VIDEO: Everything you need to know about the opinion-dividing Yamaha MT-09

The 2021 Yamaha MT-09 has shown its face following a big online launch… and it is a face that has certainly got you talking!

One of Europe’s best selling motorcycles, the new Yamaha MT-09 is therefore one of the most significant reveals of 2020 so far, as well as being a big draw during this so-called ‘launch period’ where manufacturers - in the absence of EICMA - are showcasing different digital approaches in which to publicise new machinery.

For now we can only go off the design and the specs sheet, but in terms of the Yamaha MT-09, there is certainly a lot to talk about on the styling.

2021 YAMAHA MT-09 - EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

Yamaha has always swerved the norm when it comes to giving its models a distinctive nose but the Yamaha MT-09 might be its most ambitious design direction yet. 

Ditching the squinting appearance from the rest of the recently expanded MT range (though curiously, not the MT-07 which is now two generations behind the MT-09), the strobe tube light-effect flanks a central headlight, blending both curves and edges to give it a very distinctive look.

Get used to it too, expect to see this family face rolled out across the entire MT range over the next year or two as they’re updated.

Under the skin the MT-09 jumps in power by 4bhp, courtesy of a new 898cc engine that is designed to be more punchy but also more efficient. Peak power now arrives at 7,000rpm.

We won’t have too launch to find out what it will be like to ride but given there is a lot riding ono the MT-09 given its enduring sales success, it’s certainly not afraid of trying something a little different…

Scroll back up and get a closer, in-depth look at the 2021 Yamaha MT-09.