RideFast May 2018

2ND OPINION: KYLE “THE HOOLIGAN”
Manufacturers, now more so than ever, are
listening to customers feedback on their machines
to help improve and iron out certain gremlins.
The first version of the MT-09 naked bike was
released back in 2014. It was well reviewed and
admired by most journos, mainly the hooligan
types, while the everyday, more subtle rider
complained about a slight lack of stability on the
front end and a slight disconnect with the chassis.
The new MT-09 is so much more refined - gone is
the shakey front end and snappy throttle. Yamaha
have managed to iron out those problems while
still keeping the bikes hooligan side.
It’s a lot more calm and collected, but the punk
rocker attitude is very much apparent and happy to
be let loose when called upon.
The gorgeous triple motor, like any good threesome,
leaves you with a cheeky smile on your face
and a trigger happy lower region.
SPECS YAMAHA MT-09
Engine: 847cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, inline
3-cylinder; 12 valves
Maximum Power: 115 hp @ 10,000rpm
Maximum Torque: 87.5 Nm @ 8,5000rpm
Seat height: 820mm
Wheelbase: 1440mm
Tank capacity:
14l
Dry weight: 180kg
Price: R137,950
Dual, 298 mm front discs and radial-mount,
four-pot calipers slow the front wheel with a
245 mm disc and single-piston anchor at the
other end. All-around ABS comes as part of
the standard equipment package, and that’s
just the fi rst layer of contact-patch protection
Yamaha loads onto the bike; there will be
more in the drivetrain.
Ride quality and cornering feel are nearly
infi nitely adjustable due to the updatedfor-’17
suspension systems. Both ends sport
adjustable spring preload and rebounddamping
features. The front end adds to the
fun with adjustable compression as well so
you can tune in for conditions and preference.
RIDE IMPRESSIONS:
If you are looking for a 100 million plus
horsepower superbike – then, maybe this
is not the bike for you. If, however, you
are looking for a powerful, fun, smooth,
comfortable, exciting, fast, controllable ride,
then this one ticks all of the boxes.
The cockpit is roomy with wide bars, and
sensible switches. The seat is really comfy,
with the pegs perfectly positioned for long
and short riders alike. The riding posture is
aggressive yet comfortable and I also liked
the fact that the seat isn’t split, which makes
it easy to move around when you need to.
Hit the happy button and the triple rumbles
to life with a decent roar from the pipe. The
gearbox is smooth, the clutch soft, point the
bike where you want to go – and open up.
I am something of a naked
bike fan – Love the feeling of the
wind in my thinning hair and
all that. Ok not really. I
like the upright seating
and simple, less
cumbersome nature
of a naked. The
bike feels really
small and nippy
– and above all
its enormous
fun to ride.
This one
surprised -
at 140 odd
kays an hour
she feels plenty
comfortable despite the
lack of any screen. Faster than that you
suffer from wind blast – but hey toughen
up buttercup, this is a hooligan bike that
you simply have to ride. She accelerates
smoothly all the way up to 240kph. We
noticed that the front end becomes a bit light
at that warp speed - Fitting a big ass screen
would just spoil the looks in our opinion.
What a bike! And the price is probably
the single most attractive selling point.
R137.950.00 - In this day and age that is
brilliant value.
52 RIDEFAST MAGAZINE MAY 2018