The MT-09 SP is Yamaha's answer to a specific question: what does the MT-09 become with Öhlins suspension, Brembo Stylema brakes, dedicated TRACK modes, and a Smart Key system? The answer is a naked bike that retains the standard model's everyday accessibility while adding a layer of precision and adjustability that experienced riders and track-day enthusiasts will genuinely use. Whether that justifies the price premium is the question this review addresses, for Australian riders considering both models at Procycles. Both the MT-09 and MT-09 SP are available at Procycles as part of the Yamaha Maximum Torque lineup. Quick Spec Snapshot: Yamaha MT-09 SP Spec Detail Engine 890cc CP3 inline-triple, liquid-cooled Power ~119hp (88kW) Wet weight 194kg Seat height 825mm Fuel tank 14L Front suspension DLC-coated 41mm KYB, fully adjustable (preload, rebound, high/low-speed compression) Rear suspension Fully adjustable Öhlins monoshock, remote preload adjuster Front brakes Dual 298mm discs, Brembo Stylema monoblock calipers, Brembo radial master cylinder Rear brake 245mm disc, single-piston caliper Display 5-inch full-colour TFT, TRACK theme exclusive Electronics 6-axis IMU, TCS, SCS, LIF, Brake Control, Back Slip Regulator Ride modes Sport, Street, Rain, 2x Custom, 4x TRACK Additional SP features Smart Key System, brushed aluminium swingarm, cruise control, third-gen Quick Shift Ride-away price (AUD) ~$20,799 (verify current MRRP with Procycles before purchasing) What Is New on the MT-09 SP The SP shares every update the 2024 MT-09 received - the new 5-inch TFT, redesigned LED headlight, tank that sits 30mm lower and 60mm wider, revised ergonomics with bars dropped 34mm and footpegs repositioned higher and further back, self-cancelling indicators, Emergency Stop Signalling, and the Back Slip Regulator. What separates the SP from the standard model is a specific set of upgrades that go beyond the baseline. Suspension: The SP's 41mm KYB forks are a higher-specification unit than the standard model's adjustable KYB forks. They feature DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating on the stanchion tubes for reduced friction, gold anodised outer legs for visual distinction, and critically - full adjustability that includes both high-speed and low-speed compression damping. The standard MT-09 has preload, rebound, and compression, but not the high/low-speed compression split. The rear Öhlins monoshock replaces the standard KYB unit, adding compression damping adjustment alongside rebound and a remote preload adjuster that can be reached and adjusted while seated. Brakes: Brembo Stylema monoblock calipers replace the standard model's Advics four-piston radial calipers. The Stylema is a lighter, more rigid caliper design that provides more immediate lever response and finer modulation. Both the SP and the standard MT-09 received a Brembo radial master cylinder for 2024 - so the front master cylinder is shared, but the calipers are meaningfully different. TRACK modes: The standard MT-09 has Sport, Street, Rain, and two Custom ride modes. The SP adds four dedicated TRACK modes with deeper adjustment of traction control, slide control, engine braking, and lift control. Crucially, the SP can also disable rear ABS - which is not possible on the standard MT-09. The SP also gets an exclusive TRACK display theme for the TFT that shows a lap timer and track-focused readouts. Smart Key System: The MT-09 SP is the first Hyper Naked in Yamaha's range to feature keyless ignition. The smart key fob handles engine start, steering lock, and fuel cap operation, provided the fob is within range. It is a convenience feature that divides opinion - some riders find it genuinely useful, others prefer a physical key. It is SP-exclusive. R1M-inspired styling: The brushed aluminium swingarm and Icon Performance livery (Liquid Metal/Raven) are SP-exclusive. The visual effect is a premium finish that the standard model's colour options do not replicate. MT-09 vs MT-09 SP: Side-by-Side Comparison Feature MT-09 MT-09 SP Engine 890cc CP3 triple 890cc CP3 triple Front forks 41mm KYB, adjustable (preload, rebound, compression) 41mm KYB DLC-coated, gold, fully adjustable (incl. hi/lo-speed compression) Rear shock KYB monoshock, preload