2024 Yamaha MT-09 Review – Dark Knight Returns with a Vengeance

If the Yamaha MT-09 had been maroon, it would have resembled Transformers meets Iron Man because it is a motorcycle with a face similar to Iron Man’s helmet. However, the Triumph Street Triple RS prefers maroon, and guess what? The MT-09 is targeting that bike.

Although the MT-09 has been attacking Triumph’s amiable, bug-eyed nude for some time, its fourth attempt is more serious than you might imagine. Its goal is to stab the Street Triple in the pocket, on the track, on the road, and possibly even in design.

Design: A Face Only Tony Stark Could Love

For 2024, Yamaha has elevated the MT series’ audacious design philosophy. The MT-09 looks better in black than blue, in contrast to most Yamahas; after all, Yamaha likes to refer to it as the “dark side of Japan,” and this new model elevates that design concept to a whole new level. Given that we are discussing superheroes, do you recall the MT-09, which was introduced in India and was heavily influenced by Batman? It seems as though it swapped the helmet for Tony Stark’s.

It has a robotic, almost threatening glare that contrasts with the Street Triple’s organic appearance thanks to its twin-eye LED headlights, vertical DRLs, and simple bodywork. The MT-09 feels more like a raw, fight club member and less sophisticated. The Yamaha is all about newly discovered Japanese ferocity, while the Triumph radiates British refinement.

The MT-09 maintains its sleek and aggressive appearance thanks to its exposed frame, contoured tank, and simple tail section. This bike is not for you if you appreciate nuance. As previously mentioned, the MT-09 is not a bike that will blend in with the crowd. With its muscular lines and distinctive minimalist design, it’s an extrovert on two wheels.

Features: No Nonsense, All Business

In order to keep the MT-09 focused on what truly matters—riding—Yamaha has prudently refrained from packing it with extra features. Nevertheless, it has much of contemporary technology. The interface of the color TFT display is crisp and bright, giving users quick access to all the important information. It fits the bike’s simple aesthetic because it isn’t bigger than necessary.

You may customize the bike’s behavior with a variety of riding modes, traction control, and a standard quick-shifter, among other rider aids. On paper, the MT-09’s package feels more like a toolset for the urban jungle, whereas the Street Triple RS may brag about its track-ready setup and sophisticated electronics. However, the MT-09 is equally as explosive on the track, as seen by our ride on the flowing Sodegaura Forest Raceway outside Tokyo. For this reason, it is compared to the Street Triple RS rather than the R. The electronics have been cleverly adjusted by Yamaha to improve rather than detract from the riding experience. A fully adjustable KYB suspension completes the configuration for the majority of its target audience—the type that loves back-alley fights over well-planned duels—and a 6-axis IMU keeps things neat on the track and on the road. It’s more than enough!

Ride and Handling: Ready for a Street Brawl

With fully adjustable KYB forks up front and an adjustable KYB monoshock at the back, Yamaha’s suspension system on the MT-09 strikes a balance between sporty handling and everyday comfort. This setup allows the bike to adapt to different riding conditions, though it’s obvious that the MT-09 is happiest when pushed hard. Out of the box, Yamaha prioritized performance over pure comfort, but you can set it up to your liking without needing any upgrades, which is a huge plus.

The bike can be thrown into curves with ease because to its lightweight and agile frame. Quick direction adjustments are possible without feeling jittery thanks to the MT-09’s crisp yet forgiving handling. The MT-09 is more akin to a well-honed axe—precise but slightly heavier—than the Street Triple RS, which feels like a dependable scalpel (pun intended) on winding roads. You can wrestle it through tight corners with plenty of leverage because to its broad handlebars and speed stability. Riding the bike on winding roads or through crowded city streets should be a delight because it feels planted and has great input from both ends.

The MT-09 SP, which has firmer KYB forks up front and an Öhlins shock absorber at the back, is likely to be more appealing to people who want to push the boundaries. I reiterate that this is a motorcycle that begs to be ridden aggressively, not pampered. When comparing the normal and SP, the setup was slightly tighter right out of the box, but the Brembo Stylema versus Advics brakes made the most impact.

