KIWI RIDER NOVEMBER 2020 VOL1 | Page 24

ROAD NEWS
Yamaha says the new frame is 50 % more rigid laterally , which should make for better feel at the front end . To top it off , the new chassis drops 3.8kg and along with a 250g saving on the new swingarm helps to bring the MT-09 to under 190kg wet – that ’ s 4kg lighter than the current model . A quickshifter now comes as standard equipment for the MT-09 while Yamaha has continued to improve the MT-09 ’ s suspension which , for 2021 , features fully adjustable KYB forks and a new adjustable KYB rear shock which has been set up to suit the all-new chassis with reduced unsprung weight . Keeping everything in check for the rider is a whole new suite of next-gen electronics including a 6-axis IMU ( Inertial Measurement Unit ) allowing for lean-sensitive Traction
Control System ( TCS ), Slide Control System ( SCS ) as well as a front wheel lift control system ( LIF ) and Brake Control system ( BC ). The traction control system can be switched between three different modes via the new 3.5in TFT display to allow differing levels of slip while the braking system has been upgraded to YZF-R1 style front anchors . The new MT-09 will be available in three colours : Storm Fluo , Icon Blue and Tech Black . Deliveries to New Zealand Yamaha dealers will commence from March 2021 .
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