![YAMAHA MT-09 - If you like your bikes nutty, naked and packed full of punch, you'll love the fourth-generation Yamaha MT-09.](https://cdn.magzter.com/1387350424/1711949664/articles/b5tWCgMyt1711955180738/YAMAHA-MT09-IF-YOU-LIKE-YOUR-BIKES-NUTTY-NAKED-AND-PACKED-FULL-OF-PUNCH-YOULL-LOVE-THE-FOURTHGENERATION-YAMAHA-MT09.jpg)
The gig was called the Dark Dog Moto Tour, crossing from the north to the south of France over seven days, littered with road races, time trials, and (too many) pigs trotters for us hungry, tired competitors.
It was nothing short of bonkers, with rolled cars, crashed bikes and the occasional police chase for good measure. Befittingly, I had an equally bonkers bike to power me through in the shape of Yamaha's then box-fresh, audacious MT-09.
And that's when my love affair with this absolute headbanger began. Back then, there was nothing else on the market quite like it, blurring the lines between a motard, a naked and a sportsbike... or something like that. Here was a bike that couldn't be easily pigeon-holed - and which was half of the appeal.
Big torque, big wheelies, and a practical, comfy riding position helped sell the dream to the masses in a way Yamaha could have probably never imagined. Fast-forward a decade and the brand now claims to have sold more than 200,000 units globally, and for 2024 there's a new fourth generation on the cards, and I couldn't wait to see if it was as mental as I hoped.
Having bagged the golden ticket, I headed out to Lanzarote where we'd get the chance to put this new offering through its paces around the volcanic isle, but not until we'd got better acquainted with its new spec and tech. Building on the foundations of the gen three's uprated engine, frame, and sharper performance, the focus of the gen four is best described as the polishing of this rare gem, kitting it out with a raft of smart gizmos and refinements.
Aesthetically, the MT's moved on with a new face, projector headlights and split pillion and rider seats, mounted on a new rear subframe that's also narrower. The ergonomics have been tweaked too, with lower bars and more rearward pegs in a bid to give the bike a sportier feel and more connection with the front end.
Denne historien er fra May 2024-utgaven av Fast Bikes UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Denne historien er fra May 2024-utgaven av Fast Bikes UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
![CLUTCHING AT FLAWS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5202/1748301/F0WvBU8bs1720782969505/CLUTCHING-AT-FLAWS.jpg)
CLUTCHING AT FLAWS
While the majority of bike launches take place somewhere sunny and warm, with a prerequisite of exciting roads with minimum traffic, Honda chose the south of France for the e-clutch versions of its CB650 and CB650R.
![THE COST OF INSURANCE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5202/1748301/Azucwzj6D1720782601426/THE-COST-OF-INSURANCE.jpg)
THE COST OF INSURANCE
Are you wondering why bikes are getting harder and dearer to insure? Read this...
![TRIUMPH STREET TRIPLE 765 RS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5202/1748301/QttE1bQiN1720782110636/TRIUMPH-STREET-TRIPLE-765-RS.jpg)
TRIUMPH STREET TRIPLE 765 RS
To many of you, it won't come as a surprise that the Trumpet came out on top.
![KTM 990 DUKE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5202/1748301/nhKLCDAZF1720781828797/KTM-990-DUKE.jpg)
KTM 990 DUKE
Where do I start with the KTM? I need to talk about the looks. KTM has been very open that it knows the styling of the 990 is not for everyone, and if you don't like the look of it, then buy something else.
![MV AGUSTA BRUTALE 800RR](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5202/1748301/1B2PPlX351720781416632/MV-AGUSTA-BRUTALE-800RR.jpg)
MV AGUSTA BRUTALE 800RR
The heritage and racing history of MV is rivalled by so few, and seeing how this particular test was at a race track, I couldn't wait to see what the Brutale had in store.
![STREETFIGHTER V2](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5202/1748301/nn0Glx7QI1720780591284/STREETFIGHTER-V2.jpg)
STREETFIGHTER V2
Last year we did the Homologation Special test on the Isle of Man, where we pitched the Ducati Panegale V4R, BMW M1000RR and Honda Fireblade SP against each other to see which came out on top, and it was a resounding victory for the Duke.
![A2 ASSASSIN ADRILIA RS 457](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5202/1748301/ZicdHJ3my1720779486298/A2-ASSASSIN-ADRILIA-RS-457.jpg)
A2 ASSASSIN ADRILIA RS 457
Good things do come in small packages, as Aprilia's A2 eligible RS 457 goes to prove
![ROADTEC™™ 02](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5202/1748301/v7QJJtpGy1720779110355/ROADTEC-02.jpg)
ROADTEC™™ 02
Metzeler's new Roadtec 02 proved the perfect sparring partner in the wet, the dry, and while pinned around the TT course.
![PROJECT 37 A TEST OF TIME](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5202/1748301/pdfwey6y31720778683278/PROJECT-37-A-TEST-OF-TIME.jpg)
PROJECT 37 A TEST OF TIME
In search of fame, fans, and a circuit lap record, Timmy's undertaken the task of seeing just how fast Suzuki's new GSX-8R will lap around the iconic Cadwell Park circuit.
![BMW M1000XR: BALLISTIC Bliss](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5202/1748301/2tz3tRSQ61720773254383/BMW-M1000XR-BALLISTIC-BLISS.jpg)
BMW M1000XR: BALLISTIC Bliss
In a world where we constantly want and expect more than what's come before, the M1000XR delivers in ways few others could ever dream of... on road and track.