Cycle News Staff | November 6, 2023
Yamaha has released a special edition MT-09 SP, which comes with upgraded suspension and brakes, track-focused technology and electronics, plus an exclusive SP color scheme.
The heart of the new 2024 MT-09 SP remains Yamaha’s 890cc DOHC CP3 engine, housed in a lightweight, compact, controlled fill (CF) aluminum frame. Also returning is the MT-09’s electronics suite, which includes a four-mode Traction Control System (TCS), Slide Control System (SCS), front wheel Lift Control System (LIF), two-mode Brake Control System (BC), a new Back Slip Regulator (BSR) and SP-exclusive Engine Brake Management (EBM).
The new SP has several exclusive features, “resulting in the most advanced, most capable motorcycle in its class,” says Yamaha.
Exclusive to the SP includes R1M-inspired colors and a premium finish, a polished and clear-coated aluminum swingarm, premium Brembo Stylema calipers, four customizable TRACK Yamaha Ride Control modes, including the option to turn rear-wheel ABS off, new two-mode Engine Brake Management (EBM) System, TRACK display theme for a new, larger five-inch full-color TFT dash. The SP also has fully adjustable, DLC-coated, 41mm KYB forks, fully adjustable Öhlins rear shock that are tuned for the track. Finally, the SP features a Smart Key System with a unique starter-switch and fuel-cap design.
The new 2024 Yamaha MT-09 SP will be available in the SP-exclusive Liquid Metal/Raven color scheme, arriving to dealers in late spring 2024 for $12,299 MSRP.
Here is the complete press release from Yamaha…
Marietta, GA (November 2, 2023)— Following up the announcement of the exciting all-new 2024 MT-09, Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA is proud to unveil the ultimate high-performance Hyper Naked middleweight, the all-new 2024 Yamaha MT-09 SP. Along with the same extensive list of upgrades seen on the class-leading MT-09, the new MT-09 SP takes the exceptional platform even further with a higher level of specification including upgraded suspension and brakes, track-focused technology and electronics, plus exclusive SP color scheme and finish for an unmatched Dark Side experience.
A Decade of the Dark Side of Japan
The introduction of the MT-09 marked a step away from conventional Japanese motorcycle design and introduced a bold, abstract new direction for Yamaha inspired by the unique urban motorcycle sub-culture found on the streets of Japan’s largest cities. Signifying an exciting new era, the MT-09 featured aggressive styling, a chassis designed for light, agile handling and a torque-laden CP3 engine to stimulate the senses. Stripped of unnecessary bodywork, packed neatly into a compact aluminum frame and equipped with Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T), the MT was the perfect blend of high performance, cutting-edge technology and purposeful functionality. The Dark Side of Japan was unleashed upon the world.
The heart of the new 2024 MT-09 SP remains Yamaha’s world-renowned 890cc DOHC CP3 engine, providing high-revving power, instant torque and a unique crossplane Triple soundtrack unlike anything else on the street, further enhanced through the addition of Acoustic Amplifier Grilles located on top of the newly designed fuel tank. The potent CP3 is housed in a lightweight, compact controlled fill (CF) aluminum frame, contributing to the bike’s predictable handling and razor-sharp agility. Adding confidence and control is Yamaha’s advanced electronics suite, which includes a four-mode Traction Control System (TCS), Slide Control System (SCS), front wheel Lift Control System (LIF), two-mode Brake Control System (BC), a new Back Slip Regulator (BSR) and SP-exclusive Engine Brake Management (EBM).
Finally, expanding on this winning MT-09 formula, a number of additional SP-exclusive features provide committed enthusiasts with the highest level of specification, resulting in the most advanced, most capable motorcycle in its class.
Exclusive R1M-Inspired SP Colors & Finish
Along with its aggressive next-generation MT styling, SP specification raises the bar with a striking and distinctive R1M-inspired colorway. Also featured is the SP’s hallmark polished and clear coated aluminum swingarm, making the new MT-09 SP’s exclusivity and special status immediately recognizable at a glance.
New Brembo Stylema Front Brake Calipers
New for 2024, the MT-09 SP now boasts premium-spec Brembo Stylema monoblock calipers paired with a Brembo radial master cylinder for the ultimate stopping power. The Stylema calipers feature a slimmer piston and brake pad area compared to conventional calipers, as well as being lighter, more rigid and offering enhanced control. In addition, larger-diameter pistons create more braking force, allowing MT-09 SP riders to experience a new level in braking performance.
