The Yamaha MT-09 SP takes the already impressive base-spec MT-09 and elevates it to a new level of performance and technology while throwing in a dash of bling. Priced at $20,799 ride away, the MT-09 SP will set you back $3400 more than the $17,399 MT-09, but it’s packed with additional hardware and electronics that justify the price difference for those after a sportier nakedbike.

For sure, the base MT-09 (AMCN Vol 74 No 04) is a ripper bike, but the additional gear on the SP takes it to a new level. While the heart of the SP is the same Yamaha CP3 890cc inline triple found in the base MT-09, in the same state of tune, the SP’s electronics package has been upgraded. In addition to Rain, Street, Sport and two Custom modes, there are four Track modes that offer two engine brake management settings and the option to switch off the rear ABS. Your chosen track settings can be stored for different circuits and/or conditions.

Claimed peak output from the CP3 engine is 87.5kW (113hp) at 10,000rpm and 93Nm at 7000rpm. There is a usable spread of torque across the rev range so you can lazily poke around town without changing gears. But get out of town, let the triple off its leash and it surges forward with a howl from the dual-outlet exhaust and a scream from the acoustic amplifier grilles atop the fuel tank. Revs climb so quickly you’re looking for the next cog before you know it. 

The third-generation Quick Shift System (QSS) adds to the aural symphony, with a little bark from the exhaust each time it cuts the ignition as you snick another gear. This quickshifter really is one of the best in the business, and working your way up and down the ratios is pure joy.

The mode settings are easy to access, thanks to a button on the right switchblock, and you can dive into any of these via the controls on the left switchblock to adjust various parameters. These include levels of intervention for the Traction Control System (TCS), Slide Control System (SCS), front wheel Lift Control System (LIF) and a two-mode Brake Control System. All of these can be switched off too, but in the case of LIF you can’t assign ‘off’ to a mode, so it’s either on or off all the time until you go into settings and change it. As for the rear ABS, if you switch that off in the settings, it will default to on every time you restart the bike.

Of course, you’re only going to switch off LIF and rear ABS for fanging around or for trackdays, but fanging around really is the SP’s raison d’etre, and it’s bloody good at it! Having said that, if you flick it back to Rain or Road mode, it exhibits exemplary on-road manners; it really can switch between daily commuter and trackday weapon like Jekyll and Hyde.

Up front, the SP runs a 41mm KYB fork with adjustable preload, rebound, and both high- and low-speed compression damping. As well as offering impressive performance, the fork looks schmick, with Öhlins-esque gold sliders and a black Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating on the tubes, the latter claimed to also offer optimum sliding characteristics and response. 

Down the back there’s a fully adjustable Öhlins shock with remote preload adjuster for quick and easy changes; so easy, in fact, that you can reach down behind your right leg while riding and adjust the preload to suit conditions. 

Front and rear suspension travel is identical to the MT-09 with 130mm up front and 117mm at the rear, but the SP’s spring rates are firmer. Despite this, on-road compliance is still impressive. I took a wrong turn on test and ended up on some atrocious roads but the SP took everything in its stride, not deflecting off line even over some severely messed-up bitumen. 

Front-end feel is fantastic and you soon find yourself braking later and pushing harder and harder into corners. The Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 rubber never missed a beat on test, and would no doubt be a decent tyre for occasional trackdays. There’s plenty of ground clearance so you can really crank the SP over without grounding the long hero knobs… and that’s on the lowest of the two footpeg settings.

The SP brake package is also a step up on the MT-09, with Brembo Stylema calipers gripping 298mm discs up front. Brake feel is excellent and requires little effort at the lever, meaning one- or two-finger braking is easy if that’s your thing, while both the brake and clutch levers are span adjustable. As well as being able to switch off the rear ABS, you can go into the settings and choose between cornering ABS and normal ABS. The Brake Control System uses data from the IMU and wheel-speed sensors to independently control and modulate the front and rear brake pressure. 

The Back Slip Regulator sends torque to the rear wheel when braking hard to prevent it locking up, and the Engine Brake Management System (EBM) controls the level of engine braking when closing the throttle or when downshifting during track riding. On the road you can’t really feel any of this tech working but there’s no doubt the SP’s braking performance and feel is impressive.

