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2017 Yamaha MT-09 launch - we're leaving on a jet plane

Published: 02 December 2016
  • The 2017 Yamaha MT-09 has had a bit of a makeover
    The 2017 Yamaha MT-09 has had a bit of a makeover
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Today we’re flying out to the Spanish island of Mallorca for the world press launch of the 2017 Yamaha MT-09.

Now three years old, Yamaha have decided to give the popular 850cc triple-cylinder naked a comprehensive make-over for 2017.

Not only does the new MT-09 now look like its bigger MT-10 brother with its aggressive new twin-eye LED headlamp, but there’s also a 30mm shorter subframe which puts the rider 5mm higher than before, as well as cool LED tail lamps.

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Beneath the skin, the 09 also gets a new slip-assist clutch for a lighter lever action, a factory-fitted quickshifter for clutchless upshifts, and a revised front fork. However it remains to be seen whether Yamaha have addressed the problems with the 09’s rear shock, which gets easily overwhelmed with spirited riding.

MCN’s Acting Consumer Editor Emma Franklin is currently on a plane to the Balearic Island and will report back with more technical information from this evening’s press conference, before getting the world’s first ride on Saturday.

Be sure to check back to www.motorcyclenews.com for all the latest updates, and buy next Wednesday’s (December 7) issue for the full launch report, as well as a special feature on the whole Yamaha MT range.

 

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By Emma Franklin

Editor - Resident two-stroke nut and fully trained journalist, Emma’s passion for motorcycling has seen her work across many of the UK’s best-loved motorcycling titles over the past 19 years, before becoming Deputy Editor on the world’s number one biking weekly in 2020 and then Editor in 2024. A consumer journalist at heart, she’s dedicated to cutting through marketing waffle and putting manufacturers’ claims to the test in order to get to the truth. Passionate about all levels of road racing, and a former club racer herself, she’s still very much a paddock regular through her support of partner, Bruce Dunn’s racing exploits – so if you see her at a circuit, feel free to say hello.