It's been seven years since Yamaha unveiled the Dark Side of Japan. And we don't think we are exaggerating by saying that perhaps, if not all motorcycling, certainly the Yamaha range has changed forever. Because since then, the MT range has become one of the most important ones within the Iwata-based brand, creating a real brand within the brand, with bikes ranging from 125cc to 1000cc.

The 2021 MY represents the first real generational change for the MT-09, which… in a good way, grows up without becoming a boring adult. It now complies with Euro-5 regulations, there is now an inertial platform, allowing the bike to become more effective in electronic management, there’s a new TFT display, but at the same time it increases in displacement to increase power and torque, whilst managing to lower the weight.

To sum it up, the MT keeps the fun factor as it has always done, while improving its finishes and equipment. Let’s say it in another way - she grew up to be a bad girl. And it keeps on being pretty low cost as you can take it home with 9,499 euros.

But let's talk a bit about numbers: the horse power has increased from the 115 of the old 850 to 119. And the most significant data comes from the characteristic measurements: the bore remains stationary at 78 mm, while the stroke has been increased from 59.1 to 62.1 mm. The choice to gain displacement by increasing the stroke means that Iwata have decided to focus on torque power, both maximum and also more sustained throughout.

An engine with a lot of torque power is what you need if you want to experience that wonderful feeling of opening the throttle and not knowing if you are awake or if you are still dreaming, as Neo said, waking up while still inside the Matrix. Torque power has been increased from 87.5 Nm at 8,500 rpm to 93 Nm at 7,000 rpm. It will be even easier to do wheelies or, at least, being tempted to ride on a single wheel.