Although it’s on the small side, the new five-inch colour TFT has all the info you need. It can be tailored to display different data, and there are five different themes to choose from, including a Track theme unique to the SP. You can connect your phone and headset via Bluetooth using Yamaha’s Y-Connect app to take calls or listen to music. There’s turn-by-turn navigation via the Garmin StreetCross app but I had a few issues connecting my phone (which could have been user error), hence the aforementioned wrong turn on the test loop.

 

On a practical front, I love the SP’s keyless ignition system. There’s an ignition dial where a key would normally be inserted and it operates and locks the steering just as you would do with a keyed ignition. And you don’t need a key to open the fuel tank – brilliant! 

The rider’s seat is comfy for long stints but the 14L fuel tank will see you needing to refill short of 300 clicks. 

You could throw a pillion on the back of the SP, but they’d want to hang on tight because the seat is small, the ’pegs are high and there’s not a lot to hang on to. 

Despite the tiny LED headlight, there’s plenty of light for nighttime riding.

Whether you’re a fan of the overall angular stying of the MT-09 SP or not, there’s no denying there’s plenty beauty in the detail, including that trick-looking black DLC coating on the fork, the lovely sculpted and polished swingarm, and the hidden twin exhaust exits beneath the bike. The fit and finish is top notch.

The big question is whether the SP is worth $3400 more than the base MT-09, which is a fantastic nakedbike in its own right. I reckon there are enough upgrades on the SP to justify the price premium, especially for experienced riders who will be able to make the most of them, and who want to ride on the track.  

PROS: Ripper engine, sweet handling chassis and effective electronics package.

CONS: Wheelie control on/off can’t be assigned to custom modes and TFT display is on the small side.

 

THE COMPETITION

Triumph Speed Triple 765 RS

95.6kW (130hp)/80Nm
188kg (wet)
$20, 890 ride away

Ducati Monster SP

$23,200 ride away
82kW (111hp)/93Nm
177kg (wet)
$23,400 ride away

KTM 990 Duke

91.7kW (123hp)/103Nm
179kg (wet)
$20,290 ride away

Yamaha MT-09 SP

87.5kW (113hp)/93Nm
194kg (wet)
$20,799 ride away

SPECIFICATIONS

ENGINE
Capacity 890cc
Type Inline triple-cylinder, DOHC, four valves per cylinder
Bore & stroke 78mm x 62.1mm
Compression ratio 11.5:1
Cooling Liquid
Fueling EFI, Mikuni throttle bodies
Transmission Six-speed
Clutch Wet, multi-plate, slipper
Final drive Chain

PERFORMANCE
Power 87.5kW (117hp)  @ 10,000rpm (claimed)
Torque 93Nm @ 7000rpm (claimed)
Top speed 240km/h (claimed)
Fuel consumption 4.6L/100km (measured)

ELECTRONICS
Type Not given
Rider aids Cornering Traction Control System (TCS), Slide Control System (SCS), front wheel Lift Control System (LIF), Back Slip Regulator (BSR) and Brake Control System (BC); quickshifter
Rider modes Sport, Street, Rain and 2 x Custom modes, 4 x Track modes

CHASSIS
Frame material Aluminium
Frame type Twin-spar
Rake 24.7°
Trail 108mm
Wheelbase 1430mm

SUSPENSION
Type KYB
Front: 41mm upside-down fork, fully adjustable, 130mm travel
Rear: Monoshock, fully adjustable, 117mm travel

WHEELS & BRAKES
Wheels Spin-forged aluminium
Front: 17 x 3.5
Rear: 17 x 5.5
Tyres Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23
Front: 120/70R17 (58W)
Rear: 180/55R17 (73W)
Brakes Brembo, cornering ABS
Front: Twin 298mm discs, four-piston monoblock calipers
Rear: Single 245mm disc, single-piston caliper

DIMENSIONS
Weight 194kg (wet, claimed)
Seat height 825mm
Width  820mm
Height 1145mm
Length 2090mm
Ground clearance 140mm
Fuel capacity 14L

SERVICING & WARRANTY
Servicing First: 1000km
Minor: 10,000km
Major: 20,000km
Warranty Two years, unlimited km

BUSINESS END
Price $20,799 (ride away)
Colour options Icon Performance 

CONTACT
www.yamaha-motor.com.au