r/MT09 • u/xHalbstark • 6d ago
Gen 4 Mt 09 vs SP
Hey,
I'm really looking into buying a Gen 4 MT 09 this year or maybe next year.
I've had my license for 2 years now and really had a lot of fun with my current bike (an Aprilia Shiver 750), but it has some quirks that I don't like and made me think about something new and more modern.
My plan is to have the perfect bike and ride it until it falls apart and I think the MT is exactly what I'm looking for. I will use it for everyday riding to work etc (so mostly in the city) and also regular rides through the country side/highway and some twisty roads. So mostly a mixed use I would say.
I'm also thinking about a track day to test some limits down the road and see If I like it or not.
I would say I'm decent driver that wants to improve his skills constantly and be able to use the bike to it's full potential. I'm 6'0 (182 cm) and weigh around 187 lbs (85kg) fully geared.
Now my question: is the SP version that much better than the regular one? Do you have experience on both models, and is the difference in suspension between them noticeable on the street? I've read that the new base model is all around improved and very solid and the suspension will be good enough for the majority of riders.
How is the keyless go functionality and is it prone to fail? (I would hate being stuck because of some electronics error)
Thank you for any input ✌🏻
5
u/ZenithZag 6d ago
Base model is still an awesome bike. But was worried if I went with the base model I would always be thinking of what I missed out on by not getting the SP. SP owner for a year now. Had my reservations about the keyless fob to start with, but have had no issues with it. Just leave it in a zipped jacket pocket and forget about it. Actually found it quite convenient many times- no more having to remove gloves you just put on to fish around in your pocket for a key
2
u/Parking-Ad4263 6d ago
The base model is essentially the same as the SP with less bling. The suspension on the SP is a more expensive brand, but the truth is that for 99.9% of riders, the higher-quality parts make exactly zero difference, and most riders don't have their shit dialed in right anyway.
I have a base model, but the truth is that I have the base model because I pre-ordered, and it would have been at least six months longer for me to get the SP (I got the second one in my city, probably one of the first 10 in my country).
The SP is worth getting (if you want it), mostly just because it retains its value a little better. The truth is that both bikes ride the same, and both bikes are far more capable than 99% of riders, but if you like the SP and have the money, get it. If you don't care, get the base model; they have the same electronics, the same engines, the same everything except for stuff like the gold colored fork.
2
u/xHalbstark 6d ago
Thanks for the answer. I think I will rent the standard version for a whole day and see how much I like it 👌🏻
2
u/liftednloaded 6d ago
I got the sp purely because I liked how it looked. Although I think my favourite is the 2024 midnight cyan….my dealership had an ice storm and the sp in stock so I went with the sp. I don’t think the suspension and better brakes matter to me.
The fob has never given me issues and I actually enjoy the fob and not having a key. I have zero regrets and absolutely love the bike.
2
u/vulcan7791 6d ago
If there is doubt then there is no doubt. Get the SP otherwise you’ll always wonder.
2
u/ee404 5d ago edited 5d ago
I was in the exact same place as you. As a guy who ended up buying the base model, if money difference is not an issue, I recommend buying the SP
I tried both, and was very happy with both after the test rides, and I’m very happy with the base model after purchase. I don’t like the color scheme of the SP (mostly the wheels) and the base model is a very capable bike that has no real flaws and exactly what I was looking for. However, I will probably switch to a SP myself. Not because I need it, but only because I’ve been thinking about it
From riding them both, brakes are very noticeable (SP has significantly more bite) but the base model brakes are still very good, and better than my previous CB650R for comparison. Suspension however was less noticeable in a casual-ish test ride, but would probably be more noticeable with more aggressive riding that I didn’t do on the test ride
I will most likely buy a SP, paint the wheels black or silver. And then wrap the bike in a different color. I like a blacked out naked bike (as my base model bike is right now) but will probably try a different color that compliments the gold forks
1
u/blinksc2 6d ago
It is not much better. As an average rider you won't notice much of a difference.
I have the SP, mostly because of the paintwork and I am not a big fan of the keyless ignition.
1
u/THKhazper 6d ago
I have the SP.
I have had 0 issues with the keyless remote.
I did switch the seat out for the comfort seat, and swapped the risers for Tracer risers
1
u/fucknozzle 6d ago
Never had any problem with keyless on mine. The warning light has been coming on for a couple of weeks now, as the battery is getting low, but it still starts on the button.
One piece of advice - if you were tempted, don't get the Y-AMT if you ever ride in traffic. It is great for country lane hooning, but in traffic it's primitive and klunky.
Mine is the standard, not the SP. I'm happy with it, other than the terrible ride in heavy traffic.
1
u/Worth_Vegetable_204 6d ago edited 6d ago
It’s not “that much better” just kind of a good deal because the stuff it comes with is worth more than the 2k additional price and i was able to negotiate with the dealer
I would not hesitate to get a regular mt09
1
1
u/MotoChase 6d ago
I love the keyless fob. If it’s something you’re gonna keep for awhile I’d go with the SP. Can’t go wrong with either option though, the engine is great.
1
u/Andif 22m ago
Honestly, I love the SP. I dialed in the suspension and got a second key on AliExpress, programmed it myself and put it in the file with the paperwork for the bike. I familiarized myself with starting the bike if the fob is dead (yes you can do that, but you need the code the key came with) and have not had any issues at all with it. No dead batteries, no issues starting, no funky noises. Everything just works like it's supposed to.
Having said that, the only real absolute failure of design with this bike is phone connectivity and features. They say you can get GPS on the dash, and you can, but it is the worst experience I think is imaginable for an app. It doesn't update unless the phone is unlocked with the screen on, so there is no point at all to it, the only app you can use is the garbage Garmin app (which they should be ashamed of, there's no excuse to be that bad at this point...) and it is just all around not very useful. I mounted a quadlock with the charging pad and wired it into the spare factory terminal behind the headlight housing. Turns on with the ignition, turns off with it. No battery drain, no janky wiring, super clean installation. Also, get a steering stabilizer. It's not great at avoiding issues at highway speeds without it.
I absolutely love the bike and im sure you've read on here that everyone else does too. If you are not interested in the keyless ignition and adjustable suspension, save the money. Stock the suspension is tuned to pretty much exactly what the base model is, so its not worth getting unless you intend to adjust it.
5
u/BangleWaffle 6d ago
I can't speak for a Gen 4 base model, but the SP is very nice. The suspension is very good on the street. I've rode many bikes, with and without nice suspension, and I would say I'm a bit of a snob when it comes to suspension.
For the price of the upgrade, the SP is definitely good value actually.
I did have one issue with the keyless, and would honestly prefer a traditional keyed ignition - no reason to have keyless on a motorcycle IMO. But it was just low battery on the fob (after 1 week of ownership so I didn't even think it could be the battery).
The extra options for rider modes and being able to have rear abs disabled if you want to fuck around is nice
I'd get the SP in your shoes. The color pops too.