Yamaha MT-09 SP 2023: Still one of the best naked bikes? | First Impressions Review 

Bought a run-out 2023 MT09-SP, 300klm on the clock, but I just love it. Perfect bike in Sydney, good sound from standard exhaust for stealth purposes. Love the fast response throttle and the urgency of the cp3 torque, so linear it’s amazing. Same engine as the new bike.”, no changes made. Keeping this for many many klms, it’s matching my personal taste for a good bike, I suppose!

New nickname: Queen of Narnia. The bad weather travels with her. “Hide yourselves. Kate is rolling by!” 😁

The trough of bowland and Waddington Fell perfect for the MT09 and where I ride mine but it rarely stops raining accross the peat watersheds of the north.

For me that triple engine is one of the best for real world riding the airbox noise sounds fantastic

The trough of Bowland is just gorgeous even in winter ! ❤

Awesome review as always! I actually don't mind the hidden exhaust. The bad weather isn't necessary a bad thing for a review since it shows how the bike feels in real life and unfortunately real life doesn't have a sunny day always

Good review, I especially liked the sheep.

First "projects" on the list (as usual) - is also true for the gen4 SP: 1. Tail-tidy 2. swap the factory exhaust for a full Akra-system 3. Get a fly screen or a suitable windshield 4. Upgrade to braided brake lines and race / track brake pads 5. Further enhancements: 1. Shed weight (my 2020 SP weighs in at 181,5 kgs wet) and add power (can easily get 117 - 120 whp in the hands of a pro) - it will be day & night up and down some serious mountain passes 😃🏁

Cracking good video, well done.

Saw Dan's video yesterday and it looks like it's primarily cosmetic. The front light cluster/fairing has changed. The tank looks more square in style, sort of like KTM like to do. Same engine ie CP3. So I'm definitely looking forward to seeing your review when you get hold of it from the dealership

I love my 2021 MT-09 SP

I'm trying to remember all the questions, yes I could live with you Kate, that was a question I think! Loving the colour scheme of that Yammy. Always right foot down now that front brake levers have rear brake light switches, means you can control the bike on the front and go to neutral and back to first for mechanical sympathy without doing the "Hendon shuffle", and move away quickly if you see something hurtling up behind you, engage gear quickly. Back a while bikes didn't have front brake light switches and so to warn others by turning the brake light on you always had to use the right foot on that brake pedal!

Great video Kate! 👍👍

Talking about the weather. I could never warm to the MT design until I saw the GP. Looking forward to a review.

Hello, good morning, Kate, it is similar to the one I had but with 3 cylinders and I really liked it. 8 books per 100 km and my BMW uses 5.5 liters and it is from the same era. My Yamaha had 150 HP and my BMW has 167 HP. Best regards 🌹☕

Nice honest review always fun to join a rides 😊

Love the sound of a triple.

My friend Sophia has one. It sounds soo good.

Thanks for the review. Keep up the sterling work. Not a cheap bike, not many are, but a lot of bike for the money. And smiles per pound-age.

Nice review again Kate......shame about our British weather. I've always been a fan of the MT09 , having been a former owner of one of the earlier model's. I rode the MT10 as well but actually preferred the "nine " a little better (personal preference). I love naked machines and now own a GSXS1000 which suits me so well for my everyday riding. 😊

I change my bike every other year and the start of 2023 was time to change my 2021 Street Triple RS, so it was gonna be another middleweight naked and I tested the KTM 890R, the new Street Triple RS and the MT-09 SP, I loved the KTM but just couldn't face having to look at it before throwing a leg over it every day, then I had the MT-09 SP, a great bike just as much fun as the KTM with a much sweeter sound and even relatively good looks, then was the 2023 Street Triple RS the upgraded version of my 2021 RS, I expected some minor changes over my RS, boy was I wrong this was more revolution than evolution, the handling has been sharpened but is still on rails and the new gearing changes have really boosted low and mid range acceleration making it and the MT-09 SP very similar performance wise, it was close but I ended up buying the Triumph in cosmic yellow and petty as it might seem in the end it simply came down to looks, I really like the MT-09, it's a great fun bike, well priced which you couldn't go wrong with but I love my RS, especially its looks .

