Law abiding citizen - almost.

It's been almost 10 years since I've run a motorcycle exhaust with a baffle installed.

My default position is always Akrapovic, drop the catalytic converter and remove the baffle - let her breathe and encourage the braaarp.

Don't ask me why, I don't have a clever enough answer, but for some reason I felt the need to install the baffle in the Akrapovic on the MT09......ummmm - yeah, dunno?

So here goes.

Unfortunately, there is a bit of work required to get to this bolt.

You've got to take the canister off. There is no clearance to get a tool onto the bolt head, and zero chance of inserting the very tightly fitting baffle - and aligning it - whilst mounted to the bike. 

In order to get the can off, the mounting strap and retention springs have to be removed. 

As everyone who has ever fitted an exhaust canister will attest - retention springs are a bastard invention. Herein lies an industrial design opportunity. Engineer a better retention system - I've got some ideas......

All done, what was set out was achieved, baffle installed. Akrapovic muted somewhat. 

Actually, I do have a reason for trying this. 

Installing a baffle can sometimes aid in on/off throttle hesitation and backfire on the overrun. 

I was curious - OK?

A short spurt, a wheelie or two to test ride the now law abiding citizen. 

Hmmmm....nah - don' think I like that. 

.....I'll sleep on it. 

24 hours later. Restored to the state that nature intended. 

In braaarp mode. 

I'll sleep better tonight. 

\BitSar

Who counts sheep in their sleep? Count the braarps.....

Drop-off

I've been shit.

In the past this was an active site, with an active community of people.
The drop-off is my fault. I own it.

This is not a problem - rather an opportunity. 

Updates my side - I've had the MT-09 ECU reflashed here
I'm still formulating a response to the experience - suffice to say, it was OK - just OK. Stand-by.

Bike-wise, the MT has had a fresh service and is, hands down, the best bike I've ever owned.
Get some.

/BitSar

Family Ties - Yamaha XSR900

The time had come to finally throw a leg over the Yamaha XSR900, let's do it. 

Motor/Throttle/Clutch + Gearbox

Built upon the MT09 platform, the XSR900 shares the same delightful 847cc triple pot engine with claimed power and torque output figures unchanged, indicating nothing internal has been modified or substituted for this incarnation.

Out of the crate, the XSR900 throttle response is tamer to that of the MT09, it's still far from perfect - especially on small throttle transitions - however in stock form, it is better, smoother, softer?

Clutch action and gearbox feel are identical to that of the 'Niner, that said, the XSR900 seems to have a much quieter clutch basket and does not produce the same rattle the MT09 does when in neutral with the lever out.

Handling/Brakes/Suspension

Right, have Yamaha sorted out the budget suspension this time....................?? Ah, that'd be No.

It is true to state that the stock suspension of the XSR900 is improved to that of the MT09 - however, it's still very basic.

The front has much better rebound damping due to a valve change, however without changes to the overall configuration this can only help so much. Dual-spring rate offers a stiffer feel with less dive under braking,  however there is no compression damping at all. That said, the XSR900 is better behaved than a stock 09.

At the rear the shock continues unchanged and suffers from the familiar squat and untamed unload when getting on the throttle.

The ABS brakes front and back have acceptable lever feel and pull up well, nothing to complain about for this type of bike.

In terms of road manners, the XSR is relatively compliant, albeit a little vague. It'll go where you point it, it just won't give you confidence you're heading there on your terms or as directed.

The three stage traction control intervenes quite early on TC2 (max) and it'll chop a wheelie before you get going, other than that it was a non-issue. Just bump the setting up to TC1 (min) or TC0 (off) and you'll be fine.

Seat/Comfort

Now this is strange.

The seat is higher than the 09 and set further back with a wider tank between the rider and the bars, requiring one to stretch a bit more to wrangle the controls.

Furthermore the plastic tank covers minimise the amount of cutout in the tank around the inner thigh and knee area - exactly where you would pinch your knees.

It's odd, but this design makes it feel like there is a 'puck' attached to the tank and it produces a very noticeable lump when trying to lock to the bike.

In Conclusion 

The XSR900 is a great thing to look at, I personally love the aesthetics of the bike and think Yamaha have really melded current technology with retro style in a remarkably pleasing way. 

I love the central clock style dash - it's extremely clear and adds to the bikes' retro appeal with a Casio Calculator feel. 

The aluminium pieces provide both visual accents and a real differentiation from other bikes of this type, almost like a 'factory custom' look - I dig it. 

Like for like, the XSR900 is a softer, more agreeable and more civilised member of the MT family, perhaps the distinguished Uncle, rather than older brother - after all the MT10 is here and the XSR is not trying to be a brawler.

