Now in its fourth generation in 10 years, the 2024 Yamaha MT-09 has received a long list of updates and is better than ever. (Photos by Joseph Agustin)

The traditional gift for a 10th anniversary is tin or aluminum, neither of which is particularly fancy, but the latter certainly makes sense for the 2024 Yamaha MT-09. The 890cc inline-Triple-powered naked bike is built around a controlled-fill die-cast aluminum frame, its subframe and swingarm are likewise made from aluminum, and so are its lightweight spinforged wheels and other components.

A decade ago, I attended the U.S. press launch for the all-new Yamaha FZ-09 (as it was originally called) in San Francisco. Blasting around the steep, obstacle-course streets of the Golden Gate City on the fast and frisky FZ was a rollicking good time. The bike was fresh, exciting, and unique, and it felt like Yamaha had a hit on its hands.
The 2014 Yamaha FZ-09 was a bold, unique entry into the middleweight naked segment. (Photo by Tom Riles)

The FZ-09 was the first model powered by Yamaha?s new ?Crossplane Concept? inline-Triple, which was inspired by the YZF-R1?s distinctive crossplane inline-Four. The R1?s engine offsets each crankpin 90 degrees from the next, which creates a cross rather than the flat plane of a 180-degree crank, and it uses an uneven firing interval for smoother throttle response, better rear-wheel traction, and unique character. With one less cylinder, the FZ-09?s CP3 has each crankpin offset 120...