You could tell which state you were in on Highway 129 with your eyes closed. The Tennessee side of the Tail of the Dragon is smoother and better maintained than most racetrack surfaces. The North Carolina side is no worse than most mountain roads, but it’s certainly no better, and the frost heaves, cracks and potholes stand out in stark contrast to the satin-like finish of the Tennessee side of the Tail.
Both surfaces test suspension. The Tennessee side invites harder riding, with the rider able to apply more force at the bars and on the brake lever, to flick more quickly, to brake harder, more comfortable in looking for grip and speed. In North Carolina, the rider is looking for stability over pavement irregularities as well as a chassis that can keep both tires consistently in contact with the road.
Yamaha brought journalists to the Tail to introduce its 2024 MT-09 SP. The new bike is all about suspension, even though its upgraded brakes are a genuine improvement. A new KYB fork offers more adjustments and better action throughout the stroke, and an Öhlins shock provides more control at the rear wheel. The better suspension allows the rider to use the brakes with more confidence and precision. And after 161.2 miles of riding, a journey almost exclusively on two-lane mountain roads ranging from moderate to high speeds, it was clear that the upgrades allow the rider to get even more performance and enjoyment out of what is a very, very good standard model.
The base for the SP is the new-for-2024 MT-09. It is the latest in the line of the hypernaked, unfaired and upright sportbikes Yamaha introduced in 2014. The MT-09 is powered by the company’s smooth and responsive 890cc CP3 inline three-cylinder engine, which puts out a claimed 117.3 bhp at 10,000 rpm. All modern electronic rider aids are present, and Yamaha’s up- and down-quickshifter capabilities are expanded for 2024. The riding position features lower bars that are closer to the rider, and even on the standard model, the suspension has been upgraded.
The SP takes those upgrades several steps further. The KYB fork is adjustable for high- and low-speed compression damping as well as rebound and preload. The sliders feature a diamond-like coating for less stiction. The Öhlins shock is made specifically for the SP and features a remote preload adjuster. And a set of Brembo Stylema calipers are mated to a Brembo master cylinder at the front.
Yamaha added adjustable engine braking to the SP model, as well as the ability to disable the rear wheel ABS. And it added Track Mode to the dash, so the rider can customize the electronics to their preference, trigger a lap timer, and eliminate data that isn’t particularly useful on the track.
Having ridden both the standard and SP models just a few months apart on similar roads, it is clear to me that the SP represents a significant improvement in real-world sport-mode riding. The fork tracks bumps better, especially mid-corner, and stabilizes the entire platform. That allowed me to trail-brake into corners with more confidence, using more of the performance of the Brembo caliper/master cylinder combination at the front. The Öhlins similarly kept the rear more stable, especially at corner exits, allowing me to drive out with more throttle. Incidentally, the most aggressive engine map – Setting 1 – on this machine is quite nicely dialed in. The response at the throttle is direct and – enthusiastic, let’s say – and it wasn’t an on/off light switch. I felt fully in control, even in the tightest switchbacks.
The rest of the MT-09 is just as much fun as I remembered. The engine has a definite powerband, with manageable torque at the bottom and a rush on top. The riding position is comfortable, the seat wide and supportive, and the increased intake noise is music to a gearhead’s ears.
The best part? The price. The SP model comes in at $12,229, only $1,700 more than the standard model. The standard MT-09 represents a solid bargain for its level of performance. The SP delivers an amazing amount of real performance for the real world at a price that reflects real value. It’s hard to go wrong with either one, but when the pace picks up, the SP’s upgrades are worth every penny.
