Yamaha MT-09 in the 50,000 km endurance test

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Yamaha MT-09 in the 50,000 km endurance test

Peculiar, but very popular

The MT-09 is Yamaha’s first in-line three-cylinder since the XS models. And it was a direct hit. The Yamaha MT-09 has now covered over 50,000 kilometers in an endurance test. We take stock.

There are probably only a few machines with so much curiosity and great expectations in the long-term test fleet as this Yamaha MT-09. After the first, sometimes euphoric, tests, her three-cylinder already enjoyed the reputation of being a great success when she started work in October 2013: pressure in all situations, creamy revving. "Your engine is a dream come true for the country road", enthused colleague Roman Kirschbauer in the first test and summed up: "A hell of a motorcycle for the money." A clear case, something like that has to be put through the endurance test. The Yamaha MT-09 competed with an almost virgin 520 kilometers. And Roman immediately made the first entry in the logbook: “Dear MT-09, I’m very happy that you are here,” he noted, probably on behalf of many others.

Yamaha MT-09 in the 50,000 km endurance test

Peculiar but very popular

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Wet and happy sitting up in the morning

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As part of a recall, the MT-09 received a new ABS control unit when it reached 3,833 kilometers.

Apart from that, the Yamaha MT-09 showed itself from the pleasantly robust side for a completely new design. Failures up to the endurance test interim balance at mileage 32,615: zero. Which doesn’t mean that she didn’t have to go to the workshop after all. Right at the beginning of the endurance test, the ABS control unit was replaced as part of a recall. Another involved replacing the headlight cable after around 23,000 km.

In addition to absolute reliability, it was rather small things in daily use that made the Yamaha MT-09 stand out in everyday life. Sometimes the flasher button remained without function. Then the extremely inadequate splash protection when driving in the rain and the leaky seams of the bench seat were criticized, which after a rainy night in the open air made for a humid and happy first sitting up in the morning.

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Autumn trip 2014, a loose steering head nut makes a short stop necessary.

Until then, the Yamaha MT-09 had been able to set a highlight with its beguiling power output, but no more. There was criticism, for example, for the not very neutral, wobbly steering behavior. Which could be mitigated a little with the right choice of tires. When it came to tire recommendations, for example, the Yamaha MT-09 rushed around corners with more neutrality with Continental Road Attack2 Evo or Michelin Pilot Road 4. Whereby not only the steering behavior, but also the soft suspension setup caused critical logbook entries. Things that can also be found in most letters to the editor. In addition, as the test duration increased, there were complaints about the jerky gearbox and the poorly metered clutch. In combination with the hard throttle response in city traffic, a pretty annoying combination.

Therefore, the Yamaha MT-09 got a new engine mapping as part of the 30,000 km inspection, which calmed the throttle response, at least for the time being. On the occasion, the workshop implanted a newer version of the chain tensioner, which eliminated the previously complained ticker noises from the engine.

Moderate inspection costs

Rainer Froberg

No surprises in the workshop.

Speaking of inspections: the Yamaha MT-09 has to go to the workshop every 10,000 km. The costs for the first and third inspection were pleasingly moderate at around 200 euros each. The 20,000 servicing cost a lot more at 574 euros. However, if you subtract the included chain set (254 euros with assembly), the costs are well within reasonable limits at around 320 euros. Only the fourth inspection was more expensive. After all, at 40,000 km, the valve clearance is checked and the air filter is replaced for the first time. Without the renewed exchange of the chain set due at this point in time, just under 650 euros would be due.

At this point in time, the acoustic and mechanical expressions of life of the three-cylinder were less moderate. Among other things, the author complained about a howling sixth gear. A phenomenon that was also found occasionally in letters to the readers. In addition, the throttle response had meanwhile found its way back to its old hardness. "Miserable cold driving behavior, bad throttle response, and the transmission doesn’t get any better", FUEL front man Rolf Henniges let his displeasure with the Yamaha MT-09 run free in the endurance test.

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Hardly any deposits on combustion chambers and valve disks.

In terms of vibrations and grinding noises, the clutch came into focus. Due to possibly worn damper elements, the cage was replaced at 46,533 kilometers and the lamellar pack was replaced due to the blue steel discs. The basket on guarantee, the clutch discs on account. From then on, the mechanical smoothness of the three-cylinder was much better, and there were no entries due to the jammed gearbox or a jerky, poorly metered clutch on the last 3500 kilometers of the 50,000-kilometer endurance test of the Yamaha MT- 09.

