Yamaha MT-09 SP Review from Motorcyclist

A special edition Yamaha motorcycle worth buying.

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Say you like the Yamaha MT-09 but you want something special. Yamaha heard you and built the Yamaha MT-09 SP just for that purpose.

Adam Waheed of Motorcyclist recently had a chance to get in the saddle of this unique version of the MT-09 and go for a ride.

Let’s take a closer look at what he said about this unique up-spec’d version of this well-loved machine.

Yamaha MT-09 SP Is an Up-Spec’d Middleweight Naked Bike

Yamaha MT-09 SP is new for 2022 and a unique special edition from the company.
Image from Yamaha

For an extra $1,600 you can buy the MT-09 SP, and that will get you a high-end four-way adjustable KYB front suspension setup and a rear Ohlins gas-charged shock absorber. You’ll also get some updated styling, including blacked-out handlebars, control levers, and a tinted master cylinder reservoir.

The swingarm and fuel tank also get some minor updates as does the seat. Oh, and there’s cruise control. Not something I usually find necessary but a nice thing to have nonetheless.

Waheed said the retuned suspension does a great job on rougher roads and overall he really liked the machine. He did have an issue with the screen and the overall system on the instrument cluster. He also pointed out the outdated switchgear on the handlebars.

Overall, he liked the machine, but he had some minor gripes about it. I personally think it’s a great machine for $10,999. The 890cc engine is one of the best out there. The updates are a nice touch and the updated suspension and aesthetic tweaks warrant the extra $1,600 in my eyes.

Learn more at Yamaha’s website.

Author: Wade Thiel

Wade started Wind Burned Eyes and runs it. He's always up for chatting, so feel free to reach out.