Yamaha MT09 Review | One Year of Ownership

Well I've owned the bike for one year now! Here's my review of the Yamaha MT09 - what I like, what I dislike, and other bikes you might want to think about if you're looking at an MT09.
Playlist with all my beginner bike test rides:
• Motorcycle Test Rides:...
Playlist with all my test rides:
• Motorcycle Test Rides:...
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Social Media!
Instagram: / weneedasaga
Facebook: / weneedasaga
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The gear and camera equipment i'm using:
Action Camera: goo.gl/hbyJ63
SLR Camera: goo.gl/Edw4PP
Bluetooth Headset: goo.gl/czW2VO
Bluetooth Audio Pack: goo.gl/DWyR59
Helmet: goo.gl/p7wN6L
Jacket: goo.gl/iv9Scl
Boots: goo.gl/2Uxjzq
Pants: goo.gl/T4i6hC
Gloves: goo.gl/Tmr2ye

[@ilusq]

You make the mt09 look like a grom

[@Fertep]

Jajaja

[@jerryp1392]

Lol

[@woodknack1]

I was just going to say, "geez how tall are you?"

[@randyheiser5367]

I was going to say pit bike.

[@RA-yc9fb]

@@woodknack1 taller than Michael Jordan. Literally, by an inch lol

[@celeldonn]

When he stood up next to the bike it really caught me off guard, the bike looked so tiny lool

[@Mattrycky]

It was this review that resulted in the purchase of my MT 09. And it doesn’t disappoint. Best bang for your buck!

[@pistolpete6321]

Spot on review. Love the mods you’ve made, sounds and looks great!

[@WeNeedASaga]

PistolPete63 thanks Pete! Yep the bike is getting close to how I want it - just the suspension left to do!

[@diahinhleodoc]

Yay, it's Kuringai Chase near where I live. Great to see a reviewer from the Down-under.

[@malachi589]

Thanks for the heads up! Was wondering where it was. Thought it looked like RNP but hadnt been on that particular road

[@ans512]

One of the best and honest ownership review....☺

[@jamesbond9189]

Is this the mini version of the MT 09?

[@jazzcam2799]

Excellent review mate , love this bike

[@paragoncafe]

best MT09 review ive seen. You've helped me make up my mind on getting an MT09 as an affordable / zippy / comfortable urban bike to compliment my better equipped touring Aprilia Caponord 1200. Safe riding dude & thanks for the vid.

[@WeNeedASaga]

thanks for the kinds words mate - glad you found the video useful

[@theghostslab]

Been doing extensive research to reassure that this is the bike and man this review was what I needed to watch. Great job and you earned a new sub.

[@WeNeedASaga]

thanks Henry. I really do think this is one of the best value bikes on sale today. They're awesome.

[@ericppagel]

Great review, thanks so much, enjoy your channel. Really considering this for next year!

[@WeNeedASaga]

thanks for the kind words :)

[@alfiedj]

Great mod mate! Thank you for sharing. 👍

[@mentoredbylife9730]

What an incredible and well rounded video thanks for it bro

[@DavidZeusChiang]

Great review! I am waiting to see if there might be an update version for 2019.

[@Antmanmoto]

Great review...I may be getting one soon

[@SeanfromSydney]

Great looking and sounding bike with those mods! Nice review tall man

[@WeNeedASaga]

SeanfromSydney thanks bloke :)

[@hyperfighterrider8817]

Great video bro 👍🏻

[@tammyforbes2101]

I so want one of these. Black looks good on it!

[@vtecninja6363]

Great review. Thanks!

[@commentonceayear]

very useful review and real practical use of a bike. thank you

[@browndoggus]

Good solid review. Looking for something lighter and a good all around bike and it certainly seems the MT-09 is in that sweet spot. Thanks for taking the time to do the review. Cheers!

[@WeNeedASaga]

no problem - glad you found it useful!

[@mattjj1704]

You may also want to look at the sister bike to this Yamaha xsr 900

[@billbaxter3800]

I have the xsr700 and I absolutely love it. It's a lot like the Mt-07. My next bike will be the MT-09. That MT-09 motor is a beast. Thanks for the video.

