2024 Yamaha MT-09 SP Is a Japanese Exercise in Motorcycle Coolness

The bike entered production in 2014, playing the game in the street segment against heavy hitters like the Triumph Street Triple or the MV Agust Brutale. And it played it quite skillfully, selling no less than 385,000 examples over in Europe alone in the time that has passed since.

To properly mark the anniversary of the model, Yamaha released this week a new version of the bike. We've already discussed it at length, but it appears we're not completely done with the topic of the MT-09 yet. Not after Yamaha just unleashed the SP variant of the model.

Before getting into what this variation of the hyper naked has to offer, we'll have to take a closer look, again, at the base model.

The bike has been refined in almost all of its essential aspects, except for a crucial one: the engine. For the new model year, the bike uses the same 890cc three-cylinder, liquid-cooled CP3, with the same power levels as before. It did, however, get some upgrades in terms of the sounds it makes, thanks to the fitting of an acoustic amplifier grille.

In terms of bodywork, the MT-09 received styling inspired by the YZ range of motocross bikes, a new LED headlight at the front, and separate tail and brake lights at the rear.

The fuel tank now shows new lines, the handlebar has been moved to a lower position, and the footpegs sit further back for a refined riding position. There are also separate seats for the rider and passenger.

Revisions have also been made to the braking system (of Brembo origin), the bike's suspension, and wheels, which are now SpinForged bits wrapped in new Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport tires.

Many of the modifications listed above have been passed over to the SP variant as well. Because of the particularities of this model, though, they are complemented by a series of other important enhancements.

One of the most important features of the bike is the new Ride Control system that handles the 890cc engine. Used to maximize the capabilities of the powerplant, it also impacts the way assistance systems such as traction and slide control affect the riding experience.

On top of that, riders can also change the overall behavior of the MT-09 SP by going for one of three standard modes (Sport, Street, and Rain), or customizing their own overall settings.

A number of exclusive features have been imagined for the SP. Perhaps the most important for people planning to use the bike on a circuit is the Track mode of the Ride Control. This feature allows for an extra four patterns to be selected to suit the specific needs of certain tracks. It also has an impact on the engine brake management and allows for the turning off of the rear ABS.

Changing all those settings while on the go (or even while stationary) might seem a bit complicated, but Yamaha devised a new switchgear to handle all that, and also provides a dedicated app for ease of access to the SP settings.

The 5-inch TFT screen fitted on the SP is the same as the one used on the standard MT-09, only in this case it comes with an exclusive Track theme. This one provides the rider with track-specific data, such as a lap timer.

This particular bike has the honor of becoming the "first Hyper Naked to feature Yamaha's Smart Key System." It allows for the bike to be started at a push of a button when a smart key is in the vicinity, but also allows for the locking and unlocking of the fuel tank.

Mechanically, the biggest changes compared to the standard variant come in the suspension department. The track-focused naked comes with 41 mm KYB forks and Ohlins monoshock with a higher spring rate. A brushed aluminum swingarm specifically devised for the SP can be seen at the rear.

Braking power has been improved with the inclusion of new Brembo Stylema calipers and larger diameter pistons.

Yamaha did not say when the new MT-09 SP will become available for purchase, and it did not make any mention of pricing. For that, customers will have to get in contact with Yamaha dealers.

We do know the range will include the normal version, but also a detuned variant for A2 license holders. The two-wheeler will only be available in a single color scheme called Icon Performance. It's a combination of silver, black, and blue that's meant to be a nod to the "most advanced high-performance production Yamaha ever built," the mighty YZF-R1M.

A series of dedicated accessories and apparel, including hoodies, T-shirts, beanies, and riding gear, have also been devised to accompany the bike onto the market.