It had only taken her a little more than two years to unwind the 50,000 kilometers. Despite the many reviews of the manners of the engine and chassis. She has something, this Yamaha MT-09 and her three-cylinder. In spite of the hard bench and manageable luggage transport options, which did not exactly make them a long-distance burner. The MT-09 was a popular companion and was always on the move. Ultimately, a good portion of fun must have always been there when driving.

Surprise put to the test

However, the skeptics were already wondering whether the mechanics had really come over the distance without damage. And were seriously surprised by the final performance measurement. The Yamaha MT-09 was almost a bit better in the feed than at the beginning of the endurance test.

The usual compression measurement at the end of the distance also seemed to say: “Everything is okay, folks, no fuss.” Yes, but the vibrations? The unsteady gearbox and the hard throttle response? Surely all this must have left traces inside? So get down to business, get the engine out of the frame, disassemble, clean and measure the individual parts. Neatly lined up, the innards of the Yamaha MT-09 gave a completely different picture: namely a construction that was solid to the ground.

Piston and cylinder: true to size and without grooves. The honing marks can still be seen in the liners. Both camshafts: without any noticeable wear. The main and connecting rod bearings are within the installation tolerance. Only slight pressure marks on one main bearing result in a somewhat uneven contact pattern. However, since Yamaha does not specify any wear dimensions and all bearings are within the installation dimensions, they are considered true to size and are therefore okay.

Throttle response has now been refined significantly

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The MT-09 is frugal in terms of maintenance.

Also the oil pump without any findings. The transmission: perfect, no abnormalities in sixth gear. The same applies to the shift drum and shift forks, the awkward gear changes seemed to be due to the hard-working clutch. Only the piston pin and eye of the middle cylinder show – harmless – tracks. The pistons themselves, however: perfect. The seats of the exhaust valves are slightly widened and show signs of fire. The valves, on the other hand, have practically no deposits, and the oil consumption of the Yamaha MT-09 was negligible over the test distance. The pressure loss test then showed no significant pressure loss, all valves practically tight, freshly grinded in once, reassembled and continued. So the conclusion to the engine. An excellent result for a completely redesigned unit.

Despite two winters, the chassis was also in good condition with the exception of a slight play at the deflection. What cannot be said about the bag carrier from our own range of accessories with unsightly traces of rust on the retaining plates and screw connections. Because the Yamaha MT-09 is ultimately quite frugal to maintain and with 8.3 cents / kilometer (without gasoline, without loss of value) is not too difficult for its owner, Yamaha has meanwhile significantly refined the throttle response, there is a progression Success story actually nothing in the way.

Operating costs over 50,000 kilometers

12 liters of oil at 15.39 euros 184.68 euros
3 oil filters at 11.18 euros 33.54 euros
1 air filter at 24.02 euros 24.02 euros
6 spark plugs at 13.00 euros 78.00 euros
1 set of rear brake pads at 32.85 euros 32.85 euros
2 sets of front brake pads at 42.11 euros each 84.22 euros
1 clutch cable 30.41 euros
1 set of clutch linings 230.25 euros
2 sets of chains 341.55 euros
brake fluid 7.19 euros
Small parts, lubricants 88.10 euros
Seals 65.83 euros
Inspections and repairs 1106.31 euros
Tires (including assembly, balancing and disposal) 1858.00 euros
fuel 3671.31 euros
total cost 7836.26 euros
acquisition cost 8,295.00 euros
Depreciation 3845.00 euros
Estimated Price (Dealer Selling Price) 4450.00 euros
Cost per kilometer (without depreciation) 15.7 cents
Cost per kilometer (with depreciation) 23.4 cents

Maintenance and repairs

mileage
ABS control unit exchanged (callback) 3833
Front and rear tires renewed, Bridgestone S 20 10,468
Headlight flasher malfunction 16.157
Front and rear tires renewed, Dunlop Roadsmart 2 19.056
Chain set renewed 21.303
Headlight cable (Recall) 22,954
Front and rear tires renewed, Michelin Pilot Road 4 25,034
Clutch cable renewed 25,415
Timing chain tensioner renewed (guarantee), new mapping installed 29,756
Front brake pads renewed 30,530
Front and rear tires renewed, Pirelli Angel GT 35,344
Clutch cable, Chain set and rear brake pads renewed 40,810
Front and rear tires renewed, Bridgestone BT 020 44,769
coupling exchanged 46,533

Offers used Yamaha MT-09 in Germany

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In terms of price, used Yamaha MT-09s are very attractive.

Yamaha’s three-cylinder is a real success for the Japanese, which the used market is feeling positively. The selection of used Yamaha MT-09s is large and many copies are already equipped with plenty of accessories. In terms of price, used cars are very attractive, which almost makes them a bargain. Here is an overview of used Yamaha MT-09 in Germany: used Yamaha MT-09 in Germany.

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