MT-09 SP is another Yamaha designed for people with head. I used to have MT-09 and MT-10. And now another model has fallen into my hands - MT-09 SP. What do I think of him? How to drive it? What are its strengths and weaknesses? More on all this in the next review.
The MT-09 SP is another Yamaha designed to take over the city's arteries. Generally speaking, the entire series is a surprisingly unruly and successful family of motorcycles. Although there are significant differences even between the MT-10 and MT-09 SP, there is generally a big gap between the MT-09 SP and MT-07. The following video review includes the MT-09 SP model, but the review may well be the standard version (I am also referring to the first experience with the MT-09 ). This is mainly due to the fact that...
...differences between MT-09 and MT-09 SP
– they are not that big. If they are converted into zlotys, they will cost 5 thousand zlotys. What do we get in return?
- fully adjustable Ohlins suspension at the rear and KYB at the front,
- chair with stitching,
- Finished in Silver Blu Carbon,
- dial with inverted colors.
Yamaha MT-09 SP
Also, apart from the MT-10-style appearance, it should be noted that the SP version will have a safer grip on the road thanks to better suspension. There is full adjustment of hardness, goodness, reflections, stresses - generally this suspension will work the way you set it. It's nice that we have back firmness adjustment. If someone is riding with a passenger, they will probably appreciate it. The issue of appearance is less important here, although the dial with inverted colors is much better than the classic one. You can see them better, everything is clearly visible, whether in the sun or in the rain. At night it can be seen as if the signs are biting in the retina.
Chassis Yamaha MT-09 2021 and Yamaha MT-09 SP 2021
Featuring a durable DLC coating for ultra-smooth and responsive suspension, the 41mm KYB fork features adjustable spring preload, rebound damping and compression to tailor it to the rider's riding style and needs. In the new version, the fork is lowered by 39mm, which completely changes the motorcycle's handling and road feedback. Moreover, despite the shorter fork, its travel remained the same - 130mm, which led to a completely new fit on the MT-09.
In the SP version, the fork is equipped with separate adjustment for smoothing fast and slow compression, and the rear Ohlins is equipped with compression and rebound adjusters and a remote preload adjuster.
Yamaha MT-09 2021 and Yamaha MT-09 SP 2021
Engine in MT-09 SP
The motorcycle is driven by a 3-cylinder unit producing 115 hp. and 87.5 Nm. At the same time, he weighs 193 kg. It's definitely a better power-to-weight ratio than the Aprilia Shiver 900 . The power is felt. The Mt-09 is one of the craziest bikes I've ever ridden. In first gear, it enters the wheel itself under normal acceleration. As usual, at some point we get a power surge and the bike lifts up on its own. In second gear the gas comes out, in third there is no more gas, but a shot from the door handle will help. Do you like flying on rubber? Then this mot is for you. You don't have to worry too much about getting the front wheel up. However, the heart can beat and let you know of your being by beating the driver's legs with heat.
Yamaha MT-09 SP
In addition, we have here any slip clutches and quickshifters in the series. This combination makes it easier to both increase and decrease. The slipper clutch works great on the MT. The shifter is a bit more complex than the YZF-R6, but it does the trick in the head. This causes people to use the machines differently, mostly by playing with them. Anyway, the gearbox works very well and has noticeable lever travel. Unfortunately, the clutch basket housing, in my case at a height of 180 cm, sticks to the foot, stopping and supporting the foot. It's just so far from the engine that it's a little awkward.
Systems in MT-09 SP
The bike has 3 levels of traction control and three D-mode riding modes. These modes allow you to change the power failure characteristics. Standard mode provides powerful bottom and top speed range. We have a wild mode at the bottom and this mode has power, but less response to the movement of the throttle. This gives so much that the bike runs smoother but still has power. I traveled in this mode the most because it works in the city. The bike is responsive and responds to every movement of the throttle, happily jumping forward. This means that on uneven surfaces it sometimes drags the entire motorcycle and the rider. And here comes mode B with its soft driving
Traction also provides advice, and the manufacturer does not rage without the need for a number of levels of control. The tracks can be disengaged when the bike is stationary, but we have to do this every time the bike is put into gear. 1 degree traction control ensures wheel slip. You can have fun when the motorcycle enters the wheel smoothly, also the system will not react. Well, unless accompanied by a stronger rear skid, the computer will take control of the car and bring it to the ground. In mode 2 traction control there are no such antics. Also for beginners, B+2 traction control mode will be the best option.
Yamaha MT-09 SP
Classically we also have ABS, which works very well. Definitely better than other bikes I've had the opportunity to ride. The brake is operated by one finger. Full braking force is available without problems. For this, ABS is able to cope with sand, wet, stray, starts on pebbles - but this is nothing new. Using just the back is an action that goes beyond the purpose of ABS unless it is a very mild acceleration assist.
What else about riding the MT-09 SP
The motorcycle is quite large, wide and tall. I say this, of course, from my point of view and experience. There is no tragedy, but I had a thin block under me. The weight does not interfere with driving, but it makes itself felt during free maneuvers. Unfortunately, the sofa is hard, but I sat on it, driving 200 km - so you can understand. The position will not tire anyone, because we sit in an upright position, our hands are wide enough on the steering wheel, and not bent too far forward. The passenger will be worse off because there is less padding in the rear seat, but its width is good so there is enough to reach 50 km. Additionally, while wearing typical motorcycle boots, my heels touched the passenger's feet.
Really great lights on a motorcycle. The LED is a sign that the light will be white, almost like daylight. You can see well, far and wide. This Yamaha model also comes with a thick footer. No thin rod is just a solid support that our motorcycle does not hit due to the wind on the ground.
Yamaha MT-09 SP
Basically, I can’t imagine how you can drive it quickly without an accessory. Without it, it starts from 120 km/h. With the fast one, you can easily fly up to 160 km/h. Moreover, the addition is quite a must if you plan to leave it out of town as an owner. There are usually a variety of motorcycle accessories available and you can find them all in one place.
Yamaha MT-09 2021 on the track
Walking around the motorcycle and noticing external differences, big and small, is a great start to the test. I like to first get acquainted with the features of the new design and construction, try to imagine where the designers were coming from. I rarely comment on the appearance of motorcycles - at most I can share my opinion, and during the time I have been riding motorcycles, I have been deceived more than once: some of them handled better than they looked, while others, more often than not, did the opposite.
The first acquaintance with the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2021 went differently: instead of cutting circles and looking at little things, I rather jumped into the saddle before it started to rain. The fact is that there were many people who wanted to feel the SP, but there was only one SP itself - so I decided to take advantage of the allotted time for driving. Which means, for once, it was a blind test.
