2021 Yamaha MT 09 SP vs 2021 Aprilia Tuono 660 vs ?

[killvino]

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MT09-SP is a great choice but if I were you, I'd take a longer look and maybe try to get some seat time on an 890R.
Tons of people seem to rave about it. there's even a thread on apriliaforum about switching from a tuono.
street triple is another good option, I'd avoid the trident as it is built to a budget and it shows.

 

[Katatonic]

Called a few more places today and the consistent answer I’ve been getting is if I want an MT 09 SP, I won’t be able to get one this year.
There’s new stock available on MT 10’s though…..

 

[Evoex]

Called a few more places today and the consistent answer I’ve been getting is if I want an MT 09 SP, I won’t be able to get one this year.
There’s new stock available on MT 10’s though…..

Personally I’d wait for the mt10 refresh, it’s due.

If you have to jump on it…you should know all about it by now. It’s a beast, looks are subjective. Downside is the fuel range.

Seems up there with your tuono though, seems fairly lateral.

 

[Evoex]

MT09-SP is a great choice but if I were you, I'd take a longer look and maybe try to get some seat time on an 890R.
Tons of people seem to rave about it. there's even a thread on apriliaforum about switching from a tuono.
street triple is another good option, I'd avoid the trident as it is built to a budget and it shows.

Concur, also been hearing good things about the 890r.

KTM 890 DUKE R (2020 - on) Review

 

[Katatonic]

Concur, also been hearing good things about the 890r.

KTM 890 DUKE R (2020 - on) Review

I watched a YouTube comparison last night of the MT 09 SP vs 890r and they do seem fairly evenly matched.
But if I even consider it, KTM fanboy @BigEvilDoer will never let me hear the end of it!

 

[J_F]

Yamaha has been the best over the years at making those affordable, great looking sporty bikes
fantastic motors, sexy styling, reasonable ergos...the rest of the package has been parts bin econo garbage

nice to see they are offering premium versions of the basic bikes
I'd take that snazzed up MT09 over an Aprilia any day of the week

 

[Evoex]

I watched a YouTube comparison last night of the MT 09 SP vs 890r and they do seem fairly evenly matched.
But if I even consider it, KTM fanboy @BigEvilDoer will never let me hear the end of it!

I’m a big fan of triples. Street triple or mt09 for me.

 

[bigpoppa]

The weirdest thing about the mt09 is the seat, because its completely flat like a dirt bike, you have no idea where to put your ass because theres no buttstop like on 90% of street bikes, after about a week or 2 though, you get comfortable and it seems normal, its a street bike so seat height is nice and low

What about the new Triumph Trident? A definite possibility.
It uses the Daytona 675cc motor with a 1.1mm(ish) reduced stroke and slightly sleeved cylinders. Motor should be super smooth and rev happy.

its a nice bike, but has none of the electronics he's looking for, also not in the same performance category as the other bikes

Downside is the fuel range.

and brakes, aint no substitute for top shelf brembos

There’s new stock available on MT 10’s though…..

I suspect you'd have the same issue with the MT10 that you do with the tuono, hard to use that much power while still dealing with speed limits, cops, traffic, etc

Yamaha has been the best over the years at making those affordable, great looking sporty bikes
fantastic motors, sexy styling, reasonable ergos...the rest of the package has been parts bin econo garbage

he beat me to it.





I wish they left the looks alone, the SP is great, with the electronics its even better now

 

[BigEvilDoer]

I watched a YouTube comparison last night of the MT 09 SP vs 890r and they do seem fairly evenly matched.
But if I even consider it, KTM fanboy @BigEvilDoer will never let me hear the end of it!

OH come now...
You know that deep down, you really want an Orange tractor...

For everyone else, @Katatonic always comments about how I should get my RC8r serviced at a John Deere dealership...

 

[SVeezy]

I almost pulled the trigger on one yesterday but I’ve never even sat on at MT 09 and the dealer didn’t have one in stock for me to sit on, regular or SP. I called 3 dealers and they all didn’t have any. I would like to throw a leg over one to make sure the ergonomics work before putting a deposit down on an SP.
The most helpful answer I got was “We have a new one (non-SP) still in the crate so we can call you in a week or two when you can come see it.”

