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2014–2017 · Naked Bike · A variant of the MT-09
Sold in the US as Yamaha FZ-09 Sport Tracker
Differences between the standard MT-09 and the Sport Tracker
Triple Soul With Flat-Track Skin
The MT-09 is Yamaha's 847 cc inline-three in a compact, light chassis, and that pairing defines this generation. The triple makes 115 hp and 65 lb-ft. It pulls hard from low revs and keeps building all the way to the top, which is the rising, charismatic delivery I want from a naked bike. At 414 lb wet with a 32.1 in (815 mm) seat, it never intimidates. ABS, traction control and ride modes come standard, and so does adjustable suspension at both ends. The SportTracker trim adds its own styling to the standard bike and keeps the same hardware underneath.
What makes this bike special is the contrast. The fit and finish are clinical, nothing rattles, and it holds up well over the years, yet the ride is properly wild. This is Yamaha's Dark Side idea actually showing up on the road. It suits an experienced rider who wants a light, playful naked with real teeth and a huge aftermarket to tailor it. The caveats are real. The stock suspension runs out of damping when you push hard, long highway days wear on you, and on a used example you should confirm the handlebar holder recall (NHTSA 17V-221) was done. This bike turns the fun up. It doesn't calm it down.
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
| Power | 115 hp (85 kW) @ 10,000 rpm |
|---|---|
| Torque | 65 lb-ft (88 Nm) @ 8,500 rpm |
| Displacement | 847 cc |
| Engine | Inline-three |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Final drive | Chain |
| Fork | Telescopic |
| Front brake | 298 mm |
| Front tire | 120/70-17 |
| Rear tire | 180/55-17 |
| Wheelbase | 56.7 in (1440 mm) |
| Seat height | 32.1 in (815 mm) |
| Wet weight | 414 lb (188 kg) |
| Fuel capacity | 3.7 gal (14 L) |
| Top speed | 140 mph (225 km/h) |
| Fuel economy | 43 mpg (US) |
Equipment check
Chassis
Drivetrain
Safety
The MT-09 Sport Tracker (RN29-SportTracker) builds on the standard MT-09: the upgraded hardware, the key spec changes and where its character shifts. The full ride, specs, scoring and verdict are all right here on this page.
Equipment the Sport Tracker adds vs the standard MT-09
| Spec | Standard MT-09 | Sport Tracker | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top speed | 130 mph | 140 mph | +9 mph |
For years I've listened to MT-09 riders: in the paddock, at club nights, in owner chats, and in the emails and messages that land in my inbox. For this generation the pattern is very consistent. Riders praise the engine and the light chassis in the strongest terms, and they're just as united on what bothers them: suspension, throttle pickup, seat, and brake feel.
The most repeated praise is for the engine. Owners describe the torque as immediate and addictive, there from low rpm so you don't have to chase revs, and they keep mentioning the distinctive exhaust note. Because the bike is so light, riders say it feels faster still: they compare the acceleration to a supersport's, delivered from a comfortable upright seat, with more usable torque than its rivals. The triple also has a reputation for being mechanically robust, and no pattern of engine failures shows up in what owners report. Riders call it efficient for the performance, with real-world averages around 43 mpg (5.5 L/100 km). Value is a recurring point too: a strong triple, ABS and ride modes, at a launch price that clearly undercut the European competition. Owners still bring that up.
Handling is the second big theme. Riders describe a light, nimble bike with quick turn-in and generous ground clearance, one that stays manageable at low speed and gives you confidence in city traffic as much as on a twisty road. Then comes the complaint I hear more than any other: the stock suspension. Owners say fork and shock both lack the damping to match the engine. The fork gets called high and vague, and the shock is said to tie itself in knots when the pace goes up. Ridden solo at a moderate pace, comfort is described as acceptable. Brake feel is the next gripe. Riders report a wooden lever with little initial bite: the power is adequate, but it takes a firm pull and gives little feedback.
