First generation of MT-09 was never a perfect at the suspension department. That’s the reason why I wanna talk about its suspension, which on any motorcycle is everything. Cut corners with a standard shock, or a pair of standard forks and you’ll struggle to get around corners, ride quality goes out of the window and tyre grip goes down the pan.

Back in 2014 when Yamaha launched the MT-09, they got the rasping, grunt-packed 847cc inline triple spot-on, along with its lightweight cast aluminium chassis and the price, but the front forks was kinda soft in the front, over-damped and the rear shock bounced like a river boat even when you not pushing it too hard in the corner.

However that gave way to aftermarket suspensions to make the MT-09 become an overnight success by replacing its poor factory assemble suspension and make it a Triumph Street Triple-eater. The overly snatchy ride-by-wire throttle system on that early model didn’t help matters, either.

Owners saw past its quirks and fell in love with its evocative exhaust note, thick spread of power, its Supermoto-like agility, solid build quality and above all, value for money.
Where the original MT-09 had its damping (rebound only) squished and constricted in its left fork leg and just a spring in the right, most of us will change the front spring and cartridges which had compression and rebound damping spread between its pair of forks, smoothing-out its action.
Those suspension mods up a notch, and we had a chance to compare an entry level Ohlin with Nitron and K-Tech suspensions on MT-09

Ohlins
Entry level Ohlin will cost around RM2,800 replacing the standard MT-09 suspension, still gets the bumps if you don’t get the setting right.
Its classy yellow spring is actually softer than the standard MT-09’s suspension but it gives a plusher overall ride and a big improvement in stability and damping control when you’re hard on the throttle.
Up front Ohlin 41mm cartridge and springs for the front forks are now fully adjustable compression and rebound with progressive springs. The soft bit is for comfort and helping the tyre find grip and the hard bit for support under heavy braking.

Nitron
On the Nitron fitted MT-09 front end is an improvement over the standard MT-09 set-up and works best when you can load the forks up hard on dry, grippy roads, but they match the plush feel of the Nitron rear. The Nitron lacks the velvety ride and doesn’t have the balance of the bouncy feel bit stiff I reckoned.

But when suspension and handling is all sorted out, a MT-09 has been able to cover ground faster, and lotsa fun with an appetite for name-your-distance wheelies, while singing its (slightly muted) gravelly three-cylinder tune from its pipe and will help will help you make mincemeat of sportsbikes through spiralling switchbacks and while the throttle still has a kick to it when you first crack it open, and it doesn’t spoil your fun and becomes a lot of smiles for your money spend on the suspension.
New suspension lets you unlock even more potential from the Yamaha’s superb engine and chassis.

K-Tech
On the K-Tech Razor-R the back and Trekker at the front, this MT-09 gives you the tyres grip feel, weather a slide coming or an acceleration power kicks in hard acceleration. Some of that’s down to the shock set up, with preload to the riders weight even a light weight rider to maximise rear grip.

New suspension lets you unlock even more potential from the Yamaha’s superb engine and chassis.
Oh yeah prepare at least 3-7k RM depending on doing the rear first is a must before completing the front or one shot. Recommended guy to set-up your suspension any brand any make and models can visit Chia Motor PJ and look for Keith Chia, he will set-up your suspension for road use and even for the tracks. To make any appointment to set-up your suspension please 03-7876 5497