The Yamaha MT-09 has been a naked-bike segment favorite ever since it first came on the scene in 2014. With its affordable MSRP and nothing-short-of-brilliant CP3 triple-cylinder engine, it quickly received well-deserved attention. This year, the virtually all-new 2021 Yamaha MT-09 comes out swinging with a heavily updated engine, an all-new chassis, less weight, state of the art electronics and an aesthetic overhaul.  Best yet, all of those features will only cost us $400 above last year?s price, with the new bike?s MSRP at $9,399.

Kicking up the power quotient is the revised 890cc CP3 triple-cylinder engine (growing from 847cc) featuring a claimed 117 horsepower and 69 lb-ft of torque. For those keeping score, that?s five extra ponies and two more lb-ft of torque, and this new engine is Euro 5 compliant ? kudos, Yamaha. Interestingly, the 78mm bore remains, while the stroke has increased to 62.1mm from 59.1mm. Also, the engine is reported to have shed four pounds despite its displacement bump.
To that end, the 890cc engine now boasts new pistons, connecting rods, camshafts and crankcases. Notably, the MT-09 now has a ride-by-wire throttle, which has opened many technological doors and, hopefully, improved the snatchy throttle response that existed in prior generations. Also, a new slip-assist clutch is included that is said to reduce effort at the lever. Lastly, an up/down quickshifter is standard.

An up/down quickshifter is standard.

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