Yams new MT-09 triple

VoG · 13 Jun 2013 at 14:05

It's nice to see Yamaha put the effort into coming up with a whole new engine & bike, there line up has been getting a little stale of late, I don't doubt the new 850cc triple motor will find it's way into other bikes as time goes on, but for now it's only in the MT-09.

Now, I really can't fault the price, £6,799 is seriously keen, & makes the competition ( Suzuki GSR750 - £7399, Kawasaki Z800 - £7499, Triumph Street Triple 675 - £6999 ) seems seriously overpriced, which can only be a good thing for us as it should stir up a bit of healthy pricing competition.

Styling wise i'm not sure what to make of it, tis a bit Marmite, I mean I personally am into naked bikes but i'm kinda on the fence when it comes to the MT-09, but there's one thing that really baffles me, why go to the time, effort, and expense of designing a whole new engine & bike, but then go & hamstring it by giving it a 14L fuel tank, I mean an 850cc triple with a 14 Litre fuel tank?, your gonna wind up spending all your time obsessing over the fuel gauge, fuel consumption, & where the hell the next garage is!... :rolleyes:

Yamaha MT-09 Tech Specs

apeksdiver · 13 Jun 2013 at 14:08

Ah a yamaha triple does exist, there were rumours of a 3 cylinder R1. Is that still on the cards?

VoG · 13 Jun 2013 at 14:26

apeksdiver said:
Ah a yamaha triple does exist, there were rumours of a 3 cylinder R1. Is that still on the cards?

I can't see them restricting the new triple motor just to the MT-09, ide put money on a big bore version finding it's way into the R1 next year.

Draeger · 13 Jun 2013 at 15:41

I'll reserve judgement till I see it in the flesh but it looks rather bland to me IMO.

Southy_ · 13 Jun 2013 at 16:14

I like the look of it.
It will be on my list to test ride when I start looking for a new bike next month.

eidolon · 13 Jun 2013 at 17:58

the fact that for £200 more you can have a street triple means its dead in the water before its even released as far as I'm concerned.

Yaayuh! · 13 Jun 2013 at 21:47

Certainly doesn't look as good as the Street Triple R

VoG · 31 Aug 2013 at 19:22

I hate to bumpmy own threads but there's an all too brief right up on MCN atm.

On paper the new Yamaha is an exciting prospect. Weighing just 188kg (171kg dry), it's light and that brand new engine produces 113bhp and 65ftlb of torque.

Yes, you've guessed it: it's Yamaha's take on the hugely successful Triumph Street Triple. Unsurprisingly, it even makes the same noise when you fire it up - a strange sound for something with Yamaha written on the tank.

It's a lovely machine to ride - easy and in no way intimidating. The three-cylinder engine is a peach, offering lots of low down grunt, a strong midrange and a grin-inducing top end.

It's comfy, controllable, handles and brakes well. It's as happy around town as it is pulling easy wheelies and skidding up to roundabouts. The perfect bike for the experienced and newbies.

But, the ride-by-wire throttle isn't perfect. I'm having to constantly toggle between the three modes to get a smooth response around town and enough power on the open road. The throttle is far too aggressive most of the time.

Although it corners well, the front end is vague and doesn't give you confidence in the corners, unless you carry a lot of brake on the way in, which isn't ideal. It feels too high and hard.

Read my full review and how I think it compares to the Triumph Street Triple in MCN on Wednesday 28th Aug.

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/N.../2013/August/aug2913-yamaha-mt-09-first-ride/

Ive bolded the bit that caught my eye, i hope thats just a case of pre production gremlins & not poor fueling caused by iffy Fi struggling with emission compliance.

Dogbreath · 1 Sep 2013 at 08:07

VoG said:
Now, I really can't fault the price, £6,799 is seriously keen, & makes the competition ( Suzuki GSR750 - £7399, Kawasaki Z800 - £7499, Triumph Street Triple 675 - £6999 ) seems seriously overpriced,

The Triumph is £200 more (just 3% of the Yamaha cost) for a lighter bike with legendary handling. How on earth do you consider that as "seriously overpriced"?

I love the fact that Yamaha have made a triple, but the styling leaves a bit to be desired IMO; the MT-03 was undoubtedly a nicer looking bike, and even with it's revolting headlamps I prefer the Triumph. MCN's preview suggests the handling might not be all that either, but will definitely pick up a copy on Wednesday to get the full review.

domthecondom · 2 Sep 2013 at 18:39

DanF · 2 Sep 2013 at 22:49

So iffy fly by wire fueling, not the best handling and a tiny tank... hmm.

Brackish · 3 Sep 2013 at 18:37

I like it, a lot.

As i am in a position to buy a new bike I have been looking at getting a 750 - 900cc naked again as the sports bike just do not float my boat.

My choices are MT09 or BMW F800r and so far the BMW is winning.

DanF · 3 Sep 2013 at 19:52

Watch out for the f800r, it's still using a non-adjustable damper rod fork that at the price they sell at is pretty bad. I had the f800st for a bit where it was fine cruising but really starts to hydraulic lock at faster speeds or over rougher surfaces.

Brackish · 3 Sep 2013 at 20:01

One answer to that.. MCT

DanF · 3 Sep 2013 at 20:23

heh I tried improving the damping on mine with aftermarket damping kit, it helped a bit but wasn't a patch on properly made forks in the first place