2021 YAMAHA MT-09 suspension

Safety information
1-3
1Avoi
d Car bon Monoxi de Poisonin g
All engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, a deadly gas. Breathing
carbon monoxide can cause head-
aches, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea,
confusion, and eventually death.
Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odor-
less, tasteless gas which may be pres-
ent even if you do not see or smell any
engine exhaust. Deadly levels of car-
bon monoxide can collect rapidly and
you can quickly be overcome and un-
able to save yourself. Also, deadly lev-
els of carbon monoxide can linger for
hours or days in enclosed or poorly
ventilated areas. If you experience any
symptoms of carbon monoxide poi-
soning, leave the area immediately, get
fresh air, and SEEK MEDICAL TREAT-
MENT.  Do not run engine indoors. Even if
you try to ventilate engine exhaust
with fans or open windows and
doors, carbon monoxide can rap-
idly reach dangerous levels.
 Do not run engine in poorly venti-
lated or partially enclosed areas
such as barns, garages, or car-
ports. 
Do not run engine outdoors where
engine exhaust can be drawn into
a building through openings such
as windows and doors.
Loa din g
Adding accessories or cargo to your
motorcycle can adversely affect stabil-
ity and handling if the weight distribu-
tion of the motorcycle is changed. To
avoid the possibility of an accident, use
extreme caution when adding cargo or
accessories to your motorcycle. Use
extra care when riding a motorcycle
that has added cargo or accessories.
Here, along with the information about
accessories below, are some general
guidelines to follow if loading cargo to
your motorcycle:
The total weight of the operator, pas-
senger, accessories and cargo must
not exceed the maximum load limit.
Operation of an overloa ded vehicle
coul d cause an acci dent. When loading within this weight limit,
keep the following in mind:
 Cargo and accessory weight
should be kept as low and close to
the motorcycle as possible. Se-
curely pack your heaviest items as
close to the center of the vehicle
as possible and make sure to dis-
tribute the weight as evenly as
possible on both sides of the mo-
torcycle to minimize imbalance or
instability.
 Shifting weights can create a sud-
den imbalance. Make sure that
accessories and cargo are se-
curely attached to the motorcycle
before riding. Check accessory
mounts and cargo restraints fre-
quently.
• Properly adjust the suspension for your load (suspension-ad-
justable models only), and
check the condition and pres-
sure of your tires.
• Never attach any large or heavy items to the handlebar, front
fork, or front fender. These
items, including such cargo as
sleeping bags, duffel bags, or
Maximum loa d:
166 kg (366 lb)
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Safety information
1-4
1
tents, can create unstable han-
dling or a slow steering re-
sponse.
 This vehicle is not desi gne d to
pull a trailer or to be attached to
a si decar.
Genuine Yamaha Accessories
Choosing accessories for your vehicle
is an important decision. Genuine
Yamaha accessories, which are avail- able only from a Yamaha dealer, have
been designed, tested, and approved
by Yamaha for use on your vehicle.
Many companies with no connection
to Yamaha manufacture parts and ac-
cessories or offer other modifications
for Yamaha vehicles. Yamaha is not in
a position to test the products that
these aftermarket companies produce.
Therefore, Yamaha can neither en-
dorse nor recommend the use of ac-
cessories not sold by Yamaha or
modifications not specifically recom-
mended by Yamaha, even if sold and
installed by a Yamaha dealer. Aftermarket Parts, Accessories, and
Mo
difications
While you may find aftermarket prod-
ucts similar in design and quality to
genuine Yamaha accessories, recog-
nize that some aftermarket accesso-
ries or modifications are not suitable
because of potential safety hazards to
you or others. Installing aftermarket
products or having other modifications
performed to your vehicle that change
any of the vehicle’s design or operation
characteristics can put you and others
at greater risk of serious injury or
death. You are responsible for injuries
related to changes in the vehicle.
Keep the following guidelines in mind,
as well as those provided under “Load-
ing” when mounting accessories.  Never install accessories or carry
cargo that would impair the per-
formance of your motorcycle.
Carefully inspect the accessory
before using it to make sure that it
does not in any way reduce
ground clearance or cornering
clearance, limit suspension travel, steering travel or control opera-
tion, or obscure lights or reflec-
tors.
• Accessories fitted to the han- dlebar or the front fork area can
create instability due to improp-
er weight distribution or aerody-
namic changes. If accessories
are added to the handlebar or
front fork area, they must be as
lightweight as possible and
should be kept to a minimum.
• Bulky or large accessories may seriously affect the stability of
the motorcycle due to aerody-
namic effects. Wind may at-
tempt to lift the motorcycle, or
the motorcycle may become
unstable in cross winds. These
accessories may also cause in-
stability when passing or being
passed by large vehicles.
