2018 Yamaha MT-09 from Botswana
Summary:
Perfect combination of speed and comfort
Faults:
I've had problems with the timing chain. A strange noise when starting indicated a lack of oil pressure in the timing chain and problems with the tensioner.
As for the gear indicator, the most common fault is that first gear is not displayed on the dashboard due to unsoldered shift sensor wires.
The clutch has had split friction plates and cracked disc carriers over time, which can cause loss of power, vibrations, and transmission lockup.
Beyond this, no other significant damage occurred on the bike.
General Comments:
The bike is very light and agile, with an excellent chassis that provides great confidence and stability in turns. It's an excellent bike for those looking for fun and performance, standing out for its sporty and technological character. It features a TFT display with connectivity, adjustable driving modes, and cruise control.
It is suitable for both everyday use in the city and for enjoying winding and mountainous sections.
The engine is a three-cylinder CP3, brilliant for its high torque at low and medium revs, making it very powerful and fun, as well as being reliable (no faults in almost 100,000 km). It offers the strength of a twin-cylinder engine with the power of a four-cylinder engine, making it very versatile.
Its sporty character is what distinguishes the engine and the motorcycle itself, with a powerful response and an exciting sound when pushed.
Its downside is its autonomy. The MT-09 has a small tank (14 liters), which creates a common weak point in autonomy, requiring refueling every 180 km approximately, limiting its suitability for long trips if consumption is not managed well.
Obviously this depends a lot on the type of handling you give it; if you don't push it too hard it won't be a problem.
Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 9th October, 2025