2021 Yamaha MT-09 Revealed: Lighter, Quicker And Better Equipped Than Before!

It makes 4PS and 5.5Nm more than the outgoing model

• Gets a new 889cc inline three-cylinder DOHC liquid-cooled engine.
• It’s 4kg lighter than before, at 189kg.
• New, lighter frame and swingarm, along with a new LED headlight.
• Other updates include a full-colour TFT display, better electronic rider aids, and mechanicals.

Yamaha has taken the wraps off the new MT-09 which has been thoroughly reworked for 2021. It’s lighter, quicker and better equipped than the current-gen model it replaces. The MT-09 comes with a larger engine, lighter components and better features that put it up there with the elite in the segment. Sure, the look of the bike is questionable, but the overall package seems rather impressive, at least on paper. The bike will be available in three colours: Storm Fluo, Icon Blue and Tech Black.

Punchier Engine

To start things off, the MT-09 gets a larger 889cc inline three-cylinder DOHC liquid-cooled EU5-compliant engine. It’s tuned to make 119PS at 10,000rpm, which is 4PS more than before, and 93Nm at 7,000rpm, 5.5Nm more at 1500rpm lower down the rev range. The bike has also managed to shed 4kg of weight (189kg kerb), which gives it a power-to-weight ratio of 629PS/ton. It even gets a bi-directional quickshifter for clutchless up and down shifts. Expect better feel and precision from throttle inputs thanks to the new Accelerator Position Sensor Grip (APSG).

Better Electronics

A 6-axis IMU monitors and tweaks electronic rider aids like lean-sensitive traction control with three stages, slide control, wheelie and brake control along with switchable rider modes. The updated MT-09 also features a 3.5-inch full-colour TFT console which displays a host of information including clock, gearshift indicator and water/air temperature. 

Light-footed?

Moving onto the mechanicals side of things, the MT-09 comes equipped with an all-new lightweight die-cast aluminium Deltabox chassis and a swingarm that shave 2.3kg of weight. The frame’s longitudinal, lateral and torsional rigidity balance has been reworked to offer better straight line stability. Even the shape of the fuel tank and the seat have been revised for better feel and feedback. Adding to the weight savings is a 1.5kg lighter die-cast aluminium subframe.

Revised Underpinnings:

Of course, the bike won’t handle well if you don’t have a good enough suspension setup to accompany it. The MT-09 comes with a KYB USD fork which is fully adjustable for preload, compression and rebound damping. Same goes for the monoshock. The bike is anchored by dual 298mm front discs, mated to Nissin radially mounted calipers along with a single disc at the rear. 

Considering all the updates, it’s safe to say Yamaha will charge a hefty premium for the 2021 MT-09. The current-gen model, for reference, costs Rs 10,64,615. Expect Yamaha to launch the updated MT-09 in India sometime next year. It’ll compete against the likes of the Kawasaki Z900, Triumph Street Triple R, BMW F 900 R and the KTM 790 Duke.