For an extra $1,700 over the base MT-09, the MT-09 SP has better suspension and brakes plus a few other goodies. (Photos by Dave Schelske)

Several months ago, we reviewed the updated 2024 Yamaha MT-09. We?ve heaped praise on the MT-09 since its 2014 debut because it delivers a thrilling ride and loads of character in a lightweight, affordable package. But the MT-09 SP is even better.

Over the course of four model generations, the MT-09 has steadily improved ? more power, better handing, new features. An SP version of the MT-09 has been available since the third-gen update of the platform in 2021. (SP is short for ?Sports Production,? and there?s also an SP version of the MT-10). What makes the SP better than the standard model" Mostly suspension and brakes, plus a few extras.
The MT-09 SP has a two-tone Liquid Metal / Raven color scheme inspired by the YZF-R1M.

When manufacturers need to hit a certain price point, suspension and brakes are where they?re likely to make compromises ? and therefore save money. The standard MT-09 has KYB suspension, with a fully adjustable 41mm inverted fork and a single shock with adjustable spring preload and rebound, and the 2024 model has firmer damping.

Eureka! Gold fork tubes with black DLC-coated sliders and a gold Öhlins shock reservoir.

The MT-09 SP?s fork is also made by KYB, but it?s a higher-spec unit with DLC-coated tubes for less friction and full adjustability that includes high- and low-speed compres...