2024 Yamaha MT-09 SP First Look

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Yamaha’s MT-10 celebrates 10 years with an upgraded version of the SP. (Yamaha/)

Yamaha’s MT-09 and “The Dark Side of Japan” design concept was first unleashed back in 2014, and has offered a balanced and potent approach to the middleweight naked sportbike class ever since. The bike was born with aggressive styling, a stripped-down appearance, and a light and agile chassis. At its heart has always been Yamaha’s 890cc three-cylinder four-valve DOHC liquid-cooled CP3 engine, with its torque-rich delivery. For the 2021 model year, Yamaha added an up-spec version called the SP, with upgraded suspension and features. For 2024, and the bike’s 10-year anniversary, the ante has been upped again with a feature-laden MT-09 SP.

The SP will be available in one color scheme: Liquid Metal/Raven. (Yamaha/)

Also new for 2024 is an updated version of the base MT-09, which received refreshed styling, improved ergonomics, a brand-new 5-inch TFT color display, new Back Slip Regulator system, third-generation quickshifter, and a few other details. The SP version gets all of those changes in addition to Brembo Stylema brake calipers and a radial master cylinder of the same make, a fully adjustable DLC-coated KYB fork, and fully adjustable Öhlins shock. Additionally there is the exclusive R1M-inspired colors, a polished and clear-coated aluminum swingarm, four track-specific Ride Control modes, two new Engine Brake Management modes, and a Smart Key System with a fob and new starter switch.

The MT-09 SP gets a polished and clear-coated aluminum swingarm. (Yamaha/)

The latest version of the CP3 engine uses the Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) as before, which allows for precise control of the throttle valves and gives the bike its advanced ride modes. Not only does the bike’s exhaust system provide a unique soundtrack, but the new Acoustic Amplifier Grilles atop the newly designed fuel tank enhance that symphony to the rider in the cockpit. The brand-new third-gen quickshifter offers two settings and allows for improved shifts while under hard acceleration or deceleration.

The new tank features Acoustic Amplifier Grilles to enhance sound to the rider in the cockpit. (Yamaha/)

The brand-new 5-inch TFT display gives the rider access to the bike’s advanced electronics suite and YRC settings. A six-axis IMU feeds the bike information to optimize TC, ABS, slide control, and wheelie control. There are three standard modes, including Sport, Street, and Rain, and two customizable rider modes. The SP also gets four additional track-specific modes with the ability to turn off the rear ABS. The Traction Control System (TCS) has four levels of intervention, while Slide Control System (SCS), front wheel Lift Control System (LIF), two-mode Brake Control System (BC), a new Back Slip Regulator (BSR), and the SP-exclusive Engine Brake Management (EBM) can all be adjusted to preference.

The YRC electronics suite allows the user to modify electronic rider aids to preference, while the SP also gets four additional track-specific options. (Yamaha/)

The dash itself has a choice of five different visual themes, including an SP-specific Track mode. Like its cousin the Tracer 9 GT+, the new system offers smartphone connectivity, and available turn-by-turn navigation through the Garmin StreetCross app. Wrapping up the electronics, the SP comes with Yamaha’s new Smart Key System with a fob that can be carried in your pocket, and is also used to unlock the fuel-tank cap.

The dash offers five visual themes including this track-specific option. (Yamaha/)

Unlike the MT-10 SP which gets electronic Öhlins suspension, the MT-09 SP gets a fully adjustable 41mm DLC-coated KYB inverted fork with provisions for preload, rebound, and high- and low-speed compression damping. Out back is a fully adjustable Öhlins shock with a remote preload adjuster. But one of the biggest changes for 2024 is the use of Brembo Stylema Monoblock brake calipers mated to a radial master cylinder and biting down on a pair of 298mm discs.

Brand-new Brembo Stylema calipers bite down on 298mm discs. (Yamaha/)
A fully adjustable 41mm DLC-coated KYB fork is new. (Yamaha/)

Ergonomics have been altered with lower handlebar position that can be customized to two settings, while the footpegs also offer two settings. The fuel tank itself is now shorter in height and offers more room in front of the rider for a more comfortable cockpit.

The cockpit is roomier with a lower tank height, while both the handlebar and footpegs can be adjusted to two positions each. (Yamaha/)

The 2024 Yamaha MT-09 SP will be available in the single Liquid Metal/Raven color scheme, and will be available in dealerships in late spring for $12,299.

Yamaha’s MT-09 SP comes with the brand-new Smart Key System. (Yamaha/)

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