By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Naked Bike
Triumph Street Triple RX (MY2015) vs Yamaha MT-09 (RN29)
Triumph Street Triple RX vs Yamaha MT-09: which one's easier to live with every day.
Wind the Triumph Street Triple RX's throttle open and the induction howl doesn't let up as the triple spins freely toward redline. On the Yamaha MT-09, that same twist puts big numbers on the speedo before your head's caught up. It doesn't build up first; it simply goes.
So which one do you buy?
The Street Triple RX has the edge if…
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Inches ahead: Street Triple RX
In the twisties, the Street Triple RX asks a bit less of you to go quickly. The reason: more feel through the bars and better suspension. Call it a modest edge.
The MT-09 has the edge if…
Keeping running costs low
Narrow edge: MT-09
For the money you spend after the purchase, the MT-09 nudges ahead. The gap is too small to plan a budget around.
Daily commuting & city riding
Edges it: MT-09
Your daily ride leans slightly toward the MT-09. Fit and price can easily outweigh that.
Which one's the smarter buy
Nothing in it on value
At these used prices, neither bike is the clear better buy for the money.
What makes each one tick
Street Triple RX
Narrow, upright ergonomics and light controls let the Street Triple RX thread city traffic, yet it doesn't lose its composure once the bends get fast. Through the Angeles Crest Highway's corners, the steep rake and short trail tuck the front into each turn, and the bike flicks from one lean to the next. You'll keep chasing the rush up top.
MT-09
Switchbacks bring out the MT-09's supermoto streak: it snaps from left to right and the bars don't fight back. A bump finds the soft side of the stock suspension, which doesn't carry enough damping for this engine's pace. Seat time doesn't dull the itch to hunt for on-ramps. Hard upshifts snick home cleanly.
Nils rode the MT-09 in 2016 (NastyNils Testride).
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Street Triple RX has the lower wet weight: 403 lb (183 kg) vs 414 lb (188 kg).
- The MT-09 makes more peak power: 115 hp (85 kW) vs 105 hp (78 kW).
- The MT-09 makes more peak torque: 65 lb-ft (88 Nm) vs 50 lb-ft (68 Nm).
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Not built for this
Both of these get tiring on a long day. A proper tourer will treat you better on big miles.
A confidence-building first motorcycle
Wrong job for both
For a brand-new rider, both are the wrong place to start. Learn the basics on a smaller bike first.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
Street Triple RX
What owners say
Strengths
- Exhilarating triple engine
- High-spec cycle parts
- Sublime urban agility and daily usability
Trade-offs
- Peaky power delivery needs revs
MT-09
Strengths
- Smooth, willing triple
- Serious low-end pull
- Flicks like a supermoto
- Surprising highway composure
- Flawless gearbox and finish
Trade-offs
- Not a comfort upgrade
- Supermoto-level touring comfort
- Nervous in fast sweepers
- Soft, underdamped stock suspension
- Snatchy throttle response
Known problems to check before you buy
Street Triple RX
No confirmed faults on file yet. That's not the same as fault-free.
MT-09
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
What they cost used
These prices compare a 10-year-old Street Triple RX with a 10-year-old MT-09.
- Street Triple RX
- about $5,600
- MT-09
- about $6,000
What they share
- Engine
- Inline-three
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Fork
- Upside-down (USD)
- Front tire
- 120/70-17
- Rear tire
- 180/55-17
Where the spec sheets split
| Street Triple RX | MT-09 | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 32.3 in (820 mm) | 32.1 in (815 mm) |
| Wet weight | 403 lb (183 kg) | 414 lb (188 kg) |
| Street Triple RX | MT-09 | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 675 cc | 847 cc |
| Power | 105 hp (78 kW) | 115 hp (85 kW) |
| Peak power at | 11,850 rpm | 10,000 rpm |
| Torque | 50 lb-ft (68 Nm) | 65 lb-ft (88 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 9,750 rpm | 8,500 rpm |
| Street Triple RX | MT-09 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 4.6 US gal (17.4 L) | 3.7 US gal (14 L) |
| Street Triple RX | MT-09 | |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake | 310 mm | 298 mm |
| Wheelbase | 55.5 in (1410 mm) | 56.7 in (1440 mm) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Street Triple RX | MT-09 | |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | Standard | Option |
| Quickshifter | Standard | Not offered |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