[@FlaxAU]

love that road!

[@chrisbusta9334]

I am just about to buy an MT09 and also in Sydney. You answered a lot of the questions I had. I subscribed. See you on the road mate. 🤙

[@WeNeedASaga]

thanks mate! see you out there :)

[@kushsakhu]

Woooooooow😳 what a great review. Suscbrubed👍🏾. MT07 was recommend, but this bike will suit me better by the looks of things. Its now down to pice between this and the Triumph Street triple.

[@NomadAdventureBiker]

Great review spot on

[@nero91]

I switched out the shock after 6kkm, should've done it the second it came. Got a Wilbers 640 for 420€ and it completely transformed the bike

[@anonharingenamn]

Bless you for making this video.

[@GB600RR]

thank you for video, really enjoyed it!

[@SeeItWithSimon]

Another 👌 production

[@WeNeedASaga]

thanks man! means a lot.

[@Brookmanrider]

Nice man love this bike looking at getting one. Thanks mate

[@DB-sd3cw]

I've had my white '17 09 for almost a year now and holy crap am I in love. The bike is so versatile like you said. The other day I took a sharp corner and leaned so low I scraped my shoe, the straightened up and power wheelie'd outa there 😁

[@awnis001]

We need 'WeNeedASaga' back in our lives

[@alexandermccausland1106]

Great review agree with your MT09 comments. The dash rev counter is hard to see and I did notice the rear a bit bouncy. On my 2017 MT09 I did get the dealer to tighten up the front forks again that was because I could do with losting a few kilos myself. Have recent purchased the new MT09SP the suspension is well sort with kyb front forks and the ohlins rear suspension unit, the speedo head is still the same rev counter numbers not fully visible and I am not a tall person.

[@johnsy59]

Good honest review of a good honest bike. Cheers ;) ps, I bet you could never get a screen tall enough for you lol

[@xenogears5177]

Please make a video of you riding a honda grom.. that would be incredible.

[@thurstonhowellthe3rd]

Nice review man. I'm thinking of upgrading from my 07. Cheers and thanks. C.

[@SkulxCrusherx]

If you haven't already i would recommend you do. I just did. Had the 07 for 1600 miles and wanted more. I've had the 09 for a couple days and holy shit she's treating me great.

[@thurstonhowellthe3rd]

@@SkulxCrusherx awesome, and i see 09 folks going up to an MT10 saying the same thing. Nice.

[@zebby3000]

Great bikes test rode one fell in love with it but my only complaint was the rear shock so I went and bought the SP and OMG she’s my baby

[@liferider2089]

Good Vid,from a year of testing,was looking at 2015 model not now.Cheers.

[@stevenkaran5674]

hey mate, well done, really loved the commentary. herro

[@nicomartini853]

Great video mate...nice info about hte bike

[@freddyfox5002]

I really enjoy your vibe.

[@MrDelpioro]

Great video!

[@WeNeedASaga]

thank you sir :)

[@rioda30]

I have the 2016 mt09 and love everything about the bike except suspension. it is horrible and does not give you confidence to throw the bike into a corner. So far the bike has a full akra carbon system and woolich flash + tune. next mod is forks and rear shock. your review is spot on as well mate.

[@opalfox7673]

This was really helpful thanks

[@zerozilchnada5373]

Thanks helpful review. Tfs

[@Nemesis093781]

Thank you for the video, Thumbs up. Sounds like the MT-09Sp is the way to go.

[@WeNeedASaga]

Thanks Troy. Yes I agree the SP is definitely worth the small increase in price to get that nice suspension upgrade

[@mickmouse3513]

Great review.

[@WeNeedASaga]

thanks Jean

[@MrDanozz]

Great to see my home town. Take it up the old road next time.

[@sugarnads]

MrDanozz no point. Just asking to be booked. It isnt like it was in the old days.

