Bike Files: Yamaha MT-09

Three is definitely the magic number for Yam’s terrific triple

You’ve probably heard good things about the Yamaha MT-09…

The MT-09 was introduced in 2014 and was an immediate hit.

It marked a change in direction for Yamaha, who had previously based their middleweight naked offerings around detuned supersport motors. Taking over from the much loved Fazer, the MT-09 was a ground up new design powered by a completely original three cylinder engine and, like the two-cylinder MT-07 introduced around the same time, it mated a very lively motor with a simple yet good quality chassis.

The result was a very exciting motorcycle with a sharp throttle response and penchant for wheelies. In over a decade, Yamaha has sold more than 200,000 examples of the 09, with significant updates coming in 2017 and 2021.

In recent years the MT-09 has been upspecced and spawned a host of derivatives, which include sports tourers, retros and even out-and-out supersport bikes. Today there’s an automatic (MT-09 Y-AMT) and premium (MT-09 SP) offering alongside the base model.

So what’s the deal with today’s MT-09?

As mentioned, there are three versions of the current MT-09 and all are very, very good. Launched with a fairly basic chassis over a decade ago, the latest model is far more advanced and a premium motorcycle which reflects the market’s acceptance of naked bikes as top spec machines, and not just budget bikes based around dumbed down sports bikes.

So the latest MT-09 features a race style Deltabox frame with top quality suspension and brakes. With each generation, the MT-09 has gone a little more upmarket and a bit sportier, something highlighted with the introduction of the SP for the third generation model in 2021.

With its Ohlins suspension, better brakes and improved spec it’s aimed at discerning riders who want a focussed riding experience without feeling the need for 200bhp or an extreme sportsbike setup. All models also have high level electronic rider aids, developed on the R1 superbike no less.

Looking at the pictures, is this just a city bike?

Heck no, but Yamaha’s marketing vibe for the MT series is themed around ‘The Dark Side of Japan’. The MTs are inspired by the Tokyo custom and modification scene, apparently, hence why pretty much all of the promo pics are shot on Japanese streets at night.

So what does the Yamaha MT-09 ride like on the open roads?

Yamaha really has hit a sweet spot with the MT-09, creating a motorcycle which is very engaging yet still fairly affordable. It’s a brilliant B road battler that’s as much about the beefy midrange as it is outright power – Yamaha will do you a four-cylinder MT-10 if that’s what you want.

The star of the MT-09 show has always been the epic three-cylinder engine. Dubbed ‘CP3’ (referencing the crossplane crankshaft design and three cylinders) it delivers plenty of character, with more soul than a traditional inline four and performance beyond that of a similar capacity two-cylinder machine.

Early models were criticised for their snatchy throttle response but that has been ironed out since the second generation of MT-09. The result is a gloriously responsive motor which sounds great and has a chunky midrange to complement its peak power output of 117bhp, making it perfect for spirited road riding.

Recognising the emotional connection between rider and machine, Yamaha have worked hard to make the MT-09 sound great (not always easy as modern bikes need to meet the latest emissions laws) and there’s even a mesh grille on the fuel tank which is designed to enhance the induction roar from the specially tuned airbox and direct it towards the rider’s ears. It all adds the drama of a motorcycle which delivers as big a bang for your buck as any bike on sale today.

That’s because the handling is as sharp as that three-cylinder engine. Even the base model, with its Nissin front brakes and non-adjustable (barring rear preload) suspension can be hustled with aplomb, but for riders looking for a bit more the SP version offers a number of modifications including more powerful Brembo Stylema stoppers, fully-adjustable Kayaba front forks and a high quality rear shock absorber courtesy of Ohlins.

The result is an even more engaging ride that gives the kind of connection between rider and machine that leaves you wanting more and more.

What are the derivatives of the Yamaha MT-09?

As if three versions of the MT-09 wasn’t enough, the CP3 platform has spawned a whole host of derivatives which can offer something for almost any rider.

Want a full on sports bike? The R9 takes the MT-09’s engine and chassis, wraps it in a fairing and optimises the geometry for track racing (this is, after all, the base for Yamaha’s World Supersport race bikes). Want a comfy all-rounder?

How about a Tracer 9, Yamaha’s highly equipped sports tourer which has been doing big business? Want something more retro? The XSR900 and the stunning XSR900GP will oblige…

What are the MT-09’s competitors?

The sporty middleweight naked category is very popular these days, meaning there are some great alternatives to the MT-09 out there.

Most obvious is Triumph’s Street Triple RS, the original three-cylinder firecracker and still up there at the top of the class. Two cylinder alternatives include KTM’s 890 Duke, the Ducati Monster and BMW F 900 R, while Honda’s new four-cylinder Hornet 1000 has come along in 2025 with more power for less money.

Who should consider buying a Yamaha MT-09?

It’s a bike with broad appeal, in no small part down to its Jekyll and Hyde personality. It’s as happy as an everyday commuter as it is going for a Sunday morning blast. It won’t embarrass itself on a track day and can, at a push, do the odd weekend tour away.

It’s a great bike for riders moving up from a lower-middleweight twin, like Yamaha’s own MT-07, or for older riders downsizing. Or, indeed, it’s just a great bike for those who realise you really don’t need any more on public roads. Because, whisper it, you don’t…

With the sportier SP and easier-to-ride Y-AMT derivatives also available, this really is a bike with something for everyone. And if you love the idea of that intoxicating CP3 engine but need a bit more comfort and practicality, well the Tracer 9 shares the heart and soul of an MT-09 but is a bit softer and adds the kind of equipment that can take you on a continental tour whenever the mood takes you.