2023 Yamaha MT-09 Specs, Price, Top Speed & Reviews

The MT-09 is introduced to a sportier and more quality appearance this year – a direct inspiration from its other sibling, the MT-10 series models. Strokes of redesigns and special colors are brought to the table, with new additions of:

  • Dual LED lightings
  • Intake valve heads for impressive fuel efficiency
  • More ergonomic comfort seats
  • Redesigned hydraulic unit assembly
  • Sturdy port walls to support a signature feeling of agility
  • Fender repositioning (near the wheels this time). 
Yamaha MT-09 lifestyle

The front, adjustable suspensions also enjoy readjustments and add a little more weight to the total load. 

But other than its sleek black, mechanical beauty, the variations are small. Same engine, same technology construction, and even the same rebound damping; let’s see whether Yamaha Chip MT-09 undergoes bigger upgrades in the next year.


2023 Yamaha MT-09 Key Specs

  • Make: Yamaha
  • Model Year: 2023
  • Type: Hyper Naked
  • Color: Cyan Storm, Icon Blue, Tech Black
  • MSRP Price: $9,799
  • Warranty: 1-year limited factory warranty
  • Engine: 890cc
  • Power: 119 HP
  • Mileage: 47.6 mpg (20 km/l)
  • Transmission: 6-speed
  • Fuel Tank Capacity: 14 l (3.7 gal.)
  • Seat Height: 825 mm (32.48 in.)
  • Wet Weight: 189 kg (416.67 lb.)

2023 Yamaha MT-09 Specifications

Engine

Engine typeLiquid-cooled, 4-stroke, 4-valves, 3-Cylinder, DOHC
Displacement890cc
Power87,5 kW (119,0 PS) @ 10.000 rpm
Limited power versionA2 Version restricted – 35,0 kW (47,6 PS) @ 6.000 rpm A2 Version
Bore x stroke78,0 × 62,1 mm
Compression ratio11,5 : 1
Maximum Torque93,0 Nm (9,5 kg-m) @ 7.000 rpm
Lubrication systemWet sump
Ignition systemTCI
Starter systemElectric
Transmission systemConstant Mesh, 6-speed
Fuel consumption5,0 L/100 km
Clutch TypeWet, Multiple Disc
CO2 emission116 g/km
CarburettorElectronic Fuel Injection
Yamaha MT-09 engine

Chassis

FrameDiamond
Caster Angle25º
Trail108 mm
Front suspension systemTelescopic fork
Rear suspension systemSwingarm, link suspension
Front travel130 mm
Rear Travel122 mm
Front brakeHydraulic dual disc, Ø 298 mm
Rear brakeHydraulic single disc, Ø 245 mm
Front tire120/70 ZR17M/C (58W) Tubeless
Rear tire180/55 ZR17M/C (73W) Tubeless

Dimensions

Overall length2,090 mm (82.28 in.)
Overall width795 mm (31.30 in.)
Overall height1,190 mm (46.85 in.)
Seat height825 mm (32.48 in.)
Wheelbase1,430 mm (56.30 in.)
Minimum ground clearance140 mm (5.51 in.)
Wet Weight189 kg (416.67 lb.)
Fuel tank capacity14 L (3.7 gal.)
Oil tank capacity3.50 L (0.92 gal.)

Competitors

ModelPriceEngineTop Speed
2023 Triumph Street Triple$12,995765cc137 mph
2023 Kawasaki Z900$9,399 to $9,699937cc153 mph
2023 KTM 890 Duke$12,399889cc152 mph

2023 Yamaha MT-09 Features

Additional Features

Full LED Lighting

A compact bifunctional – low and high beam in one – LED headlight with excellent beam spread is featured on the MT-09. The edges of the beam have a softer contrast to be easy on the eyes while emitting a soft and even spread of illumination. Instead of the conventional “mono-focus” type headlight, this bike utilizes a projector design with a built-in internal lens in addition to the thick outer lens.

Since the MT-09 uses not one but multiple LEDs to produce light, it can project a complex distribution of illumination across a broad field. The position lights use LEDs and light-guides to create an impressive, distinctive front face design for the MT-09 while the turn signals and taillight are LED as well.

Next-Generation Design

With the MT-09 designers sought to better express the major advances made with the machine’s performance by visually accentuating the pure power of the bike. The minimalist design concept delivers an exterior with everything but the essentials stripped away to highlight lightness and agility while stimulating the rider’s senses.

