MT-09 ride review

"AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion) 09/05/2019 at 17:47 • Filed to: None

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Whereas the various Monster’s have felt like the sum of their respective parts-which is to say they're amazing- the Yamaha is all about the engine. Everything else is superfluous.

So let’s start there. Or more specifically with the sound. The noises that come from that inline 3 cylinder are absolutely glorious, eclipsing the Already great sounding Monster by a landslide.

Another plus is the weight, or more specifically the lack of weight. This thing is light, narrow, and while I wouldn’t call the handling razor precise, it still feels more nimble than either the 821 or 1200S Monsters.

While I didn’t test out the craziest mode on the 1200S, even the most neutered ride mode on the MT-09 felt like a bullet leaving the barrel compared to the Monster’s hand-thrown knife. Damn thing was QUICK from a start, but didn’t seem to have as much midrange oomph compared to the Ducati. I don’t know if it is actually faster than the big-boy Monster, but it sure felt like it. Full disclaimer, I didn’t take either bike past about 7k rpm 

Clutch feel was much better on the Yamaha, and neutral was a lot more well-defined as well.

The styling.... is beige Camry. It’s about as “standard z Japanese sporty-ish bike” as you can get, and is by far the biggest letdown. Especially in black, this is a bike that looks identical to thousands of $1000 beaters on Craigslist, as apposed to the achingly beautiful Monster.

+1 Ducati.

Price though... Is where the Yamaha really shines. I could have rode off on a zero mile example for $8500 out the door. I’m not super knowledgeable about the standard equipment, but if it’s anything like the XSR900, it would have a load out between the base 1200 and 1200S, but priced at sub 696 prices. Fully adjustable suspension? Check. Monsters don’t get that until stepping up to the $17k 1200S. Quickshifter? No, but again that’s not standard equipment in the Italian world until you hit that $17k 1200S.

This all might make it seem pretty one-sided, but understand that I’m weighting looks up above anything else. Mostly because ANY of these bikes is going to be a total blast, but I want one that I’m constantly looking back at, not one that I try to keep out of my line of sight.

Meeting a potential Miata buyer in an hour. That’s the first step. Get the Mazda sold. I’ll figure everything else out later, although I’m just know considering how much harder it will be to get test rides without a car to get me there!

Oh and these huskys look gorgeous. Didn’t like ‘em in pictures, but in person... Mmmmmmmmbaby.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > AestheticsInMotion 09/05/2019 at 17:51

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As a non-bike guy (unless you’re talking adventure bikes) I say go with the Ducati. Riding something like these needs to have some flair man!

AestheticsInMotion > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 09/05/2019 at 17:56

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I agree with everything you said, but also $8500 vs $17, 000. And maintenance costs....

Yo u should 100% get an adventure bike

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > AestheticsInMotion 09/05/2019 at 17:58

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It would go well with my fleet goals #rallylighteverything

AestheticsInMotion > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 09/05/2019 at 17:59

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Does the truck need some classic pods up front? Or on top of the cab? 

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > AestheticsInMotion 09/05/2019 at 18:00

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Say it snows, what will you drive if all you have is a motor cycle?

Pickup_man > AestheticsInMotion 09/05/2019 at 18:00

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W hile the Yamaha is certainly generic Japanese naked sport bike, I wouldn’t call the Monster achingly beautiful, more like slightly Italian generic naked sport bike. But then these have never really been my favorite style of bikes in the first place, even though I’d ride the hell out of either (or both) of them. Motorc ycles are far more emotional purchase than rational, if you like the Duc more, buy it.

AestheticsInMotion > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 09/05/2019 at 18:03

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Hot air balloon.

I've given this a lot of thought. 

Decay buys too many beaters > AestheticsInMotion 09/05/2019 at 18:26

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I3 is best engine configuration. 

AestheticsInMotion > Decay buys too many beaters 09/05/2019 at 18:30

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Definitely my favorite engine so far in my moto experience.

I want to try a V4.

jminer > AestheticsInMotion 09/05/2019 at 18:30

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This is a tough call - I really wanted a Moto Guzzi V7 as it looks like sex on two wheels, but with it being double the price and Italian v Japanese reliability and maintenance I ended up with a Honda and have loved it for sure. It starts every time and requires almost no maintenance.

I will admit I have been thinking of getting something with a bit more flair though recently 2 years into my bike purchase.

Decay buys too many beaters > AestheticsInMotion 09/05/2019 at 18:33

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V4 is close, really close, in fact the only reason I give the edge to triples is the comparative ease of serviceability

If you like V4s.. here we are back at my first recommendation the VFR800i-vtec

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > AestheticsInMotion 09/05/2019 at 18:50

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Well looks like you have all the bases covered.

AestheticsInMotion > Decay buys too many beaters 09/05/2019 at 19:05

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I’ll maybe look at it. Any other Hondas you’d reccomend?

Also, any experience with Kawasaki’ s Grom competitor? I’m seeing new Z125's for like $2000....

