A higher-spec version of the MT-09 – called the MT-09 SP – will join Yamaha’s range next year.
Yamaha will sell the MT-09 SP alongside the normal MT-09 rather than as a replacement model. It’s likely to follow the same pattern set this year by the MT-10 SP, which uses high-spec suspension to set it aside from the normal model. We know that the MT-09 SP retains the normal MT-09 847cc triple, with no extra power.
The MT-10 SP has semi-active Ohlins suspension but Yamaha is unlikely to go that far with the MT-09 SP. However, it’s easy to imagine the firm reusing the 43mm USD forks currently used on the R6 and the base model R1. Those would represent a significant upgrade over the stock MT-09 kit. Alternatively, Ohins also has a huge range of forks and shocks that Yamaha could pick from.
The MT-09 SP is almost certainly a reaction to demand for a better-handling, sportier version of the bike. Despite being significantly more expensive than the stock MT-10, the MT-10 SP sells well. It shows that buyers are willing to open their wallets for better suspension parts.
Triumph already offers its Street Triple in multiple versions. It’s arguably the closest rival to the MT-09, particularly since its engine has now grown to 765cc. Again, the more expensive R and RS versions of the Triumph sell just as strongly as the cheapest ‘S’ model.
We’re expecting the MT-09 SP to follow the MT-10 SP by getting blue and silver paintwork to go with its better suspension. Even with a price increase of 10%-20% it will still rival the Street Triple R and RS models.
Tenere 700 coming too
Yamaha is likely to launch the MT-09 SP at the EICMA show in November. Sooner than that, in September, the firm will unveil the MT-07-based Tenere 700 that that was hinted at by the T7 concept last year.