Ready to Accessorize

A rear fender eliminator, fly screen, comfort seat, engine guards and more can all be added to the MT-09 to support and enhance the look of the bike.

Chassis/Suspension

Adjustable Riding Position

The riding position was designed to accommodate riders of varying physiques. The handlebars and footpegs can be adjusted to two different positions, allowing riders to set a position that gives them a secure feeling the moment they get on the bike. The handlebar clamps can be rotated 10mm forward, and the footpeg mounts can be raised 14mm higher as well as 4mm rearward.

Aluminum Die Cast Subframe

The MT-09 also employs a controlled filling aluminum die-cast subframe that reduces weight and further contributes to the model’s signature feeling of agility.

Braking for Sporty Riding

To support more spirited, sporty riding, the MT-09’s state-of-the-art brake features a radial Nissin master cylinder for the front brake. The piston in the master cylinder moves in a direction parallel to brake lever travel, contributing to a more linear supply of hydraulic pressure for excellent controllability.

High Performance KYB® Front Fork & KYB® Rear Shock

The MT-09 features an 41mm KYB® inverted front fork with optimized settings to match the character of the compact frame for a smoother, more controlled ride. These settings slightly reduce movement in the pitch direction but make it easier for the rider to feel the suspension working while riding. Both the front and rear suspension are adjustable for preload and rebound damping while the front fork is also adjustable for compression.

Lightweight Aluminum Frame

The MT-09 features an advanced, lightweight aluminum frame refined to showcase the MT’s signature agility. To ensure both straight-line stability and handling performance, the balance of longitudinal, lateral and torsional rigidity are all carefully considered and finely tuned. The frame is manufactured using the latest in Yamaha’s controlled filling (CF) die casting technology which contributes to the MT-09 being one of the lightest bikes in its class at just 417 pounds.

Lightweight Spin Forged Aluminum Wheels

The MT-09 employs lightweight wheels. Manufactured using Yamaha-exclusive spinforging technology, these wheels contribute to outstanding handling. With a notable 11% decrease in the momentum of inertia at the rear, these wheels make for a big contribution to the MT-09’s agile handling character.

Lightweight, High-Rigidity Swingarm

The swingarm uses a welded box shape of aluminum plate to achieve both high rigidity and light weight. The MT-09’s swingarm pivot structure connects to the frame from the outside. The exceptional chassis and thorough engineering of the shapes of parts and components around the seat, provide the MT-09’s slim feel while still delivering outstanding straight-line stability at high speeds with greater cornering stability.

Electronics

Advanced Six-Axis IMU

The MT-09 features an advanced six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) that retains the base performance of proven IMU in the YZF-R1 but is 50% smaller and 40% lighter due to a thorough review of the sensor layout. The engine control unit (ECU) that receives and reflects the data from the IMU is equipped with three rider aids: a Traction Control System (TCS), Slide Control System (SCS) and front-wheel LIFt control system (LIF).

All three systems work together to help the rider concentrate on riding to better extract the machine’s potential. Each of the systems can also be turned on or off and have their levels of intervention adjusted to preference. With this best-in-class electronic control technology, the MT-09 gives you the ultimate control in varying weather and surface conditions.

Brake Control System with ABS

With the Brake Control (BC) system, data for the front and rear wheel speed as well as data from the IMU is compiled and calculated in real-time in the hydraulic unit assembly (including the ABS control unit) to independently control and modulate the front and rear brake pressure.

The rider can select between two intervention modes: BC1 and BC2. BC1 is a standard ABS-active mode that accommodates hard emergency braking in upright, straight-line braking conditions while BC2 controls the brake pressure in addition to ABS and operates in situations where machine behavior is likely to become unsettled, such as unavoidable panic braking mid-corner.

Full-Color 3.5-inch TFT Instrument Display

The MT-09 comes equipped with a 3.5-inch full-color TFT display featuring a bar-type tachometer that changes colors as rpm rises or falls, a clock and displays for remaining fuel, average mileage, water temperature, air temperature and a gearshift indicator (color reversed for gear in use). Easily switch between displays and information with the handlebar switches.

Lean Angle-Sensitive Traction Control System

The Traction Control System (TCS) detects the difference in speed between the front and rear wheels and helps to efficiently extract drive force from the rear tire during acceleration. The TCS on the MT-09 uses this data for the lean angle, estimated by the IMU to adjust the degree of intervention by the TCS. As the lean angle increases, so does the amount of TCS intervention (1 = little intervention; 2 = moderate intervention; 3 = strong intervention).

