Traveled: Yamaha MT-09

In total, just over 110.000 motorcycles of this family have been sold, which is certainly a reliable indicator that MT models should be appealing to both the eyes and the senses. For them, we always liked to write that they have something that we call immaterial, immeasurable.

Is this the case with the completely redesigned Yamaha MT-09? Has it retained that three-cylinder charm? Does it drive differently? Therefore, quite a few questions arise, especially in the minds of those who are seriously considering such a motorcycle. To find out, at the beginning of December I was sent to Mallorca.

Yamaha's "Dark Side of Japan" propaganda strategy portrays this Yamaha as a harsh, uncompromising motorcycle of choice by the rebels or, as is customary today, a "street fighter." Therefore, perhaps the Mediterranean island, which is very diverse geographically, is very suitable for presentation and testing of a motorcycle, but on the other hand, it is also very friendly for motorcyclists. The roads are generally very solid and the temperatures in early December are very pleasant compared to ours. The piste would have been more appropriate to underline the rude character extolled in propaganda, but in reality the MT-09 is at least so bland that it is more suited to pleasantly winding roads and serpentines than red and white sidewalks.

Already the first generation of Yamaha MT-09 seemed to be victorious at first glance. The bike has rightfully taken a high position on the I / O scale, and with the expansion of the model range (MT-09 Tracer, XSR ...) the basic trimmed version required a new impetus. After a good 250 kilometers of test riding in a wide variety of conditions and riding in a group, it is difficult to isolate all the strengths and weaknesses from the bike, but I can still say that the new MT-09 will continue to attract customers. And it is worth every penny.

What's new and what's left of the old?

If we first dive a little into the most obvious change, the look, we will no doubt notice a completely different stylistic approach to design. The MT-09 now resembles the most powerful model, the brutal MT-10, especially its front end. Below is the front light, which is now full LED, the rear of the bike has been redesigned, and the turn signals are no longer integrated with the headlights, but classically beautifully attached to the side fenders. This wing is also new to this model. In the past, we Japanese were accustomed to the fact that each element also served a specific function, whether it was a carrier or just an air deflector. This time it's different. Yamaha designers who participated in the development and were present at the presentation say that this fender has a purely aesthetic purpose.

Although the rear is shorter, the seat is about three inches longer. Thus, more space and comfort for the passenger, but still the Yamaha MT-09 will not spoil in this area.

We will not find anything new or almost nothing new in the engine. Admittedly, the engine is the crown jewel of this bike. From a technical point of view, the three-cylinder engine meets all modern standards, but the dry quoting of numbers does not put it at the top of its class. However, in the real world, this engine turns out to be much more epic. So when he serves the master. It has a lot of energy and character, but you probably already know this, because it was the same in the previous model. Thank God, mostly unchanged, but the revision was made on the cylinder head (Euro 4), although Yamaha does not mention this in their official presentations, and the exhaust system is, of course, new.

The gearbox has brought several changes or even one of the biggest innovations. It is now equipped with a "quickshifter" that allows for clutchless shifting. But, unfortunately, only one way, up. In truth, some other manufacturers have this technology a little better, but considering the price of this bike, the system built into this bike deserves a very good rating. It should be noted that Yamaha has a more powerful system, but this would significantly increase the price of the motorcycle. As for the gearbox, the gear ratios have remained unchanged, so in terms of performance and economy, the new generation does not bring much change. The driver's best friend is still second and third gears, especially the last one, as, when combined with engine torque, it provides excellent acceleration from 40 kilometers per hour. When the speed limiter says what it needs, you're well above the speed limits in third gear, or close to what is still considered reasonable. I was also pleased with the rather long sixth gear, which allows you to drive economically and quickly on the highway.

Electronics for safety and sportiness

The fact that ABS comes standard is of course obvious today, but the MT-09 also has a three-stage anti-skid system for the rear wheels fitted as standard. It is gratifying that it can also be completely deactivated, and even more so that in the interim this system is calibrated to allow a slight slip while guaranteeing the safety of the motorcycle and the rider.

To emphasize the sporty nature of this engine, three levels of engine performance and responsiveness are available. While the already standard setting offers an extremely good connection between the rider's right wrist and the engine, level "1", i.e. the sportiest, is basically already very explosive. Due to a slight roughness of the road, it may happen that the air supply to the cylinders is closed and the engine rotation slows down, and vice versa. In practice or on the road, this is a rather useless thing, but since there are those among us who want it, Yamaha just offered it. I myself, depending on the situation, chose the softest setting. Responsiveness is indeed a bit slower, but in this mode the engine is a real gem. Soft, but decisive acceleration, a smooth transition from traction to braking. And also four "horsepower" less, but for sure no one will miss them.

New suspension, old frame

If the first generation is accused of too weak a suspension, there is likely to be much less dissatisfaction with the second. The MT-09 now has a completely new suspension, not much better in nobility, but now adjustable. Also in the front, so those who like to brake at full speed before turning can easily solve the problem of sitting in the front with a few taps on the adjusting screws.

The geometry and frame remain unchanged. Yamaha felt that evolution was unnecessary here. I agree with them myself, as the handling and precision of the bike are more than satisfactory. If so, because of my height (187 cm) I would like a slightly larger frame with a little more space. The ergonomics are mostly good, but after about two hours, these high-ranking journalists were already a little overwhelmed, especially in the leg area. But even for us, Yamaha had a ready answer, as we were able to test motorcycles that were equipped in various combinations with some of the 50 standard accessories that change the driver's position, seat height, improve wind protection and the like. And if this Yamaha cannot hide or change its character, with the right accessories it can also be a completely comfortable motorcycle.

New clutch and LCD display

Also new is the LCD screen, which now offers virtually all the information a driver needs. It is not one of the most transparent because of its size, but thanks to new and lower headlights, it is brought forward a few centimeters, which significantly reduces the driver's view. Thus, taking your view off the road and then focusing on the desired distance is much less, which of course means more safety and less fatigue after long journeys.

The all-new sliding clutch also ensures that the bike requires less attention and driving skills after repairs. Namely, the three-cylinder was able to stop the rear wheel when shifting back too quickly, but now this should not happen, at least in theory and when a healthy connection between the brake lever and the driver's head is combined.

IN?

Despite the radically changed appearance, the opinions of journalists about the appearance of this motorcycle differed. Basically, at dinner, we agreed only that there are few really good naked motorcycles. Yamaha will continue to share its views in this area. But with all of the above modifications, this engine is still a great "naked" engine, with a good chassis, a great engine, a good braking complex and the ability to satisfy the needs and desires of the vast majority of motorcyclists. It also takes into account that, in principle, it is difficult to keep the right wrist from pointing backwards. This is one of the highlights of engines, isn't it? The ability to personalize with a rich set of original accessories could push it to a different class of single wheel motorcycles, but mainly due to its reasonable price, we have no doubt that this bike will continue to fill many Slovenian garages.

text: Matjaž TomažićPhoto: Yamaha