Premium Fully Adjustable Suspension
Premium SP-exclusive suspension brings Supersport-level handling and precision to the Hyper Naked class. Top-spec KYB forks and Öhlins rear shock feature a higher spring rate offering outstanding stability during spirited riding. The DLC-coated, 41mm KYB forks offer full adjustability for preload, rebound, and high- and low-speed compression damping, allowing SP riders to fine-tune set-up to suit a variety of situations. Completing the MT-09 SP’s high-end suspension package, the Öhlins shock is also fully adjustable, and comes equipped with a remote preload adjuster enabling quick and easy changes.
SP-Exclusive Track-Focused YRC Settings
MT-09 owners can customize their riding experience via new Yamaha Ride Control (YRC) settings, which allow the selection of engine power characteristics and electronic intervention levels. In addition to factory and custom settings available on the standard MT-09, SP specification adds four exclusive TRACK modes allowing for more specialized track settings including the option of choosing between two Engine Brake Management settings and the ability to turn rear ABS off. The on-track riding experience is further enhanced by a dedicated SP-exclusive TRACK theme for the MT-09 SP’s new five-inch full-color TFT display featuring a prominent lap timer.
New Smart Key System
Taking the next step in technological advancement, the 2024 MT-09 SP becomes the first Hyper Naked to incorporate Yamaha’s Smart Key System. When the smart key is within a specified range of the motorcycle, such as in your pocket, the engine can be started by turning a newly designed switch. The new system also features a lock and unlock function for the fuel tank cap for added convenience.
2024 MT-09 SP-Specific Features
- R1M-inspired colors and premium finish
- Polished and clear coated aluminum swingarm
- Premium Brembo Stylema calipers
- Four customizable TRACK Yamaha Ride Control modes including option to turn rear-wheel ABS off
- New two-mode Engine Brake Management (EBM) System
- Exclusive TRACK display theme for the new, larger five-inch full-color TFT dash
- Fully adjustable, DLC-coated, 41mm KYB front forks
- Fully adjustable Öhlins rear shock
- Smart Key System with unique starter switch and fuel cap design
2024 Yamaha MT-09 / MT-09 SP Shared Features
- Sharper, more compact looks including re-designed bi-functional LED headlight, fuel tank and tail section
- More engaged ergonomics including separated seat unit and two-position adjustable handlebar and footpegs
- Larger five-inch full color TFT display with smartphone connectivity and navigation
- Customizable riding experience via Yamaha Ride Control (YRC) settings
- Redesigned intake with Acoustic Amplifier Grilles
- Latest 890cc, three-cylinder, four-valve DOHC liquid-cooled, CP3 engine
- Six-axis IMU with full suite of lean sensitive rider aids
- New Back Slip Regulator
- Lightweight controlled fill aluminum die-cast frame
- Lightweight SpinForged wheels
- New third-generation quickshifter
- New Brembo radial master cylinder
- Cruise control
- New self-canceling turn signals
- Adjustable brake and clutch levers
- New under-seat USB Type C socket
- New Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 tires
Colors, Availability & Price: The new 2024 Yamaha MT-09 SP will be available in the SP-exclusive Liquid Metal/Raven color scheme, arriving to dealers in late spring 2024 for $12,299 MSRP.
VIDEO | The 2024 Yamaha MT-09SP
Master of Darkness
2024 Yamaha MT-09 SP Specifications
Engine Type |
890cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, inline 3-cylinder; 4 valves per cylinder |
MSRP |
$12,299 |
Bore x Stroke |
78.0mm x 62.1mm |
Compression Ratio |
11.5:1 |
Fuel Delivery |
Fuel injection with YCC-T |
Ignition |
TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition |
Transmission |
6-speed; multiplate assist and slipper clutch |
Final Drive |
Chain |
Fuel Tank Capacity |
3.7 gal |
Front Suspension |
41mm KYB inverted fork, adjustable preload, high/low speed compression and rebound; 5.1-in travel |
Rear Suspension |
Öhlins single shock, adjustable preload, compression and rebound damping; 4.6-in travel |
Front Brake |
Dual 298mm hydraulic disc; ABS |
Rear Brake |
245mm hydraulic disc; ABS |
Front Tire |
120/70ZR17 Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 |
Rear Tire |
180/55ZR17 Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 |
Seat Height |
32.5 in |
Wheelbase |
56.3 in |
Rake (Caster Angle) |
24.7° |
Trail |
4.3 in |
Max. Ground Clearance |
5.5 in |
Fuel Capacity |
3.7 gal |
Fuel Economy(Claimed) |
48 mpg |
Wet Weight (Claimed) |
428 lb |
Learn more about Yamaha’s complete Hyper Naked lineup, as well as other Yamaha products at www.yamahamotorsports.com.