Lift Control System (LIF)

The LIFt Control System (LIF) smooths the machine’s behavior during starts and acceleration. When the IMU predicts front-wheel lift, the system adjusts the engine’s output to compensate and assist the rider. On the MT-09, the system settings are focused on providing smooth behavior once the intervention ceases. The LIFt system’s intervention is set up to work together with the other rider aids, and with Mode M, the level of intervention can be chosen manually by the rider.

MotoGP®-Developed Slide Control System (SCS)

The MT-09 features the Slide Control System (SCS), just like the one on the acclaimed YZF-R1. When the IMU predicts that a sideward slide is occurring at the rear tire, the SCS responds by adjusting the power output to help the rider focus on riding. The degree of intervention is pre-set for the TCS with Mode 1 and Mode 2, but Mode M allows for the level of intervention to be selected or for the system to be turned off.

Quick Shift System for Clutchless Upshifts & Downshifts

The QSS on the MT-09 enhances the sport riding experience by enabling super-fast upshifts for outstanding acceleration. The downshift allows for smoother shifting that stabilizes the chassis – even when cornering – and gives a more controlled feeling when decelerating. When the sensor on the shift rod detects movement in the gearshift pedal, adjustments are made in the engine output according to ECU calculations to instantly cancel out the drive torque of the engaged gear to promote swifter shifting of gears.

Ride-by-Wire YCC-T Throttle System with APSG

The MT-09’s Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) electronically governs the throttle valves, but unlike the system on former models that use a cable to relay throttle inputs via a pulley, the MT-09 features an Accelerator Position Sensor Grip (ASPG) ride-by-wire unit that reduces weight while providing excellent throttle feel at the same time. With the APSG, the degree of throttle opening is detected by a sensor and magnet and reflected with signals to the throttle valve motor.

For good operational feel, the APSG is comprised of a spring, slider and gear and produces varying degrees of friction (resistance) to recreate a natural throttle feel during use. The construction of the APSG for the MT-09 is the same as the one on the YZF-R1/R1M, but has model-specific settings for the degree of friction and throttle opening.

Rider-Supporting Traction Control System

The Traction Control System (TCS) has three modes: Mode 1, Mode 2 and Mode M for manual settings. Each mode integrates the three rider support systems by changing the degree of intervention for the TCS, SCS and LIF all at once. With Mode M, the user can select his/her preferred levels of intervention for the TCS, SCS and LIF individually.

Engine

Assist & Slipper Clutch

The MT-09 features an Assist and Slipper (A&S) clutch for a lighter clutch lever pull and smoother chassis behavior during downshifts.

Efficient Fuel Delivery System

The fuel delivery system features fuel injectors attached to the throttle valve side of the throttle bodies. The injectors spray at the back of the intake valve heads to promote atomization of the fuel and reduce adhesion of fuel particles to the port walls, producing outstanding combustion efficiency. The throttle valve is operated using the Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) electronic system which has been widely proven on YZF series models as well as the earlier MT-09 models.

Fracture-Split Connecting Rods

The forged connecting rods are made using the fracture-split method—where the big-end ring of the connecting rod is purposefully fractured and then reassembled—to ensure an unparalleled degree of manufacturing accuracy. This creates a pair of perfectly matching halves that produce a much more precise mating surface when the rods are bolted together again around the crankshaft.

Intake System Tuned for Sound & Performance

The intake system provides linear response when the rider opens and closes the throttle. The three intake ducts also contribute to the excellent engine sound at midrange and high rpm. These ducts are designed with different cross sections and lengths so that the intake sounds they produce individually resonate harmoniously at varying wavelength ranges. At the same time, the sound pressure has also been tuned to create a pleasing sound in the mid- and high-rpm range. The result is an air cleaner box that achieves both good intake efficiency and a pleasing sound that enhances the feeling of acceleration.

Lightweight Forged Pistons

The lightweight forged pistons allow for smooth, high-revving power.

Offset & Direct-Plated Cylinders

The CP3 engine mounts its three cylinder bores forward, towards the exhaust side. This offset reduces the piston to cylinder wall friction, creating more power and improved fuel economy while the direct-plated ceramic-composite cylinder bores provide excellent heat dissipation and reduced friction.

