Just days after Yamaha unveiled the updated MT-09, the Japanese company has now taken the wraps off the new higher-spec SP version of its triple-cylinder street naked. Updates include tweaked styling, new electronics and upgraded underpinnings.
- More track-focused electronic settings
- Upgraded fully adjustable suspension at both ends
- New design and Brembo Stylema calipers
For starters, the new latest SP version gets many of the updates that the standard bike recently received. Styling and ergonomics are now both more aggressive, and it also gets the new Brembo master cylinder that the standard bike received. But it goes one step further by also throwing in Brembo Stylema calipers up front.
Suspension has also seen improvements, with new fully adjustable units at both ends. At the front, you get a DLC-coated 41mm KYB fork with adjustable preload, rebound, and high- and low-speed compression damping. At the rear, meanwhile, the SP is equipped with a fully-adjustable Ohlins shock with a remote preload adjuster.
In addition to the stock bike’s Sport, Street, and Rain modes, the SP adds two custom Rider modes as well as four exclusive Track modes. These come with a Track theme that features a prominent lap-timer on the 5-inch TFT display. The customisable Track modes allow for tuning of the Engine Brake Management (EBM) through two settings, and Brake Control (BC), and allows you to disengage ABS at the rear.
The final update is the addition of a keyless system, making this the first MT model to get Yamaha’s Smart Key system which allows locking/unlocking the handlebar and fuel filler, as well as starting the motorcycle without having to insert a physical key.
While the MT-09 was earlier on sale in India, it was subsequently taken off the shelves when BS6 emissions norms came into effect. Yamaha has expressed an interest in reintroducing the motorcycle in our market, now that it complies with the latest regulations. However, it remains to be seen whether this top-spec SP version makes its way to India.
