Yamaha MT-09 Insurance

The Yamaha MT-09 — formerly known as the FZ-09 — is what Yamaha calls a “Hypernaked” — a naked sportbike with an 115-hp inline-triple engine, adjustable traction control, and fully-adjustable forks. The 847cc engine is Yamaha’s first inline-three since the 1980s, featuring a crossplane crankshaft, downdraft intake, and ride-by-wire throttle. The legendary Kevin Cameron of Cycle World has called the MT-09…

“An up-to-the-minute streetfighter, no bland revival of a 1970’s UJM. Call it a new synthesis.”

Of course, sportbikes are notoriously expensive to insure, even if they’re naked. While the MT-09 shouldn’t cost as much as a liter-class sportbike like the YZF-R1, rates can still be quite high — especially if you take the first rate you’re offered instead of shopping around.

Yamaha MT-09 Insurance Rates

Rates vary based on a multitude of factors, including rider age, location, experience, driving record, credit score, and the way a given insurer classifies the bike. With genre-stretching, high-performance naked machines like the MT-09 — which are something between sportbikes or regular standards — different insurers may classify the bike in different ways, leading to significant differences in rates. We’ve gathered a selection of rates from real MT-09 owners to give you an idea of what to expect.

• Male, 23, NY, Full Coverage, Progressive: $113 / month
• Male, 28, MN, Full Coverage, Acuity: $36 / month
• Male, 28, SC, Full Coverage, Progressive: $73 / month
• Male, 35, NY, Full Coverage, State Farm: $16.50 / month
• Male, 46, GA, Full Coverage, Foremost: $116 / month
• Male, 47, AZ Full Coverage, Dairyland: $37 / month
• Male, 49, TX, Full Coverage, Geico: $150 / year

As you can see, rates vary widely, from less than $20 per month to $150+. One rider, who’s now paying $36 per month, was quoted $179 per month from another major insurer — five times as much! The only way to ensure you get the best coverage at the best price is by comparing rates and policies from multiple insurers. Fortunately, we can help. Enter your zip code to begin.

Yamaha MT-09:  Model History

According to Yamaha, young riders have been moving away from supersports, opening up opportunities for more genre-busting machines like the “Hypernaked.” In 2014, the bike debuted as the FZ-09 — a naked sportbike featuring Yamaha’s first three-cylinder “triple” since the early 1980s. The reception was nothing short of staggering. Cycle World named the new bike their “Best Standard of 2015,” while it won MCN’s five-bike shootout against competitors like the Ducati Hyperstrada and Triumph Tiger Sport.

Many sport standards simply feature detuned versions of inline-four sportbike engines, but the 847cc triple in the MT-09 is something else. It boasts a crossplane crankshaft, an offset cylinder block, staggered intake funnels, and a slipper clutch. The electronics suite is impressive, too, with chip-controlled throttle, D-mode throttle mapping, and adjustable traction control.

More recently, Yamaha introduced the XSR900, a “neo retro” or “modern cafe racer” with this same engine.

Coverage Recommendation: Yamaha MT-09

Your cheapest option is “Basic” coverage, which typically consists of a liability-only policy with coverage limits set to the state minimums. While this is the most affordable choice, you must keep in mind that liability coverage does not protect you or your bike in an accident — only the damage caused to third parties or property.

We strongly recommend all riders to carry “Full coverage,” which generally includes collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist, and possibly medical coverage as well. While this will not be as inexpensive, if you do your homework, you should be able to secure a policy that won’t break the bank.

Keep in mind that if you financed your MT-09, the lender will require you to carry full coverage. In order to being comparing policies and quotes from powersports insurers in your area, enter your zip code.