They are amazing bikes toured off road and just had lots of fun on

This bike is the second bike that I bought in Thailand, I switch from Kawasaki Z1000 to Yamaha I think is the good choice that I make. Compare with this two different model. Z1000 is much faster but hard to control according to the old system without any help from computer, but for mt 09 got couple options that make riding more conformable and easy to control. In my opinion mt 09 is the good bike for the beginner to play for fun.

Was out on mine yesterday, was nice to get back in the seat

Seriously considering a tracer 9 so this vlog spot on for me. I have a katana at the moment and the gearing is just a bit low. The cp 3 seems sporty enough and a bit more forgiving at around 50-70. Thanks for this video. Helped soo much 👍

I have had a mt09 sp and a mt10 sp and honestly the mt09 is more fun yes it doesn’t have the outright power or wheelie as stupidly but for pure fun it’s can’t be beaten 😊

Nice one. Thank you. The headlight...well, if all the wiring and hoses were hidden, then it would be better. But with Yamaha, there's brackets, hoses and bolts making the bike a "noisy" picture. But that's me!

While I do like the MT09 SP I think I like the 765 RS a bit more. Just seems more refined and put together. Triumph also has an incredible suite of accessories and that 2 year warranty to boot!

Ok so on the finding the right switch for the power setting I agree when I roadtested the standard gen 3 and sp models it took me about 10 15 mins to fathom how to change the power modes too. Saying that I actually went and brought one as I was that impressed and I read the manual before I picked it up the following week. Also agree about the master cylinder wobble I actually phoned the shop as I presumed there was a washer missing off it that it wobbled that much but apparently not they all like it. I just added one any way so it's got play but doesn't wobble as much. Annoying though. The screen is a tad small I will say but it tells you what you need so I'm OK with that. What does piss me off is the numptys at yamaha have made the screen bigger but they also made the black surround where your neutral, indicators, oil light, engine lights sit around the edge of the main screen so the actual screen itself isn't much bigger because of that wich I find real shit. As far as the exhaust goes yes its a bit hidden but I lovecthe way it shows off the polished alloy swing arm so that's a bonus plus mine pops and bangs in the over run as standard so I can't fault it. The newer version I see is a lot quieter by the looks of the reveiws coming through wich I don't like. Plus being taller with gibbon type legs I may find the new shape slightly cramped like the xsr 900 as on road test that gave me slight back and wrist ache. The pegs are slightly higher and the bars slightly lower on the 24 model. Glad you got to try it out at last just wish your got to open it up properly on dry roads as it's akin to a scolded rabbit on a nice sunny day! For the money I don't think it can be beatl and one of the best bikes I've owend so far bonkers machine.

Hi Kate, the MT09 really lives up to it's reputation, wow. It would sound so great with an acra exhaust 🥰🫶. Great that you tried the bike in all road conditions too a very through test Kate 👏👏👏👏👏I wouldn't be surprised if Lillie doesn't go for the new MT09. 😉....well done with the riding despite the conditions of the road and weather, well done both of you .... excellent drone flying and filming Micheal 👍😎😎😎

Hi Kate, few years ago I had a Tracer when it first came out, back then the throttle response was horrible a re-map soon sorted that, I loved that triple unit and when touring 60+ miles to a gallon was achievable. But I agree with you when the bike is on it's side stand the side view is hideous with that under slung exhaust system, totally spoils the look, in fact it would look better with a end can getting rid of that massive collector box, in my view anyway. Thank you.

Good to see yaaa kate and ofcorse to hear your funny british accent hahaha

Bloody hell Kate, you smashed that out double quick! They were still parking that campervan by the bridge an hour after you passed😂😂

6:58 "Look at this road! Beautiful" Kate please tell us what the roads are when you're on a great bit of road! Thanks darlin' 😘

Thanks for review...Great you discuss what it is like around town...an issue generally overloooked by many reviewers. Bike ticks a lot of boxes.... naked & not carrying excess weight😅Adequate performance for progressive real world road riding, Ohlins. Not a fan of some asthetics If honest the 2024 model year is more appealing to me....Another to add to my "must ride" list.

Awesome video! I love the country side where you ride. All the rock walls and old churches. I googled how many miles of rock walls there are in England , 70,000 in England and 180,000 in the UK. That's amazing. Love the gloves. Best!

Funny how u mentioned daffodils, i seen some last weekend and thought summers on its way

Nice looking and sounding bike. Like the cle🎉a looking exhaust rather than a big box of a muffler, I also like the static cut in review parts.

