2024 Yamaha MT-09 SP Buyer’s Guide: Specs and Price

The 2024 Yamaha MT-09 SP steps up as the premium evolution of Yamaha’s popular naked sportbike, bringing upgraded suspension, higher-spec Brembo brakes, and track-ready electronics to the package. Priced at $12,299 MSRP, it demands a $1,700 premium over the standard model—a bargain considering the suspension upgrade alone would cost more on a base bike.

At the heart of the SP’s chassis upgrades are fully adjustable 41mm KYB forks featuring low-friction DLC-coated stanchions paired with a fully adjustable Öhlins rear shock equipped with a remote preload adjuster. Spring rates and valving see updates for 2024, sharpening handling while boosting ride comfort.

Braking gets a massive boost with the addition of Brembo Stylema 4-piston calipers replacing the standard Advics units, clamping down on 298mm discs via a Brembo radial master cylinder. These calipers shave 13 percent off the weight and feature larger pad openings to improve airflow, completely eliminating the brake fade seen on standard bikes during track sessions.

Exclusive Track modes transform the 5-inch TFT display into a full lap timer, unlock adjustable engine braking, and—for the first time on an MT machine—allow the rear ABS to be completely disabled. Standard ride modes like Sport, Street, and Rain, alongside two custom maps, manage the IMU-assisted traction control, standard adjustable ABS, slide control, and wheelie control.

Powering the SP is the proven 890cc inline-3 engine mated to a 6-speed transmission, quickshifter, and an assist-and-slipper clutch. The triple-cylinder mill is equally at home in urban traffic as it is pinned wide open on a racetrack.

Note that noise-emissions tuning introduces a flat spot in 2nd gear between 4,000 and 6,500 rpm on North American models, though a simple shift up or down bypasses it. A controlled-fill die-cast aluminum Deltabox frame, an SP-exclusive brushed-aluminum swingarm, and a 56.3-inch wheelbase lend the bike sharp, nimble handling.

Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 tires come wrapped around the 17-inch wheels in 120/70-17 front and 180/55-17 rear sizing. The rider triangle provides all-day ergonomics complemented by an accessible 32.5-inch seat height and a slim waistline, while a convenient key fob adds an extra layer of luxury.

The passenger footpegs can occasionally catch the rider’s heels, but they are easily removable. Yamaha offers the SP in a single Liquid Metal/Raven colorway inspired by the flagship YZF-R1M superbike.