Photo: Yamaha
Japanese bike maker Yamaha is not one to shy away from the hyper-naked segment of the motorcycle industry. In fact, it's one of the most present names in this field, with no less than eight models presently on offer. Of interest to us today is the "original hyper naked," as Yamaha calls it, the MT-09.
The model was first introduced a decade ago, and has come to be known elsewhere, especially in the U.S., as the FZ-09. The Japanese have always called the ride a product of their country's dark side, a reference not only to the power of the beast, but also to the no-nonsense appearance.
And now, for the 2024 model year, the MT-09 gets a boost in everything, and that's understandable, seeing how this is the model's tenth anniversary year. That means the ride has been updated both visually and mechanically, in a bid to allow it to carry the torch into its second decade on the market.
As per Yamaha, the new but still limited bodywork of the ride was inspired by what's used on the YZ range of motocross bikes. These elements are topped off by a new LED headlight, held inside a newly designed cover. The design of this element is replicated at the rear, which now shows separate tail and brake lights.
Up on the aluminum frame the fuel tank has been redrawn as well, showing up as a sharper version of its former self. For a refined riding position, the handlebar is now lower than it used to be, and the footpegs have been moved further back.
As a departure from what we've had before, the seats for the rider and passenger are now separated.
When it comes to the engine the bike uses, Yamaha relies on the same one as before, the 890cc three-cylinder, liquid-cooled CP3. It did however get some revisions, made first and foremost to make it sound a lot cooler than it ever did.
For instance, there is now a revised airbox with new air intake ducts that help enhance the high-frequency sounds of the powerplant.
Mechanical bits were changed to a greater degree elsewhere. We've got a new Brembo braking system to help the thing come to a stop, the front and rear suspension system has been revised, and the bike has been propped on Yamaha SpinForged wheels wrapped in new Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport tires.
The bike can still be configured in one of three factory-preset riding modes (Sport, Street, and Rain), or one of two custom modes. A new 5-inch TFT screen has been added to help with interaction between rider and bike, and there's a Type-C USB plug under the rider's seat.
Yamaha says the new MT-09 will be sold in three color schemes, namely Midnight Cyan, Icon Blue and Tech Black. There is no mention of when deliveries will begin, or about the price tags for the new hyper naked.
And now, for the 2024 model year, the MT-09 gets a boost in everything, and that's understandable, seeing how this is the model's tenth anniversary year. That means the ride has been updated both visually and mechanically, in a bid to allow it to carry the torch into its second decade on the market.
As per Yamaha, the new but still limited bodywork of the ride was inspired by what's used on the YZ range of motocross bikes. These elements are topped off by a new LED headlight, held inside a newly designed cover. The design of this element is replicated at the rear, which now shows separate tail and brake lights.
Up on the aluminum frame the fuel tank has been redrawn as well, showing up as a sharper version of its former self. For a refined riding position, the handlebar is now lower than it used to be, and the footpegs have been moved further back.
As a departure from what we've had before, the seats for the rider and passenger are now separated.
When it comes to the engine the bike uses, Yamaha relies on the same one as before, the 890cc three-cylinder, liquid-cooled CP3. It did however get some revisions, made first and foremost to make it sound a lot cooler than it ever did.
For instance, there is now a revised airbox with new air intake ducts that help enhance the high-frequency sounds of the powerplant.
Mechanical bits were changed to a greater degree elsewhere. We've got a new Brembo braking system to help the thing come to a stop, the front and rear suspension system has been revised, and the bike has been propped on Yamaha SpinForged wheels wrapped in new Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport tires.
The bike can still be configured in one of three factory-preset riding modes (Sport, Street, and Rain), or one of two custom modes. A new 5-inch TFT screen has been added to help with interaction between rider and bike, and there's a Type-C USB plug under the rider's seat.
Yamaha says the new MT-09 will be sold in three color schemes, namely Midnight Cyan, Icon Blue and Tech Black. There is no mention of when deliveries will begin, or about the price tags for the new hyper naked.
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