The three throttle maps get a split reaction. Riders value the flexibility, and B mode is consistently described as the smooth choice for town. The gripe concerns Standard and A: owners report an abrupt, jerky pickup from a closed throttle, most of all on early bikes. B softens that, but riders say it dulls the performance too. The seat is a common complaint. Thin padding and hard foam bring numbness after about an hour. Range closes the list. The 3.7 gal (14 L) tank gives riders roughly 120 to 160 miles (190 to 260 km), less when ridden hard, and the fuel light comes on early. Owners say that, along with the lack of any wind protection, limits touring.
Handlebar clamp recall (NHTSA 17V-221)
The lower handlebar holder may not be properly tightened during assembly, potentially allowing the handlebars to loosen. Yamaha recalled 22,433 units (2015‑2017 FZ‑09/FJ‑09/XSR900) to replace the holder.
Noisy clutch basket
Some owners report a chattering or noisy clutch basket, particularly at idle. While not necessarily indicating an imminent failure, the noise can be annoying and may be exacerbated by aggressive riding.
Excessively aggressive throttle response causing jerky on/off transitions
The ECU's fuel mapping creates abrupt power delivery during throttle transitions. In A and Standard modes, small throttle movements cause disproportionate power changes. Fuel cut functionality above ~4,500 rpm shuts off injectors during deceleration, then reapplies fuel abruptly when RPM drops — creating a pronounced jerk. Most problematic at low speeds in urban riding. Yamaha partially addressed this with a revised ECU map for 2015, and offered free reflash to 2014 owners. Some 2014 units shipped with improved mapping. Aftermarket ECU flashing (2 Wheel DynoWorks, vcyclenut, Ivan's Performance) available for ~$350 USD.
Intermittent engine cutout at idle and during low-speed deceleration
Engine cuts out at traffic lights, during slow maneuvering, or when decelerating to a stop. The ECU reduces fuel supply too aggressively near idle. Related to throttle body synchronization issues in some cases. Problem can worsen in hot weather.
Throttle position sensor malfunction causing hesitation, surging, or stalling
TPS wiring or connectors may become damaged, loose, or corroded, sending faulty or no signals to the ECU. Symptoms include hesitation, surging, stalling, or poor performance. Can trigger fault codes.
Stock front fork and rear shock lack adequate damping for performance
Front fork too soft in compression and rebound for the bike's power and weight. Rear shock loses damping control under aggressive use. Dive under braking is excessive. Rear end feels unsettled over bumps. Multiple aftermarket suspension companies (K-Tech, Öhlins, YSS, Nitron) offer complete replacement units, indicating strong market demand for upgrades.
O2 sensor failures when exposed to heavy rain or pressure washing
The O2 sensor is vulnerable to water ingress. Heavy rain, deep puddles, or pressure washing can cause sensor failure, triggering engine warning light and poor running. The sensor's position makes it susceptible to road spray. At low constant throttle, O2 sensor cycling between lean/rich creates lumpy engine running. Solutions include O2 sensor eliminator, Power Commander, or ECU flash that disables O2 sensor cycling at low RPM.
Where this Yamaha MT-09 pulls ahead of — or falls behind — its rivals on the numbers, and the typical bike in its class on character.
Power
Torque
Displacement
Wet weight
Top speed
Seat height
Forget spec-sheet bragging. Here's who the MT-09 is actually built for.
On Angeles Crest it's a riot: light, quick to turn and strong out of every tight corner. Long, fast sweepers make it nervous, so budget for suspension work if you ride hard.
Made for Angeles Crest Highway · Coronado Trail Scenic Byway · Big Sur Coast Highway
The Dragon's tight, repeating bends are this bike's home turf. It flicks side to side without a fight, though the long interstate haul to get there won't be its favorite part.
Made for Tail of the Dragon · Back of the Dragon · Blue Ridge Parkway
If this one isn't quite the fit, these are the bikes worth riding back-to-back against it.
Any price note compares both bikes at the same age — the youngest age both have on the used market — against this Yamaha MT-09. “cheaper/pricier” is what that bike costs second-hand, not how worn it is.
Compare it with every bike that shares the same spec or equipment.
