The 2024 Yamaha MT-09 is a naked sportbike built around an 890cc inline-3. For 2024, it gets new styling, a sportier riding position, chassis and suspension revisions, and more electronics, while keeping the free-revving character that has earned it 200,000 global sales since its debut.
The CP3 triple pulls hard through the midrange and revs eagerly. A new two-duct intake with acoustic amplifier grilles on top of the fuel tank sends more induction sound to the rider. The emissions-compliant fuel map leaves a flat spot in 2nd gear between 4000 and 6500 rpm.
The 6-speed gearbox has six engagement dogs on 3rd through 6th gears, and the quickshifter from the Tracer 9 GT+ works up and down, on or off the throttle. Riders choose Sport, Street, or Rain modes, or set up two custom modes. IMU-based rider aids include traction control, slide control, wheelie control, and new engine-braking management. Cruise control is standard.
A new five-inch TFT display connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth and Yamaha’s Y-Connect app, with turn-by-turn navigation through the Garmin StreetCross app. New switchgear adds a joystick and a dedicated Mode button, and the LED turn signals cancel themselves.
The handlebar sits more than an inch lower and mounts in two positions, and the two-position rearsets move back about an inch. The 3.7-gallon fuel tank is lower with a narrower waist, and the slimmer two-piece seat makes it easier to reach the ground from the 32.5-inch seat height.
The aluminum Deltabox frame gets stiffer engine mounts and a more flexible headstock bracket. The fully adjustable KYB fork has stiffer springs and revised damping, and the shock gets a new linkage. The MT-09 changes direction quickly and stays composed in fast corners, with only broken pavement unsettling the suspension. A new Brembo radial master cylinder works the four-piston front calipers.
The MT-09 is for riders who want a lively, accessibly priced naked bike for canyon roads and daily riding. Yamaha offers it in Matte Raven Black, Midnight Cyan, and Team Yamaha Blue, priced at $10,599.
Benda motorcycles are beginning to make a ripple on US shores with four intriguing and competitive models, courtesy of its partnership with Keeway Group. We were impressed with the Napoleonbob 500 and have now gotten our gloves on the persuasive, entry-level 2026 Benda Chinchilla 300, with its modest MSRP of $4999. It would be difficult to design a more welcoming entry-level cruiser than this easy-handling, visually appealing boulevard bobber. Editor Don Williams and Associate Editor Kelly Callan discuss the Benda Chinchilla 300 and how it actually rode for them.
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Our guest this episode is Jesse Merriman, Chief Technician for Jeremy McWilliams at the Arch Motorcycle racing project. Arch Racing was founded by Gard Hollinger and Keanu Reevs to compete in the Moto America Super Hooligan race series. Teejay Adams chats with Jesse about the Arch motorcycle and the challenges of extracting the absolute most from an air-cooled V-Twin racing engine and custom chassis.
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Here’s quick reminder to check out our monthly digital magazine. It’s filled with everything you want to read on motorcycling, including some things you’ve probably not seen elsewhere. It’s absolutely free and you will find it on the Apple App Store and of course on Google Play as well.
Don’t forget to leave us your comments on our social media—we’re on all the usual platforms at Ultimate Motorcycling. We love hearing your feedback… so good or bad, please let us know what you think. If there’s something you’d like us to cover, we’d love to hear those ideas too!
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![2024 Yamaha MT-09 Buyer’s Guide [Specs, Price]](https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/2024-yamaha-mt-09-first-look-fast-facts-22-768x512.webp "2024 Yamaha MT-09 Buyer’s Guide [Specs, Price]")