[@steadmanbowers6140]

Awesome video! Exactly the info I have been looking for :) I am currently riding an R3 and wanting to upgrade. I am not an aggressive rider but I do want something that can take me on the highway for extended rides to get to the fun coastal rides in my region. I was fearful of buying the wrong bike but I think now I know what bike to buy. No doubt there are other capable options out there but with your detailed review I am decided. I especially like your "normal" road riding (lol) and not wringing the guts out of the engine (lol). I watch videos all the time to get an idea for certain bike's performance on the highway but most videos show the bike from 0-200km speed tests with most riding done in the 150's plus.... not my riding style and impossible to gauge the everyday performance of the bike and the relevant tach reading to speed and gear position. Thanks again for the awesome video!

[@WeNeedASaga]

thanks for the kind words mate. I'm glad to hear you found it useful!

[@KwyKz0r]

@@WeNeedASaga this is what I was unsure about - whether it's still fun without being a loon

[@threethrushes]

I have a 2016 XSR900, and it is basically the same bike in a different skin. Lovely bit of kit. Easy to mod, maintain. Only downside is that the space under the seat is non-existent, and the swing arm scratches away where your right boot rubs on it. Also, one has to flash the ECU after a full exhaust mod. I have the IXIL SX1, and have not reflashed it yet!

[@I_am_Thursday]

I love the stock exhaust on my XSR thankfully. I don't believe modern bikes like having them changed to be honest.

[@rmbukk]

@@I_am_Thursday what a load of shite

[@Ray-ju5zm]

Nice review, MT09 is a great bike, and I also tryed the Triump street triple Rs . But after trying the KTM 790 duke I was sold. With out doubt the best of the 3 IMO. 790 duke is just awesome to ride..

[@arcbash]

Miss you dude

[@bewaudio]

Nice video. Your review helped me pick the 2017 version which I've had for a few months. We share local playgrounds, I'm getting a Nitron shock and stiffer fork springs (on the boat), happy to give you a go if you are interested in a budget upgrade.

[@WeNeedASaga]

i'd be interested to hear how the shock goes!

[@dancingmaryjane]

How do you like the upgrades compared to stock

[@elcaballoblanco9627]

Great vid, thanks mate.

[@WeNeedASaga]

thank you! thanks for watching

[@ianlawrie919]

Great real life review.

[@WeNeedASaga]

Thank you!

[@175yam1]

Cool vid,good information,

[@Veshremy965]

Thank you, good info. Especially that of being able to keep it on 3rd gear. 👍

[@jacksparrow1323]

Look so lovely bike😍

[@calumkz]

the all black one looks the best! i prefer the CRT exhaust made by SC project

[@annabanna666]

has the same lean angle as r6 so if u scrappin peg u killin it bro

[@Cryptosporidium-zu2sc]

Does it really? I have an 08 r6 and the lean angle is the best thing about it for me (and sound) I was worried getting a naked bike like the mt09 I wouldn't be able to lean the same which is the best part of riding for me personally

[@brno2]

Well done mate, an honest review of a great bike for the real world, every day rider. Would you be kind enough to share some info on your helmet intercom system, the sound quality is very impressive.

[@WeNeedASaga]

thanks! yeah the sound works well. It's a bluetooth audio pack attached to the back of the gopro, which pairs with a Sena 20S intercom. there's links to both in the description of the video if you want to take a look.

[@brno2]

WeNeedASaga Thanks very much for the info, I'll certainly be looking into that setup

[@steventhomson9869]

I had a CB500F before the 2017 MT 09 and it had a larger fuel tank and chunkier indicator lights which would definitely improve this bike. Also the fuel gauge is not particularly accurate as it stays full for ages then quickly reduces the bars. Apart from that I'm really happy with it for all the reasons you stated. I would like to say it is also very comfortable and the fuel economy is excellent. Great vid as usual!

[@WeNeedASaga]

Good point about the fuel gauge not being accurate, I find the same - stays full for ages then drops quickly

[@DB-sd3cw]

I've noticed the same thing on my gauge, it's full for half the tank then loses a bar like every 5 miles after lol

[@saltyprocrastinator]

If you look at the size of each tab within the fuel gauge, you will notice that they are uneven, then if you read the manual, that will translate to each bar size reflecting the predicted fuel remaining. That's why at first it looks like you've got a lot, then it suddenly drops.

