Yamaha Motor has revealed the 2021 MT-09 middleweight streetfighter motorcycle for the global markets and the bike is all-new over the current version. The new MT-09 gets a completely new look, revised frame and swingarm, new hardware and more power from its updated engine. The bike is also now Euro5 compliant for markets that require that, while it will now be easier for Yamaha Motor India to bring the BS6 compliant version to our country.
The new Yamaha MT-09 gets a completely new design language. The new LED projector headlamp is all-new replacing the twin projector units, and supported by LED daytime running lights on either side. It also looks more toned down in appearance than the predecessor that hadd a more aggressive appeal. Yamaha has also redesigned the fuel tank, while the tail section has been revised as well with a new LED taillight and a conventional numberplate holder instead of the swingarm-mounted unit on the older model.
Underneath the bodywork, the new Yamaha MT-09 sports a new Deltabox frame that’s lighter than before and also offers 50 per cent better latter rigidity for straightline stability. The swingarm is new as well and marginally lighter than the one on the older version. The wheelbase is marginally shorter than at 1430mm, while the ground clearance has been increased to 140mm. All of the changes do help the 2021 MT-09 to lose about 3kg, with the kerb weight standing at 189kg. The lightweight is also contributed by the new engine that has also seen a number of changes.
The displacement has been bumped up from 847cc to 890cc with a longer stroke, and the in-line three-cylinders get a crossplane arrangement. The motor also gets new forged pistons, camshaft fracture-split connecting rods, and new crankshaft, all of which help achieve a higher power output of 117PS and 93Nm of peak torque. The motor is paired with a 6-speed gearbox along with an bi-directional quickshifter and an assist and slip clutch as standard.
The hardware on teh 2021 Yamaha MT-09 includes new fully-adjustable 41mm Kayaba USD forks at the front and a preload plus rebound adjustable Kayaba monoshock at the rear. Braking performance comes from 298mm dual discs at the front and a 245mm disc at the rear with new Nissin radial master cylinder. The bike also gets adjustable ergonomics with an adjustable handlebar and footpegs, while the overall riding position is upright for the rider.
The 2021 Yamaha MT-09 keeps on the electronic aids with the segment and borrows a lot of tech from the litre-class Yamaha YZF-R1. The motor comes with the 6-axis IMU with lean sensitive traction control, slide control, cornering ABS, wheelie control and so much more. There’s also the Accelerator Position Sensor Grip (APSG) technology from the Yamaha superbikes making it to the MT-09. There are three riding modes – Mode 1, Mode 2 and Mode M, while a 3.5-inch TFT display gives access to the settings.
The 2021 Yamaha MT-09 has comprehensive changes and will hit the global markets soon. There is a good chance that Yamaha India will bring the bike sometime in 2021 to compete with the Triumph Street Triple R, Ducati Monster 821, Kawasaki Z900, and the likes.
