<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4cZiyP_0vKJgkvd00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4cZiyP_0vKJgkvd00" width="1920" height="1080" ><figcaption>Ryan Merrill</figcaption></figure>My God, being a motorcycle journalist is amazing. It’s so hard to complain about it. But there is something that writers should be warned of before going into this profession—It gives you ideas.I recently rode Yamaha’s latest MT-09 SP and theorized that, with the right additions, it would be a serious contender for my perfect one-bike stable. And then it started. I began dreaming about what life with the MT-09 SP would be like and what upgrades it really needed. Ironically, I wasn’t dreaming because I was up all night looking at parts. It was getting out of hand. So, instead of living through another bout of insomnia, I decided to put my fingers to the keyboard and release the beast. For those that haven’t read my MT-09 SP review, here are my prerequisites for one bike to rule them all:“I want something that’s up there with the best on canyon roads, capable on track, comfortable enough for 300-mile plus day trips, can carry some luggage, and most of all is an absolute riot. Oh, and I have to be able to afford it.”The MT-09 SP already has the capabilities to rip on canyon roads, and I’d have to test it on a track, but I don’t doubt it’d be plenty competent there, too. It’s the other areas that I’d like to improve upon with some aftermarket parts.Here’s how I’d start my one-bike garage build and how much it’d cost.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=21Kcs5_0vKJgkvd00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=21Kcs5_0vKJgkvd00" width="1920" height="1080" ></figure><h2>Comfort Seat</h2>A somewhat hard seat on the standard MT-09 was one of few negative things I had to say about the bike. On the SP model, this was even less noticeable as the suspension was so much better that the whole ride was comfier. And I was probably spending less time on the seat and more time hanging off it, thanks to the twisties on the Tail of the Dragon.But, fortunately, or unfortunately, I need to ride more roads than just the Tail.Considering the kind of distance I’d like to travel—I’m currently eyeballing a 1,500-mile trip—highways and a comfortable seat are just a necessity. So the first addition would be Yamaha’s MT-09 Rider Comfort Seat, which comes in at $184.99.<h2>Top Case and Mount Kit</h2>The whole point of going on long trips is to explore. That idea doesn’t really work if you can’t stay for more than a night due to luggage constraints. I don’t need a lot, just enough to work remotely, work out, take a few changes of clothes, and a pair of swimming trunks. A decent top box and my backpack are more than enough.I’d opt for the big dog in Yamaha’s lineup, the 45-liter Top Case, which costs $299.99. But you can’t just buy a top box and strap it down—a few extras are needed.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3aUmEd_0vKJgkvd00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3aUmEd_0vKJgkvd00" width="1024" height="798" ></figure>First, you’ll have to fit the MT-09 Rear Carrier and Grab Bar, which costs $169.99, and then the MT-09 Top Case Mount, for which you’ll shell out $99.99. The total amount it’ll cost to turn your MT-09 SP into a comfy tourer with semi-spacious luggage capabilities is $584.97.If I could get my hands on this bike and test out all the aspects that make a perfect one-bike garage machine, there might be more I'd add to the list. But for now, these are all I’d want to make it the ultimate all-rounder, or at least, my ultimate all-rounder.Hey, Yamaha, hit me up and let's talk about a long-term loan...</div></body>

Mountain View, CA

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The Yamaha MT-09 SP Is Pretty Good, Here's How To Make It Perfect

My God, being a motorcycle journalist is amazing. It’s so hard to complain about it. But there is something that writers should be warned of before going into this profession—It gives you ideas. I recently rode Yamaha’s latest MT-09 SP and theorized that, with the right additions, it...

The Yamaha MT-09 SP Is Pretty Good, Here's How To Make It Perfect

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