The performance bike with Honda reliability and Ducati-level handling

By the 1990s, the standard motorcycle had lost some of its appeal. Sports bikes literally took over and almost everyone became obsessed with speed. It was clear that the standard motorcycle needed some kind of makeover, and we have Ducati to thank for that. By assembling the first Monster from what were essentially spare sports bike parts, we got what is widely considered the first naked sports bike. Or a sports bike without fairings.

While Ducati got the ball rolling, virtually every major manufacturer followed suit and took the fairings off whatever faired motorcycle was available. Honda has always had a reputation for offering bikes with superior reliability. Nothing has changed there. Ducati still offers a bike that rides better than anything else, but we also have a bike that offers the best of both worlds.

A hotly contested segment

Back in the ’00s we had a Monster that competed with a Hornet (or 919 in the US), and rather interestingly, the same two models have just renewed that rivalry. While the Monster never went away, Honda only recently reintroduced the Hornet nomenclature. Over the years, the Monster has become one of the best Naked Bikes on the market.

The latest Monster+ is still relatively accessible by Ducati standards and has a brand new V-twin. The Honda CB1000 Hornet SP, on the other hand, is a bit of a hot rod. In terms of handling it can’t compete with the Ducati, but like the old Hornet it has a previous generation Fireblade engine. There are several other equally good alternatives in this highly competitive space, but it’s a Yamaha that really stands out for us.

The Yamaha MT-09 SP features Honda reliability and Ducati-level handling

MSRP: $12,699

The MT-09 uses the versatile CP3. Yamaha offers a wide choice of motorcycles based on this triple, but this is where it all started with the MT-09. However, the original MT had one rather obvious flaw, and that was the suspension. That was – for the most part – resolved with a subsequent update. But the SP model offers an upgraded suspension that turns the Torque Master into a corner cutter.

The MT-09 SP has an impressive triple

Power: 117 hp

Like most modern Naked Bikes, the MT-09 SP offers a great balance between performance and comfort. The CP3 engine was actually developed specifically with these goals in mind, with the triple chosen over any other configuration because it offers the best of both worlds. All the performance benefits of an inline four, and all the torque of a big twin. These features balance out to give us a bike that delivers impressive real-world performance, with the vast majority of its power available across the entire rev range.

A reliable artist

Over the years in production, the CP3 has proven exceptionally reliable. Being a relatively fun bike at the limit, we can also say that this drivetrain has passed a stress test. It’s worth noting that there was one recall last year. Some bikes were delivered with a defective throttle position sensor. Of course, this has now been resolved and does not affect new bicycles.

The MT-09 SP is a feature-packed canyon carver

In terms of features, the MT-09 SP certainly does not disappoint. An IMU was added in the most recent update, so both slope-sensitive traction control and cornering ABS are present. It also gets driving modes, cruise control, a quickshifter and a TFT dashboard with smartphone connectivity. Nowadays, all these features are expected at this price. But what you pay extra for is the improved suspension.

The fully adjustable Öhlins rear shock is complemented by an equally competent, fully adjustable KYB fork. This suspension offers riders more adjustability and turns what is a fun bike into a competent canyon carver. It’ll be equally at home on a track of your choice, but this is a package best suited for the real world.

Reliable, efficient, dynamic, but not pretty

With a claimed fuel economy of 48mpg, it’s surprisingly low on fuel for a performance bike. While this figure may go out the window if you take a more spirited ride, it’s good to know that once you call it upon it, it can certainly handle the daily commute. It’s certainly light and agile enough for the task, but also quite comfortable thanks to its neutral driving position. The only thing it isn’t is beautiful. Like most naked bikes on the market, Yamaha opted for a bold Transformer-like design aesthetic.

Suffice it to say, it won’t appeal to everyone. It offers the peace of mind you get with a Honda, and will ‘transform’ into a Ducati this weekend. It’s a really nice bike, but like any bike you have to like the way it looks, and that’s an acquired taste to say the least. For the rest of us, the XSR900 might be a better bet, but you’ll have to add an aftermarket shock if you want it to handle like the MT.

Chassis, suspension and weight specifications

Source: Yamaha Motorsports