2024 Yamaha MT-09 – First Look

The previous-generation MT-09 introduced a new headlight design with two nearly vertical LED position light strips surrounding a central LED. The 2024 Yamaha MT-09 moves the two position lights into a horizontal position and raises the central LED projector headlight, looking somewhat like someone with a giant third eye on their forehead.

The new headlight sits lower in front of the fork tubes, following the reshaped lines of the intakes on the side of the fuel tank. The reshaped tank is produced using a new press molding manufacturing method, with a new shape designed to give the rider more freedom of movement. The tank sits 1.2 inches lower than the previous tank, giving the MT-09 a more forward-leaning stance while also increasing the handlebars’ range of rotation by 4 degrees in either direction.

The 2024 MT-09 has rider and passenger seats instead of the previous single-piece saddle. Yamaha says the new seat is slimmer, while maintaining the same 32.5-inch seat height, while the passenger seat is now higher.

Yamaha moved the handlebars lower, though it is now adjustable between two positions to suit the rider’s preference. The footrests were moved 1.2 inches further back and 0.4 inches higher for a more aggressive riding position, but they too are adjustable between two positions. The passenger’s footpegs were also moved lower and further back on the reshaped subframe. Yamaha also added a USB-C socket under the seat for charging electronics.

The engine remains the same 890cc Inline-Three as the 2023 MT-09, but Yamaha reshaped the airbox, giving the 2024 model a new tone accentuating the higher-frequency sounds. The MT-09 also receives a third-generation quickshifter, enabling clutchless up and down shifts. The new quickshifter will not operate when the engine speeds are too high or too low, or when the bike is maintaining a constant speed, which Yamaha says helps maintain a more natural feeling.

As with the previous-gen MT-09, the updated model is equipped with a six-axis IMU derived from the R1. The IMU enables lean-sensitive traction control and slide control, plus front wheel lift control and brake control. The 2024 model adds a back slip regulator (BSR), which stabilizes the rear wheel during excessive engine braking. Yamaha says BSR helps compensate for situations with lower grip where the slipper clutch is less effective.

The MT-09 offers three ride modes: Sport, Street, and Rain, with different settings for power delivery, traction control and lift control to suit different situations. For 2024, the MT-09 adds two custom modes that riders can program through Yamaha’s MyRide smartphone app or using the redesigned switchgear.

Previously offered on the SP variant, the base MT-09 receives a cruise control system that operates at speeds higher than 25 mph in third gear or higher. Also new are self-canceling turn indicators with a soft-click function. For situations where only a brief signal is required such as lane changes, a soft-click of the button flashes the turn signals three times. A full click flashes the signals for 15 seconds or after traveling a distance of about 500 feet. European models also receive an Emergency Stop Signal function that engages the hazard lights during sudden braking to warn drivers and other riders behind the MT-09.

The 2024 MT-09 is equipped with a fully-adjustable 41 mm KYB fork with 5.1 inches of travel. The rear wheel uses a KYB shock with adjustable preload and rebound damping and a new linkage design Yamaha claims to provide a more dynamic feeling, though its 4.6 inches of travel are 0.2 inches less than the 2023 model.

Brembo supplies a new radial master cylinder, but the braking system is otherwise similar to the previous model, with dual 298 mm front rotors. The MT-09 also receives Bridgestone’s new Battlax Hypersport S23 M tires.

Other features include a redesigned adjustable clutch lever, an adjustable brake lever, and smartphone connectivity with a Garmin StreetCross navigation system. With the updates, however, the MT-09 sees a weight increase of 8 pounds, with Yamaha claiming a wet weight of 425 pounds.

The 2024 Yamaha MT-09 will arrive at U.S. dealerships in March with three color options: Team Yamaha Blue, Midnight Cyan, or Matte Raven Black. Pricing starts at $10,599, or $800 more than the 2023 model.