2014 Yamaha MT-09 debuts in Japan

June 11, 2013

After all the teasing with a very vague video Yamaha has just unveiled the 2014 Yamaha MT-09 (called Yamaha FZ-09 for the US markets) a motorcycle that is the first to have the 3 cylinder Yamaha engine of which we will be seeing a lot of variations and models in the future. The three cylinder 850 cc engine fits on a diecast aluminum frame, with a total kerb weight of 188kgs, all this while churning out a very healthy 115HP and 85Nm of torque, making it one of the lightest sport motorcycles above 700cc.

A very unique feature of the 2014 Yamaha MT-09 is that it has an offset between the cylinders. A design philosophy that has its roots in the ‘Crossplane crankshaft’ we saw first in the R1. This ensures a 120° firing interval that provides a very linear torque. All this is controlled by a ride by wire throttle that ensures you have all that power in your control at any given time. There are three riding modes that rider can choose from, a standard mode for normal varied conditions of riding when you are going to experience mixed conditions, mode A for an aggressive throttle response to keep you on the edge of your seat, and mode B that ensures you a good low end so that you can potter around the city and in traffic without stalling the bike. Surprisingly though traction control takes a miss, mostly to keep costs down. The Yamaha MT-09 adopts an integrated exhaust muffler, a short 3 in 1 setup with three internal expansion chambers. The silencer makes a pleasant sound that emphasizes the character of the bike, and its location, hidden and lowered, it helps to centralize mass and consequently to increase the ease of ride and handling. The tubes are treated with a coating Nanofilm to keep its looks immaculate by preventing the formation of rust, stains and loss of color.

The chassis saves as much as 10kgs from that of the FZ-8 thanks to a die cast aluminium build with an asymmetrically designed aluminium swingarm. The front forks are USD 41mm ones that are adjustable while the rear mono shock is also adjustable for preload and rebound damping. The braking system consists of a dual 298mm front discs with a 4-piston radial caliper and a two calliper 245mm rear disc. ABS is available as an option, will result in an increase in weight of 3kg. Check out detailed photographs and specifications of the Yamaha MT-09 below.