Yamaha MT-09 and MT-09SP (890cc, 2021+) Maintenance Schedule and Service Intervals

This is the maintenance schedule and associated service intervals for the 2022+ Yamaha MT-09 and MT-09 SP with the upgraded 890cc engine, released and made available in 2021.

The 2021/2022 model’s 890cc inline triple is an upgrade over the 847cc triple in the original Yamaha MT-09 (which was originally released as an FZ-09, but which has always been the same bike) and XSR900, which shares the same base platform in a more “modern classic” design aesthetic.

The new 2021/2022 MT-09 and MT-09 SP have a host of improvements over the outgoing models with the 847cc CP3 engine. But the star of the show is the engine, an 890cc liquid-cooled 12-valve inline triple that makes a claimed 87.5 kW (117.4 hp) at 10,000 rpm, with a generally fatter torque curve.

The MT-09 SP has the same base platform as the standard MT-09, but gets fully adjustable Öhlins (the base model has fully adjustable KYB suspension) and cruise control. Maintenance is the same for the SP model.

The 890cc engine is also shared with the new 2021 Tracer 9 and Tracer 9 GT, for which maintenance is similar.

This was originally published on July 5, 2021, but has since been significantly improved.

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2021 Yamaha MT-09 /SP Service Intervals

The service intervals for the US and Europe manuals are slightly different.

ModelUS manualEurope manual
Minor service intervals4000 mi / 6000 km
6 months
10000 km / 6000 mi
12 months
Major service interval (valves)26600 mi / 42000 km40000 km / 24000 mi
US / Europe service intervals (4000 mi / 10000 km)

Given they’re the same bike and operate under similar conditions, it’s difficult to explain the difference in maintenance intervals between US and Europe manuals. This is common with Yamaha motorcycles but not with any other brand.

Since the MT-09 has a liquid-cooled engine, keep the coolant fresh per the maintenance schedule. Same goes for the hydraulic brake fluid. However it has a cable clutch, so no fluid there (just a cable to keep lubricated).

The MT-09 is a chain-driven motorcycle so pay attention to keeping the chain maintained, too.

What you need to service the 2021 Yamaha MT-09 — Consumables and Special Tools

If you’re servicing the 2021 Yamaha MT-09, you at least need motorcycle maintenance tools — things like an oil catch pan, a paddock stand, and so on.

For the Yamaha MT-09, the manual recommends the following specific consumables.

PartYamaha MT-09 (2021+, 890cc) part spec
Engine oilYamaha recommends Yamalube 10W-40. The manual recommends “Yamalube” and it’s affordable, so why not! The manual has a whole section on “Why Yamalube” saying their oils come from “teams of specialists of mechanical engineering, chemistry, electronics, and track testing” and that Yamalube oils “have their own distinct characters and value”.

Other high-quality synthetic oils include Motul 7100 or Mobil 1 Synthetic.
Oil filterNeeds to be changed every time you change the oil. The Yamaha part number is 5GH-13440-61. The Hiflofiltro equivalent is a HF204RC.
Engine coolantYamaha recommends an ethylene glycol antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors like Yamalube coolant. But a good alternative is — bear with me — Pro Honda HP coolant.
Spark PlugsNGK LMAR9A-9 should be used per the manual. Make sure it’s gapped correctly to 0.8-0.9mm (with a gapping tool) and torqued with a torque wrench to 13Nm/10 lb-ft.
Air filterThe part number for the air filter is B7N-14451-00. You can also use a DNA performance air filter: P-Y9N21-01.
Front brakesThe Yamaha part number for the front brake pads is 5SL2580500. You can also use an EBC HH brake pad for extra bite and reduced fade, using part number FA252HH.
Rear brakesThe Yamaha part number for the front brake pads is 5VX2580600. You can also use an EBC HH brake pad for extra bite and reduced fade, using part number FA174HH.
Brake fluidUse a DOT 4 fluid, e.g. Castrol DOT 4.
Yamaha 2021 MT-09 and MT-09 SP parts

And the following general consumables are useful as well.

