Yamaha MT-09

Yamaha Motor India has aggressive plans to expand its portfolio with the launch of several premium products. The company recently showcased several premium motorcycles to its dealer partners in the country and among them was the Triumph Street Triple-rivalling, inline three-cylinder-powered MT-09. Notably, this motorcycle is already available in several international markets, and the India-bound version is likely to share the same specifications and features.

The styling cues, too, will be identical to the international model, and thus the India-bound roadster will feature a single-pod headlight with twin DRLs, a flat handlebar, a muscular fuel tank, a flat design for the seat, and an underbelly exhaust setup. Internationally, the company offers this motorcycle in three colours – Cyan Storm, Icon Blue, and Tech Black – and we expect to see these colours in our market as well.

The mechanical specifications on the India-bound motorcycle, similar to the global model, should include the 890cc, inline three-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine. Linked to a six-speed gearbox, this motor delivers a maximum output of 117.3bhp at 10,000rpm and a peak torque of 93Nm at 7,000rpm. Yamaha claims a fuel economy of 5-litre/100km or 20kmpl from the global model.

Meanwhile, the suspension hardware on this motorcycle will include 41mm upside-down front forks and a rear monoshock. Notably, the front forks will be adjustable for preload, compression, and rebound, while the rear will be adjustable for preload and rebound only. The braking hardware on the India-bound model will include the same 298mm twin discs and 245mm single rotor as the international version.

We expect to see this motorcycle in our market in the second half of 2023. The previous version of the MT-09 was sold at Rs. 10.65 lakh in the Indian market. The updated model can be expected to arrive in the Rs. 12 lakh and Rs. 13 lakh price range. Once launched, this motorcycle will rival the likes of the Kawasaki Z900, Ducati Monster, and Triumph Street Triple in the Indian market.