economical… but when I"m touring I tend to stop every 100 miles for fuel anyway just out of habit/bum soreness. Tracer 9 GT+ is very very good...

[@Steve-motorcycles]

❤MT09SP❤ sold my MT09SP to get a SDR. I am not ruling out getting a new version next year though.

[@DaleMt09sp]

Tbh when I paid around 11250 for mine with a few accessories the sdr was around 16k if it was 13500 like it is now my decision would’ve been a lot harder and I’ve seen the mt-10 sp for 13500/14000k new as well I’ll be selling in summer and buying in winter next time around

[@the-mixed-one8812]

I did the same thing lol sold my sp for a sdr 1290r with full akra exhaust. Still miss my sp, it was such a good bike 👌

[@DaleMt09sp]

@@the-mixed-one8812 I can’t pick fault with it at all tbh if anything I just want a adv bike to go next to it to use all year round either that or something like a bandit 1250

[@Furrby18]

My 21 09SP will pull a wheelie at 60+MPH and do around 150mph with the Vcyclenut tune. What more could you need in a naked bike lol?

[@dean-does-stuff-81]

really nice for me to see those roads, as i grew up just the other side of leith hill, (my dad used to own the parrot inn at forest green)

[@timrodierides]

Oh lovely! Glad you've enjoyed it. Lovely part of the world

[@DontPanicDear]

Ah was that back in the day when it used to have just one large function room at the back and open late on Sunday nights?

[@dean-does-stuff-81]

@@DontPanicDear and we had Wednesday night disco too… do you remember those?

[@dean-does-stuff-81]

And the most amazing New Year’s party in the area 😉(I was only 10 or so)

[@DontPanicDear]

@@dean-does-stuff-81 I did go to one of those, where there was karaoke 🙉 I remember The Trappers playing there a lot.

[@five504]

What’s your take on this vs Trump Street Triple RS 2023? I love the Triumph finish and precise fuelling and perfect quick shifter. I like Yamaha and hear the MT09 engines are great - but out off a bit here by styling and finish. Not sure if to take the deal I’m being offered on the triumph or await the new MY09 SP?

[@sural89]

if you want a road bike take the MT if you want a track bike take the ST

[@dry509]

Not if you are going to do track days?

[@sambagogo777]

The issue with the 2024 model's restyled front end is what it looks like if you want to fit a fly screen. You can't simply fit it on like you can with the current model. Yamaha have necessitated the purchase of two additional accessories which gives a really ugly appearance akin to having bolted a load of scaffolding to the front of the bike. Go check it out by using their website's configurator to see what I mean. Awful!

[@timrodierides]

Good point...

[@CORBE13]

Wait for Rizoma to make a beautiful one.. problem solved.

[@richyrara]

Haha. Has Chopsy's review got in your head like it did mine? I was also set on an MT-10 (to replace the Multistrada I've had only had for 6-months), then I saw his MT09 review. Then I saw BikeWorld's ZX4RR review...and then Chase on Two Wheels's Tuono 1100 Factory...Then TMF's BMW RnineT review,. And on it goes... As Stephen Stills once said "Love the one you're with".😁

[@timrodierides]

Oh I've no regrets, and to be honest the MT-10's engine makes up for it for me!

[@richyrara]

@@timrodierides Great to hear. I've seen so many reviewers rave about the Tuono but then buy the MT10...it clearly has something special! Might have to join the party.

[@churchofbrap876]

​@@richyraraYamaha reliability > Aprilia is what did it for me. New Tuonos are too expensive, and used ones with no warranty scare me. Yamaha win.

[@mattmutane5502]

Tim, Mike & I have both said that we'd consider an MT09-SPenins to augment the MT10 (for shorter (day) trips and stuff, and keep the 10 for the longer and/or faster (and foreign) stuff (to extend the lifespan of the 10). I suspect this might be a bit too similar though? What do you think? (I also have a hankering for the Duke 790 (cheaper) one as in theory, that's a good (and almost "affordable" combo)?? FTW? ) 🤷‍♂

[@timrodierides]

I'm not sure I'd bother having two upright naked bikes really... an adventure bike and a naked bike makes more sense?