[@steventhomson9869]

Thanks for that reply but really it should be a simpler system of navigation.

[@OzzyMoto27964]

did you say CHUNKIER turn signals theyre too big on the mt09

[@keithdrummond1003]

Good information

[@karlsbikestunts]

Good positive rap Dude

[@WeNeedASaga]

thanks Jonny

[@topdog1400]

At last someone tall people do a review with this bike.

[@kieranJo70]

I’m a MT09 (2017) and surprised you didn’t mention the snappy throttle in A Mode... anyway I had a flash done in Brisbane and it bloody perfect now.

[@WeNeedASaga]

I actually like A mode - very direct! I'll probably get a tune later so i'll be interested to see the difference...

[@jbguzman79]

Such a sweet ride, almost picked up the FZ-09 last year but found a hell of a deal on a "new" '14 Honda VFR800 Deluxe in red for $6700, couldn't pass it up. I'll eventually get the FZ or XSR900 someday...

[@WeNeedASaga]

wow you got a great deal! I really like the VFRs...

[@Rustyy4]

About the rear shock. You do not want to try to stiff it up by increasing preload on the spring, that ultimately doenst make it any stiffer it just becomes more of a pogo stick(which can be dangerous in extreme cases). The right preload is needed for proper sag depending on driver weight. What you can do is increase compression or/and stiffer spring.

[@WeNeedASaga]

great comment - thanks for sharing your knowledge mate

[@archamusdk1273]

awesome review! i'm also saving p for the mt 09, i heard someone say that the ohlins suspension on the SP version is night and day in comparison. but i havent ridden them myself. all i know is i'm riding the mt 07 in my license class and its too small for me tbh. so cant wait to try out the mt 09 once i get the license :P

[@Lukey2481]

Just bought the sp. Get it. And never look back.

[@bernd4883]

I got the same bike, same colour and same shit on it, but 10.400 KM's right now. My new tires are the Road 5 Model from Michelin, a touring sport tire. I think it's better as the Bridgestone Batlax S20 from Yamaha. Best things in my opinion are the Akrapovic exhaust and the heating grips espacially in spring and autumn. Quickshifter needs 5.000 rpm and warm engine to work smooth. The one from Triumph at the Street Triple RS works smoother in any conditions. No problems with the rear suspension since i've made it two clicks harder. Stable in fast corners. The plateholder is also changed at my bike. I don't like the one from Yamaha, looks not good. Now it's mounted directly under the rear-light and looks pretty much cooler. Good ride from Germany the Merkel State of confusion... ;)

[@miftoth]

THANK YOU. good video

[@BenBenCatCat]

I'm getting 200-230km per tank without even hitting the low fuel light. Never comes out of A mode and I'm not being nice to it.

[@faisaladi4822]

nice looking z125!

[@KemDIY]

One thing is for sure. That exhaust is worth it’s weight in titanium :)

[@baconbaconbobacon]

I was looking to get an Mt09 but decided to go toward a duke 790, which in the states comes out this fall or next year. The good thing about that is the Duke 790 R will be coming so i will go for that one instead of the regular 790. My buddy will be getting the MT09 though because i told him i was perhaps looking to get one.

[@Pillokun]

Wow, the bike looks like a min-bike compared to you, over 2m in height?

[@WeNeedASaga]

I'm right on 2m!

[@gabrieljohn4512]

That bike does look mini with him at the side😬

[@nobullnonofit9908]

Blimey, please can you do a test review on the Honda grom?

