Yamaha MT-09 SP-ecial Breaks Cover

Last month Yamaha unveiled the 2021 MT-09, the most radical and meanest iteration of the Japanese streetfighter. But it seems that the whitecoats at Yamaha still had an ace up their sleeves-- the MT-09 SP. So what does the SP suffix bring to the table other than the R1M-inspired Icon Performance paint scheme?

To start off with, an upgraded suspension kit. While the standard model features fully-adjustable KYB forks and monoshock, the SP gets DLC coated fully-adjustable KYB fork with separate adjusters for high-speed and low-speed compression damping. The rear unit has been upgraded to a fully-adjustable unit from Ohlins.

Yamaha has also equipped the SP with cruise control that can be activated above 50kmph in the fourth cog or higher. Other features include a double-stitched seat, anodised swingarm, handlebar and levers along with smoked front and rear brake fluid reservoirs to set it apart from the standard model. 

The SP shares the same 889cc, inline triple engine churning 119PS and 93Nm. Yamaha also introduced lean-sensitive rider aids, governed by a six-axis IMU with the 2021 MT-09.

Yamaha will likely bring the standard version to India mid-2021 but the SP variant is unlikely to grace the Indian shores.