• Certain accessories can dis- place the operator from his or
her normal riding position. This
improper position limits the
freedom of movement of the
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Safety information
1-5
1operator and may limit control
ability, therefore, such accesso-
ries are not recommended.
 Use caution when adding electri-
cal accessories. If electrical ac-
cessories exceed the capacity of
the motorcycle’s electrical sys-
tem, an electric failure could re-
sult, which could cause a
dangerous loss of lights or engine
power.
Aftermarket Tires an d Rims
The tires and rims that came with your
motorcycle were designed to match
the performance capabilities and to
provide the best combination of han-
dling, braking, and comfort. Other
tires, rims, sizes, and combinations
may not be appropriate. See page 7-15
for tire specifications and for informa-
tion on servicing and replacing your
tires.
Transportin g the Motorcycle
Be sure to observe following instruc-
tions before transporting the motorcy-
cle in another vehicle. 
Remove all loose items from the
motorcycle.
 Check that the fuel cock (if
equipped) is in the off position and
that there are no fuel leaks.
 Shift the transmission into gear
(for models with a manual trans-
mission).
 Secure the motorcycle with tie-
downs or suitable straps that are
attached to solid parts of the mo-
torcycle, such as the frame or up-
per front fork triple clamp (and not,
for example, to rubber-mounted
handlebars or turn signals, or
parts that could break). Choose
the location for the straps carefully
so the straps will not rub against
painted surfaces during transport.
 The suspension should be com-
pressed somewhat by the tie-
downs, if possible, so that the mo-
torcycle will not bounce exces-
sively during transport.
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Instrument and control functions
4-6
4
EAU88280
Turn si gnal in dicator li ghts “ ”
an d“”
Each indicator light will flash when its
corresponding turn signal lights are
flashing.
EAU88300
Neutral in dicator li ght “ ”
This indicator light comes on when the
transmission is in the neutral position.
EAU88310
Hi gh beam in dicator li ght “ ”
This indicator light comes on when the
high beam of the headlight is switched
on.
EAU88320
Fuel level warning light “ ”
This warning light comes on when the
fuel level drops below approximately
2.8 L (0.74 US gal, 0.62 Imp.gal). When
this occurs, refuel as soon as possible.
The electrical circuit of the warning
light can be checked by turning the ve-
hicle on. The warning light should
come on for a few seconds, and then
go off.
TIPIf the warning light does not come on at
all, remains on after refueling, or if the
warning light flashes repeatedly, have
a Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.
EAU88331
Malfunction in dicator li ght
(MIL) “ ”
This light comes on or flashes if a prob-
lem is detected in the engine or other
vehicle control system. If this occurs,
have a Yamaha dealer check the on-
board diagnostic system. The electri-
cal circuit of the warning light can be
checked by turning the vehicle power
on. The light should come on for a few
seconds, and then go off. If the light
does not come on initially when the ve-
hicle power is turned on, or if the light
remains on, have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.NOTICE
ECA26820
If the MIL starts flashin g, re duce en-
g ine spee d to prevent exhaust sys-
tem damag e.
TIPThe engine is sensitively monitored by
the on-board diagnostic system to de-
tect deterioration or malfunction of the
emission control system. Therefore the
MIL may come on or flash due to vehi-
cle modifications, lack of maintenance,
or excessive/improper use of the mo-
torcycle. To prevent this, observe
these precautions.
 Do not attempt to modify the soft-
ware of the engine control unit.
 Do not add any electrical acces-
sories that interfere with engine
control.
 Do not use aftermarket accesso-
ries or parts such as suspension,
spark plugs, injectors, exhaust
system, etc.
 Do not change the drivetrain
specifications (chain, sprockets,
wheels, tires, etc.).
 Do not remove or alter the O2 sen-
sor, air induction system, or ex-
haust parts (catalysts or EXUP,
etc.).
 Maintain the drive chain properly.
 Maintain correct tire pressure.
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Instrument and control functions
4-27
4
TIP When turning the damping force
adjuster in direction (a), the 0 click
position and the 1 click position
may be the same.
 When turning the damping force
adjuster in direction (b), it may
click beyond the stated specifica- tions, however such adjustments
are ineffective and may damage
the suspension.
Compression
dampin g force
The compression damping force is ad-
justed on the left fork leg only.
Turn the adjusting screw in direction (a)
to increase the compression damping
force.
Turn the adjusting screw in direction (b)
to decrease the compression damping
force.
To set the compression damping for-
ce, turn the adjuster in direction (a) until
it stops, and then count the clicks in di-
rection (b).TIPBe sure to perform this adjustment on
the left fork leg.
