VOLUME ISSUE JUNE , P103
height remains unchanged at 825mm, but the
rider triangle of seat, peg and handlebar posi-
tion have all come in for a major overhaul.
The fuel tank's shape has changed sub-
stantially and is 30mm lower and 60mm wid-
er than in 2023. The new tank shape means
the handlebar has been repositioned 34.4mm
lower and 1.5mm closer to the rider—that last
part not noticeable, at least by me—but when
combined with the reshaped tank the ride
position feels dramatically different.
The tank's trailing edges have been
reduced by 15mm, and the leading edges
of the seat have been narrowed by 12mm
in total, resulting in a much smaller junction
point where the seat meets the tank, giving
an overall narrower fit. With your weight now
more angled towards the front of the bike, it
feels lower than it actually is, providing the
added benefit of more mass on the front tire,
aiding braking and mid-corner stability.
From the front, the new MT showcases
one of its biggest changes. The face is com
-
pletely redesigned, featuring a two-function
LED headlamp with a new cover, creating
a more symmetrical look compared to the
funky stacked headlight of 2023. This is a
significant improvement over the old design,
which had two LEDs flanking a single light in
the center, in my humble opinion.
At the rear, the new two-piece seat sits on
a new subframe, and all you need to remove
both front and rear pads is the key—no more
random Allen keys to get the rider seat off.
Unfortunately, Yamaha did not see fit to fit
the disappearing/hinging rear passenger
pegs off the XSR900 that will turn your MT
into a single-seater with one of the various
aftermarket single seat cowls, but beggars
can't be choosers, apparently.
You feel decidedly more a part of the MT
rather than just perched on it like before.
The ride is a tad firmer up front thanks to the
slightly heavier front spring, and Yamaha has
changed the rear linkage to one with a flatter
curve for a smoother rear suspension action
as you go through the shock's stroke.
both front and rear pads is the key—no more
random Allen keys to get the rider seat off.
Unfortunately, Yamaha did not see fit to fit
pegs off the XSR900 that will turn your MT
into a single-seater with one of the various
aftermarket single seat cowls, but beggars
You feel decidedly more a part of the MT You feel decidedly more a part of the MT
The ride is a tad firmer up front thanks to the
slightly heavier front spring, and Yamaha has
changed the rear linkage to one with a flatter
From the front, the new MT showcases
one of its biggest changes. The face is com
-
pletely redesigned, featuring a two-function
LED headlamp with a new cover, creating
a more symmetrical look compared to the
funky stacked headlight of 2023. This is a
significant improvement over the old design,
reduced by 15mm, and the leading edges
of the seat have been narrowed by 12mm
in total, resulting in a much smaller junction
point where the seat meets the tank, giving
an overall narrower fit. With your weight now
more angled towards the front of the bike, it
feels lower than it actually is, providing the
added benefit of more mass on the front tire,
