You do? Oh, that’s bloody fantastic, because we’re off to the 2017 Yamaha MT-09 press launch next weekend. For next season, Yamaha has jazzed up the already very decent MT-09 package with a clear view to a sportier, more refined ride, adding a dash of aesthetical pleasuring in the process.
It certainly looks sharper. There was a mild element of unfinished about the previous model and the new twin-eye LED setup looks stunning. And more Gucci. However, we’re not completely sold on the reg plate holder’s new housing and it’s already swayed internet opinion. The seat is also flatter and 5mm higher.
Perhaps the 09’s weakest area was the fairly budget suspension that lacked a quality, progressive stroke at the front. Yamaha has upgraded the 41mm forks, which are now fully adjustable and feature compression damping control in the left and rebound in the right tube. This should improve supernaked handling.
The MT’s engine has always been its focal attraction. Hideously fun and dangerously addictive, everything about the crossplane three-pot is exceptional – especially since Yamaha refined the ride-by-wire. The Euro4-compliant motor also gets a much-needed slipper clutch and a quickshifter pinched from the R1.
2017’s MT-09 is very much evolution over revolution, but Yamaha deems the changes extensive enough to host a wheelie-infested press launch. Got any questions? Either drop us a mail or leave a comment below, and we’ll do our best to provide some answers in an upcoming review vid…
