[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/38228547146/[/flickr]
Straight-line stability is amazing even up to double ton digits
Riding Dynamics – The riding modes are a gem but the best hardware on assist is the 3-levels of switchable traction control. At maximum intrusion – level 2, both the wheels stay on the road with wheelie and traction control staying on. This mode is the best for riding in the twisties or complete tarmac or even touring. At minimum intrusion – level 1, wheelie control goes shut and this is the most fun to ride mode as you can go one wheel while having good control on it. However, the upright riding posture does not help much for dedicated riding but it’s perfect for leisure riding and timely fun. It also becomes an advantage if anyone wants to go off-road but the traction control has to be shut – level off.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/24412368358/[/flickr]
The MT-09 is a do all you can, fun filled motorcycle
The motorcycle is so nimble & flickable, you feel you are riding a sub-500cc
Equipped with Bridgestone Battlax tyres with a 120-section front and a 180-section rear, the tyres grip really well and provide amazing straight-line stability. The confidence to corner is not the best but it’s easy to find a racing line and follow it. At the front, there’s pair of 298 mm discs with monocoque 4-piston callipers and a 245 mm single disc is placed at the rear with a single pot calliper. With 70-30 braking, the feedback is amazing and the bike stops! Both the 41 mm USD front forks and rear monoshock have adjustable preload and rebound giving a plush ride and comfortable ride all the time. Pillion comfort is not compromised but during long distance riding, the pillion stays cramped as the pillion footpegs are too high and there’s nothing to grab onto.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/37572456564/[/flickr]
Yamahas always get the sleekest tail design ever
Verdict – The Yamaha MT-09 is a perfect upgrade for anyone moving up from a light-weight or a middle-weight motorcycle to a fun-to-ride powerful street bike. This Japanese street-fighter makes complete sense to those looking for day touring, regular commuting and even fun riding. It’s been almost a year and a half this motorbike was launched in India and this is the first MT-09 iteration. By the time this review goes live, Yamaha has already got the 2018 version out. The newer version has the same heart as this one, only that it looks much more aggressive.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/26507707039/[/flickr]
The LED tail-light and the rear fender look like an extra addition
What’s Cool
* Comfortable and a really plush ride quality
* Naked and simple design yet grabs lot of attention
* Most compact engine in its class due to cross-plane motor
* Perfect dynamics for both street and supermoto riding
What’s Not So Cool
* Due to the naked design there is extreme amount of windblast
* Placement of the keyhole which is too forward, feels ergonomically flawed
* Pillion sits comfortably but the higher rear footpegs make the posture cramped
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/37572447094/[/flickr]
Riding the MT-09 is like riding a more powerful Duke 390
Yamaha MT-09 Specifications
* Engine: 847cc, Liquid-Cooled, Cross-Plane, Inline-3
* Power: 115 BHP @ 10,500 RPM
* Torque: 87.5 Nm @ 8,500 RPM
* Transmission: 6-speed Constant Mesh with Slipper Assist
* Fuel Type: Petrol
* Frame: CF-Diecast Aluminium Frame
* Suspension: 41 mm USD Forks (Front), Progressive Link Hydraulic (Rear), Adjustable Preload and Rebound
* Tyres: 120/70/17 (Front), 180/55/17 (Rear)
* Brakes: 298 mm Dual Discs (Front), 245 mm Disc (Rear), ABS
Yamaha MT-09 Dimensions
* Length x Width x Height: 2075 mm x 815 mm x 1135 mm
* Wheelbase: 1440 mm
* Ground Clearance: 135 mm
* Seat Height: 815 mm
* Fuel Tank Capacity: 14-litres
* Kerb weight: 188 kgs
[wp-review id=”204903″]
