Yamaha’s super-popular range of middleweight triples has expanded and been updated for 2024.
The new bike is the XSR900 GP, a sporty retro version which pays homage to the 500cc racers of the 1990s. t features a half fairing and GP-style tailpiece… and for those of a certain age it pulls on the heartstrings like the sound of a wailing two-stroke… well, at least until you hear it, for the inline fours-stroke triple certainly won’t sound like any sort of two-stroke. But’s that’s OK, at least because we can’t buy two-stroke road bikes anymore.
Under the new clothes and sporty riding position is a bike very similar to the XSR900, which in turn is based on the MT-09, which gets an update for 2024…
2024 MT-09
Sportier, more aggressive and edgier is how Yamaha describe the new MT-09, the bike moving away from its roots as a super economic versatile naked.
Better suspension, more tech and better ergonomics for more aggressive riding are part of the package.
Changes include a new, more compact LED headlight and taillight, a new tank shape to encourage a ‘more engaged and free riding position’, revised airbox and intake ducts to produce better acoustics while maintaining a linear throttle response and a ‘acoustic amplifier grille’ has been added.
The riding position has changed – the handlebars are lower, adjustable between two positions. The footrests are 30.6mm further back and 9.5mm higher. The changes, combined with steeper steering rake thanks to the new tank shape, should make steering sharper and the bike have a sportier feel.
To improve passenger comfort, the rear footpegs are now mounted underneath the rear frame, while the rider and passenger seats are now separate.
Pedals and levers have been redesigned and there’s now a Brembo radial master cylinder for the front brakes.
The front forks are fully adjustable while the single rear shock has a new linkage and is also adjustable.
There’s a USB-C outlet under the seat for charging your devices, and a new 5-inch TFT screen can display four different themes, supports bluetooth phone connectivity and navigation via the Yamaha MyRide App and integration with the free Garmin StreetCross Navigation system.
The 2024 MT-09 also features customisable riding modes and three standard modes (Sport, Street, Rain).
Custom settings can control Power (PWR), the Slide Control System (SCS), Traction Control System (TCS) and LIF (Lift Control) – all of which can be set directly through the MT-09’s dashboard or using a smartphone via the MyRide app.
The six-axis IMU’s functionality is further enhanced for the 2024 MT-09 with the addition of a Back Slip Regulator (BSR), which offers stabilisation when the rear wheel locks under excessive engine braking by controlling the level of torque produced – this is especially useful in situations when it is difficult to activate the slipper clutch for example when grip is low. A third-generation quickshifter is standard.
The electronics suite expands with the addition of cruise control, self-cancelling indicators with ‘soft-click’: a gentle tap will make the indicators flash three times, perfect for lane changes. The self-cancelling feature sees the indictors off after 15 seconds or 150m. There’s emergency flashing hazard lights, engaged if the bike is stopping at speed.
The new MT-09 will be available in three colours: Midnight Cyan, Icon Blue and Tech Black. Prices and availability hasn’t been announced yet.
MT-09SP
The new 2024 MT-09SP features all the updates that the standard model receives – with some key upgrades unique to this model… including dumping the key.
Yep, the 2024 MT-09SP now has keyless operation in addition to the new Öhlins fully adjustable rear shock, Brembo Stylema calipers and Yamaha Ride Control Settings – additional track-focussed modes and settings for better closed circuit performance.
The individual TRACK modes allow for more refined, specialised settings, including the option of choosing between two Engine Brake Management (EBM) settings and the ability to alter the level of Brake Control (BC). Additionally, riders also have the option of turning the rear ABS off to further enhance on track performance.
Each mode can be altered and set directly in the dashboard menu or using the free MyRide app on a smartphone before being sent to the MT-09SP, where riders can switch between each mode effortlessly using the newly designed switchgear. The on-track riding experience is further enhanced by a dedicated SP-exclusive TRACK theme for the MT-09SP’s new 5in full colour TFT display, offering information such as a lap timer and other track focused details.
The higher specification KYB forks offer full adjustability for preload, re-bound and compression dampening allowing SP riders the option to fine tune their set-up to suit a variety of different riding situations.
The Öhlins monoshock completes the MT-09 SP’s high-end suspension package, offering full adjustability for compression and re-bound damping as well as being equipped with a remote preload adjuster to enable quick and easy changes.
XSR900 GP
Celebrating a golden era of Yamaha success in Grand Prix racing – six titles between 1984 and 1992 – ‘This new model pays homage to some of the most celebrated race machines from Yamaha’s illustrious past in a way never seen before in the Sports Heritage range.’
Its design has also been influenced by the FZR and TZR machines of the 1980s and 1990s.
The bodywork is not only a symbol of the past in looks alone, but the method in which it is fixed in position is also inspired by the 1980s, with a tubed structure connecting the cowling to the frame and straight brackets supporting the dash creating a rider’s view with a genuine golden era feel.
To emphasise the classic cockpit feeling, the upper fairing stay is supported by a nut structure identical to that used for the original TZ250. In true racing style, this structure is fastened with a beta pin, marking the first time Yamaha has used such a fastening on a mass-produced production model for public road use.
The tailpiece includes a single-seat cowl with a passenger seat underneath.
Clip-on handlebars are said to be sporty but not excessive. The footpegs are adjustable across two positions.
The forks are adjustable KYB units, the shock a KYB on a linkage, with remote preload adjustment.
The electronics are similar to that of the MT-09.
Pricing and availability coming soon.
