Intermot 2016: Yamaha MT-09 revealed

Yamaha's popular MT-09 has received a mild refresh for the 2017 model year, and has been revealed at Intermot. The biggest change is the two-lens LED headlamp that reminds us a little of the Kawasaki Z1000 but nevertheless gives the MT a unique identity among its other Yamaha streetfighter brethren. Among the other visual changes are the relocation of the front indicators to the radiator, and a shortened subframe. The rear fender is now mounted on the swingarm, and holds the number plate as well. It is the first of the Yamahas to use this design.

There is now a slipper clutch, a quickshifter, and Yamaha has managed to reduce the load at the clutch lever by 20 per cent, a good change when you consider that this motorcycle is intended for street use. The front suspension now has the adjuster for compression on the left fork, and the rebound adjustment on the right, like a supersport motorcycle. Of course, the driving force behind the upgrade was the retuning of the engine to be compliant with Euro lV emissions regulations, so the engine meets those now. 

The MT-09 will go on sale in December this year globally, but we do not expect it to make it to India until the first quarter of 2017.