EICMA 2017: Yamaha MT-09 gets SP treatment

Yamaha has revealed a performance-focussed variant of the MT-09, christened as the MT-09 SP. It gets a suspension upgrade along with a flashy paint scheme. 

Yamaha decided to roll out the MT-09 SP taking into account the response for the MT-10 SP, which was launched last year. The MT-09 SP features the same blue and silver paint scheme to set it apart from the standard bike. The biggest change however, is for the suspension setup. It rides on Ohlins inverted front forks and rear shock, with rebound and compression damping.

At the heart of the MT-09 SP is the same 847cc three-cylinder crossplane crank CP3 engine, churning out 113bhp. The engine is mated to a six-speed transmission with a slipper clutch and quick shifter, which allows clutchless upshifts. The rider aids include traction control and ABS. The MT-09 SP tips the scales at 193 kilograms. 

The Yamaha MT-09 SP will go on sale globally in January. While the MT-09 was launched in India last year, it was phased out with the industry’s move to BS IV emission norms. It seems unlikely that the MT-09 SP will be launched here any time soon.