Not sure where you’re located but I have a 2017 FZ09 that you’re welcome to test rip if you want. I’m in Scarborough. It’s obviously going to be different than the new SP but it could give you a starting point.


Sent from my iPhone using GTAMotorcycle.com mobile app

 

[Relax]

@Katatonic -

This is what the $3200 premium gets you:

Exclusive SP-specific Features
• Dedicated R1M-inspired colours
• Cruise control system
• Premium KYB front suspension package (fully adjustable)
• Öhlins rear shock absorber (fully adjustable)
• Double-stitched seat
• Anodized brushed aluminium swingarm
• Anodized black levers, handlebars and black rear sprocket
• Clear-smoked front and rear brake fluid reservoirs

The way I see it, it's mostly going towards the suspension, but how much is aftermarket suspension that would be specifically tailored to your weight/riding style. I tried explaining this to my friend but he really wants it in blue. Plus he doesn't want to tinker. I just hope he doesn't need a new spring(s) right off the bat when we set his sag.

 

[Katatonic]

Not sure where you’re located but I have a 2017 FZ09 that you’re welcome to test rip if you want. I’m in Scarborough. It’s obviously going to be different than the new SP but it could give you a starting point.


Sent from my iPhone using GTAMotorcycle.com mobile app

I’m about 20 minutes west of Waterloo, so not exactly around the corner.
I appreciate the offer but I’m holding out hope that a local dealer will have one that I can at least sit on and make sure it’ll work for me.

@Katatonic -

This is what the $3200 premium gets you:

Exclusive SP-specific Features
• Dedicated R1M-inspired colours
• Cruise control system
• Premium KYB front suspension package (fully adjustable)
• Öhlins rear shock absorber (fully adjustable)
• Double-stitched seat
• Anodized brushed aluminium swingarm
• Anodized black levers, handlebars and black rear sprocket
• Clear-smoked front and rear brake fluid reservoirs

The way I see it, it's mostly going towards the suspension, but how much is aftermarket suspension that would be specifically tailored to your weight/riding style. I tried explaining this to my friend but he really wants it in blue. Plus he doesn't want to tinker. I just hope he doesn't need a new spring(s) right off the bat when we set his sag.

I only care about the suspension and cruise control. I think from that standpoint the extra $3k is worth it.
As for the cosmetic bits…meh.

 

[GreyGhost]

@Katatonic -

This is what the $3200 premium gets you:

Exclusive SP-specific Features
• Dedicated R1M-inspired colours
• Cruise control system
• Premium KYB front suspension package (fully adjustable)
• Öhlins rear shock absorber (fully adjustable)
• Double-stitched seat
• Anodized brushed aluminium swingarm
• Anodized black levers, handlebars and black rear sprocket
• Clear-smoked front and rear brake fluid reservoirs

The way I see it, it's mostly going towards the suspension, but how much is aftermarket suspension that would be specifically tailored to your weight/riding style. I tried explaining this to my friend but he really wants it in blue. Plus he doesn't want to tinker. I just hope he doesn't need a new spring(s) right off the bat when we set his sag.

What is decent aftermarket suspension worth? If you could live without cruise control, most of the rest is cosmetic crap that I do not care about (or at least wouldn't be willing to pay for). Buying proper aftermarket suspension appears to be less money than the SP kit (but no cruise control, bragging rights or blue).

 

[bigpoppa]

...

 

[Katatonic]

What is decent aftermarket suspension worth? If you could live without cruise control, most of the rest is cosmetic crap that I do not care about (or at least wouldn't be willing to pay for). Buying proper aftermarket suspension appears to be less money than the SP kit (but no cruise control, bragging rights or blue).

When I was regularly riding the Tuono on the street I was using cruise control all the time just to give my hand a break. My throttle hand is the same side that I’ve got nerve damage on so being able to relax my right hand is very helpful and almost needed for longer rides.

 

[GreyGhost]

When I was regularly riding the Tuono on the street I was using cruise control all the time just to give my hand a break. My throttle hand is the same side that I’ve got nerve damage on so being able to relax my right hand is very helpful and almost needed for longer rides.