Brilliant bike I owned one and it was a real hoot

I really like this iteration of Mt-09. I do wish that the normal version had more colorful options like the 1st gen. The exhaust looks like it's designed to mimic an intestine.

Hey Kate any back on baps at this open/ demo day in April ? BMW Chester had a burger/bacon van remember ! 😂😂🎉🎉❤

The Headlight look is a spare one from parts bin of 2012 R1 it had two. It sounds great goes well but too open and weather prone at the front rad ect. Any links to Honda dealers in the future Kate? Another great review. 😁

Greetings from Los Angeles! Great vid, great motorcycle. This vid could use some more of that fantastic singing voice! Actually, every vid! 👍😊

Going around the Trough of Bowland is one of my favourite rides but the road surface is getting worse and worse in places and is obviously not a high priority (what is) for Lancashire Councils resurfacing department.

I'd recognise the ride up the valley by the little wire fence, trough of Bowland.

Was so close to buying this … ended with 765RS 😅 cosmic yellow 🎉

Hi Kate! Review is on point, i have this bike :) , you can change the modes while riding! Can you tell me what model of gloves you have? Greetings from Transylvania!

Hi Kate or should I call you the Narnia of weather now. As always you do describe things with a cool and calming voice. First thing on the bike that I noticed was the brake reservoir bouncing round like a don't know what, it just looks like they didn't know what to do with it, secondly the exhaust looks like it has had a limb chopped off so ugly. Yes most of all. The headlight is not a headlight just a majestic meg ball (you are probably to young to know Majestic Meg) Love the reviews by usernamekate. I will get that to rhyme at some point 😂😂

hey kate quick question is it safe to ride in -1 temps was poo ya pants riding this morning lol love the vid.

Thanks for the review Kate. 👏👏👏👏👏

Another great vid Kate, would love to hear your comparisons to the new Monster 937 sp.

Kete get yourself a run on an 890smt !! Your looking well for your age for sure ❤

Just the review I've been waiting for, great job.

Which was more engaging and comfortable, this or the Suzuki Katana that you reviewed and seemed to love a great deal (other than the small fuel tank)?

Do these mods 1, 2, 3, 4, which have Tracer 900 and Mt09 have an impact on driving? even 1 mod keeps you on a track like you're on train tracks ? ! Because everyone said how playful the Tracer 900 and Mt09 are, but when I rode it, I didn't find it playful at all. Is this conclusion incorrect? caause Tracer 900 was in mod 1 when i drove it , and i find it little bit dificult to turn from one line to other , i felt like somethin keep me up ,straight , and dont let me bend it left or right easily.

Nice one Kate that's was a great review. Bought mine last year. Like it alot but yes, the fuel gauge sucks and yamaha, what's with the front indicators? Bump them ever so slightly and they fall out of their mounts. Brakes are a weak point but will be fixed with the 2024 model. Oem exhaust sounds great. Take care Kate.

Fuel gauge is my main gripe honestly

Great engine but I’d rather have it another package like the XSR or the new GP looking thing.

Miss Kate, a BMW F900R is better? What do you think? Thanks in advance, You are doing a great job,

If sound was the only thing your interested in as a rider it’s a winner, For me there’s nothing positive in it’s looks ,

There are easter eggs in Aldi summer is on its way !

Try 65mpg mixed riding spirited & steady pace with traffic.. 65mpg Yam how do you do it on a bike like this..?

I can’t remember if it’s the XSR and Tracer it shares the left hand switch gear with. It is more confusing than the base model. On the base model the only thing I’d change is swap the turn signals and horn. I occasionally change the modes using the indicators and wonder why the bike is so sluggish and don’t realize I’m in mode 3 or 4 till I get to where I’m going. I also forget the horn is even there so the rare occasion I want to use it I just rev the bike instead

This bike is on a short list of what I want for a 2nd bike.

looking at the headlight through a screen, it looks horrid but id be interested in seeing the thing in person to see how i feel, unfortunately theres no yamaha dealer near me

I'd be interested in the price of last year's models when the new 2024 ones arrive. Especially when the differences are very little between them. So a discount might sway you to buy this out going version than the new

Great bike but would need to go the XSR or GP version with Akra exhaust.

How's the vibration at the handlebar at various RPM? I rode an older MT that had high frequency buzzy vibration. Maybe it was a lemon?

Did you like this more then the street triple Rs?