[@DaleMt09sp]

As tim said I’ve got the 09 but I’d buy a tall roader or a adv bike if I were to have two bikes half been looking at a bandit 1250 so I can ride all year around without making a mess of my only bike

[@mattmutane5502]

@@timrodierides Yeah but a) I'm short ;) b) I don't want an Adv bike in general c) I'm too old/creaky for sports bikes (and they increasingly don't make much sense on the road! (though maybe I could be temped by a Toerag 660... ;) :) )) 690 SMC-R/698 Hyper it is then..?. ;)

[@PasquiDente]

The windscreen is the problem. Tested both with and without: without is one of the best naked bikes for comfort

[@SerifRider]

what is the difference between with or without windscreen?does the wind blow "differently" without?

[@PasquiDente]

@@SerifRider yep. In my case (body proportions makes a difference), with the screen I ended up with an unpleasant flow directed to my head. Without, the airflow was more evenly distributed and given the shape of the bike, one of, if the most comfortable naked bike I have been on in this regard.

[@SerifRider]

I have a 2023 MT09sp and I'm 1.84 cm tall and I put the windshield on from the beginning and I was curious if there was any difference because the wind bothers me a lot as it is How tall are you? @@PasquiDente

[@thepassionofthegoose5472]

Torn between this or a 10. Both are at yearend closeout in California, so they can be had big savings. Leaning towards the 10 for fast costal touring and overall finish, but the 09 calls to my B-road junkie side and city hooligan nature. Regardless of which I get I'm absolutely not interested in the 24 MT09. The updates take away the lax riding position that I'm a fan of on the 09 and the new style is just awful, IMHO.

[@DaleMt09sp]

The gen 4 looks a lot cheaper tbh plastic around the tank stickers everywhere switchgear looks awful and being tall the bench seat on the gen 3 suits me more id obviously take the brakes off the gen 4 and probably the screen and keep everything else about the 3 As for the new model you had all the gen 2 owners harping on about how they wouldn’t upgrade to the 3 because of the headlight forgetting the fact its a far better bike now the 4s out they still won’t upgrade either because I think money is more of a issue than looks

[@danlarussa5967]

Any idea what the whining/whistling sound is on this cp3 engine? I notice is on my xsr900, especially in idle.

[@timrodierides]

I've always been told it's the gear-driven balancer shaft you get in triples… Triumphs do it too

[@The1910studios]

In my (maybe controversial opinion) I think this styling is much nicer. The one piece seat is better looking too.

[@freedomsports3365]

Mt09 sp 2024 !!! Top

[@markreynolds8630]

Is the grunt noticeably more than the Triumph 765? Making the SP a better road bike?

[@timrodierides]

I'd say so - I haven't ridden them back to back but the MT09 feels like it has more instant torque, the Triumph needs to be revved a little harder for the same performance. It's not night and day, but the MT09 can be lugged a little more...

[@tapemonkey2378]

How many times can you mention your mt10?

[@sbsb4995]

The original version is still the best.

[@nigeldean3315]

I had a MT10SP good for a Sunday tear around but to tour you will need deep pockets as fuel economy is not its greatest strength 😟😟

[@timrodierides]

I'm getting 40mpg out of mine so far, admittedly I haven't had many long rides where I'm gunning it lots. I toured on my old 1198S (to Berlin and back) and that did 80 miles to a fuel light!

[@hiddendragon415]

MT09 when I bought it was doing about 4.2 L/100km now i'm getting 5.8L/100Km but that is commuting to work sitting on 130-150 Km so that may be a factor in it not being economical.

[@alanfoster9096]

Tim a question for you and other MT10 riders, does your MT10 pull to the right if you leave go of the bars ????????

[@timrodierides]

Mine doesn't! Is your wheel alignment ok?

[@alanfoster9096]

Ye all alignment is good, quite a few pull to the right when leaving go of bars and on cruise control@@timrodierides

[@oscarmurillo8472]

How is the build quality and fit/finish on this bike?

[@ericglazier2394]

Definitely on the budget side as it is still a value motorcycle but overall nothing to complain about.

