By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Naked Bike
Suzuki GSX-S750 (MY2017) vs Yamaha MT-09 (RN43)
Suzuki GSX-S750 vs Yamaha MT-09: which one to buy, and what actually separates them.
You'll find the Suzuki GSX-S750 doesn't budge from its line in a rough bend, and the chassis reports every ripple. The Yamaha MT-09 flicks in like a much smaller bike.
So which one do you buy?
Which one's the smarter buy
Even on value
At these used prices, neither bike is the clear better buy for the money.
What makes each one tick
GSX-S750
A wide bar gives the GSX-S750 quick steering, and corner entry doesn't call for much muscle. The riding position stays upright with a sporty tilt toward the bars. Mid-corner bumps don't unsettle the front end. The clutch lever pulls light through town traffic.
Nils rode the GSX-S750 in Austria in 2017 (NastyNils Testride).
MT-09
There's an uneven throb in the MT-09's crossplane triple, an inline's even pull with a V-twin's thump laid over it. Low revs make the throttle snatchy. The triple's pull keeps coming right up to redline.
Nils rode the MT-09 in Austria in 2017, and in 2018 (NastyNils Testride).
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The MT-09 has the lower wet weight: 425 lb (193 kg) vs 470 lb (213 kg).
- The MT-09 makes more peak torque: 65 lb-ft (88 Nm) vs 60 lb-ft (81 Nm).
- The MT-09 has the larger engine: 847 cc vs 749 cc.
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Neither is a natural fit
Both of these get tiring on a long day. A proper tourer will treat you better on big miles.
A confidence-building first motorcycle
Look elsewhere
For a brand-new rider, both are the wrong place to start. Learn the basics on a smaller bike first.
Look at commuting, twisty roads, and running costs and you'll find two bikes doing the same job equally well. Fit is what breaks the tie.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
GSX-S750
What owners say
Strengths
- Comfortable ergonomics and light controls
- Nimble, stable handling
- Strong value for money
MT-09
What owners say
Strengths
- Exceptional CP3 engine character
- Outstanding agility and lightness
- Strong mechanical reliability
Trade-offs
- Snatchy low-RPM throttle response
- Uncomfortable stock seat
- No wind protection
- Small tank / limited range
- Handlebar vibration at highway speed
Known problems to check before you buy
GSX-S750
- Crankshaft position sensor error Some owners report intermittent crankshaft position sensor errors causing the bike to refuse to crank. The sensor can become contaminated with engine oil deposits, requiring cleaning or replacement.
MT-09
- Throttle body de-synchronization causing rough idle The three throttle bodies go out of sync within a few thousand miles (a few thousand km), leading to rough idle, stalling (especially at low speeds), and poor low-RPM response. Idle Speed Control (ISC) may need resetting after synchronization. Some cases traced to Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) degradation or Acceleration Position Sensor (APS) issues.
- Quick Shifter System intermittent failure The OEM quickshifter can stop working intermittently. Common cause is an internal Alps Alpine micro-switch failure. Symptoms include QS light on but no function, intermittent ignition cut during shifts, and hard/stuck upshifts. Cold engine operation worsens symptoms. Yamaha dealers have confirmed replacing multiple faulty units under warranty.
- Front brake disc pulsation / warping Front brake discs develop pulsation felt through the lever during braking. The floating disc design may not fully prevent warping under hard or normal use. Disc replacement or aftermarket rotors are the definitive cure.
- Snatchy ride-by-wire throttle response at low RPM The electronic throttle is abrupt and jerky between 2,500–4,000 RPM, creating a push/pull sensation when rolling on from idle or cruising at low speeds. This is an ECU mapping issue inherent to the CP3 engine across all generations, though the 2017 D-Mode B setting helps. The mixture is set lean for Euro 4 compliance, and deceleration fuel cut causes jerkiness when reaccelerating. An ECU flash or tune (e.g., 2WheelDynoWorks, Woolich Racing) is the common fix.
- Seat seams leak water during rain riding Seat seams allow water to seep in during rain. The seat foam absorbs water, making it uncomfortable and slow to dry.
- Excessive handlebar vibration during sustained high-speed riding Noticeable buzzing/micro-vibration through the handlebars, particularly during sustained highway riding. Causes hand numbness within 5–10 minutes at certain RPM ranges. OEM bar-end weights are light (~1 oz (~30 g)); heavier aftermarket bar ends (~8 oz (~230 g) per side) help but don't fully eliminate. Engine mount and handlebar mount bolt torque should be checked.
- Premature corrosion on multiple components Multiple components prone to premature corrosion: bar-end Allen key holes rust quickly, rear shock spring corrodes, front disc bolts rust, exhaust headers show surface corrosion and discoloration, general bolt corrosion. Matte paint finish is very thin, scratches easily. Some bolts showed rust at less than 1,000 miles on new bikes. Pressure washing and salt exposure accelerate corrosion significantly.
What they cost used
These prices compare a 9-year-old GSX-S750 with a 9-year-old MT-09.
- GSX-S750
- about $6,900
- MT-09
- about $7,400
What they share
- Seat height
- 32.3 in (820 mm)
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Chain
- Front tire
- 120/70-17
- Rear tire
- 180/55-17
Where the spec sheets split
| GSX-S750 | MT-09 | |
|---|---|---|
| Wet weight | 470 lb (213 kg) | 425 lb (193 kg) |
| GSX-S750 | MT-09 | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 749 cc | 847 cc |
| Engine | Inline-four | Inline-three |
| Power | 114 hp (84 kW) | 115 hp (85 kW) |
| Peak power at | 10,500 rpm | 10,000 rpm |
| Torque | 60 lb-ft (81 Nm) | 65 lb-ft (88 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 9,000 rpm | 8,500 rpm |
| GSX-S750 | MT-09 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy | 45 mpg (US) / 5.23 L/100 km | 47 mpg (US) / 5 L/100 km |
| Fuel capacity | 4.2 US gal (16 L) | 3.7 US gal (14 L) |
| GSX-S750 | MT-09 | |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 57.5 in (1460 mm) | 56.7 in (1440 mm) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| GSX-S750 | MT-09 | |
|---|---|---|
| Ride Modes | Not offered | Standard |
| Front Suspension Adjustable | Not offered | Standard |
| Rear Suspension Adjustable | Not offered | Standard |
| Quickshifter | Not offered | Standard |
| LED Headlight | Not offered | Standard |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