Description
Paddock Stand — Makes maintaining your chain or doing other maintenance much easier.
Motul chain paste — one of the most highly-regarded chain lubes. Easy to apply, doesn’t fling off. If you need more stuff, get the Motul chain care kit as an affordable package.
Always good to have on hand lithium soap-based grease for lubing external pivot points (like the swingarm) and bearings.
Use Protect all cable life to lubricate your cables and controls.
General motorcycle maintenance consumables and tools

Yamaha MT-09 (2021) Maintenance Schedule (US / Europe)

Below is the maintenance schedule for the 2021+ Yamaha MT-09 with the 890cc CP3 engine.

We’ve split it into 3 parts:

  1. The standard service checklist
  2. The maintenance schedule — which differs for the US and Europe spec manuals, and
  3. Chain maintenance

Yamaha MT-09 Service Schedule – US (miles)

At the end of the schedule, continue the maintenance schedule in the same pattern.

See below for the Europe service schedule in km.

mi x 10000.648121620
km x 10001713192531
Months1612182430Every
Perform full service checklist (below).
Change engine oil (warm engine before draining). Use Yamalube 10W-40
Replace oil filter
Check spark plug condition. Adjust gap and clean.
Replace spark plugs (NGK LMAR9A-9, gap 0.8-0.9mm)
Check and adjust valve clearance when engine is cold26600 mi
Replace air filter (P-Y9N21-01)
Don’t clean with compressed air.
24000 mi
Change brake fluid (Castrol DOT 4) and internal rubber parts of master cylinders and calipers.2 years
Replace brake hoses4 years
Moderately repack swingarm pivot bearings with lithium soap-based grease32000 mi
Check steering bearing assembly for looseness.
Moderately repack steering bearings with lithium soap-based grease.12000 mi
Check operation of rear suspension link pivots. Correct if necessary.
Change coolant (Pro Honda HP coolant) 3 years
Check evap control system (if fitted) for damage. Fix/replace as necessary.
Periodic Maintenance for the MT-09

Yamaha MT-09 Service Schedule – Europe (km)

This is the maintenance schedule for Europe/APAC-issue motorcycles, with km intervals.

km x 1000110203040
mi x 10000.66121824Every
Perform full service checklist (below)Year
Change engine oil (warm engine before draining). Use Yamalube 10W-40Year
Replace oil filter
Check spark plug condition. Adjust gap and clean.
Replace spark plugs (NGK LMAR9A-9, gap 0.8-0.9mm)
Check and adjust valve clearances40000 km
Replace air filter (P-Y9N21-01)40000 km, or more often if riding in rain/dust
Check / adjust idle engine speedYear
Check and adjust fuel injection and throttle body synchronisationYear
Change brake fluid (Castrol DOT 4) and internal rubber parts of master cylinders and calipers.2 years
Replace brake hoses4 years
Lubricate swingarm pivot bearings with lithium soap-based grease.50000 km (30000 mi)
Check steering bearing assemblies for looseness.
Moderately repack steering bearings with lithium soap-based grease.
Change coolant (Pro Honda HP coolant) 3 years
Check evap control system (if fitted) for damage. Fix/replace as necessary.
Periodic Maintenance for the MT-09

Standard Service Checklist

Below is the standard service checklist for the Yamaha MT-09. Do this at every service per the schedules above.

Items marked [FS] don’t have to be done at the first service (but it can’t hurt).