Optimized Transmission Ratios

The transmission ratios have been optimized, with the gear ratios for 1st and 2nd gear slightly higher than on previous generation MT-09s (1st gear: from 2.666 to 2.571; 2nd gear: from 2.000 to 1.947). Working in combination with the increased momentum of inertia of the crankshaft and the fuel injection settings, the transmission provides the right balance of a powerful torque feeling and ease of use, from acceleration to stopping.

Powerful 890cc Liquid-Cooled Three-Cylinder DOHC Fuel-Injected Engine

The MT-09 features the renowned 890cc liquid-cooled CP3 engine. Bore and stroke of 78 mm × 62.1 mm and an 11.5:1 compression ratio provide outstanding torque with thrilling power delivery characteristics. The combination of exceptional combustion efficiency and light weight results in an impressive 49 MPG.

Symmetrical Muffler with Dual Outlets

The muffler on the MT-09 contributes to a lower overall weight and mass centralization, but also produces a low-frequency exhaust note at low speeds. The exhaust tailpipes are left-right symmetrical which directs sound pressure to both sides of the machine, creating an exhaust note that delivers a sense of torque to the rider. Stainless steel header pipes are each given a different curvature and length for an excellent pulse effect.

Top Features

Advanced Six-Axis IMU

The MT-09 features an advanced six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) that retains the base performance of proven IMU in the YZF-R1 but is 50% smaller and 40% lighter due to a thorough review of the sensor layout. The engine control unit (ECU) that receives and reflects the data from the IMU is equipped with three rider aids: a Traction Control System (TCS), Slide Control System (SCS) and front-wheel LIFt control system (LIF).

All three systems work together to help the rider concentrate on riding to better extract the machine’s potential. Each of the systems can also be turned on or off and have their levels of intervention adjusted to preference. With this best-in-class electronic control technology, the MT-09 gives you the ultimate control in varying weather and surface conditions.

Full-Color 3.5-inch TFT Instrument Display

The MT-09 comes equipped with a 3.5-inch full-color TFT display featuring a bar-type tachometer that changes colors as rpm rises or falls, a clock and displays for remaining fuel, average mileage, water temperature, air temperature and a gearshift indicator (color reversed for gear in use). Easily switch between displays and information with the handlebar switches.

Lightweight Aluminum Frame

The MT-09 features an advanced, lightweight aluminum frame refined to showcase the MT’s signature agility. To ensure both straight-line stability and handling performance, the balance of longitudinal, lateral and torsional rigidity are all carefully considered and finely tuned. The frame is manufactured using the latest in Yamaha’s controlled filling (CF) die casting technology which contributes to the MT-09 being one of the lightest bikes in its class at just 417 pounds.

Next-Generation Design

With the MT-09 designers sought to better express the major advances made with the machine’s performance by visually accentuating the pure power of the bike. The minimalist design concept delivers an exterior with everything but the essentials stripped away to highlight lightness and agility while stimulating the rider’s senses.

Powerful 890cc Liquid-Cooled Three-Cylinder DOHC Fuel-Injected Engine

The MT-09 features the renowned 890cc liquid-cooled CP3 engine providing outstanding torque with thrilling power delivery characteristics, all while achieving an impressive fuel efficiency of 49 MPG.

Performance and Handling: Detailed Settings

2023 Yamaha MT-09 Top Speed

Its highest rate is a respectable 147.9 MPH, easily achieved under 10,000 RPM (head gear) or 4th gear at rev limiters.

Nevertheless, reports from other members of our experiment team report numerous ECU restrictions in some MT-09 models, which makes the bike stop dead at top gear. They can only reach 130 MPH in those cases. Plus, poor rider protections and less-than-stellar aerodynamics make it a big No to go over the top with your RPMs. 

Yamaha MT-09 top speed

If you still wish to increase the velocity, we suggest equipping yourself with aftermarket protection and faring (a bit costly, but worth it). Getting to 150+ should be quite a breeze. 

But at the end of the day, remember that MT-09 is not just about top speed. Its base performance excels most riders’ expectations regarding power engine usage, allowing effective acceleration from both in-gear and stops – and that’s exactly what we need. There might be naked bikes with larger capacities and more offerings, but few can be as exciting as this hooligan-orientated beast.  

Comparing MT-09 with MT-10 (or even 1290 Duke from KTM0 is unfair, as they come straight from another motorbike class. It would be more accurate to pitch MT-09 against the KTM 890s/ 790 Duke, Brutale & Dragster 800s, or Kawasaki Z900 – and we are delighted to inform you its overall speed can easily hold against those same-range rivals. 

