2021 Yamaha MT-09 SP
Late last month Yamaha revealed a thoroughly revamped MT-09 (Link) for model year 2021, and overnight the tuning fork boys took the covers off the new versions of the up-spec SP model.
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The headline act of the SP are the DLC coated KYB fully-adjustable forks and Ohlins rear shock.
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Cruise control gets added to the package as does a more premium looking double-stitched seat.
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A clear coat on the anodised swingarm is another feature that separates the SP from the base model that contrasts with the new Crystal Graphite coloured frame.
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Black anodised bars and levers along with smoked front and rear brake fluid reservoirs add a little more panache to the package.
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These improvements add to the already vastly improved MT-09 base package for the 2021 model year that includes a new two-way quick-shifter helps keep the fizzing triple on the boil while the braking hardware has been upgraded with both the calipers and master cylinder now higher spec’ radial items.
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Engine capacity has been boosted from 847 cc to 899 cc via a 3 mm larger bore and despite the increased capacity the engine is actually 1.7 kg lighter than before.
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It punches a little harder though with claimed peak power pumped up to 119 horsepower at 11,000 rpm (up by 4 hp), but Yamaha claim it is the increased torque that is most significant with its 93 Nm peak now arriving 1500 rpm earlier than before, 7000 rpm to be exact.
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While the current MT-09 features its fuel injectors attached directly to the cylinder head, on the all-new model the fuel injectors are mounted to the throttle valve side, and fuel is injected onto the back of the intake valve heads.
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This system gives better fuel atomisation and reduces the adhesion of fuel to the intake port walls. This new system produces outstanding combustion efficiency and contributes towards the new model’s 9 per cent increase in fuel efficiency.
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To match the 2021 model’s increased engine performance the transmission has been optimised by slightly raising the ratios on first and second gears. Plus a new shift fork is fitted for improved gear shifts. To handle the increased torque, the A&S clutch uses a new material for its friction plates, and the cam angle is changed to give a lighter pull at the lever, together with even gentler chassis behaviour when downshifting.
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The new MT-09 is the first Yamaha Hyper Naked model to be equipped with a high-tech 6-axis IMU, one of the most sophisticated pieces of electronics in the industry. Developed from the system used on the YZF-R1 since 2015, the 6-axis IMU on the new MT-09 is 50 per cent smaller and 40 per cent lighter thanks to a thorough review of the sensor layout.
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Constantly measuring acceleration, pitch, roll and yaw, the 6-axis IMU is able to send data in real-time to the ECU which controls the electronic rider aids. The class-leading array of rider aids includes lean sensitive Traction Control System (TCS), Slide Control System (SCS) as well as a front wheel lift control system (LIF) and Brake Control system (BC).
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The MT-09 SP is expected to go on sale in Australia during the first quarter of 2021 but YMA are yet to confirm pricing.
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