2024 Yamaha MT-09
The new fourth-generation 2024 Yamaha MT-09’s character is flat out a mirror of its rider. Are you reserved and domesticated? So is the MT-09. Are you feral and excitable? Well, so is the MT-09. Simply put, don’t fear it and don’t underestimate it.
This hyper naked middleweight, as Yamaha classifies it, carries the best of the last version while significantly upgrading its electronic rider relationship. It’s smarter. Digital ergonomics are now a thing. Visually complementing the new tech are the MT-09’s revised fuel tank and bodywork, resulting in a sort of galactic Transformers aesthetic. At first glance, the new MT-09 looks to be without a headlight, even more so than the previous generation. Hiding in a miniature shroud in front of the TFT dash are two tiny LED projector beam headlights, with a pair of LED trim lights adding character.
The updated metal fuel tank features a sharp-edged fold along each top side, creased in a 0.2-inch radius compared to last year’s 0.78 inches. The tank is also over an inch lower overall, matching the forward-leaning stance of the lowered handlebar for a more aggressive seating position. Put together, they maintain a comfortable and reasonably relaxed riding position with some adjustability. A fan favorite feature debuting on the 2024 MT-09 are the Acoustic Amplifier Grills on the front top of the fuel tank cover, funneling the intake sound up for your listening pleasure. It’s stereophonic.
Smartphone connectivity is now standard on the MT-09 through the Y-Connect app, with all the usual functions you’d expect from a modern bike. A bigger five-inch full-color TFT display delivers information to the rider and is customizable in four themes. This newest MT-09 allows riders to independently customize its electronic behavior with the Yamaha Ride Control (YRC) modes. You can adjust four power delivery and ride intervention levels in Street, Sport, Rain, or two Custom modes, either directly on the TFT screen menu or with the Y-Connect app.
In each ride mode, you have four adjustable characteristics—power, traction control, slide control, and lift control. Each has three levels (four for power) with Level 1 always being the least intrusive setting. Other variables you can play around with are the back slip regulator (BSR), quickshifter, and brake control (essentially smart lean angle-sensitive ABS).
The all-new BSR is for low-grip situations when the mechanical slipper clutch can’t quickly engage. It uses rpm and wheel speed data to manage rear wheel speed and avoid lock up due to engine braking. Yamaha’s third-generation quickshifter has two settings. Setting 1 accommodates clutchless upshifts while accelerating and downshifts while decelerating. The fun new feature is Setting 2, which also permits downshifting while accelerating and upshifting while decelerating, resulting in seamless, smooth, non-jerky shifting.
Cruise control is now standard on all MT-09s. Located on the left handlebar cluster, it functions smoothly with expanded settings from third to sixth gear above 24 mph. The front suspension has new spring rates while the rear shock has a revised linkage ratio for a flatter curve. The MT-09 rolls on Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 “M-Spec” tires.
Carried forward from the previous year’s bike are the proven (though more meticulously managed) powerplant, radial-mounted front brake calipers, radial master cylinder, and the two-part frame castings. The lever adjusters nicely accommodate various hand sizes.
This latest generation of MT-09 is quick and agile for its class. It carries its weight low, which results in light yet planted steering. The 2024 MT-09 is available in Midnight Cyan, Team Yamaha Blue, and Matte Raven Black, with an MSRP of $10,599.