Yamaha MT-09 SP (2024 – ) review

Yamaha’s MT-09 has been one of motorcycling’s most fun ‘real world’ bikes since the original came out in 2014 and four generations on following significant improvements in 2017, 2021 and 2024, it’s little surprise it’s now near perfect, with a gloriously characterful powerplant, sweet handling, decent practicality, a generous spec and competitive price. The first SP version arrived in 2018 distinguished by its fully adjustable suspension (including a rear shock from Öhlins) and other subtle upgrades. What you see here is the third version of that, now based on the 2024 model year MT-09. That bike is so good with its sublime engine, fantastic handling, tweaked riding position, improved switchgear and even better looks it feels virtually impossible to fault. But here we are with the SP, with its even better suspension, superbike-worthy Brembo brakes and more. Can it really improve still further on the formidable standard bike?

The riding position is identical to that of the 2024 MT-09, but given that bike was so significantly improved over the previous MT-09 and related SP it’s worth repeating what’s been done. Essentially Yamaha has finally abandoned the original MT’s more upright, near flat tracker stance for a more sporty/super naked riding position by lowering the bars 34.4mm and moving them back 1.5mm. Footpegs are also 30.6mm further back and 9.5mm higher. That may sound quite sporty and extreme but, in reality, it’s not. In fact it feels perfectly natural. Better still, it gives the whole bike added purpose and s feeling of being at one with the rider it never quite had before. The new tank is also lovely and slim at the rear while the new two-piece seat is also slim where it counts, but comfortable. The pillion gets a slightly minimal but sufficient stepped perch. The whole result feels absolutely intuitive, leaving you wondering why you’d need anything bigger.

superbikes the MT-09 sits bang in the middle of this sector and, as a naked roadster, was never going to be as versatile as some. The lack of weather protection and luggage limits long distance appeal, middleweight size means it’s not the best for carrying a pillion and, even in this SP form, it lacks the luxury appeal and toys of more premium machines. In truth, however, that’s about the worst you can say given the base MT-09 was already an astonishingly capable machine and this is better still, albeit for a premium. True, if you want a true all-rounder you’re far better off going for one of the Tracer 9 sports-tourers based on the same 900 triple platform. But as a roadster that can do pretty much everything it’s right up there with the best.

The 847cc, three-cylinder ‘CP3’ engine in the original 2014 MT-09 quickly established itself as one of motorcycling’s great engines with its combination of mid-range torque, triple character and 113 horsepower output. Three generations on, the now Euro5+ compliant and 119 horsepower unit is damn near perfect. Apart from refinements and slightly more performance, this year’s version has gained a new ‘four quadrant’ quickshifter now working on downshifts as well as upshifts and an acoustically tuned airbox with vents on top of the tank to enhance the sound. The combination of an addictively fat, fun and relevant mid-range and also a wailing top end should satisfy anyone. Brakes-wise while the standard MT-09 employs twin discs grasped by Yamaha’s more than adequate ‘blue-spot’ four-piston radial calipers the SP has bona-fide, superbike standard Brembo Stylema calipers along with a Brembo master-cylinder. Combined these have a peerless reputation and deliver immense stopping power and finesse.

This is where things start to get a little subjective but again, with experience of everything in this category – in fact every bike that comes anywhere close – it’s nigh-on impossible to fault the MT-09 SP here. As with its powertrain and performance, the 2024 standard MT-09 is a near-perfect handler, even if its suspension isn’t overtly the highest quality. With the SP, however, the forks have been replaced with fully adjustable Kayabas, which feature low and high-speed compression damping adjustment, while the rear end arguably goes one better still with a switch to a classy, multi-adjustable monoshock from Swedish suspension royalty, Öhlins. The result is as intuitive, neutral and accurate as the base MT-09 but with a slightly firmer, more refined and more controlled ride. On the road you’ll wonder why any sports bike rider needs anything else…

Part of the appeal of the original 2014 MT-09 was its stupendous value and, perhaps inevitably, three generations on, especially in this SP trim, it’s not quite the bargain it once was. At the time of writing the SP costs £1,700 more than the standard MT-09, which is a chunk if not unreasonable. If ridden hard as nature intended the SP is likely to have a healthy appetite for consumables like tyres, brakes pads and even chains. That said, it’s still a fairly middle-ground machine so is nowhere near as extreme as super bikes or super nakeds in either purchase or running costs.

The new MT-09SP is a significantly updated model with fresh tech in terms of brakes, instrumentation, quickshifter and more so it’s too early to be certain about reliability. That said, it’s the fourth interation of a bike that came out 10 years ago and has had few problems and each successive model has been better built than before. Those components that do differ from the base MT-09 like forks, shock and brakes are all quality kit proven on other bikes as well so, all in all, we have no major worries.

Although the new MT-09 SP has significant differences over the 2024 MT-09 on which it’s based, its service schedule is identical, while its guarantee is the same as all larger capacity Yamahas. That means its warranty is a fairly typical, manufacturer backed affair covering all parts and labour for a period of 24 months from first registration with unlimited mileage. Servicing-wise, routine services, after the first 500-mile oil and filter change, are due every 6,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first.

While the original 2014 MT-09 was a fairly budget, basic roadster subsequent updates have significantly moved the game on. The 2017 edition got a facelift, suspension improvements and the first quickshifter while in 2021 it got a new Deltabox aluminium frame, revised 890cc engine, TFT dash and more. For 2024 it received a complete makeover with new riding position, bodywork, further uprated electronics, enlarged TFT dash, new switchgear and more. As discussed, on top of that, this SP version has the posh suspension, Brembos, keyless ignition, a dedicated start-up animation on the dash, four extra customisable track modes as on top of the standard four of Street, Sport, Rain and Custom plus a bespoke ‘split’ paint scheme including a brushed alloy swing arm. No, it’s no Gold Wing or K1600LT, but it’s a long way in advance of the original, and pretty basic, MT-09. Oh, and those niggles? Here’s one, Yamaha’s new ‘rocker’ indicator switch needing just a ‘tap’ for a three-flash indicate. On the move it’s almost impossible to be sufficiently subtle.

If you’re after a middleweight roadster for use as an all-rounder or Sunday toy the 2024 MT-09 is already right up there with the very best. This SP version, by virtue of its extra class and exclusivity, more refined and adjustable suspension and classier and more powerful brakes, is, unquestionably, better still. The only question is these improvements are sometimes subtle, subjective and incremental whereas the £1,700 premium to get them isn’t. Is it worth it? Just about!