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RIDE REVIEW I 2024 YAMAHA MT-09 SP
One of the standout features
of the SP model is its electron-
ics package, which includes a
two-stage
engine brake control
(EBC) and a four-stage Track
setting. The Track mode is
essentially an extension of the
two existing Custom modes in
the ECU that come on the base
MT-09, which allow for tweaking
various settings like four-level
power maps, three level traction
control, slide control, wheelie
control, two-level quickshifter
sensitivity, and two-level brake
control. What sets the SP apart
Yamaha has a long history
with the SP designation stretch
-
ing back 30 to 40 years with
their 750cc models. The "Sport
Production" tag gave enthusi-
asts a reason to spend a bit
more for
some added perfor-
mance hardware. The R1 moved
away from
the SP designation
years ago, favoring the R1/
R1M terminology that started
in 2015, with the last SP variant
being the standout 2006 model.
Today, SP lives on in the naked
bike segment with models like
the MT-09 and MT-10.
Let's address the elephant in
the room—yes, there's a price
difference. The base MT-09 will
set you back $10,599, while
the SP version commands
$12,299, a $1700 premium. At
first glance, this might seem
like a steep increase for what
is fundamentally the same bike
but hear me out.
Pretty, right?
The new brushed
aluminum
swingarm is a
nice touch on
the SP.
