The MT-09 Does Not Come With Factory Cruise Control
The Yamaha MT-09 does not have cruise control built in from the factory. This applies to all model years currently in production, including the current generation that began in 2021. Yamaha designed the MT-09 as a naked sport bike focused on aggressive handling and rider engagement, and cruise control was not part of that design philosophy.
If you want cruise control on an MT-09, you have two realistic options: install an aftermarket cruise control system, or use throttle lock techniques that riders have used for decades. Neither is a factory feature, and both require you to understand how they work and their limitations before relying on them for long rides.
Key Takeaways
- The MT-09 has no factory cruise control in any model year, and Yamaha has not announced plans to add it.
- Aftermarket cruise control kits exist for the MT-09 and typically cost between $150 and $400 depending on the system type.
- Throttle lock devices are cheaper and simpler but require active rider input and are less stable than true cruise control.
- Many riders on long MT-09 rides use a combination of throttle lock and frequent hand position changes to reduce fatigue.
Aftermarket Cruise Control Options for the MT-09
Several manufacturers make aftermarket cruise control systems that can be installed on the MT-09. The most common type is a throttle lock, which is a mechanical device that clamps your throttle grip at a set position. Brands like Cramp Buster and Throttle Rocker make these, and they bolt onto your handlebar in minutes without any wiring or modification to the bike itself.
A more sophisticated option is an electronic cruise control module, which uses a small motor to adjust your throttle position automatically. These systems are more expensive (typically $300 to $400) and require some wiring work, but they hold speed more consistently and don't require you to rest your hand on the throttle. Systems like the Kaoko cruise control have been adapted for various Yamaha models, though availability for the MT-09 specifically varies by year and market.
Before buying any aftermarket system, check the MT-09 forums and recent reviews to confirm that the system has been tested on your specific model year. Throttle geometry and handlebar width can vary slightly between generations, and a system that works on a 2021 MT-09 may not fit a 2024 model without modification.
How Throttle Lock Devices Work
A throttle lock is a straightforward mechanical clamp that holds your throttle grip open at whatever angle you set it. You roll the throttle to your desired speed, then engage the lock by twisting or sliding a lever on the handlebar. The throttle stays at that position until you disengage the lock by pulling the lever back.
The main advantage is cost and simplicity — most throttle locks cost $30 to $80 and take five minutes to install. The main disadvantage is that you still have to rest your hand on the throttle, and the bike will not automatically adjust for hills or wind. If you hit a downhill section, the bike will accelerate; if you hit an uphill, it will slow down. You have to actively manage the throttle lock by adjusting it or disengaging it.
Throttle locks are legal in most places, but some riders find them uncomfortable on long rides because your hand never fully relaxes. They work best for short highway stretches where the road is flat and straight, not for sustained cruising on variable terrain.
Electronic Cruise Control and How It Differs
An electronic cruise control system uses a small electric motor connected to your throttle cable. You set your desired speed using handlebar buttons, and the system automatically adjusts the throttle to maintain that speed. If you hit a hill, the motor opens the throttle slightly; if you hit a downhill, it closes it. Your hand comes completely off the throttle.
The trade-off is complexity and cost. Installation usually requires running wires from a control module to the handlebar switches and to the throttle motor. Some systems also need a speed sensor input from your wheel or ABS system. On the MT-09, this is doable but not trivial — you may need to remove fairings or fuel tank panels to route wires cleanly.
Electronic systems also require a battery connection, which means they draw power from your bike's electrical system. Most modern systems draw very little current, but it is something to consider if you do a lot of long-distance riding on a bike with a marginal charging system. The MT-09 has a robust electrical system, so this is not usually a concern.
Why Yamaha Did Not Include Cruise Control
Cruise control is common on touring bikes and large-displacement cruisers, where long-distance comfort is a design priority. The MT-09 is a middleweight naked sport bike, and Yamaha's design brief emphasized agility, quick throttle response, and rider control. Adding cruise control would add weight, complexity, and cost to a bike that is already priced competitively against other sport nakeds.
Yamaha also likely considered that many MT-09 riders use the bike for spirited riding on twisty roads, where cruise control would be disengaged most of the time anyway. The bike is not marketed as a highway cruiser, so the lack of cruise control is a deliberate choice rather than an oversight.
Alternatives to Cruise Control for Long Rides
Many MT-09 riders manage long highway stretches without any cruise control device by using throttle lock techniques and frequent hand position changes. The MT-09's handlebar is relatively wide and allows several hand positions — centered grip, inside grip near the tank, and outside grip near the bar ends. Switching between these positions every 15 to 20 minutes reduces hand and wrist fatigue significantly.
Another strategy is to use the bike's windscreen or aftermarket fairings to reduce wind pressure on your upper body. Less wind resistance means less throttle input needed to maintain speed, which reduces fatigue. Yamaha offers a small windscreen as an accessory, and several aftermarket manufacturers make larger screens designed for the MT-09.
Taking regular breaks every hour or so is also important. The MT-09 is not a comfort bike, and even with cruise control, long-distance riding on a sport bike requires active rider input and physical management. Plan your route with fuel stops and rest stops in mind, and do not try to cover extreme distances in a single day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add cruise control to an older MT-09 model?
Yes, aftermarket throttle locks and electronic cruise control systems can be installed on any MT-09 model year. However, availability and fitment vary — some systems are designed for specific years. Check forums and product listings for your exact model year before purchasing to confirm compatibility.
Is it legal to use a throttle lock on the highway?
Throttle locks are legal in most places, but regulations vary by state and country. Some jurisdictions have rules about hands-on-throttle requirements or restrictions on devices that modify throttle control. Check your local traffic laws before installing one, and always be prepared to disengage it quickly if needed.
Will adding cruise control affect my MT-09's warranty?
Aftermarket cruise control systems are not covered by Yamaha's factory warranty, and installation may void warranty coverage on related components like the throttle cable or handlebar switches. Contact your Yamaha dealer before installation if your bike is still under warranty and you want to understand the implications.
How much does an aftermarket cruise control system cost?
Throttle lock devices cost $30 to $80 and require no installation labor. Electronic cruise control systems cost $300 to $400 for the kit, plus labor if you have a dealer or shop install it. Installation labor typically ranges from $100 to $300 depending on the system complexity and your location.
Does the MT-09 SP or other variants have cruise control?
No. All MT-09 variants — including the SP, Tracer, and Tracer GT — do not have factory cruise control. The Tracer GT, which is marketed as a sport-touring bike, also lacks cruise control, though it is more commonly equipped with aftermarket systems by owners who plan long-distance touring.