Yamaha MT-09 — Standard Maintenance Checklist
[Dealers] Perform dynamic inspection using Yamaha diagnostic tool, and check the error codes.
Check fuel hoses for cracks or damage. Replace if necessary.
Check clutch operation. Adjust cable / replace as necessary
Check front brake operation, fluid level, and for fluid leakage. Replace brake pads if necessary.
Check brake fluid regularly.
Check rear brake operation, fluid level, and for fluid leakage. Replace brake pads if necessary.
Check brake hoses for cracks or damage, and for correct routing and clamping.
Check wheel runout and for damage. Replace if necessary.
Check tire tread depth and for damage. Replace if necessary.
Check tire air pressure. Correct if necessary.
[FS] Check wheel bearings for smooth operation. Replace if necessary.
[FS] Check swingarm pivot bearing operation and for excessive play.
Make sure chassis fasteners (nuts, bolts, and screws) are properly tightened
[FS] Lubricate brake lever with silicone grease.
[FS] Lubricate brake pedal, clutch lever, and shift pedal with lithium soap-based grease
Check side stand pivot operation. Lubricate with molybdenum disulfide grease.
Check side stand switch operation and replace if necessary.
[FS] Check front fork operation and for oil leakage. Replace if necessary.
[FS] Check operation of rear suspension relay arm and connecting arm pivot points. Correct if necessary.
[FS] Check shock absorber operation and for oil leakage. Replace if necessary.
Check coolant level and vehicle for coolant leakage.
Check front and rear brake switch operation.
Lubricate control cables (Protect all cable life).
Check throttle operation. Lubricate throttle grip housing tube guides
Check operation of lights, signals, and switches.
Adjust headlight beam.
[FS] Check crankcase breather hose for cracks or damage. Clean / Replace if necessary
Check exhaust for leakage. Tighten, and/or replace gasket(s) if necessary.
Yamaha MT-09 — Standard Service Checklist

Maintaining Your Chain on the Yamaha MT-09

It’s important to maintain your chain on the MT-09, as it’s a common everyday motorcycle used in all kinds of conditions, rain, hail, or shine! Well, mostly shine…

Use a good-quality chain lubricant like Motul chain paste, which is well-regarded, or a Motul chain care kit which comes with a couple of handy tools to maintain the chain.

Yamaha recommends you follow the following chain maintenance schedule every 600 mi / 1000 km and after washing the motorcycle, riding in the rain, or riding in wet areas.

Chain maintenance item
Check drive chain lubrication condition, lubricating if necessary (Motul chain paste)
Check drive chain slack, alignment, and condition, adjusting / replacing if necessary
Target slack is 36-41mm / 1.4-1.6 between the drive chain, under mild downward pressure, and the chain guard — see below
Chain maintenance — Yamaha MT-09

Naturally, if you track or even race your MT-09, then attend to your chain more often.

To check the chain slack, you measure the distance between the chain and the chain guard (on the swing arm) as described below.

  1. Put the transmission in netural, and put the bike on its kickstand on a level surface.
  2. Find the center of the chain. You don’t have to eyeball it; this is about 32 mm (or 1 1/4 inch) from the end of the drive chain guard.
2021 Yamaha MT-09 measuring and adjusting drive chain slack

Push down lightly on the chain at this point, and measure the slack. It should be 36 – 41 mm (1.6-1.8 in) on the Yamaha MT-09 2021.

If the slack is out, adjust it, following this procedure

  1. Loosen the rear axle, and the lock nuts for the adjusters
  2. Turn the adjuster anti-clockwise (facing the front of the bike) to increase slack. Turn both adjusters by the same amount, watching the markings to make sure the alignment is intact.
  3. When you get to the correct amount of slack, tighten the rear axle (105 Nm / 77 lb-ft) and tighten the lock nuts (16 Nm / 12 lb-ft).

Tire sizes/pressures for the Yamaha MT-09 (2021+)

The manual specifies the following tire sizes and pressures for the 2021 Yamaha MT-09 and MT-09 SP. Use these pressures as a starting point — adjust them to match the conditions, your weight, riding conditions, and your riding style.

WheelTire sizeTire pressure
Front120/70 ZR 17 M/C (58W)250 kPa (2.5 bar, 36 psi)
Rear180/55 ZR 17 M/C (73W)290 kPa (2.9 bar, 42 psi)
Yamaha MT-09 (2021+) tire pressures

The 2021 Yamaha MT-09 ships with Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22R tyres.