Post Script

Riding this bike back to back with my MT09 it was very hard to remain objective, and being essentially the same bike, it was difficult not to draw comparisons. 

Let it be known that my 'Niner is no longer stock and has been treated to suspension work and a minor throttle adjustment.

It was actually quite vindicating to ride the XSR900 which is proclaimed to be a more refined package in comparison to a sorted MT09, with the suspension upgrades and throttle tweak the MT09 is propelled into another league - seriously (more about this in a coming post) 

\BitSar

........If only once, some class has been observed. 

Pressure Test - Pirelli Angel GT

3,500 Kms is distance enough to form an opinion of a Tyre. The boots in question? Pirelli Angel GT.

Scratch that - not an opinion, an informed and measured assessment. Let's do it. 

Pressure

Tyre pressure is both objective and subjective. 

It is objective in the sense that manufacturer prescribed pressures give a rider a starting point - rightly or wrongly. 

It is subjective in the sense that most riders will disagree with these (usually overly high) prescribed pressures and run their own tyres lower. 

For completeness, both the Yamaha owners' manual and the Pirelli Angel GT specified pressures are Front/Rear (F/R - 36/42)

Where (kgf/cm^2) is the same unit measurement as BAR

Considering the lightweight of the MT-09, F/R 36/42 psi is on the high side, even for Sport Touring tyres such as the Angel GT. 

This will not do. 

I've got a route of approx 250kms planned for a shakedown, a mix of coastal flowing roads into climbing technical with some back road shenanigans peppered throughout. 

Tools for the 'job'

Tools is somewhat of a generous term - all you need is a calibrated Tyre Pressure gauge and a good quality floor pump. I use a Slime digital pressure gauge and my trusty old Lezyne push-bike pump.

Using a digital gauge I can easily calibrate the device as necessary - this however is not essential. If using a mechanical or slide gauge, you may not know its calibration point or accuracy. It may sound strange, but this does not matter too much - as long as you know "F/R 32/34 on my gauge feels right to me" you'll be fine. 

Me? I'm anal retentive and like to know (as much as possible) that my readings have an acceptable error margin and are somewhat close to reality. I setup at F/R 34/36 before hitting the black stuff.

Attitude and performance

Being a Sport Touring tyre - if you're looking for super grippy, soft and sticky boots then you're looking in the wrong place. 

That said, the Angels warm up relatively quickly and offer acceptable grip, albeit with a wooden feel and slow tip in. 

The early morning run along the coast provided a mix of sweepers and tighter cliff-top roads. Conditions were wet and cold, high wind, trivial rain and road spray with some gravel washouts in the corners. 

The Angels gripped well enough, changing direction without duress. On corner exit I was comfortable opening the throttle whilst still pitched over with moderate lean-angle. 

Changing pace I head through back roads on the way to some more technical hills, opportunity enough for wheelies and shenanigans. 

The rear picks up strongly when ripping the throttle to loft the front skyward, the front tyre touching down with immediate grip producing a subtle headshake. No problems here. 

As the roads continue to dry out I push the Angels more - to be fair, dry grip and feel is not great, I would report less feedback and road/rider feel than offered by the Michelin Pilot Road 3s I was running on the Aprilia. Significantly less. 

Climbing into the technical section of the ride, I shift back in the saddle, get my weight over the front, move the balls of my feet to the outside of the pegs, grip the tank with my knees - wrap the throttle - Braaaarp. 

Performing a sighting lap reveals a dry and relatively clean road surface - there are some gravel patches on some of the straight sections but the corners are clear. Game on. 

I get busy running this section of road over the next hour, taking some pressure readings as the tyres warm up. By the end of the 'session' they had picked up ~5+%

Going harder on the Angels is not a linear experience. The attitude of the tyre changes from a slow and neutral tip in,  to a sudden falling into the corners as the front pushes wide. 

On corner exit, the rear does put the Yamaha's power down well and I was relatively confident opening the throttle progressively whilst pitched over. Increase throttle whilst decreasing steering rate.

Findings

The Pirelli Angel GTs offer reasonable wet grip and reasonable dry grip. Unfortunately, the amount of dry grip and feel being sacrificed does not legitimise the wet performance on offer. 

During the early components of the test today the roads were wet, but not excessively. The 3,500 kms travelled so far have seen far worse conditions in heavy rain, as such - the wet performance of this tyre has been demonstrated considerably. 

While exploring the available grip, the overall road/rider feel is wooden with minimal feedback. I have had the rear let go on more than one occasion in hot/dry conditions during the previous kilometres travelled. 

That said, I still managed to give them a good flogging today.

