2021 Yamaha MT-09 Review | MC Commute

Yamaha’s always driven a hard bargain with its FZ turned MT-09 naked bike. But with the third-iteration, the Tuning Fork triple really hits its stride. Featuring extra power, electronics, sport handling, and overall refinement, the 2021 MT-09 ($9,399) is a middleweight-plus-size street bike that you should consider riding.

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There are a lot of things working for the MT-09, but the bigger 890cc CP3 inline-three remains the highlight. With its added piston stroke the powerband is wider with plenty of oomph as the clutch is released. So much so that first and second gear are taller.

Hard on the throttle the engine impresses with its rowdy note and induction roar that sounds almost identical to the Hinkley brand’s triple. Nice.

But this version is smoother with less engine vibration. Herky-jerky throttle response is a thing of the past and the throttle mapping is as accurate as ride-by-wire bikes come these days. YZF-R1-sourced traction, slide and wheelie control are standard and easily manipulated via the handlebar-mounted switch gear.

The ergonomics are balanced and a good compromise between upright comfort and sport appeal. The seat is nice and comfy too. Riders who desire extra cornering clearance can raise the position of the footpegs.

A 3.5-inch color TFT display keeps tabs on it all, including the 3.7-gallon fuel tank. During the course of our test ride we registered 41 mpg at a mostly spirited pace. Crisp fonts and easy menu navigation make it easy to monitor settings, however the screen size could be larger.

Weighing in at a claimed 417 pounds with fuel, the MT-09 is easy to ride. It feels more nimble than it is, considering its engine displacement. The suspension continues to do a fine job of filtering bumps yet offers more support at speed through corners. The chassis is more planted than we remember and the grip provided from the OE-fitted Bridgestone Battlax S22 tires is excellent. Full suspension damping adjustment is now standard so you can tweak handling.

Triple disc hydraulic brakes shed speed and offer more lever feel courtesy of the R1-sourced radial master cylinder. Adjustable-level ABS is also standard, with cornering function (BC2 mode). It’s a functional braking package that matches the acceleration and handling performance of the MT well.

With the introduction of the ’21 MT-09, Yammie’s triple-cylinder naked bike arrives at adulthood. The previous squawks, including somewhat mushy handling and synthetic throttle response, are erased and the new version has much better synergy between each component. This nets a motorcycle that’s as practical as it is fun to ride. And the best part, it won’t break the bank owning it.

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Photography: Joseph Agustin

Video/edit: ‪@AdamWaheed‬

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