2022 Yamaha MT-09

Naked aggression

It’s hard to believe but at one time naked motorcycles were considered the exclusive playground for street terrorizing hooligans and if you ever saw one out and about you would just shake your head with a disdainful “tut-tut” under your breath. As the popularity of these machines grew manufacturers jumped on the bandwagon and started releasing their own stripped-down street machines. In 2014 Yamaha unleashed the MT-09 onto the public, and it was an instant success.

Now in its third generation, the new MT-09 for the 2022 year builds on that legacy, you now get a sharper, more aggressive machine that is equipped with the latest technology to make your hooligan dreams come true. We arranged a test with the super friendly guys over at Linex Yamaha in Randburg and found that despite its more grown-up delivery, the MT-09 is still in a class of its own when it comes to carving up the city streets.

Style

At first glance, it doesn’t look like much has changed with the new model but stand back and look long enough, and you will begin to see where and what Yamaha has changed. Decked out in its signature Icon Blue and gray paintwork the MT is unmistakable. I have to admit that I am not a fan of the headlight arrangement, it looks too small for the front of the machine leaving the space between the front mudguard and triple trees an open chasm that can swallow small animals. Aesthetics aside, the MT looks the part with its sharp lines and aggressive stance with the fuel tank cover resembling the hood of a cobra poised to strike.

Tech

The 2022 model is now smarter than ever featuring the 6-axis IMU (inertia measurement unit) borrowed from the YZF-R1, allowing for new rider aids that are controlled by said IMU. The 3.5″ TFT screen gives the rider feedback and although a tad on the small side gives you all the info you will need while out and about. The MT-09 now gets a ride by wire throttle resulting in pinpoint accurate throttle control, this also allows for the quick shifter and a very pleasant gear-changing experience. As far as the aforementioned rider aids, you get lean-sensitive traction control, ABS, wheelie control and brake control.

Engine and Drivetrain

The 2022 MT-09 gets a bump in displacement with the engine now up to 899cc. The unit now pumps out 87kW and 92Nm from its in-line 3 cylinder and with the new tuning you get the most out of the machine in the medium rev range where most sane riders will play. The new model also gets an entirely new Delta Box frame that is stronger and lighter as well as a new swingarm. The whole affair is brought to a rapid stop by a set of Nissin brakes. Let’s not forget that even though this has a very comfortable riding position it is still a sports machine and the KYB shocks are rather hard on bumpy surfaces.

Let’s ride

Flicking the on switch, the MT-09 doesn’t roar into life but instead ignites with a stealthy purr, a prod of the gear selector and it clicks into gear with a satisfying mechanical sound. Acceleration is not brutal or neck-snappingly crazy but a quick glance down at the clocks, and you realize just how fast you are actually going, no fireworks, no alarms, just outright speed. Once you find a smooth country road and open it up a bit the chassis comes alive, inspiring a lot of confidence going into corners, you automatically start leaning further and putting your knee out to feel the traction. The brakes check you up very rapidly if you happen to get too enthusiastic, and you can cater to the road in question or your chosen riding for the day with the various settings from mild to wild.

Pros and Cons

• light and manoeuvrable
• plenty of power
• stops on a penny
• comfortable riding position
• great new tech
• wonderful engine tone

• TFT screen difficult to read
• odd-looking headlight arrangement

Verdict

I won’t lie, I do have a soft spot for the Yamaha brand, I have owned and ridden Yamaha since my childhood and the MT-09 only cements my faith in the brand. The MT-09 caters to every motorcycling whim I have and then some. It’s quick, it’s comfortable, and it carves up traffic like nobody’s business. The MT-09 will hold its own with its competitors like KTM’s 890 Duke and the Kawasaki Z900 and I have to say I was sold.