About the 2021 Yamaha MT-09 and MT-09 SP

2021 Yamaha MT-09 riding rhs action
Y

Just like the outgoing model of MT-09 / FZ-09, the 2021+ Yamaha MT-09 is a classic hooligan bike — upright, lightweight, easy to ride, and very fast. And the SP is even more hardcore!

The outgoing up-to-2020 Yamaha MT-09 was always very well loved, but people frequently complained about either a twitchy throttle or an unstable chassis/suspension that couldn’t quite keep up. A shame because the engine was universally adored.

Of course “twitchy” is just another way of saying “very fast”. That’s something that the MT-09 has always been. This is something that the 2021+ 890cc MT-09 continues.

Yamaha increased the size of their “crossplane concept” CP3 engine in 2021, taking the 847cc three-cylinder engine’s capacity to 890 cc, with 6% more top-end power, and more mid-range torque.

Part of the reason for the upgrade was so that power wouldn’t get downgraded as the new bike was updated to comply with EURO5 emissions regulations. But a bigger engine is always (well, usually) better, anyway.

More power is always welcome, but the previous MT-09 wasn’t lacking in this domain. The engine has always been a firecracker. So the more important changes to the new-for-2021 Yamaha MT-09 and MT-09 SP are the chassis improvements.

The chassis got a lot tighter, the suspension a lot more advanced — even the base model MT-09 now has fully adjustable forks. That’s quite unusual on a middleweight motorcycle that usually targets a lower budget than the very top-end. The market is shifting somewhat to favour middleweights, something many are in favour of.

The 2021 MT-09 and SP also got a full IMU with electronics from the most recent Yamaha YZF-R1. Pretty incredible. And the icing on the cake is that the SP version even gets cruise control, one of those things you love on a touring bike, but you just adore on a lightweight naked bike for being able to keep you free of speeding tickets in heavily monitored low-speed areas (if you have those).

More controversial are the styling changes. The MT-09 always was quite aggressively styled, but the “cyclops” front light isn’t the favourite of many. Still, I think it looks great, and an interesting-looking bike is often what becomes one that will be a classic.

In 10 years’ time they’ll write “The cyclops lighting was controversial at the time, but with the benefit of hindsight, it appears that Yamaha’s design gurus were ahead of their time”. I think.

Other parts of the MT-09 and MT-09 SP are more what you’d expect.

At the front you get dual 298mm discs with 4-piston calipers. Front and rear suspension is fully adjustable, and there are a few differences in little bits of spec (see below).

The 2021 MT-09 shares an engine and many features with the with the Yamaha Tracer 9 — though the GT model also gets the magic of semi-active suspension.

2021 Yamaha MT-09 vs SP

For those curious how the basic Yamaha MT-09 in 2021 compares to the SP, here’s a brief summary.

Both bikes share a general aesthetic, engine, chassis, and most ride gear. But they differ in suspension primarily plus a few other features.

SpecMT-09 baseMT-09 SP
Front suspensionFully adjustable forks (black tubes)KYB fully adjustable fork (Gold tubes) with DLC-coated fork legs
Rear suspensionFully adjustable monoshockÖhlins remote reservoir fully adjustable monoshock
Cruise controlNoYes
SeatStandardStitched
2021 Yamaha MT-09 vs SP differences

Visually, you can tell the SP apart from the model thanks to the gold fork legs.

Manual for the 890cc 2021 Yamaha MT-09 & MT-09 SP

The above information was gleaned from the owner’s manual for the 2021 Yamaha MT-09 maintenance schedule.

Below are screenshots from both the European and US manuals.

Yamaha MT-09 2021 maintenance schedule table
Yamaha MT-09 2021 maintenance schedule table — Europe
2021 Yamaha MT-09 maintenance schedule - US manual
MT-09 2021 — US manual

You can download it from Yamaha’s website here.

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