The Goodwood Test: Yamaha MT-09

Heritage

The MT-09 has played a vital part in Yamaha’s recent history, because it was the lean and exciting 847cc naked triple’s launch in autumn 2013 that confirmed the firm had relocated its mojo following the credit crunch induced slumber of the previous few years. The three-cylinder layout was appropriate because Yamaha’s first ever superbike, the XS750 of 1977, had also been a triple, albeit a far less successful one.

That first MT-09 model was just the start. Closely related follow-up triples called the Sport Tracker and Street Rally were followed by a sports-touring variant, the Tracer 900, and the retro-styled XSR900 before Yamaha went back to revise the standard MT’s fuelling, electronics and suspension in 2016. Now the MT-09 is tweaked again, partly to bring its styling in line with the four-cylinder MT-10 that joined it in the line-up last year.

Design

The main visual change is up front, where the Nine joins the Ten in getting an aggressive, insect-like look thanks to two pairs of small LED headlights. The triple also gains extra MT-10 style bodywork: larger tank-mounted air scoops, winglets under its headlights, and radiator side-fins. Whether you love the in-yer-face look or not, it’s there to reinforce the edgy, Dark Side of Japan image that Yamaha has built up around the MT family.

There’s no change to the DOHC, 12-valve engine, which still kicks out 115bhp with an abundance of midrange torque, and now gains a gearbox quick-shifter as standard fitment. Similarly, chassis basics including the lightweight aluminium frame are unchanged, but the suspension is revamped, with new fully-adjustable front forks plus a rear shock modified to increase damping levels.

Performance

There’s really not much difference in the way the Yam performs, which is absolutely fine. It was already a magnificently entertaining blend of punchy midrange acceleration and smooth-revving three-cylinder top-end, exaggerated by its upright, wind-blown riding position and enhanced by its light weight, agile handling and powerful braking. The slightly sharp throttle response and twitchy handling that took some shine off the original model had been much improved by last year’s update, allowing the MT’s essential rightness to shine through.

This latest version is subtly better again, one notable boost coming from its quick-shifter, which allows slick and effortless changes although, unlike some, it only works on up-shifts. Throttle response is now enjoyably direct on the middle of the three engine mode options, and backed by last year’s useful addition of traction control. The updated chassis is welcome, too. Perhaps the Yam’s relatively long-travel suspension still doesn’t quite match the refinement of the rest of the bike, but this best yet MT-09 is a wonderfully light, sharp-steering naked hooligan machine that invariably generates a grin behind its rider’s visor.

Passion

You don’t have to ride this thoughtfully tweaked Yamaha far to understand why the naked triple is so popular, and looks like staying that way for a while longer yet. It’s unashamedly simple, with its wind-blown riding position, thin seat and efficient but basic instrumentation. It’s built for sunny-morning blasts, not for touring, but it’s capable of longer trips – especially if kitted-out with accessories ­– and its fuel-efficient engine allows a decent range despite the small tank.

With its endearing if slightly raw character, the wheelie-happy MT-09 resembles an enthusiastic puppy. It has been effectively trained since its birth back in 2013; the original model’s glitches addressed successfully. Better still, this improved triple maintains the competitive price that helped make the original a hit. Plenty has changed in the MT-09’s short history, but the vital things remain as true as ever: it’s still quick, light, hugely entertaining, and one of the best value-for-money buys in all motorcycling.

Price tag of our bike: £7799.

Photography by Alessio Barbanti, Jonathan Godin and Francesc Montero