and rebound adjustable Öhlins monoshock, remote preload adjuster, fully adjustable Front calipers Advics 4-piston radial Brembo Stylema monoblock 4-piston Front master cylinder Brembo radial Brembo radial Ride modes Sport, Street, Rain, 2x Custom Sport, Street, Rain, 2x Custom, 4x TRACK Rear ABS Cannot be disabled Can be disabled for track use TRACK TFT theme No Yes (lap timer, track readouts) Smart Key No Yes Swingarm Standard cast aluminium Brushed aluminium, polished finish Cruise control Yes Yes Quick Shift Third-gen (up/down) Third-gen (up/down) Riding Impressions: Naked Bike Character and Use Cases The MT-09 SP sits in an interesting position as a daily motorcycle. The revised 2024 ergonomics - lower bars, higher and more rearward pegs - move the riding position toward sportsbike territory, but not all the way there. Riders coming from fully faired sportsbikes will find the SP comfortable by comparison; riders used to a standard naked will notice a more engaged, forward-leaning feel than before. Neither extreme - it occupies a useful middle ground. In town, the CP3 triple's accessible torque from low revs makes the SP genuinely easy to ride. The engine's character - strong mid-range with a distinctive triple exhaust note - does not demand high revs to feel satisfying, which matters when most urban commuting happens between 30 and 80km/h. The lighter Brembo Stylema calipers provide immediate, progressive braking response that rewards gentle inputs as much as aggressive trail-braking. As a one-bike solution for a rider who commutes during the week and rides twisties or attends track days on weekends, the SP makes a strong case. Cruise control assists with motorway sections. The premium suspension absorbs urban road imperfections without sacrificing composure at speed. Luggage and comfort upgrades from Yamaha's accessory range - a tail bag, comfort seat, or heated grips - extend its touring capability. For long-distance touring in the conventional sense, the SP's ergonomics and lack of wind protection will begin to show over multiple hours. It is not designed as a tourer; it is a naked bike that tolerates touring better than most. On-Road Feel and Handling The Öhlins rear shock and higher-spec KYB forks give the SP a more planted, precise feel mid-corner than the standard MT-09. Australian road testers noted that even on poor road surfaces the SP tracked without deflecting - the SP achieves this without harshness on typical road imperfections, thanks to revised fork valving up front and a firmer rear shock spring, rather than stiffer springs at both ends. The remote preload adjuster on the Öhlins unit is accessible while seated, allowing quick adjustment between softer solo setups and firmer two-up or loaded configurations. The 6-axis IMU manages the full electronic suite - traction control, slide control, lift control, brake control, and the Back Slip Regulator, which prevents rear wheel lock-up under hard braking by managing torque. The result is a bike that is genuinely confidence-inspiring at pace without feeling artificially dampened in normal riding. The Brembo Stylema calipers deliver an initial bite that is sharper than the standard model's Advics units - riders accustomed to gentler factory brakes should plan for a short adjustment period. Track and Fast Riding The four dedicated TRACK modes allow each electronic aid to be configured for circuit use - reducing traction control intervention, adjusting slide control sensitivity, and modifying engine braking characteristics per corner or circuit type. The ability to disable rear ABS is particularly relevant for track riding, where controlled rear wheel slide on corner entry is a technique rather than an emergency. With rear ABS off, the SP rewards experienced riders with more direct feedback and more options for supermoto-style braking. The suspension adjustability - high and low-speed compression on the forks, full adjustability on the Öhlins shock - allows meaningful setup changes between different circuits or riding conditions. The SP's TRACK TFT theme provides a lap timer and track-focused readouts that the standard MT-09 cannot replicate. Daily Use and Touring Cruise control is standard on the SP and operates from third gear