The 2018 Yamaha MT-09 has been
launched in Malaysia and priced at RM47,388 including GST. This updated naked
sports bike now comes with a quickshifter, traction control, three riding modes
and adjustable suspension.
Still carrying the 847 cc, inline-triple, the MT-09
produces 115 hp at 10,000 rpm and 87.5 Nm of torque at 8,500 rpm. Power still
gets to the ground via a six-speed gearbox, with Yamaha’s Assist & Slip
(A&S) clutch that reduces clutch lever effort and prevents rear wheel slip
during hard downshifts.
New for for 2018 is the LED projector headlamp
assembly that resembles the unit from the MT-10 litre-class naked sports bike.
Also revised is the rear tail light assembly with LED lighting in two rows. ABS
and traction control are now standard on the MT-09, along with a quickshifter
for clutchless upshifts. Suspension on the MT-09 has also been upgraded, and
now features both compression and rebound adjustment in the 41 mm diameter
upside-down forks, while the rear has a monoshock adjustable for pre-load.
Fuel for the MT-09 is carried in a 14-litre tank,
and seat height is set at 820 mm. Braking is done with dual 298 mm diameter brake
discs in front and a single disc at the back, with wet weight claimed to be 193
kg.
In the Malaysian market, the 2018 Yamaha MT-09 goes
up against the Triumph Street Triple S, priced at RM4 9,000, Kawasaki Z900 at
RM 49,158 and the Honda CB650F at RM 44,995. The 2018 Yamaha MT-09 will be
available at authorised Hong Leong Yamaha dealers at the end of January.