The Yamaha MT-09 is a street motorcycle of the MT series with an 847–890 cc (51.7–54.3 cu in) liquid-cooled four-stroke 12-valve DOHC inline-three engine with crossplane crankshaft[1][9] and a lightweight cast alloy frame.

[15] It differs from the MT-09 in a number of ways, including that it has a partial fairing, a larger fuel tank, ABS brakes, handguards, centerstand, a 12-volt power socket, traction control, revised fuel map, drive-by-wire throttle mapping with three selectable riding modes.

[16] Shun Miyazawa said buyers are moving away from the supersport bikes, adding, "(Yamaha) aim to create an older and younger brother and cousins (to the MT-09) - maybe the same capacity, but a slightly different concept".

In Motor Cycle News, Michael Neeves said, "The MT-09 starts an exciting new era for Yamaha" and "The MT-09 is a roadster for all occasions.

[17] Cycle World's Kevin Cameron describes the styling as "V-Max meets Transformers Robot", "like a Supermono" and "an up-to-the-minute streetfighter, no bland revival of a 1970s' UJM.