It is important to mention that the MT-09 suspension really is not up to the task of the motor and chassis geometry. Some of the shortfalls I have experienced will no doubt be attributed to these lack-lustre chassis dynamics. 

Which delivers a nice segway to this...........

Stay tuned......

\BitSar

How much Angle can the Angel handle? 

Black Dog Ride 2016......."The Pirate Run"

The title says it all.......really.

Today was the day for the annual Black Dog Ride to raise money and awareness for mental health and depression. No more of a worthy cause for a bike rally. 

This year the ride was somewhat of a mystery - organised by a new ride leader who was keeping rather quiet during the event lead up. 

Upon arrival at the start point at a well known, and somewhat polarising, Melbourne bike seller in Ringwood - it was announced that the ride was being led and marshalled by a 'Hog' club. 

AKA: Pirates........

All jokes aside, the ride is for a good cause - but this style of riding in not my cup of tea. 

I am a firm believer that a motorcycle should be able to corner with relative proficiency. 

Pirates do not corner - they vaguely navigate port or starboard.

End result - a very slow paced ride on very boring roads.......

I will say no more and just leave this here.....

\BitSar

.....Arrr me hearty

The Night Brawler: Episode 2

Sitting at home on a warm summer night, bored, restless.

In the garage, locked away, the 'Night Brawler' seduces. Tick, tock...

I have limited time tonight for a quick session of social disobedience - notwithstanding the silly season and the increased VicPol presence, the draw of the MT-09 is too great.

Lid. Gloves. Keys: Gone.

Light is fading, the last sliver of sunlight has already retreated over the horizon - setting off on the night side of dusk I skip the coastal road and head directly for the docks of Melbourne.

Well, more or less directly. Making way, the MT demands to be toyed with. Braarrp here, wheelie there.

I had put the word out to a few riding buddies before heading out, mischief likes company after all.

 Unfortunately tonight, time is not on my side. Fortunately I had laid eyes on some interesting places and had wet the appetite for the final installment in the 'Night Brawler' series. 

"See 'ya later brother - next time" we peel off and head our separate ways. 

There is an innate camaraderie to motorcycling, it connects people like no other activity or pursuit I have ever been a part of. Perhaps it is due to the commitment it requires? The diligence? The obsession? 

Or, maybe it's just the braaaarping......

\BitSar

Lid. Gloves. Keys: Gone.

The Night Brawler: Episode 1

I needed some release, some catharsis.

SOLUTION:

• Grab keys
• Stuff head into lid
• Throw a leg over

Time to head out for some antics on the 'Night Brawler'

Leaving the 'burbs and pointing the MT09 towards the coast, I make light work of the remaining stragglers on the evening commute. Splitting cagers like a mobile slalom course as they make disappointing progress home. Those poor bastards.


It's the middle of Spring and the evening is glorious.

No wind, high clouds - comfortable air temperature.

I arrive overlooking Port Phillip Bay just before Sunset - a nice display of the final diffused rays of Sun for today.



Across the Bay, the CBD is transitioning into night - bridges and buildings are lighting up, beckoning the MT into the Metropolis.

Following the coast, people and traffic are becoming less frequent, providing an easy excuse to unleash the Akrapovic cannon.

Any tunnel or overpass delivers aural delight.
Braaaaarping ahead into the City.

Entering the bowls of Melbourne CBD, the air changes from cool and refreshing into a muggy malevolence. Heavy.



The 'Night Brawler' gets petulant, making the quietening streets her playground.

I busy myself getting to places you shouldn't get to - taking opportunity without discrimination.





After further reconnaissance for a pending 'Night Brawler: Episode 2' the hum and buzz of the Metro begins to itch - I make my escape.

It's getting late now. Cold and late. I head in the direction of home - back to the suburbs - in a roundabout way. I'm not done yet.

En route, on the outskirts of the city, fortune presents itself.

A blacked-out scene, hard, cold, and industrial. At home aboard the urban assault vehicle of the MT09.





Riding at night is the epitome of motorcycle therapy. Your thoughts are safe in your helmet - like a sanctuary.

\BitSar
..........stay tuned for Episode 2

Yamaha MT-09. There are many like it, but this one is mine.

Today was both a day of sadness and happiness.
I was simultaneously and preemptively pining for the soon to be gone Ape, whilst excitedly anticipating the arrival of the new Yammy.

I busied myself in the morning with housework, bike-trade preparation and YouTube.
Trying NOT to play the waiting game......

Tick-tock.....

I'd been sitting in my riding gear for well over an hour - when the phone rings.
Yeah.........not toey at all..
The MT-09 is ready for pick up. Game on.

I make it to the dealer in record time to take delivery of the new girl and trade the old girl.
"Cheers fellas - see 'ya later."
Onto some black stuff.