Decay buys too many beaters > AestheticsInMotion 09/05/2019 at 19:08

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For you and what you’re after? Not really. I’m a big honda fan, but their full size offerings don’t really do anything special for me. The only Japanese brand that I feel is  really on it lately... is Yamaha

The z125 is great if you plan to leave everything stock, the aftermarket is much larger for the grom. Stock for stock, they are basically interchangeable  

AestheticsInMotion > Decay buys too many beaters 09/05/2019 at 19:16

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I saw a gorgeous repsol CBR1000 today. I wish Honda still had all the cool graphics packages.

I also just realized there's an MV Agusta/Aprilia/Moto Guzzi dealer literally 5 minute walk down the street from me..... MV Agusta had a nice V4 right? Right..? Hello...... 

Decay buys too many beaters > AestheticsInMotion 09/05/2019 at 19:20

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You're thinking of Aprilia, and yes the tuono 1100 is amazing. Guzzis are a little... Slow... For me

AestheticsInMotion > Decay buys too many beaters 09/05/2019 at 19:29

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Ohhhhh that does look fun. But it’s the Brutale varients that have me hot and bothered. 212 h p in a naked bike seems reasonable. 

Decay buys too many beaters > AestheticsInMotion 09/05/2019 at 19:31

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I4s always make me feel meh. They look gorgeous though!

edit lol$45k

jimz > AestheticsInMotion 09/05/2019 at 20:57

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I do love mine.

Only downside is the stock seat sucks ass. it’s too narrow so you sit on your taint, and it’s pitched forward with a grippy cover so you gradually slide forward and your pants will cinch themselves down onto the boys (assuming you have them, of course.) I tried a Saddlemen tech style which was better, but the one Sargent makes is actually comfortable for a couple of hours at a time.

‘course, if I’m going to be riding for more than a couple of hours straight it’s going to be on the rolling Barcalounger:

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > AestheticsInMotion 09/05/2019 at 21:04

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MT09 will ride almost exactly the same as XSR.

But, to clear up a few points on the Monster. Base 1200 has adjustable suspension, it just isn’t O hlins.

Neutral, and shifting in general, smooth out quite a bit after 1-2k miles. I was honestly worried there was something wrong when I tes t rode one the first time because it was so stiff.

If you didn’t get the Monster over 7k, then you don’t even know what it’s power band feels like because you didn’t hit it. It only just starts to wake up at 6k. It’s perfectly adequate from 3500 to 6k, but that range would be like you at work at 6am on a Sunday, really badly hungover on 2 hours of sleep. You’ll function, and you might even fool some people into thinking you’re just grumpy it’s Sunday, but you’re just nowhere close to your full potential. Over 6-7k in sport mode, hold the fuck on.

The monster is geared much higher. I’m pretty sure at least. So they might be similar around town, but that Yamaha won’t keep up at extra-legal speeds. Not even close. The chassis reflects this, which is why the Monster feels less nimble and the Yamaha feels like it wants to whoolie everywhere.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > AestheticsInMotion 09/05/2019 at 21:05

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Brutale triples are drop dead gorgeous! But lack of dealer network is off-putting.

AestheticsInMotion > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 09/05/2019 at 21:11

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I can’t think of a more menacing bike. I feel like it would attempt to murder me in my sleep, which is the vibe I'm into. 

AestheticsInMotion > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 09/05/2019 at 21:18

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Good to know on the powerband. Over 7k is when the 1200 started feeling intimidating  and if you ever see me at 6am on a Sunday after sleeping two hours post-hangover... Well. I doubt “function” is the word you’d use.

I’m still leaning strongly towards the Monster, but man I wish it was a few thousand dollars c heaper across the range! Do you think the quickshifter is worth spending more for ie jumping up to the S ? It was fun to use, but so was banging through gears normally. I don’t really see myself ever tracking the bike

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > AestheticsInMotion 09/05/2019 at 22:59

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It was definitely on the list when I bought the Monster. But living  with it and putting a lot of miles on seemed unwise as an only bike and primary commuter.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > AestheticsInMotion 09/05/2019 at 23:04

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It is intimidating! That’s why I only ever really get up there on rare occasions when the stars align. But when I do, it’s so soooo good. I use that analogy because your still young and in good shape. Wait until you hit 30. You won’t even wake up until Monday. And you’ll still feel like shit!

No idea. Quick shifters are cool and  I wouldn’t mind having one. But I don't need it. I'm perfectly happy with a base 1200. It's still way more bike than I'll ever need.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > AestheticsInMotion 09/05/2019 at 23:09

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The other thing is that the XSR is so much less money and still oh so good. Rides like the MT but looks so much better. Not Monster good, but definitely worth the money. It's a real tough choice.

AestheticsInMotion > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 09/06/2019 at 10:38

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That seems wise, but also quite telling for a master mechanic to say lol. What other bikes did you own before the Monster? 

AestheticsInMotion > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 09/06/2019 at 10:40

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I’m waiting to hear back on when an XSR900 will be available to ride, but in the meantime I’m going to go mess around on a 390 Duke. I could see a world where I ride the KTM f or a year or so then upgrade to a bigger bike.

AestheticsInMotion > jimz 09/06/2019 at 10:44

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That’s got to be the best paint color I’ve ever seen on a Harley.