[@farukhosen3001]

price Koto

[@JohnTheBodge]

Is the map on the dash only on the 2024 bike?

[@michaelklein2383]

Yes its only on my24

[@cliveomahoney4096]

The MT09 is faster on the road than the 10. I've ridden both and would, without hesitation, get the XSR900.

[@Banditmanuk]

I own an MT10 and XSR900. Both brilliant but the 09 faster than the 10?

[@cliveomahoney4096]

@@Banditmanuk To 60? No doubt at all. On twisties? Not certain, but I'd rather be on a light 900

[@timrodierides]

I feel at this stage it's definitely way more down to the rider than the bike...

[@DaleMt09sp]

@@cliveomahoney4096tbh in most drag races they’re equal to 100-115 or so then the cp4 pulls good rider on both on British roads wouldn’t be a lot in it at all

[@tomtomdrums5945]

MT10 every day

[@Reivbv]

I would add a bit of cash and buy the 765RS instead. I'm a Yamaha fanboy but Triumphs offering to this category is superior. The 2023 765 RS in Cosmic Yellow is just gorgeous.

[@Reivbv]

I own an MT-10 SP but everytime I see a yellow 765RS it makes me question my life decisions. @@Jacob99174 🤣

[@timrodierides]

Ah I do love the 765RS! I think the MT09 is more 'fun' for a road bike though. The RS feels like it just wants to be on a race track. Both great bikes though

[@DaleMt09sp]

The 765 is shite on the road tbh unless you’re pinging it off the limiter everywhere it’s slow check out the real world drag races on lamb chops Chanel against the 890 duke the same would happen if it went up against the yam

[@tyranid05]

I fell in love with the 2022-2023 MT-09 and it was the first bike I got serious about saving for. I had a test ride scheduled, but my friend told me to check out the street triple RS. I wound up coming home with the RS because it felt like it suited me better. Both good bikes, but I like wringing my bikes out and the higher redline with the brembos, Ohlins, steel braided lines and all the little details that's what I decided I wanted.

[@DaleMt09sp]

@@tyranid05 certainly has better brakes maybe a bit more premium build but it’s not as fun not as comfortable and not as fast in the real world

[@flesz_]

don't you think MT07 sounds better?

[@timrodierides]

Not really, but that's because most of the MT-07s I see are ridden by youths with straight-through exhausts on and they sound terrible...

[@jackwednesday]

A slightly orthopaedic cousin you don’t want to visit 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@yoog]

Umm it's not the old model though not really the ones before are the OLD model. The new one is just a facelift. And if you already got one pre Facelift probably no point upgrading.

[@SWTVENOM]

Would you get a used 2023 Mt09 SP or a brand new MT09 non SP?

[@yoog]

@@SWTVENOM with it just being a facelift I'd get a used 2023 and save a bit of money

[@stevesanders4071]

@@SWTVENOMyour having the same dilemma as me mate 😂

[@pauls3696]

Dont tell everyone its on sale lol im buying a new 2023 in January lol shhhh be qwite i dont want them to sell out 😂😂😂😂

[@timrodierides]

Haha, enjoy it when it comes!

[@wwfww]

Any idiot can twist the throttle on a straight line, the real fun is in cornering, so if you have a more powerful bike you can ride at the same speed while stressing less the engine

[@timrodierides]

Not sure I follow, but sure!

[@cryptoknight3009]

The new gen tank an headlight especially the headlight is a step down for me, the previous gen headlight already got a lotta hate but that was at least forgivable but this new gen headlight's so ugly 😑 Ian even lying 😑

[@timrodierides]

Well why would you lie?

[@user-ux1nx2uu5w]

you f....king it or riding it

[@cryptoknight3009]

@@user-ux1nx2uu5w cuz of the headlight I'll pass i do like the other parts of the bike but the headlight destroys everything smh

[@user-ux1nx2uu5w]

@@cryptoknight3009 have you seen some of the ktms they are worse

[@trevorphillips3055]

I don't doubt the mt09 is a good bike to ride, but I still can't like the looks. With every generation, Yamaha manage to make it even more ugly.

[@hiddendragon415]

The difference between dating a keeper and a Coked up Model.