Acceleration

Given that you have enough skills to manage these wheelies while getting hard on the gasoline, we can assure you Richs Yamaha MT-09 is quite a performer in its class. It starts powering up right from the first tick-over gear and delivers consistent, single pushes through 40 MPH (2nd gear) with zero hesitation. 

A fun launch from the dig, though we admit such aggressive designs make it a bit difficult to achieve perfect starts upon hard launching. Your best bet to get those optimum timings is to leave off the electronic aids; the equipped i-90 Motorsports TCS is quite basic anyways, whose intrusive flow can cut power and hurt your traction control system in one or two first gears. 

Let’s dive further into all the numbers:

  • With reduced degree of intervention and advanced six-axis IMU, Matte Raven Black MT-09 accelerates from 0 to 60 MPH within only 2.95 seconds from 1st gear – an impressive feat.
  • It scorches straight to 100 MPH from 0 MPH in 5.82 seconds without letting up. Considering it produces half the power of other liter bikes on the marketplace, this rate is insane and can even be regarded as class-leading. 
  • Keep feeding its engaged gears/single shock, and the bike completes a quarter of a mile below the 11-second mark at approximately 129 MPH. Some of our testers are not even competent riders, only average; imagine what experienced users could achieve with this class electronic MT-09.

Hence, while acceleration rates vary across different users, mid-10-second runs are more than doable for most, guaranteed they are accompanied by perfect surface conditions, launches, and riders’ jockey weight. The bike utilizes its crossplane engine (890cc) and compression ratio (11.5:1) to the max degree, ensuring you can handle most velocity and speed issues at peak fuel economy. 

Braking and Handling

For sportier and more spirited riding, the motorbike arrives with Nissin radial master cylinders installed at its front brake. Its cylinder piston movements align well with the throttle bodies and adjustable preloads, leading to more linear hydraulic disc pressure and a higher-performing engine control unit.

Yamaha MT-09 wheels

Your controllability, fuel delivery, lean angle increases, and linear response will be unbeatable.

Even better, the QSS supports wilder rides thanks to the super-fast upshift systems and shock absorbers, paving the way for remarkable speed-ups. Likewise, the downshifts allow smoother shifting and more exceptional chassis – even at mid-corner – to lend you ultimate control and excellent pulse during deceleration/relaxed riding. 

2023 MT-09: A Brief Review

Though we appreciate the design updates, their feels and mass centralization do not differ much from the 2022 versions; keep sticking to your latest MT-09 if you already bought one or had pre-owned models.  

Once you get the hang of the fuel injectors and natural throttle valve motors, MT0-09 rewards those sweat equities with major advances in track-cutting agility. It hugs the line gently, with handle systems blurring the boundaries between lateral rigidity and fluidity. 

Sadly, we can’t have everything: such fleeting-footed performance becomes both its power and supply constraints. Occasionally, twitchy tendencies pop their ugly head at inappropriate instances: corner exits. You have to keep an eye on the slipper clutch more intently than ever. 

Worse, under heavy speed-ups, MT-09 front ends may loft despite your usage intention. While adventurous souls – or fans of fun bike center – find such unpredictability entertaining (yes, that’s our confession), others regard them as horror. Be careful about what you go in for. 

Furthermore, activating the wicks onto straight caused power wheelies, throttle-chopping shakes, and less than outstanding torque. 

Our team members do not particularly prioritize speeds over stunting/torsional rigidity, so we have no problems with that. For electronic riders that put velocity above everything, though, other bike options with longer wheelbases (and straight-line stability) will be a more applicable offer than MT-09.

2023 Yamaha MT-09 Photos & Videos

Photos

Yamaha MT-09 exterior 1
Yamaha MT-09 driving 1
Yamaha MT-09 driving
Yamaha MT-09 action 1
Yamaha MT-09 action 2
Yamaha MT-09 exterior
Yamaha MT-09 dashboard

Videos

NEW 2023 YAMAHA MT 09 _ Very sporty design


*Disclaimer: The prices mentioned in this article may vary depending on the dealership and location. Additionally, the specifications mentioned, such as horsepower and top speed, may vary from different sources as they are often tested under different conditions.


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Daniel Barker

Motorcyclist

Daniel Barker was introduced to racing in 2006 when he experienced his first track day on his Suzuki sv650. With more than 15 years of experience on his track. Daniel is known as for his high-energy riding, drifting, precision stoppies and technical riding ability on virtually any motorcycle.


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