I racked up almost 5.5k miles across a Yamaha MT-09 and XSR900 GP in 2025 - Here's what I think
After spending a year onboard Yamaha’s MT-09 and XSR900 GP, I’ve got to say that I’ve been left hugely impressed by the CP3 platform, in both a naked and a sporty guise. The funny thing is, both of them have an incredibly individual character, which highlights the fact that platforming components really isn’t all that bad, especially if it keeps the final cost of both versions down.
Read more about the MT-09
- Update one: Getting reacquainted with the MT-09 in the UK
- Update two: Hits and misses after a 1000 miles of riding
Now, let’s get started with the MT, which was the first machine to arrive. To my (29-year-old) eyes, naked bikes should be fun, exhilarating, and frankly, downright naughty – and with that brief in mind, Yamaha have nailed it with the MT-09.
The engine is the star of the show, and with a relatively short wheelbase and sportier geometry than before, the MT-09 is a machine that will make you laugh non-stop. I’m of the opinion that a good bike is one that makes you smile, and the MT-09 is the epitome of that mantra, so much so that I would’ve been happy to stick with it all year. Even though it’s not a looker, wheeling it out of the garage always put me in a great mood, no matter what the destination was.
And then to mix things up, the cherry on top was being lucky enough to swing a leg over the XSR GP for the second half of the year, which is without a doubt the most attention-seeking little number that I’ve ever had the pleasure of living with.
Read more about the Yamaha XSR900 GP
- Update one: First impressions of the Yamaha XSR900 GP
- Update two: Aftermarket accessories make a big difference
- Update three: Replacement tyres maximise the fun
- Update four: The best and the worst bits of the XSR900 GP
But it’s not all about looks, as even though the engine remains unchanged from its naked cousin, it’s more than enough to keep things exciting at road speeds, while the chassis, suspension and riding position setup allows for a solid level of fun when it comes to the twisties.
But its core is very different; it doesn’t make its fun by being sharp and explosive, but the opposite – by being predictable, stable and confidence-inspiring. Where the MT keeps you on the edge of your seat, the XSR gently relaxes you into going that bit faster, and enjoying the road ahead.
Both machines offer incredible experiences, and two very different bites of the same CP3 pie. If you want sheer, unadulterated excitement then go naked, but if you want something a little more grown up, the XSR is the perfect tool for the job. I’m just hoping that versatile CP3 can also work wonders in a full-on sporty package when the R9 supersport arrives this year.