upward, adjustable in 1km/h increments. For mixed highway and back-road commuting, it reduces rider fatigue on motorway sections. The self-cancelling indicators and Emergency Stop Signalling both contribute to urban riding convenience. The new two-piece seat is firm and well-shaped. Australian testers rated it adequate for commuting and moderate-distance riding, though longer days will have most riders considering a comfort seat accessory. The handlebar position - two-position adjustable - can be set closer to the rider for a more upright feel that eases sustained highway riding. How the MT-09 SP Compares to the Triumph Street Triple RS Spec MT-09 SP Triumph Street Triple RS Engine 890cc inline-triple 765cc inline-triple Power ~119hp ~130hp Suspension KYB DLC forks, Öhlins rear Showa BPF forks, Öhlins STX40 rear Brakes Brembo Stylema Brembo Stylema Electronics 6-axis IMU, TRACK modes, Smart Key 5 riding modes, cornering ABS, traction control Weight 194kg wet 188kg wet Ride away (AUD, approx.) ~$20,799 ~$24,000+ The Street Triple RS is lighter at 188kg wet versus the MT-09 SP's 194kg - a 6kg difference that is noticeable in direction changes but modest in real-world terms. The MT-09 SP counters with more accessible torque across the rev range, a more comprehensive TRACK electronics package, and a notably lower price point. The SP's Smart Key and cruise control are also absent on the Street Triple RS. Riders who prioritise weight and ultimate sharpness may prefer the Triumph; riders who value electronics sophistication, torque character, and value at performance-bike money will favour the SP. Value Proposition: Is the MT-09 SP Worth the Upgrade? Short verdict: Yes, for the right rider. The SP's premium is justified by hardware that experienced riders will genuinely exploit - the Öhlins rear shock alone transforms adjustability, and the Brembo Stylema calipers provide a meaningfully better brake feel for trail-braking technique. The TRACK modes and rear ABS defeat add genuine track-day value that the standard MT-09 cannot replicate. Choose the SP if: You attend track days or plan to You want the deepest electronics adjustment available on the MT platform Premium suspension hardware and Brembo brakes matter to you specifically The Smart Key and TRACK modes are features you will use Stick with the standard MT-09 if: Your riding is primarily road-focused without track aspirations The standard KYB suspension and Advics brakes are adequate for your riding style The price premium represents a meaningful budget difference for your situation Confirm the exact current ride-away price and availability with Procycles before purchasing - pricing is subject to change. Pricing and Availability The MT-09 SP's Australian ride-away price is approximately $20,799 based on published independent tests from late 2024. This figure should be confirmed with Procycles before any purchase decision. View the MT-09 SP at Procycles and browse the full Yamaha motorcycle range. FAQ Is the MT-09 SP worth the extra cost? For riders who will use track days, trail-braking, or the full electronic package, yes. The Öhlins rear shock, Brembo Stylema calipers, and TRACK modes represent genuine hardware upgrades over the standard MT-09. For road-only riders, the standard MT-09 may be sufficient. What suspension does the MT-09 SP use? DLC-coated 41mm KYB inverted forks with full adjustability including high and low-speed compression damping, paired with a fully adjustable Öhlins monoshock with remote preload adjuster. Does the MT-09 SP have different brakes from the standard MT-09? Yes. The SP has Brembo Stylema monoblock four-piston calipers. The standard MT-09 uses ADVICS four-piston radial calipers. Both share a Brembo radial master cylinder from 2024 onward. Is the MT-09 SP suitable for track days? Yes. The four TRACK YRC modes, the ability to disable rear ABS, and the fully adjustable premium suspension are specifically designed for circuit use alongside road riding. Book a Test Ride at Procycles The MT-09 SP is available at Procycles' St Peters showroom. Book a test ride or contact the team to discuss current availability, pricing, and accessory options. St Peters: 140 Princes Highway, St Peters NSW 2044 - 02 9564 8000 Like you, we live to ride.