Yamaha has launched its updated MT-09 in India at Rs 10.88 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Like the outgoing model, the new naked street fighter is a CBU import but it is about Rs 48,000 cheaper than its predecessor.
The new MT-09 gets the same design-based changes that were seen on the model that was showcased at last year’s Intermot motor show, in Germany. It now gets LED lights, new fins for the radiator, larger air scoops and also new rear view mirrors. The rear fender is mounted onto the single-sided swingarm and the tail-lamp has been integrated into the body. The sub-frame is now 30mm shorter at the rear.
The Japanese manufacturer has also tweaked the front suspension for better damping, installed a quick shifter for the six-speed transmission, added an assist and slip clutch and put in a new seat. The 847cc, three-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine, which develops 115hp and 87.5Nm of peak torque remains unchanged.
The MT-09 is available in three colour options – Bluish Gray Solid, Deep Purplish Blue and Matte Dark Gray. With a price tag of Rs 10.88 lakh, the CBU-import MT-09 is substantially more expensive than the CKD-import Triumph Street Triple S (Rs 8.7 lakh) and Kawasaki Z900 (Rs 7.6 lakh). It is, in fact, more expensive than even the recently-launched, 123hp, Triumph Street Triple RS, which is priced at Rs 10.55 lakh (all prices, ex-showroom, Delhi). While the MT-09 has ample merit to justify a purchase, its relatively steep price tag will pose a challenge to its sales performance.
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
