Yamaha overnight unveiled the next generation MT-09, and there’s plenty of changes for us to drool over.
The 2021 MT-09, which is due on New Zealand shores in March with an as yet to be finalised price, sees massive changes across the board including a big injection of technology including a TFT display, rider aids, larger engine, lighter weight and a new overall visual design.
While the bike has further evolved its styling, now featuring a new single LED headlight up front rather than the twin lights of old. The new LED headlight assembly features a single central bifunctional projector headlight with multiple LEDs that provide a broad, even and powerful beam with soft edges for both low and high beam settings.
Yamaha has hinted that this is the future of the MT range's styling direction, with both the current generation MT-09 and MT-10 getting sideways looks with their headlight design.
Yamaha’s CP3 triple has grown in capacity closer to the 900cc hinted at in the MT-09 name, now boasting 889cc of capacity and a boosted 117hp backed by 92.8Nm of torque.
While the power and torque figures are both up over the outgoing model, the way the MT-09 delivers its power has also changed with peak torque arriving a full 1500rpm earlier for even more mid-range shove.
Previous iterations of the MT-09 have been criticised for a slightly lively chassis, so Yamaha went back to the drawing board for the 2021 model with an all-new frame and sub-frame. Yamaha says the new frame is 50% more rigid laterally which should make for better feel at the front end. To top it off, the new chassis drops 3.8kg and along with a 250g saving on the new swingarm helps to bring the MT-09 to under 190kg wet – that's 4kg lighter than the current model!
A quickshifter now comes as standard equipment for the MT-09 while Yamaha has continued to improve the MT-09's suspension which, for 2021, features fully adjustable KYB forks and a
new adjustable KYB rear shock which has been set up to suit the all-new chassis with reduced unsprung weight.
Keeping everything in check for the rider is a whole new suite of next-gen electronics including a 6-axis IMU allowing for lean sensitive Traction Control System (TCS), Slide Control System (SCS) as well as a front wheel lift control system (LIF) and Brake Control system (BC).
The traction control system can be switched between three different modes via the new 3.5" TFT display to allow differing levels of slip while the braking system has been upgraded to YZF-R1 style front anchors.
The new MT-09 will be available in three colours: Storm Fluo, Icon Blue and Tech Black. Deliveries to New Zealand Yamaha dealers will commence from March 2021.
2021 Yamaha MT-09 Changes
New 889cc inline 3-cylinder 4-valve DOHC liquid-cooled EU5 engine
More power at all engine speeds
7% increase in maximum torque at lower rpm
4PS increase in maximum power
New 2.3kg lighter CF die-cast aluminium Deltabox chassis
Lower 189kg wet weight – 4kg reduction and the lightest in 900cc naked class
Shorter wheelbase for more dynamic handling
New lightweight aluminium swingarm
Bare and beautiful coverless new generation MT styling
Premium quality throughout, with Crystal Graphite frame finish
Full LED lighting with Y-shape brand signature icon front and rear
New Quick Shift System with up and downshift functions
Refined A&S clutch
Light and compact new 6-axis IMU
Lean-sensitive rider aids: TCS, SCS and LIF with three intervention modes ABS and Brake Control system (BC)
D-MODE switchable engine running modes
New ultra-light Spin Forged 17-inch 10-spoke wheels
Larger 180/70-17 rear tyre with 120/70-17 front tyre
Fully adjustable KYB 41mm USD forks with revised settings
Adjustable KYB rear shock with revised settings
Full colour 3.5-inch TFT instruments with remote handlebar switch
Radial front master cylinder, 298mm dual front discs