Hey Kate what did you like better, mt09 or xsr900 ps, because of you I was singing (couldn't get it out of my head) tometo tomato poteto potato (review blue xsr900)

Looks like a nice bike but that power seems intoxicating! How much is this bike?

i guess that the "first" tieres are michelin ? -nothing change i disslike this tieres at the very first inches at rain also summer-sun dry ! what do you prefer more 100ps & 93nm or 200ps & ~113nm , i mean you accelerate enough diff. moped's ☘️

I agree the exhaust looks ugly as does the headlight but otherwise a nice bike. If I could take the best bits of this and the best bits of the strs I would have my perfect bike as neither machine is perfect. Which do you prefer. Knowing your love of street triples I can probably guess🤔

Yeah, it's about as exciting as breakfast cereal... snack crackle and pop..., the roads and views seemed to excite, and distract, you more than the bike itself did! As I said in my other comment on this side, the excitement in your voice gives you away. It is audible, it's in your voice, as to what you are really feeling and thinking as you talk us through the review... you must be a Cancerian. (we are who we are, join the club)!

Great drone shots. But who keeps parking white cars everywhere? Is it a Mike maybe? 😁

Superbe vidéo

Kate, will you add reviews of Chinese manufacturers in the future or is there a licence/manufacturer conflict of interest? Maybe? With KTM manufacturing in both China and India and Triumph making theirs in India as well, I was wondering what your thoughts are on the subject?

Off topic I wish Kate that you got to review the gen2 (2017-2020) bmw s1000r when it came out in its time

Hey Kate how are you doing today looking forward to seeing this later on loved the vlogs with lily looking forward to a trackday with lily soon wearing your leathers and your world famous swanky helmet and dark visor ride safe lovely only one username Kate from your friend Stevie lea 😂

If this is your first time on an MT-09, then how did you get it to that desolate spot? Sorry, but there are sometimes some strange things said on these videos, from all who upload here, not just you, if taken literally. That's my speciality..., taking things literally, as it is said, and sometimes it creates some great laughs around the house or work! Never liked Yamaha, too many bad experiences at the beginning of my biking "career", but this I suppose, seems not too bad all, well listening to you anyway, but then, you're paid (through bike loans) to say good things. Excusy if i've got that wrong, but you'd not get the bikes if the negatives outweighed the pros in your reviews. Also, I hear it in your voice when you start getting all excited when riding a Triumph or Suzuki, which was not so apparent here!

Hi Kate. I would like to see how that bike would compare to the XJR1300sp and if as an older person it would be worth switching my XJR for a up to date bike which looks similar. Ride safe. 👍👍🤗🤗

Nice roads kate' where are they please 😊

Blinky magpie stealth black? 😁

Where is this location ?

Nice sounding bike Kate, but all this mode nonsense winds me up. it makes new riders less skilled. If somebody wants a thrill, find a road legal CR 500 2 stroke. People will learn to deal with power, making them gradually faster and safer. Putting a lunatic machine in rain mode is just storing up problems of inexperience further down the road. Keep up the great work

Is this all day comfort anyone ? Im around 5,8

I still prefer the gen 2 above the gen 3

i would have love yamaha to make a classic with this engine!anyway thanks!

Exhaust and lights are both fugly on the MT09. Designers must have been on the pop when they put it together.

Hello hi Kate I missed triple digit speeds any ways beauty with beast HELLO MISS KATE43

Not a good looking bike in my view, and wouldn't be very practical for my use, but it sounds great, and I'm sure it must be a hoot to ride !!

Hei Ka I liked your video in 🌨🌧☁Rainy and Cloudy Weather.You might have concluded the video with a Cup☕ of Coffee to look it much Novelty🍧🌌

Great review but since you ask: That front looks like a goat which got stuck between the barn doors! 😁

Seat hight on bikes is very confusing, 825mm is 32.5 inches yet someone with a 29 inch inseam can almost flat foot?! Where did the 3.5 inches go, suspension compression or has bike been lowered?!

New upcoming review: The new gen4 SP - with your comparing comments...

😮😃😃😃sooooooooo beautiful bike with sooooooooo beautiful girl 🥰😍😍😍😘😘❤🤗🔥🔥👌🙏💘💘💖🥰

Fugly bike from front , but sounds nice

I don’t think I’d live with the looks of the bike

Where is Kate from? I want to meet a woman who has this accent. Which English area is she from?

Revving 20% of the bike's capacity is unfortunate 😅