I would have to drop anchor on the MT-09 at about 180 kmph because the Sodegaura circuit features a hump immediately after the 100 m brake marker on the start-finish straight. Because of the bite from the SP’s Brembo callipers and the fact that the bump didn’t alter the SP’s balance, I was able to brake at the 100-meter mark instead of having to start braking hard around the 150-meter mark on the conventional bike. Although the brakes are a huge plus, I’m sure that using the basic MT-09 suspension might assist get closer results!

However, the normal MT-09 will work perfectly for informal track days if you won’t be frequenting the track. The Advics brakes never became hairy, and there was no discernible fade.

CP3 Engine Performance: Litre-Class For The Masses

To put it plainly, Yamaha’s 890cc CP3 engine, which powers the MT-09, is an utter pleasure. One of Yamaha’s best features has always been this triple-cylinder engine, which has been improved for 2024. It produces a strong 119 horsepower, which is 9 horsepower less than the Street Triple RS but has higher torque. The MT-09’s power and torque are dialled in from as low as 3,500 rpm, but it’s not just about the numbers; it’s also about how they’re delivered.

Therefore, it would be an understatement to say that it is incredibly punchy, with a mid-range that, if you’re not careful, may kill you. The engines of the MT-09 feel like they were raised on the streets; they are harsh, merciless, and incredibly thrilling, in contrast to the engines of the R1 or R6, which seem to have been schooled in a dojo for years. It’s still more Dark Knight than Iron Man. Attacking a sequence of curves is enjoyable because to the razor-sharp throttle response.

The MT-09’s CP3 engine has a more visceral and raw character than the Triumph’s smooth and linear powerplant. You are reminded that this bike means business by the exhaust note, which is a deep, throaty growl that becomes a howl as the revs increase. You’ll find yourself opening the throttle only to experience the rush of power due to the addictive low-end torque!

MT-09 Y-AMT: The Sober Side of the Yammie

This bike has a more subdued side, much like any superhero. If Yamaha India decides to show you that side of the MT-09, it’s the Y-AMT variant, which has an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT), just like we’ve seen in vehicles for a long time. Both the clutch lever and the gear selector are eliminated, but the latter ought to have been added as an accessory at the very least. According to Yamaha, it is much more convenient to use in the city because the gear selections for a manual override are located on the handlebar.

However, Yamaha claims that the shifts are nearly as fast as the quick shifter on the standard model, and we would agree. A pass-light-style switch on the right cube allows you to flick between MT and AMT modes; the latter comes with a D mode for the city and a D+ mode for more spirited riding. The only reason to choose the Y-AMT model is convenience in city commutes because the bike will never stall, you never have to change gears, and even under emergency braking.

However, it is evident that the Y-AMT is intended for the more casual rider who values ease of use over performance. The AMT isn’t built for the fast-paced, thrilling riding this engine requires, as our test on the track quickly demonstrated. The AMT software frequently upshifts mid-corner in this situation, upsetting the bike and causing the revs to decrease just as you want to power out. Most riding schools would instruct you to keep a steady throttle through the bend and power out once you approach the apex. Similarly, the bike may not downshift “enough” as you brake down a straight to enter a curve, resulting in far wider lines and occasionally even hairy moments. Therefore, the Y-AMT can be a huge help if you just want to ride the streets without wanting to change gears and intense sport riding isn’t your thing.

Should the MT-09 Come Back to India?

Even if the new model were to make a comeback, it would undoubtedly be a niche product given the cost of the YZF-R3 and the older MT-09. The MT-09 would need to make a name for itself in contrast to the Street Triple RS, which already has a sizable fan base in India. Riders who like the rough-and-tumble character of the Yamaha over the more refined Triumph might find it appealing. It has a lot of soul, is much lighter than the Kawasaki Z900, and has an irresistible charm. The MT-09 may succeed in India if Yamaha can sell it successfully and set a competitive pricing. It would be a welcome addition to the Indian motorcycle scene simply because it’s a bike that should be ridden rather than merely admired.

Verdict

In summary, the 2024 Yamaha MT-09 is a statement rather than merely a return to form for Yamaha. A declaration that the “dark knight of the streets” has returned and is prepared to fight the best of them. The MT-09 is worth your consideration, regardless of whether you’re an experienced rider searching for new experiences or someone who just enjoys a well-made motorbike. It’s not flawless, but that’s part of its allure.