[@TheMightyQuinn1312]

WeNeedASaga well I’m 202cm and ive had an MT09 Tracer till recently but crashed it (not my fault :)). And today I sat on a regular MT09 at the motorshow. Was really surprised how comfy it was for a naked bike being,this tall. This Could be my next one since the engine is just marvellous. Thanks 4 the review. Exactly what I needed! Im subbing :)

[@ralphiandelacruz5820]

@@minicopilot1 Mt 09 seat height is 32.8"

[@bwxmoto]

In the US market 2017 MT-09 doesn't come with quick shifter but you can buy one for about $150 and put it on. It's ready for one. On the 2017 XSR900 it isn't even ready for the Yamaha quick shifter. You'd need a custom tune and quick shifter (much more $$). But interestingly the 2018 XSR900 is ready for the inexpensive Yamaha quick shifter. That was one thing I was bummed about when buying the 2017 XSR900.. But insurance was 1/2 of the cost of insuring a 2017 MT-09, plus I like the looks better, so I got the XSR. These bikes are so much fun!

[@biker1581]

same here BWX, bought a 2017 XSR 900 in Canada and completely satisfied so far, don't feel the need to have a quick shifter but that's just me, I do think XSR is better overall compared to FZ09 but again that's a personal opinion. the only upgrades I am considering are 1. Akra exhaust+ PC 2. heated grips 3. comfy seat.

[@bwxmoto]

The seat isn't too bad for me.. but I already installed Yamaha heated grips and they are great. I'm thinking about Yoshi exhaust sometime maybe. Or something that doesn't require a tune. No it doesn't need a quick shifter but it would be fun! Maybe I can flash ECU with 2018 file and install the Yamaha quick shifter.. Not sure.

[@biker1581]

do share your experience here if you go for the quick shifter. As per my research ECU remapping or a piggyback device is a must with after market full exhaust systems for optimal performance. Slip on are not recommended for XSRs/FZs. Yoshimura is probably the best sounding exhaust out there, also about the same price as Akra, though I will wait for my warranty to expire before installing any after market exhaust, just to be on the safe side.

[@bwxmoto]

Yes most do for sure. I was thinking the Yoshi sold by Yamaha is one that doesn't need a remap because it's made for the bike and it is "50 state legal and CARB/EPA compliant" Which means it must have a catalytic converter so it probably is about as restrictive as stock, but will probably sound better and be much lighter weight.. It's about $1000 though. I'll stick a link in comment below in case it gets deleted as spam.

[@bwxmoto]

shopyamaha.com/product/details/yoshimura-xsr900-y-series-full-exhaust-systems?b=Sport+Heritage+Accessories&d=47

[@JT-et7ui]

Great review. Jeez, you’re a tall bloke. You make that bike look tiny. I’m jealous, I’m 5,6 and cuts about 80% of bikes out for me.

[@WeNeedASaga]

Michelin Star thanks mate. Yeah the height is a blessing and a curse - good for tall dirt bikes but awful for sports bikes!

[@2Calam]

I hear the rear suspension comment often. Just wondering how hard you actually have to push before it becomes an issue? I.e. What level of a rider do you have to be and how hard do you have to push it to find its limits? Will a new rider notice it immediately? Will an intermediate rider find it pushing their limits? Will a good rider find it on every corner? THanks.

[@shanebrady8776]

Hello. Did you notice a loss of any low-end power, or any flat spots in the torque curve at all, after the installation - or removal of the baffle - of your Akrapovic Titanium? I have the same bike (2019), and really like this exhaust. Thanks for your time and videos. They are very informative and helpful.

[@cesarchacon426]

I ride a 2016 fz09. I get the suspension talk, but I have never been annoyed by it. Sure the bike moves around on bumpy roads but I think it adds to the drama. If you are an advanced, pro level rider you probably are not even looking for a bike at this level. Don't let the suspension and twitchy throttle talk scare you out of this bike. Just go buy one.

[@malorkie]

The throttle of the first generation ('13-'14) really is twitchy but from 2015 onwards they adjusted the mapping and now in STD mode, as well as B mode, your ride will be way smoother. That is why I bought a 2015 mt-09, I like the front more and when I ride alone I put it in A but with someone on the back or on longer hauls I can drive more smoother in STD mode :)

[@brizi2003]

Another softer option to the bikes you mentioned is perhaps the Aprillia Shiver 900 - I tried one and was quite impressed, which was quite a supprise. Had a bit more character than the other bikes you mentioned (exception being the KTM - which I haven't ridden). It doesn't seem to get much press coverage.

