Yamaha opens the door to users of the A2 license in the MT-09 range with a version limited to 35 kW, a motorcycle that offers almost identical sensations in many aspects, but in a more contained format.
The fun is not always linked to motorcycles with a huge amount of CV, but to more restrained models that allow us to take advantage of every drop of their technical and dynamic performance. Yes, testing a Panigale V4 at Jerez is quite an experience, but unless you're a full-fledged driver, you won't get the most out of it. For this reason, those models with a balance between power, cornering behavior, and technology will end up giving us more joy than those 'black leg' motorcycles I was talking about before.
This philosophy is present in the model that we have had the opportunity to test, which is none other than the Yamaha MT-09 in a 35 kW (47 CV) version and which allows A2 card users to enjoy the Japanese naked. Of course, it also gives them the option of a double motorcycle, since when the two years of rigor pass and they have access to the A card, they will be able to delimit said model to have all the power available.
How is the Yamaha MT-09 35 kW
On an aesthetic level, this MT-09 is exactly the same as the model presented in 2021 that marked the beginning of the third generation of the Japanese naked. The LED-type headlight, the fairings with those distinctive air intakes, the short tail, the 10-spoke wheels... Everything has remained as in the model presented last year. Likewise, this 35 kW version is also offered in the SP version, which adds a color range inspired by the R1, better equipment in the chassis, and more technology.
On a mechanical level, this 35 kW Yamaha MT-09 shares the 890cc CP3 block, but in this case, the power is reduced to 35 kW (47.5 CV) at 10,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 93 Nm at 7,000. The main difference is that throttling is run through the ECU, so it only requires a software-level change to unleash full power. It also has only one driving mode (Mode 2), which delivers all available power up to 4,000 rpm. At that regime, the limitation enters through the electronic accelerator.
Yamaha has spared no expense and this MT-09 35 kW is also equipped with the same 6-axis IMU as its big brother. For this reason, A2 card users will have at their disposal a wide range of options to customize traction control, slip control, anti-wheelie or cornering ABS. Other improvements present in this model, which will undoubtedly delight A2 license holders, are the double-action quick-shifter and the slipper-assisted clutch. Two elements that will allow us to enjoy sporty driving.
The chassis, renewed in the 2021 model, has a fully updated Deltabox-type frame. Now it is more compact and with better mass centralization, which translates into better behavior at all levels, but especially when attacking curves. The suspension equipment is signed by Kayaba, with a multi-adjustable front fork with 41 mm bars and travel of 130 mm; and a 122mm mono shock with adjustable rebound and preload. The SP version adds a high-performance Kayaba fork and an Öhlins rear shock.
For its part, the brake team uses a Nissin master cylinder, with four-piston radial calipers and 298 mm discs in the front, as well as a single two-piston caliper and a 245 mm disc in the front. rear. All this is seasoned with the Bosch 9.1 MP ABS system, with cornering ABS function included. Likewise, this model stands out for being one of the lightest in its segment, with a weight in running order of 189 kg which, together with a seat height of 825 mm and the handlebar and footrest adjustments, allow the vast majority of bikers to enjoy an agile and comfortable motorcycle.
Finally, as far as equipment is concerned, this MT-09 35 kW benefits from a 3.5-inch color TFT screen, with great contrast and which is operated by means of a control located on the left pineapple. In the case of the SP variant, the options are expanded with the addition of cruise control. As for prices, they are the same as the full versions: 10,449 euros for the standard model and 12,349 euros for the SP version.
How is the Yamaha MT-09 35 kW going?
We already know the qualities of the standard MT-09 well, so we really wanted to try this limited version. To test it, we went to the Yamaha headquarters in Spain, which is in Barcelona. The route was going to consist of a route of approximately 200 km, mixing road and highway so that we could test this MT-09 in different scenarios.
The first approach to the motorcycle makes you feel at home. You already know everything about the motorcycle: the location of the controls and riding position. The 825mm seat height and its shape make it extremely easy to get on and also to get your feet on the ground. The kickstand is well-placed and can be easily removed. The same does not happen to put it, in my case, I am 1.70 meters tall, and it hit me with the footrest. A non-existent problem for taller riders.
