The 2021 Yamaha MT-09 has been announced with updated styling and the same Euro5, 889cc engine as the bike that was unveiled last week. That means just under 118bhp, and more peak torque at a handier 1,500rpm lower than before.
The new model obviously gains the same styling update as the base model MT-09, and as with the previous SP, it also gets its very own R1 M-alike paint job to boot. For 2021, Yamaha has stepped up the game, giving the SP a host of superbike-derived tech that’s related to the electronics of the R1 M.
2021 Yamaha MT-09 SP video specs, features, and details
Here are all the specs, features, and details of the new 2021 Yamaha MT-09 SP.
2021 Yamaha MT-09 SP engine
The biggest mechanical update to the 2021 bike is the introduction of a new 889cc engine. The mill is now Euro5 compliant yet also the powerful version of the CP3 engine to date. The stroke of the bike has been increased by 3mm providing the unit with an extra 49cc that takes power up by 4bhp to 117.3bhp.
The changes have also blessed the Yamaha with an improved torque figure of 68lb-ft, with the peak number arriving at 7,000rpm, a full 1,500rpm lower than before.
The capacity hike is joined by a revised fuel injection system that sees the injectors shifted from the cylinder head to just after the throttle valves. The fuel is now injected directly onto the back of the intake valves. The design is claimed to enhance the atomisation of the fuel, improving combustion, increasing efficiency, and helping to gain that all-important Euro5 certification through a cleaner burn.
Equipment and electronics
Like the base model MT-09, aside from the styling, the SP is seeing the biggest change in the form of a hefty electronics update. The main news is the introduction of an R1 M derived IMU system. It’s governing ABS, lean-sensitive traction control, slide control, and wheelie control, along with multiple riding modes. All the rider assistance systems are adjusted through the new 3.5” TFT dash. The quickshifter fitted as standard to the MT-09 SP now allows shifts up and down the gearbox.
Chassis
The gap between the SP and stock MT-09 has mainly been felt through the higher-spec chassis components that grace the more exotic model. The SP gains a slightly miss-matched Öhlins and KYB combo. As before, Öhlins bring a rear shock to the party, and KYB offer up some trick-looking forks although now they feature very cool-looking DLC coated stanchions. The forks include full adjustability together with separate adjusters for high and low-speed compression damping. The rear shock is fully adjustable as before.
Like the MT-09 that came before it, the new SP features Yamaha’s lightest ever Aluminium production bike wheels. They are created by rolling the rims in a forge at high pressure into they are only 2mm thick. The construction method reduces total un-sprung weight by 700g for better response and more agile handling.
2021 Yamaha MT-09 specs and features
- New 889cc inline 3-cylinder 40-valve DOHC liquid-cooled EU5 engine
- More power at all engine speeds
- 7% increase in maximum torque at lower rpm
- 4PS increase in maximum power
- New 2.3kg lighter CF die-cast aluminium Deltabox chassis
- Lower 189kg wet weight – 4kg reduction and the lightest in 900cc naked class
- Shorter wheelbase for more dynamic handling
- New lightweight aluminium swingarm
- Bare and beautiful ‘coverless’ new generation MT styling
- Premium quality throughout, with Crystal Graphite frame nish
- Full LED lighting with Y-shape brand signature icon front and rear
- New Quick Shift System with up and downshift functions
- Refined A&S clutch
- Light and compact new 6-axis IMU
- Lean-sensitive rider aids: TCS, SCS and LIFt with three intervention modes
- ABS and Brake Control system (BC)
- D-MODE switchable engine running modes
- New ultra-light Spin-Forged 17-inch 10-spoke wheels
- Larger 180/70-17 rear tyre with 120/70-17 front tyre
- Full colour 3.5-inch TFT instruments with remote handlebar switch
- Radial front master cylinder, 298mm dual front discs
Colours, availability and price
The new MT-09 SP will be available in an exclusive Icon Performance colour. Deliveries to European Yamaha dealers is set to happen in March 2021.
Pricing as yet is TBC – we’ll update as soon as we know.