I saw that cruise control was a hard requirement for you. I was more thinking out loud for others looking for a similar ride that were not stuck on cruise control. Could you get better suspension for similar money (especially if you could include a visit to JS) if you lost the cruise?

 

[800over]

When I was regularly riding the Tuono on the street I was using cruise control all the time just to give my hand a break. My throttle hand is the same side that I’ve got nerve damage on so being able to relax my right hand is very helpful and almost needed for longer rides.

I want cruise for my next bike as well...but keep in mind the reach to the bars on an MT would be way easier on your wrist in the first place. Cruise would be the icing on the cake.

 

[Katatonic]

I saw that cruise control was a hard requirement for you. I was more thinking out loud for others looking for a similar ride that were not stuck on cruise control. Could you get better suspension for similar money (especially if you could include a visit to JS) if you lost the cruise?

In that case, yes. You could do some pretty nice aftermarket suspension and still have money left over if you got the base model and gave up the cruise control.

I want cruise for my next bike as well...but keep in mind the reach to the bars on an MT would be way easier on your wrist in the first place. Cruise would be the icing on the cake.

Tuono has bar risers on it as well so it’s pretty easy on my wrists and shoulders.
I’m sure the MT 09 will be just fine, but it seems weird to put down a deposit on a new bike without first throwing a leg over it and feeling it.

 

[Priller]

I was thinking somewhere along your lines before I bought a track bike, and the RS would be my pick (heavily biased, yo - see user name), except for one reason: it's a first year, all-new model. I'm wary of those from any manufacturer, and Aprilia especially doesn't have a stellar record in that department. See the issues with the early V4 valves, for example. I'd be all over a 2022, though, as all it needs is some suspension work and a flash to tick every possible box. For me, 100 hp on the street is just about right. Fast enough to make passes when needed and never feel wheezy, but not overpowered to the point where the throttle is rarely opened more than a 1/4 turn. North American ones also need a flash to get rid of the EPA flat spot, but nobody complains in Europe. The only real issue I've read from the old countries is the price when compared with the Triumph and Yamaha options, which is tough to argue. Still, Italian style costs a bit extra, and it comes with a whack of gadgets and (I think) looks fantastic.

The Yamaha is an incredible bike, especially at that price, but my concerns is as a multi-day tourer. No wind/weather protection, minimal bungee points on the tiny seat, mediocre tank range. I'd also be skeptical of the Ohlins branded shock on the Yammy, as it'll be their budget gear. I've heard from multiple suspension gurus that cheaper OEM Ohlins is no better than decent KYB, Showa etc once you look inside. You get gold anodising and two-way adjustment, but it's similar to most stock units and a far cry from anything aftermarket you'd get from them. Part of the reason I bought an RR Tuono over the Factory was I could get K-Tech shock and fork cartridges for a similar cost to the premium from Aprilia, and the components are better (and perfectly valved and sprung, no compromises).

There's also the Ducati Supersport if you can stretch your budget a bit. It'll have a better base frame than the Yamaha and lots more power than both the Yamaha and Aprilia. That's assuming you like the look of new Ducatis, of course. I don't, at all (goes for all Panigales and the Streetfighter - blegh), so it would be off my list just for that reason. It's not light, but not porky either.

Another option would be the 2020 and up Ninja 1000. Comfy, excellent weather protection, solid frame, decent power, and much better than the unfaired MT for touring. Likely would benefit from suspension upgrades (not many in this price range wouldn't), but still, a great bike. Hugely popular in Europe, but barely known here. Over 500 lbs wet, though, so depends on your definition of 'fun'.

 

[J_F]

problem with an aftermarket suspension kit
is you could drop 3K and still not like the bike's handling
a new bike with decent kitting can be test riddin first

would suggest a Tuono owner not test ride a normally kitted FZ/MT 09
galloping front and accidental throttle wheelies are great fun for a hooligan bike
maybe not so much much for someone used to controlled spirited riding
hold off for the well equipped one

maybe a Tracer 900 GT? half faired
longer subframe than the MT
sounds like it fixed all the things I disliked about my FJ09 - susp and mapping
it was also a snatchy pogostick

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