We make contact and everything is displayed as it was already done on the MT-09 of 2021. The visibility of the screen is good and we can choose between the day or night contrast mode. Everything will depend on the tastes of each one. We start the march with caution, and it is that the road is very wet from the rain that fell moments before. The first few meters already make it clear that the motorcycle runs smoothly, with a clutch that stands out for its smoothness, both in its operation and in that of the lever itself. The clutch 'grabs' from below, so it is not necessary to accompany it with the accelerator, something that less experienced A2 card users will undoubtedly celebrate.
Activable from 2,200 rpm, or at a speed of over 20 km/h, the quick-shifter stands out for its smooth operation that places it among the best on the market. The rattle is almost imperceptible, both going up and down, which makes driving at low speeds just as pleasant as when we ask more of the accelerator. The audio note is still intoxicating. It sounds a lot on the intake and very good, (also from the outside), so you won't have to go to the workshop to install an exhaust. Despite the fact that the road was very wet in the first hour of the ride, the tires, some Bridgestone S22, responded perfectly. This, accompanied by the great performance of the electronics, will give the pilot a lot of confidence in adverse weather conditions.
As the morning progressed and the road dried up, we were able to get the most out of the MT-09 SP. At the engine level, the response is abrupt from low revs until it reaches 4,000 rpm, at which time the limitation enters. It is surprising so much response in a model that only declares 47.5 CV with the limitation. What's more, I dare say that it is a great formula for a twisty section of curves, making the journey not go from fun to dangerous. But be careful, it is not a 'capada' version as such, and it is that by giving joy to the accelerator, with all the help in between, between curve and curve, we were able to experience how the front end lifted off the ground. Don't be fooled, it can be a very nervous bike (if we turn everything off) and you can put more than one biker in trouble with a superior bike.
As for the suspensions, the SP version, which has the best equipment, had a somewhat hard setting, since both the fork and the mono shock have been designed for greater cornering. I also had the opportunity to test the standard model which, in my opinion, seems to me to be a much more accurate proposal as far as suspensions are concerned.
As they are softer, corner entry is undertaken with greater confidence, without that bouncy sensation that the SP caused. This allows for a more lively pace in the curved sections and therefore translates into more fun. For its part, braking performance is good, with the necessary bite as soon as you squeeze the lever to perform good braking without noticing that both the pump and the caliper show signs of stress. Special mention goes to the cornering ABS, which allowed me to enter 'until the kitchen' safely. It was activated on several occasions and on none of them did I find it intrusive.
On the highway section, as in all naked, this model suffers from a lack of aerodynamic protection that can drive us crazy if it's particularly windy or if we do a lot of highways (this can be made up with screens that are sold optionally). As for the engine, it has more than enough power to maintain cruising speeds and if we go in the SP we can rest our right hand with the cruise control, which works up to 140 km/h in the 35 kW version (180 km/h). h in the 70 kW).
As already happened in the model presented in 2021, the electronics interface could be clearer. We only have one power mode, yes, but it is true that it would help a lot to centralize all the electronic aids in classic modes such as Sport, Urban, or Rain. Of course, we have the opportunity to customize all systems to taste thanks to Manual Mode. Certain design finishes, such as the appearance of the exhaust (which we can change for an Akrapovic one as an optional accessory) or a headlight that has supporters and detractors in equal parts, are aspects that in my opinion could be improved.
THE BEST
- Features and behavior
- Agile, light, and comfortable
- Dual daily/sports use
WOULD IMPROVE WITH
- Clearer electronic interface
- finishing details
- We don't see much sense in the SP version
This is how we see the Yamaha MT-09 35 kW
- On highway: 5
- In town: 4
- Passenger: 2
- Equipment: 5
- Highway: 3
(Score from 1 to 5)
The Yamaha MT-09 35 kW brings together everything good that the full version already offered, but under a formula adapted to A2 card users. The engine, although limited, offers all the power from below to continue complying with that remarkable torque response that characterizes this saga. It is a motorcycle that is used to have fun on weekends, but also to go to the workplace during the week. The driving position helps to spend hours on top of it without feeling tired and, when the time comes, with the 70 kW it declares, it can become an even more attractive motorcycle for those who take the plunge and limit it.
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