Chassis tuning for the Yamaha MT-09

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Chassis tuning for the Yamaha MT-09
Arturo Rivas.

Chassis tuning for the Yamaha MT-09

Retrofit components from WP

Previous relationship status of the engine and chassis on the Yamaha MT-09: “It’s complicated.” WP is now recommended as a couple therapist with its noble retrofit components …

The undercarriage of the Yamaha MT-09 for a long time nothing to oppose. Things got better, but not optimal, with the 2017 update, when the damping rates were significantly increased. Even so, the MT has not become a prime example of stability, precision and feedback. For this you need the be-Ohlinste (rear) and be-Kabayate (front) “SP”, 1,200 euros extra and either an impressive weight or a pronounced preference for really tight driving experiences.

Series model good-natured and rather comfortable

A field in which the suspension professional WP has identified a gap that is now to be closed with the “Apex Pro 6500” cartridge kit and the “Apex Pro 6747” shock absorber. Fine to look at and fine-tuned. But first we look at the production model. From the box you get a good-natured and, despite all the tightening, rather comfortable package. So far so good. The fork’s responsiveness is not quite as good, especially on bumpy terrain it feels a bit woody over small bumps, especially at low speeds.


Arturo Rivas.

Practical: compression and rebound levels can be adjusted manually with WP, counting rings is unnecessary.

The shock absorber keeps the frame a whole lot more elegant, but is often noticeable with a noticeable “rocking” in deep and fast sloping positions. But all in all, you get along quite well with that in everyday to brisk everyday driving. Provided that you have done a little fine-tuning (see below). The factory setting at the front is far too soft for a good 95 kilos of ready-to-drive drivers, and the negative spring deflection is set too low at the factory and thus prevents the components from working to their full extent.

What about the WP-MT-09?

Switch to the pimped MT. A sporty base note is noticeable both at the front and at the back while standing. So much on the fork that we softened the compression and rebound levels slightly. The setting range is large with 28 clicks each, but reacts much more strongly to the first ten clicks than afterwards. What is also noticeable: The rear is higher, which makes the seating position a little more front-wheel-oriented, but thanks to the height adjustment on the shock absorber, it can be quickly adjusted to suit individual preferences. Since the negative suspension travel fits quite well, you can start right away. Yes, the WP-MT is tight, a little more uncomfortable than the series, but cushions bumps, especially at a sporty pace, but smoothly. Aha-effect even with spontaneous, courageous grip on the brake: Where the series fork likes to block, the WP fork is unimpressed and confidently stays on track. Speaking of the track: the upgrade Yamaha can be brought to this more precisely as soon as you leave the curve again, because the nervous lean angle rocking like at the rear of the series MT does not occur. In general there is less movement in the motorcycle, the special stage dedicated MT maintains much more composure. This leaves more space for things like setting braking and turning points, moving, aiming for lines and firing. Just ride a motorcycle.


Arturo Rivas.

Anodized aluminum milled parts, external expansion tank, height adjustment: the finest material battle with the WP damper.

Disadvantage? The floated MT is not really handier than the standard MT. Not bad, because: a handy bike anyway. It goes a little further than the standard MT. Not bad either, because: really only nuances. Cartridge kit (925.70 euros) and shock absorber (974.49) cost more than two large stones when installed. Could be bad because: significantly more surcharge than for the hard but also good MT-09 SP. And if you let it fly less than the triple encourages, you can pull a screwdriver with the production bike. As I said: It’s complicated.

Suspension settings in detail:

  • Yamaha MT-09 (driver: 95 kilograms) fork spring preload: no ring visible; Rebound: six clicks open; Compression level: six clicks open. Suspension strut Spring preload: level four; Rebound damping: one turn open
  • Yamaha MT-09 WP (rider: 95 kilograms) fork spring preload: level zero; Rebound: eight clicks open; Compression stage: 16 clicks open Suspension strut Spring preload: five threads visible; Rebound stage: twelve clicks open, compression stage high-speed: two turns open; Low speed: 13 clicks open

Conclusion

WP offers retrofit components for the Yamaha MT-09, which tighten the naked bike and have a positive effect on the riding characteristics. In return, the “tuned” MT-09 loses a bit of comfort. The retrofit parts are also not cheap.

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