TIP When turning the damping force
adjuster in direction (a), the 0 click
position and the 1 click position
may be the same.
 When turning the damping force
adjuster in direction (b), it may
click beyond the stated specifica-
1. Rebound damping force adjusting screwReboun d d ampin g setting :
Minimum (soft): 11 click(s) in direction (b)
Standard: 6 click(s) in direction (b)
Maximum (hard):
1 click(s) in direction (b)
(b)
1 1 1
(a)
1. Compression damping force adjusting screwCompression dampin g settin g:
Minimum (soft): 11 click(s) in direction (b)
Standard: 6 click(s) in direction (b)
Maximum (hard):
1 click(s) in direction (b)
(b)
1 1 1
(a)
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Instrument and control functions
4-28
4
tions, however such adjustments
are ineffective and may damage
the suspension.
EAU57944
A
djustin g the shock a bsor ber
assemb lyThis shock absorber assembly is
equipped with a spring preload adjust-
ing ring and a rebound damping force
adjusting screw.NOTICE
ECA10102
To avoid d amag ing the mechanism,
d o not attempt to turn b eyond the
maximum or minimum settin gs.Sprin g preloa d
Turn the adjusting ring in direction (a)
to increase the spring preload.
Turn the adjusting ring in direction (b)
to decrease the spring preload.
Align the appropriate notch in the ad-
justing ring with the position indicator
on the shock absorber.
TIPUse the special wrench and extension
bar in the tool kit to make this adjust-
ment.1. Spring preload adjusting ring
2. Extension bar
3. Special wrench
4. Position indicator
Sprin g preloa d settin g:
Minimum (soft): 1
Standard:
4
Maximum (hard): 7
7654321
4
1 1 1
2 2
3 3
(a) (a) (a)
(b) (b) (b)
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Instrument and control functions
4-29
4 Re
boun d d ampin g force
Turn the adjusting screw in direction (a)
to increase the rebound damping for-
ce.
Turn the adjusting screw in direction (b)
to decrease the rebound damping for-
ce.
To set the rebound damping force, turn
the adjuster in direction (a) until it
stops, and then count the turns in di-
rection (b).
TIPWhen turning the damping force ad-
juster in direction (b), it may turn be-
yond the stated specifications,
however such adjustments are ineffec-
tive and may damage the suspension.
WARNING
EWA10222
This shock ab sorber assem bly con-
tains hi ghly pressurize d nitro gen
g as. Rea d an d un derstan d the fol-
lowin g information b efore handlin g
the shock a bsor ber assem bly.
 Do not tamper with or attempt
to open the cylin der assem bly.
 Do not su bject the shock a b-
sor ber assem bly to an open
flame or other hi gh heat source.
This may cause the unit to ex-
plo de due to excessive gas
pressure.
 Do not deform or d amage the
cylin der in any way. Cylin der
d amag e will result in poor
d ampin g performance. 
Do not d ispose of a damag ed or
worn-out shock a bsor ber as-
sem bly y
o

urself. Take the shock
a b sor ber assem bly to a Yamaha
d ealer for any service.
1. Rebound damping force adjusting screwRe boun d d ampin g setting :
Minimum (soft): 2 1/2 turn(s) in direction (b)
Standard: 1 turn(s) in direction (b)
Maximum (hard):
0 turn(s) in direction (b)
1(a)
(b)
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Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
7-7
7
20 *Sidestan d switch • Check operation and replace if
necessary. √√√√√√
21 *Front fork • Check operation and for oil leak-
age.
• Replace if necessary. √√√√
22 *Shock a
bsor ber as-
sem bly • Check operation and for oil leak-
age.
• Replace if necessary. √√√√
23 *Rear suspension re-
lay arm an
d con-
nectin g arm
pivotin g points • Check operation.
√√√√
24 En gine oil • Change (warm engine before
draining).
• Check oil level and vehicle for oil leakage. √√√√√√
25 En
gine oil filter car-
tri dge • Replace.
√√√
26 *Coolin g system • Check coolant level and vehicle
for coolant leakage. √√√√√
• Change. Every 3 years
27 *Front an
d rear
b rake switches • Check operation.
√√√√√√
28 *Movin
g parts an d
cab les • Lubricate.
√√√√√
29 *Throttle grip • Check operation.
• Lubricate throttle grip housing
tube guides. √√√√√
NO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOB
OD
OME T ER READING
ANNUAL
CHECK
1000 km
(600 mi) 10000 km
(6000 mi) 20000 km
(12000 mi) 30000 km
(18000 mi) 40000 km
(24000 mi)
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