2021 Yamaha MT-09: Everything You Need to Know | In-Depth Review

October 25, 2021

Pranav Anand

Table of Contents

The Dark Side of Japan is about to get even darker!

From Yamaha’s house comes a naked streetfighter motorcycle poised to break boundaries in a dark and dystopian universe. Christened as the MT-09, the motorcycle was a revelation ever since it was first launched in 2014. Combining a raw and edgy styling, a lightweight chassis, and the CP3 engine, it couldn’t turn out anything less than irresistible to customers.

For 2021, Yamaha has unveiled the biggest update to the MT-09 yet, with a refreshed design, a redesigned chassis, improved suspension, and more.

2021 Yamaha MT-09

Starting price: $9,399

Powertrain

First and foremost, Yamaha has updated the powertrain to Euro 5 specs, bringing along a host of improvements to the overall package. Still, the main point of interest is the significant increase in engine displacement, now up to 890 cc from the prior 847 cc, achieved thanks to a larger offset crankpin shortening the length of the con rod while increasing the stroke length by 3 mm.

Other changes include a redesigned crankshaft and camshafts, forged pistons and con rods manufactured using the fracture-split method to improve precision and reduce the engine’s overall weight. A redesigned fuel system is also in place with injectors near the throttle valves to improve fuel atomization and increase combustion efficiency.

Yamaha also changed the intake system with three intake ducts of varying diameters and lengths to modulate the sound frequencies, giving it a rich and characteristic sound, complemented by symmetrical twin exhaust pipes, making the MT-09 music to the ears.

The MT-09 also gets a ride-by-wire system called the YCC-T (Yamaha Chip-Controlled Throttle) with an APSG (Acceleration Position Sensor Grip) for superior feel and control. Furthermore, the transmission ratios are optimized with higher 1st and 2nd gears to deliver a more linear torque response.

All these mechanical changes lead to an overall weight reduction of 3.3 lbs, a bump to 118 hp, and a claimed fuel efficiency of 49 MPG.

Styling

Quite obvious; the latest iteration of the streetfighter got a major design overhaul.

Starting from the front fascia, the 2021 MT-09 bids farewell to the menacing twin-headlamps of the past. Instead, it gets a projector LED headlamp flanked by position LEDs on either side, giving it a robotic appearance.

Moving further back, Yamaha has tweaked the fuel tank, allowing for better grip and a more comfortable seating position. Riders can also rotate the handlebar clamps by 10 mm and adjust the footpegs 18 mm back and 4 mm downward.

In addition, Yamaha did away with the MT-09’s side panels in favor of a coverless design showcasing the bike’s internals in all their glory.

The taillamps have also been replaced with full-LED units and the Dark Side of Japan is now available in three different liveries, including Storm Flip, Matte Raven Black, and the classic Team Yamaha Blue.

Electronics

The third-generation MT-09 is now a computer on two wheels, courtesy of its comprehensive electronic rider aids onboard.

Displaying all that information is a 3.5-inch Full-color TFT LCD panel that shows the bike’s fundamentals. These include a tachometer, fuel gauge, average fuel economy, water temperature, ambient air temperature, and a gear position indicator. The panel also showcases settings on various rider modes, Traction Control, and many others. All these settings can be accessed via the rider’s dial mounted on the right side of the handlebar.

In terms of electronics and safety equipment, Yamaha brought in a whole suite of them, some inspired by their top-of-the-line R-series sportbikes. Namely, the 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) was borrowed from the YZF-R1 but repurposed and modified to suit the MT-09’s characteristics. It has a 50% smaller footprint compared to its elder brother, yet it enables features such as Lean Sensitive TC, Slide Control, and Brake Control integrated with ABS. Each of these modes has three levels of sensitivity, including a rider configurable M mode to toggle each setting or turn them off completely.

Yamaha has given special emphasis to the Slide Control and Brake Control, each working individually to dial-up/down the grip and braking on any given surface and during mid-corner, providing the rider a safety net at all times. An up/down Quickshifter is also a part of standard equipment.

Riding Dynamics

The revered Deltabox frame gave way to a spanking new aluminum unit manufactured using a controlled filling (CF) die casting process to improve straight-line stability and overall handling.

Furthermore, there are improvements to the overall chassis balance, including longitudinal, torsional, and a 50% increase in lateral rigidity for precise control and inputs. Meanwhile, a die-cast aluminum subframe replaces the old steel subframe to improve handling while shedding a few pounds off the bike.

The rear-end feel has also been improved with a box-section aluminum swingarm, increasing overall rigidity while also weighing 0.5 lbs less than before. Yamaha has also moved the pivots to the outside to reduce unsprung weight and allow for a more direct connection with the frame.

Augmenting all the improvements to the frame is a set of 41 mm KYB inverted cartridge forks that is also fully adjustable for compression and rebound damping. Moreover, a fully adjustable KYB monoshock takes care of the suspension duties at the rear with preload, compression, and rebound adjustability.

Twin full floating 298 mm discs at the front with a radially mounted Nissin Master Cylinder and a single pot rear brake caliper with a 245 mm disc at the rear take care of braking performance. Both units feature ABS, of course.

Yamaha also used a spin-forged process for each aluminum wheel for further weight reduction. Hence, including the engine and chassis components, the bike is 8 lbs lighter than its predecessor.

The MT-09 sits on a set of 120/70 R17 Bridgestone Battlax tires at the front and 180/55 R17 tires at the rear.