[@WeNeedASaga]

ooh, good point. I guess Aprilia just doesn't have the money to do marketing like the bigger companies. But yeah it's unlikely i'll get to ride one unfortunately...

[@TheValbunnys]

Please help - - I want a mt09 2017 lime green but concern on the suspension issues so also considering the mt09sp 2018 but unfortunately they don’t come in lime green . If I buy a 2017 and upgraded will be worth it or do you recommend compromise in the COLORS and get a mt09 sp 2018 ??? Please help

[@HeartBrokenBiker]

I came to see the MT09, but this is just a grom with mt09 fairings :P

[@Slickomicko]

Nice machine !

[@FelipeAraujo-ot6rl]

Great Review! I've tried to find these radiator guards set but without success .... Any idea where I can find these? Thank you!

[@kylewilson8922]

Imagine how he would look next to a Grom

[@melechc7267]

He is right about the tac, It is so small it is useless on the track.

[@Wick410]

I'm getting one of these for commuting and keeping my R6 for the twisties!

[@09Mrsubaru]

I'm getting one of the two (R6/MT09), which one would you recommend? it's mostly gonna be joy riding because I can't take to work (military base) and right now I'm not planing on any long distances.

[@Wick410]

@@09Mrsubaru r6 then lol

[@09Mrsubaru]

@@Wick410 I got mt09. thank you I guess!

[@DsCheng81]

MT09 SP with ohlins suspension is perfect.

[@bobivlae]

Hi there, one question once the back rear rack its removed is there any noticeable holes? I am asking this question as apparently you need to drill holes into the plastic to fit the rack and how hard is to remove the back rack once initially installed.

[@NowIhaveamachinegun]

Great video man, I love my 2017. You’ve got Rizoma indicators on the front, which ones do you have on the rear?

[@WeNeedASaga]

John Collins cheers mate. Rear indicators are the same type - Rizoma leggera

[@SH-lt7gv]

Hi mate, great vid. I watched your GSXS review as well, just wondering how you would compare MT09 and GSXS 1000? I was looking at getting XSR900 or GSXS 1000. Be interested to heat your opinion on them Ps subscribed! Cheers

[@kierangudmundseth528]

Did Yamaha address the rear shock problem on the 2018 or 19 model? Can't find any 2017 in B.C Canada so looking at newer models

[@laurencevanpuyvelde7159]

Great video, wow u a giant!

[@WeNeedASaga]

thanks mate :)

[@michaelkaloudis5966]

Great video, I'll probably go the extra and buy the MT09SP instead.

[@WeNeedASaga]

good call - i think its worth it

[@superturka]

​@@WeNeedASaga I am now trying to decide which bike I will buy, from all reviews and comparison I decided to go with MT09 (SP). I had one test drive for 20 minutes and was totally not comfortable on it. (read too many scary stories and I just have my drivers license.) so I was afraid to go full throttle, the wind was also very hard on my chest (no windscreen) I want to ask if it is just a temporary thing and you will get over it after a while ? or is the bike not for me at all ?

[@TurrkeySlap]

@@superturka Are you a new rider? Have you tried the MT07 yet?

[@PatrickCavanaugh0420]

@@TurrkeySlap sounds as though he is a very new rider without their class m as hes worried about wind on their chest and only having their dl. I cant speak for everyone but the wind doesnt bother me all that bad and the puig windscreen should help with that. I havent ridden in a few years my own bike and i think im torn between the mt09 and the street triple. I personally like the seating position on the mt09 much better than that of the triple. Ride safe

[@jfj60616]

Good review. Any excessive vibration in the upper rev band?

[@Jjcom-rh1tu]

Cant imagine how tall is this guy the mt09 looks so cute..

[@sandersho4008]

How did the Akra exhaust affect your fuel economy? Any fuel controller installed or ecu reflash?