Unfortunately the Yamaha I tested was brand new, and I wasn't super confident riding on tires with 0 miles. I'm hoping to make it over there for a longer ride, as even pussyfooting it around was a blast. 

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > AestheticsInMotion 09/06/2019 at 12:05

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Own myself, just the Sportster 1200. Ridden plenty of other things. Family bikes, demo rides, friend's bikes. Been on bikes my whole life, except for a few years when I first moved out here.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > AestheticsInMotion 09/06/2019 at 12:08

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390 Duke is a ton of fun. It's definitely not fast or powerful, but it enough. I wouldn't recommend it if you plan on leaving the city much. Seat isn't the most comfortable for longer rides and 60mph is 6k rpm in 6th gear. It does highway speeds, but it's not a cruiser. Around town it's a blast though!

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > AestheticsInMotion 09/06/2019 at 12:12

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Any luck selling the Miata?

AestheticsInMotion > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 09/06/2019 at 13:17

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The buyer no-showed. Curse you Craigslist. Everyone else I’m talking to is a potential out-of-state buyer. Fingers still crossed! 

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > AestheticsInMotion 09/06/2019 at 13:18

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Lame!

04sneaky - Boxers. Blowers. Bikes. And bitches. > AestheticsInMotion 09/06/2019 at 15:12

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While the 1200 Duc is a lot more bike, for the cost as well, I’d like to state that an exhaust and tune puts most FZ/MT-09s near 120 WHEEL HP and 70-80 ft.lbs of torque. Now this only means the short wheelbase and soft rear shock will be even more wheelie-favored, but a ton of people make suspension for 09s to suit your style.

After owning plenty of factory suspension bikes, I will say a proper tuned-to-you aftermarket suspension almost always beats “factory-tuned” suspension. Even on high-end bikes like KTM, Aprilia and Ducati. Just have to not gain weight and throw the bias off in the future ;)

Either way, I'm just glad you're joining the naked bike brotherhood. 

AestheticsInMotion > 04sneaky - Boxers. Blowers. Bikes. And bitches. 09/06/2019 at 15:52

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Really good info. Thank you! With as much as I loved the MT-09, I'm desperately waiting for someone to get an XSR900 in stock... 

04sneaky - Boxers. Blowers. Bikes. And bitches. > AestheticsInMotion 09/06/2019 at 18:17

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I’ve rode an XSR for quite a bit as well. Very nice bike. I’ll say the seat issues other mentioned below weren’t quite as noticeable on the XSR. Not to say they it still wouldn’t bother you long-distance, but as a guy it wasn’t instantly noticeable that you had to have careful “ jewel” placement.

If you happen to get the XSR, your first mod HAS to be the New Rage Cycles tail tidy. Holy moly, does that setup alone make me way to buy an XSR.... And it’s actually brighter than the factory gangly tail light, so no coppers will complain. 

AestheticsInMotion > 04sneaky - Boxers. Blowers. Bikes. And bitches. 09/06/2019 at 18:53

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Oh man... That does look good.

And honestly as for the seat, I didn’t really notice anything negative. Admittedly I only rode for about 25 minutes.

Any other bikes you’d reccomended looking at? I’m looking for something that I can commute short distances through the suburbs on , do 100 mile weekend camp trips, and have fun in the twisties. 

04sneaky - Boxers. Blowers. Bikes. And bitches. > AestheticsInMotion 09/07/2019 at 12:19

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If you’re price range is below 10k, the MT-09 or XSR is super hard to beat. Kawasaki and Honda both fall short on their comparable naked bikes IMO. And Suzuki’s SV-650 just isn’t as much fun being a smaller twin like the MT-07.

KTM’s new 790 Duke is a blast, but they’re all in the 11k+ range around here. It’s almost just as quick as the 09, being that it’s lighter and makes similar power, but the electronics are where it excels. TFT color dash, lean ABS, wheelie control, etc.. So if you’re not using those you might as well get the 09. Plus, KTM tax is very real. Simple mods like exhaust are twice as expensive as the Yamaha options.

It is honestly hard to beat the MT lineup at the moment. My only complaint with them is that they’re all a bit too soft in suspension. Sometimes they feel spongy and indirect in really hard cornering. But, I almost see this as a plus for new riders as it pushes back when pushed hard to let you know it’s near the limit. Versus being stiff all the way into a low-side or similar accident. And again, plenty of companies make suspension packages for $1000-1500 that seriously wake the bike up. Which still puts you cheaper than a Duc or KTM 790 in the long run.

Big bonus for the MTs is that they also sell well. I don't see them last very long on Craigslist or even dealerships around here. So as long as you get a good deal, you should have no problem selling or trading if you decide to step up to a larger bike later on. 

AestheticsInMotion > 04sneaky - Boxers. Blowers. Bikes. And bitches. 09/07/2019 at 13:19

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I think at this point I’m sold on an XSR900, assuming it feels similar to the MT-09. Which... It should, right?

As much as I'd love a Monster, I really want a trouble-free year or two without any maintenance concerns... And being almost double what I could get a comparable Yamaha for kind of seals the deal.