First impressions of the MT-09A

The good:

• The throttle mapping and ECU tune are greatly improved - dramatically so. Both A and STD modes are eager and satisfying whilst remaining usable. B-mode is not required. 
• The mirrors are brilliant - excellent vision
• The chassis is taught, tight and nimble with a small, flick-able footprint. 
• That engine - sublime, tractable. Instant torque, instant response. A masterpiece.
• The brakes have great feel and power, the ABS module has not diluted this. 
• The gearbox is tight as a drum. I'm still breaking her in and clutchless shifts are laser precise. 
• I LOVE THE ERGOS! Damn - nothing like a sit in bike steered by telepathy!

The not so good:

• The OEM Dunlops are terrible - I'm going to reduce tyre pressure to shred them ASAP. Yuk!
• The suspension is very soft. I have not yet adjusted from factory settings (plush), once I have dialled this in as much as possible I will reassess.

So. The time has come for this Blog to turn a corner.

Stay tuned for some Yammy antics.

Thanks Ape, you were a good girl. 

Day 1 - photo-roll.

/BitSar

I think I'm turning Japanese-A!........I really think so. 

Yamaha MT-09.........or is it Oh My?

Curiosity got the better of me.........it came in the form of the intriguing, all new, Yamaha MT-09...time to test ride - game on....

On paper the MT-09 is quite a tantalizing proposition: 115 HP, 62 Nm torque all in a lightweight ~190kg package.....I had to give it a crack.

Motor/Throttle/Clutch + Gearbox

The all new 850 Triple is sublime. This motor is very exciting indeed - lovely linear torque curve which remains fat and punchy all the way to the top. The engine reacts rapidly to throttle input and is eager to spool up making usable power instantly and on mass.

The gearbox is standard Japanese - well indexed with a short throw between gears - neutral is no trouble to find and I did not encounter any false neutrals while banging up or down the gears (with and without the clutch). The clutch itself is very light albeit a little higher than I would've expected - however this is maybe a result of a non-adjustable lever and the clutch cable needing some attention.

Now the throttle - the infamous fly-by-wire throttle.......Let's get this straight - it's pretty damn poor. I know other reviews are stating it to be horrendous, while others still are touting it to be "not that bad"........I'm calling it poor. I didn't bother with B mode, however in both A mode and STD the throttle is dimwitted in response.

On small throttle openings when exiting a corner the motor will stutter and hesitate, a further minute increase in throttle brings a torrent of torque which upsets the handling. It is quite ON/OFF and you need to adjust your riding to suit - forget about smooth roll-on, look for an exit and increase throttle as you decrease rate of turn.....this is point and GO, GO, GO......this is more like a dirt bike - stand her up and flog her out of the corner. 

Handling/Brakes/Suspension

First of all - the chassis is great - compact wheel base, narrow tank and I personally love the Ergo's - very much a sit-in bike, not a sit-on bike.....I like that.

Unfortunately the rest of the handling package leaves a lot to be desired. I'm not a heavy guy 68-70Kgs and even for me this was "plush".......no - not plush.......bloody spongy.

The front-end needs a lot of work, it wallows when cornering, dives badly under hard braking and chatters under hard acceleration. It is flighty and numb at the same time....... and that's when it's still on the ground! It does like to pick-up often, off the clutch even a 3 year old could wheelie the MT-09, off the throttle exiting corners as the suspension unloads and you grab a handful the front will play ball. The rear shock might be worse - far too much play - even on the stiffest setting - making the rear loose and mushy. Not good.

The brakes are good - nice and predictable with good bite and feedback....the rear brake is very strong indeed, it caught me out once or twice. So no problem with the anchors.

Seat/Comfort

The seating position is very upright - as expected. The seat itself is narrow yet comfortable, this bike fit me perfectly - almost as though it was made to scale.

You do sit very forward on the bike - well over the tank, making you feel much forward of the centre of mass - very much over the front......and given the MT-09's eagerness to wheelie - this is probably a good thing. 

In Conclusion 

The MT-09 has a lovely motor and a great chassis - but it's not finished. It feels rushed, unrefined and simply not ready for sale - It actually feels like a prototype. A pre-production final step. Not a polished product.

It is clear it has been built to a price - the switchgear and handlebar controls are sub-standard, small and fiddly.

I actually don't mind the dash - it is minimal, yet clear and I had no trouble reading it in full daylight. 

In reality - this bike was fun, yet foolish - it could not be an only bike for me - could not be my daily workhorse as well as my weekend fun toy.........and - it will definitely NOT be replacing the Ape.

\BitSar

MT........Oh My!