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Test Yamaha MT-09 - It waddles you here
If you really open up the throttle on the new Yamaha MT-09, you'll get a real kick out of it. Unadorned, unexpected and with a lot of emphasis. You wouldn't expect that from a 115 hp bike with this clarity. And once the first shift has been digested, the next one comes straight away, because the quickshifter tears through the gears so brutally that the acceleration orgy can hardly come to an end. But first things first:
Test Yamaha MT-09 - It waddles you here
ergonomics
At first glance, the new Yamaha MT-09 is clearly a naked bike. When you saddle up, you're surprised: your upper body is very straight and close to the wide handlebars - a bit supermoto-like if the seat and tank weren't so wide. The legs, on the other hand, are placed quite far back and high. Typically naked bike, if the upper body wasn't so straight. Facing the front wheel, you sit on the hard, flat sports seat, which is slightly higher than the original seat. Unfortunately, because of the shape, you always slip back a little when you light it. Too bad.
Handling
In slow, tight corners (when turning, in bends) the front wheel tilts almost uncomfortably into the curve. Rating: very tippy. You have to like it. Can be a nasty surprise if you don't know any better. If the MT-09 gets speed, it becomes more stable and predictable. Still agile on the front wheel, but no longer nervous. That's okay. From 170 km/h it starts to commute slightly on the motorway. Never dangerous, but noticeable. A gentler grip on the ends of the handlebars that are far outboard provides a significant remedy. The front wheel wants to point towards the sky even in third gear when the throttle is used hard. This is also a lot of fun, until the moment when the three of a kind starts to really fire up. Anyone who doesn't turn now will turn backwards. As you should know, it saves the budget. But that's what the two-stage traction control is for.
Engine/gearbox
A real killer. The drilling runs relatively smoothly, - fortunately - no longer hangs on the gas as unpredictable as the previous model, and pushes extremely hard from around 5000 rpm. The data sheet certifies that the MT-09 has 115 hp, which feels like 135 wild, fierce Nippon stallions. In addition, the quickshifter, which is now standard, shoots through the gears so quickly that you should better hold on to the handlebars when tearing up uncontrollably. The comparison to the dragster isn't all that bad. After the first full-throttle orgies, I realized: “Hot, brutally hot.” Nevertheless, when riding the rear wheel, you need a lot of feeling in your hand on the throttle, as the drilling also closes abruptly if the throttle cable is moved even a little at the front. There are three different gas characteristics to choose from, the differences are clearly noticeable.
Undercarriage
The fully adjustable fork and the preload and rebound adjustable shock absorber are a bit softer than I expected. When braking, the fork dips quickly, but does not lock even when braking on a straight line. Once you get used to the movements at the front, the feedback is right. Advantage of the soft fork: small bumps are swallowed very comfortably. The shock absorber is matched to the fork. When accelerating, it only backs up a little before it starts moving forward brute force. Combined with the sticky Bridgestone rubber, you can drive at nasty cornering speeds. But similar to the MT-07, subsequent fine-tuning could still reveal some potential. I don't understand why the shock absorber isn't also adjustable in terms of compression.
Brakes
Yes, yes, brakes anyway. Even very, very decently. The axial brake pump still hurts me. For the price, a radial pump would have been included. Doesn't mean it works better, just looks cooler. The ABS kicks in late enough for my talent. I certainly wouldn't be a bit faster without a blocking system - especially not on the road. Turn off? I haven't tried it. I'm a coward. Otherwise there is absolutely nothing wrong with the braking. If you need more on the road - because the feedback on the lever is also very precise - you are welcome to give me lessons in braking technology. It worked for me – except for the pump. Sorry, Yamaha.
Noticed
How wide the tank is. If you look down, all you see is a massive tank, similar to the MV Agusta Brutale. But the knee closure fits, so nothing to complain about. I don't like the new license plate holder (away from the swing arm). Yes, at first glance the rear is super sexy and narrow, but I would like a short holder from the accessories under the taillight better. A matter of taste. The Gilles Tooling brake and clutch levers look stylish, but feel strange in the hand. You can save money or choose other models.
Failed
The optional sports seat. Due to the flat, straight design, you can quickly slide back a few centimeters when you press it. That's annoying. A slight hollow or step – like the one on the original bench – is simply better. The throttle response is still a bit over-direct and a bit too opaque for me personally.
Test verdict, by f.eckl
More information about Yamaha MT-09
With kind support from TOTAL Austria
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