Yamaha MT-09 SP Review

The first time I climbed onto the MT-09 SP, I knew: this would be no ordinary ride. The triple beneath me vibrated in a rhythm that felt like the heartbeat of a sleeping dragonirregular, powerful, ready to awaken. And then, when I first twisted the throttle, it truly came alive. With a punch that plastered a grin on my face and kept it there for hours. The MT-09 SP is not just a motorcycleit's a love letter to those who understand that true perfection sometimes lies in controlled irrationality.

With the MT-09 SP, Yamaha has achieved something rarely seen in the motorcycle world: theyve polished an already great naked bike without taming its wild spirit. The SP version is essentially what you get when Japanese engineering meets Swedish suspension expertise, with a touch of Italian braking passion thrown in.

The core remains unchanged: an 890cc inline triple engine delivering 119 horsepower at 10,000 rpm and 93 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm. But around this heart, Yamaha has crafted a package that feels like a custom-tailored suit for a rockstar. The Öhlins shock at the rear, the fully adjustable KYB USD fork up front with DLC coating, the Brembo Stylema calipersevery detail screams quality and uncompromising performance.

Tipping the scales at 195.5 kilograms fully fueled, our 1000PS scale reveals a weight that feels like a promise. Not too heavy, not too light, just perfect for what's to come. The seat height of 825 millimeters is manageable for most riders, but once you take your place, you feel the intention behind this naked bike.

A 1000PS colleague nailed it: "The MT-09 SP is a really awesome machine. It carries a touch of luxury because everything blends together so beautifully. Extremely well made, well finished, and, as I said, beautifully tuned." These words might sound like marketing speak at first, but they become reality once you cover those first few meters.

What makes a triple so special? It's this characteristic unevenness that gives it a soul no four-cylinder will ever have. The CP3 engine of the MT-09 SP is a masterpiece of controlled chaos. One test rider aptly put it: "I think the CP3 engine in the MT-09 is arguably one of the most perfect road engines you can imagine."

The power delivery is linear and predictable, yet full of surprises. Where a four-cylinder delivers its power clinically clean, the triple makes you feel like you're riding a wild beastone that trusts you but never fully sheds its unpredictability. "But in direct comparison, especially with those potent four-cylinders, you do feel a slight power deficit. Yet the engine's eagerness to rev and how it delivers power was perfect for the road, because it's so beautifully linear."

The six-speed gearbox works with the third-generation quickshiftera system so precise that shifting becomes a joy. Every gear change feels like a small triumph, a moment of perfection in a world full of compromises.

The Öhlins shock at the rear is not just a piece of hardwareit's a philosophy on wheels. Together with the KYB USD fork up front, it forms a suspension that is both comfortable and uncompromisingly sporty. The DLC coating on the fork is more than just a technical detail; it's a promise of durability and performance.

A 1000PS test rider described the experience as follows: "It immediately instills a good amount of confidence. You're nicely integrated into the bike. I find that pleasant." This integration is no accidentit's the result of years of development and an understanding of what connects a rider to their motorcycle.

The short wheelbase of 1,430 millimeters gives the MT-09 SP an agility that reminds you of a supermoto feel. "The short wheelbase, in fact, the shortest of all the bikes tested. And that invites a bit of a supermoto riding style, I'd almost say. On tight serpentine roads, you can really apply the pushing riding style."

The 6-axis IMU is the invisible brain of the MT-09 SP, overseeing traction control, slide and lift control, brake control, and engine braking. Yet, this electronics suite never intrudesits there when you need it and fades into the background when you don't.

The 5-inch TFT display is clear and informative without being cluttered. The Smart Key System works reliably, though some riders might miss the traditional key experience. The TRACK mode unlocks the full potential of the bike for those moments where compromises are out of place.

The 14-liter tank may seem small at first glance, but with a claimed consumption of 5.0 liters per 100 kilometers, it offers a practical range. The tank's voluminous appearance and the air intakes further enhance the aggressive look of this naked bike.

The Brembo Stylema calipers up front are more than just a status symbolthey are precision instruments that turn speed into control. One test rider raved: "And a definite highlight is the brakes. They require very little hand force but generate incredible stopping power. The ABS also allows a bit more leeway compared to Honda or Suzuki."

The 298-millimeter discs at the front provide ample stopping power for any situation, while the 245-millimeter disc at the rear completes the setup. The modulation is excellentyou can brake with surgical precision or with the force of a sledgehammer, depending on what the situation demands.

The MT-09 SP is a motorcycle for riders who appreciate nuances. Its not the most agile bike in its segmenta point noted by our testers: "I expected more from the handling. The KTM is a real toy, the MT-09 feels more mature and calmer. Not sluggish, but a bit more stable!"

