Yamaha MT09 MT09SP History

Yamaha MT-09 history

The Yamaha MT-09SP is a street bike from Yamaha's MT series. It features a liquid-cooled four-stroke 12-valve DOHC inline-three engine with a displacement of 847-890 cc (51.7-54.3 cu in) and a cross-plane crankshaft, as well as a lightweight cast alloy frame. Since 2018, the bike has been known as the MT-09 in all markets. The MT-09 is in competition with other popular street motorcycles like the Triumph Street Triple, Kawasaki Z900, and MV Agusta Brutale 800. Yamaha aimed to revive its reputation for innovation with the MT-09, as it had lost ground in recent years. Product manager Shun Miyazawa stated that Yamaha considered various engine types, including parallel twins, inline-threes, inline-fours, and V-twins, but ultimately decided that the inline-three engine provided the best combination of power, torque, and low weight. Miyazawa compared the MT-09 to the Triumph Street Triple, stating that while the Street Triple was a streetfighter, the Yamaha MT09 MT09SP History was a "roadster motard."

The MT-09 boasts a lightweight alloy frame and double-sided swingarm, each cast in two pieces for optimal durability. The frame is bolted together at both the headstock and rear, while the swingarm is welded together from its parts. Notably, the MT-09 is the first Yamaha motorcycle since the XS750 and XS850 to sport an in-line-three engine, a departure from the earlier shaft-driven models produced between 1976 and 1981.

The MT-09 underwent various upgrades in 2017, which included fully adjustable suspension, antilock brakes, traction control, a slipper clutch, LED headlights, and a revamped appearance. In October 2020, the MT-09 received yet another update, with a larger engine that now measures 890 cc (54 cu in).