Long-term Yamaha MT-09 review update two | The bike's biggest flaws and strongest points

I did worry that after a few months, the Yamaha MT-09 might not be enough to keep me hooked. Is it sporty enough? Is there enough power to keep my itchy throttle hand happy? Is it comfortable enough to live with?

• First update: Getting reacquainted with the MT-09 in the UK after a whirlwind romance on the launch

These are difficult questions for one naked bike to answer, but the MT-09 has certainly delivered. I’m actually quite sad to be saying goodbye before the glorious XSR900 GP retro sportsbike turns up for the second half of the year, but it’s not all been perfect either.

Here are the bike’s biggest hits and misses in my eyes:

CP3 triple engine – Hit

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Yamaha’s CP3 engine just keeps on getting better and better. There’s enough torque to keep things fun, yet with a little more mileage the gearbox has got even slicker, the excitingly aggressive throttle response has now become second nature and the sound is just, well, utterly gorgeous.

It truly is one of the best motors in its capacity range, whether that be in the XSR900s, Tracer 9 GT+ or the MT-09 – where it fits a naked brilliantly.

Accessories – Miss

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Even though I’m relatively young, I do love a bit of comfort. I’ve opted for the chunky Yamaha screen (£138) along with Yamaha handguards, which are fitted on the multi-mount front base (£72), along with a set of knuckle deflectors and a bar end base kit (£220 in total) plus panniers and a tankbag for good measure.

Although the screen offers good coverage, it gives a little bit of turbulence at motorway speeds, while the handguards aren’t as substantial as I’d like for colder or wetter rides.

Tank range – Miss

With just the slightest bit of enthusiasm on the throttle, the MT-09 turns into one seriously thirsty beast where fuel consumption is concerned. Although it is possible to get over 150 miles out of a tank it’s bloody hard work, and on a normal, casual ride (with some fun thrown in) it’s closer to 120 miles – and to be honest, sometimes that’s even being generous. With a relatively small tank, it is a bit of a pain for longer journeys. In fact, quite a bit of a pain.

Sporty but spacious riding position – Hit

It’s difficult blending a sporty, purposeful riding position with enough comfort to live with, but Yamaha have pulled a blinder with their MT-09. Although there’s a good amount of space for the rider to move around and feel at home, the bike’s sporty nature does allow for great feedback and feel through the ’bars, which ultimately makes swift riding highly engaging. Think naked, but with sporty DNA flowing through its core.

Sat nav – Miss

For the most part, the electronics are spot on, from the riding aids to the interface and the switchgear. But one area that lets it down is the navigation, which is taken care of by the Garmin StreetCross app. Although free to download, it’s a few years behind in terms of the current road network.