However, this apparent weakness reveals itself upon closer inspection as a deliberate design choice. The MT-09 SP favors control over sheer agility, stability over nervous nimbleness. An experienced test rider explained: "The MT has a high playfulness. It still retains a bit of that supermoto-like character that previous generations had more of. Now it's a bit less, but it's still there. That means it's nimble, it's active, but you do notice at high speeds that a bit of that stability is lacking again."

The seating position of the MT-09 SP is interestingit's more upright than many competitors, which can take some getting used to. However, this ergonomics has its advantages: "I think I could ride the MT-09 forever without getting tired." For long-distance riders, this is an invaluable advantage, even if sport-oriented riders might prefer a position leaning towards the front wheel.

The sound of the MT-09 SP is unmistakablea robust, irregular rhythm that sets it apart from any four-cylinder. Our testers praised the engine's refinement: "The engine's smoothness is incredibly well executed. We hardly have any vibrations. The triple is very punchyeven in terms of sound!" This sound is not just music to the earsit's part of this motorcycle's DNA. It tells the story of an engine that doesn't strive to be perfect, but rather full of character.

For the MT-09 SP test, the Arai Quantic was useda handcrafted helmet with an uncompromising focus on safety. Its round, smooth shell shape is designed to optimally dissipate energy upon impact rather than transfer it directly to the head. The wider helmet opening proved particularly practical, making it significantly easier to put on and take off. Even during longer test rides, comfort was maintained thanks to the high-quality interior and well-thought-out ventilation system. The Quantic meets the current ECE R22-06 standard. More information on the helmet here

The Yamaha MT-09 SP is clearly positioned in the upper mid-range with prices at €13,449 (DE), €14,299 (AT), and CHF 13,290 (CH). For this, you get premium Öhlins suspension, comprehensive electronics, and the popular 890 triple engine. Those who truly utilize the TRACK mode and ride sportily will appreciate the premium over the standard version. Price Comparison Naked Bike Test 2025

Our major 2025 Naked Bike Showdown was no superficial joyride but a meticulously planned test spectacle: seven skilled 1000PS riders, including track specialist Martin Bauer, subjected five top naked bikes to a relentless analysis. Instead of quick impressions, we deliver concrete data: each motorcycle underwent systematic evaluations in numerous categories, was weighed on our in-house scale, and pushed to the limit on demanding country roads as well as the Bad Fischau racetrack.

The key advantage of our test concept lies in the diversity of test ridersranging from relaxed touring riders to hardcore track specialists, covering the entire spectrum. This is complemented by detailed market analysis and authentic voices from our 1000PS community. The result: the most detailed and honest 2025 Naked Bike Comparisonwith all the information relevant to your purchasing decision.

For more than two decades, 1000PS has been testing motorcycles with unwavering passion, technical precision, and market proximity. Our diverse team combines editors, video specialists, data experts, YouTube professionals, and true industry insiders into a powerful unit. Our editorial content is published in 16 languages and reaches over 6 million motorcycle fans across Europe every month. We are particularly proud that not only thousands of motorcycle riders trust our expertise, but also dealers and manufacturers rely on our assessments. This trust is our most important driveand we measure our work against it every day.

Anyone familiar with the Yamaha MT-09 SP knows that this bike thrives on its untamed agility. This is where the S23 works its magic. The setup fits like a glove. The SP's responsive suspension and the lively, torque-rich triple demand a tire that not only keeps up but leads the way. The S23 does just that. It grips confidently when leaning into curves, yet remains consistently transparent. No surprises, just clear feedback. On twisty country roads, this combo lets you practically fly through the cornersa dance of precision and power that you won't forget quickly. More info on the tire here

The 1000PS community is divided but nuanced in its views on the Yamaha MT-09 SP. Many seasoned riders see the SP's high-quality Öhlins suspension as a true assetespecially when the bike is ridden sportily or tailored to specific needs, such as carrying a passenger or for riders over 90 kg. At the same time, many question the actual added benefit in everyday use, praising the standard suspension as completely adequate and well-balanced. On the road, some see the SP as unnecessary or overpricedthe price difference to the standard version seems too large for many, especially when the braking performance and overall riding dynamics are hardly noticeably better in practice. There's also criticism of the aesthetics (swingarm, exhaust, wheel colors), the inconsistent braking performance of the Brembo Stylemas, and the keyless system, which is occasionally described as unreliable. Overall, the SP is seen as a technically ambitious but not undisputed top modelit mainly convinces enthusiasts, while budget-conscious or purely road-focused riders prefer the standard variant.