is its ability to adjust the engine
braking, which is especially use-
ful on the racetrack.
Think of it like this: the SP of-
fers six Custom modes instead
of two. Realistically, no one
needs six Custom modes unless
you're riding every possible type
of terrain, road surface, weather
condition imaginable. If that's
you, congratulations.
Most riders will likely dial
down the electronic aids to their
minimum settings on the MT-09
SP. Reducing power modes too
much dumbs down the bike's
character, and the MT-09 SP's
extroverted nature deserves to
be fully unleashed!
Yamaha's 890cc CP3 engine
is among the most fun and lively
engines available today, though
it does suffer from a bastard of
a flat spot between 4000 and
6000 rpm, likely due to emis
-
sions regulations.
This flat spot can be wholly
frustrating, interrupting what
is otherwise a terrific power
delivery with a top-end that
belies its sub-1000cc nature. If
you're considering an MT-09 or
MT-09 SP, it's worth taking it to
a skilled tuner, fitting a perfor
-
mance exhaust, and adjusting
the fueling. This will unlock the
bike's potential, and if you do,
we'd love to hear your before-
and-after experiences—so drop
Cycle News a line!
P112
RIDE REVIEW I 2024 YAMAHA MT-09 SP
Rennie does his best not to
aim the SP directly at the
photographer's private parts.
