Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) kick-started 2018 with a bang by launching the heavily face-lifted and up-specced Yamaha MT-09 streetfighter this evening.

This long-awaited refresh of the MT-09 features a brand new and aggressive face inspired by its bigger sibling, the MT-10. In this new trim, the MT-09 also benefits with a host of new hardware, namely the suspension, as well as a revised electronics suite.

As before, the MT-09 is propelled by Yamaha’s signature 847cc in-line triple-cylinder. Boasting115hp @ 10,000rpm, 97.5Nm @ 8,500rpm, both are sent to the rear wheel via a six-speed manual transmission and chain drive setup that’s now primed further with a quickshifter plus assist and slipper clutch.

Matching its new MT-10-inspired front fascia are a set of full-LED headlights (position light + twin headlamp). What’s welcoming here too is the revised monochrome LCD digital instrument panel.

Unlike the bike it replaces, the MT-09 now also boasts new fully-adjustable front forks plus and adjustable rear shock. There’s also the D-MODE selectable throttle mapping suite, traction control and, most importantly, ABS – the last two feature being absent in the outgoing MT-09.

Locally assembled (CKD) by HLYM, the new and heavily revised Yamaha MT-09 will be offered in two colour schemes with a starting price of RM47,388 (excluding insurance and registration).

HLYM also took the opportunity this evening to preview its upcoming Yamaha XMax 250 scooter model. HLYM's top brass annouced plans to introduce the quarter-litre automatic scooter in March this year at an undisclosed price. Our speculative guess here would be around or below the RM30,000 mark.