MT-09 SP killer – Jespers Yamaha MT-09 built at Pitboxen

Jesper's Yamaha MT-09 Gen 3 is built for one purpose: to surpass the MT-09 SP.

With a Bitubo JBH01 cartridge kit in the front fork, a top-of-the-line Bitubo XXZ31 rear shock, a Hyperpro progressive steering damper and upgraded brakes, this MT-09 is individually tailored to the rider – not the average. The result is an uncompromising MT-09 SP killer, where setup and component selection trump model name.

By Poul Olesen
3 min read
MT-09 SP killer – Jespers Yamaha MT-09 bygget hos Pitboxen - Pitboxen.dk

Jespers' Yamaha MT-09 Gen 3 – when a standard MT-09 becomes an SP killer

The Yamaha MT-09 is an uncompromising and entertaining naked bike from the factory. Light, explosive and full of torque. But like so many mass-produced motorcycles, the suspension and setup are built for “the average rider” – not for your weight, your riding style or your level of ambition.

Jesper came past the Pitbox with one clear goal:
To make your Generation 3 Yamaha MT-09 something that not only matches – but surpasses – the MT-09 SP.

MT-09 SP – better components, same compromise

The MT-09 SP model is born with better hardware than the standard version. A different KYB front fork and an Öhlins rear shock absorber provide a higher technical level straight from the factory. But fundamentally it is still a standard solution .

  • No individual adaptation
  • No consideration of rider weight, pace or use
  • No fine-tuning for either aggressive street driving or track use

This is where the difference arises.

At Pitboxen we don't build by model name – we build by driver.

Front fork: Bitubo JBH01 cartridge kit – full control at the front

Instead of upgrading an already compromised OEM fork, we chose to transform the standard MT-09 from the ground up .

The front fork has been upgraded with the Bitubo JBH01 cartridge kit , a fully closed cartridge system with:

  • Separate compression and rebound adjustment
  • Significantly improved oil control and stability
  • Precise feedback during both hard braking and steering

The result is a front end that is stable, calm and predictable – even when the pace is increased significantly compared to what Yamaha originally designed the bike for.

Rear shock: Bitubo XXZ31 – absolutely top class

There has been no compromise at the back.

A Bitubo XXZ31 is mounted here, a top-shelf shock absorber – the same level used in serious track and race use.

  • High/low speed compression adjustment
  • High/low speed Rebound adjustment
  • Hydraulic preload
  • Extreme heat and damping stability

This shock lifts the rear end to a level where the MT-09 SP simply can't keep up without serious intervention. Grip, stability and balance are in a whole other league – especially when accelerating out of corners.

Steering damper: Hyperpro RCS – progressive control

To complete the whole, a Hyperpro RCS progressive steering damper has been installed, of course in an all black configuration .

The progressive structure means:

  • Easy and natural steering at low speeds
  • Effective damping at high speeds and hard inputs
  • Increased stability without killing feedback

Perfect for the MT-09's short wheelbase and explosive nature.

Brakes: ready for both street and aggressive track riding

Suspension and performance only make sense if the brakes can keep up.

Therefore, the motorcycle has been upgraded with:

The combination provides a significantly firmer pressure point, high friction and stable braking performance – even when the load gets high. It's a setup that works just as well for active street riding as it does for serious track use .

Exhaust and ergonomics – function meets finish

The motorcycle is finished with a number of thoughtful performance and quality upgrades:

  • LeoVince LV Race exhaust with catalytic converter
    – legal, lightweight and with a deep, mechanical sound that matches the MT-09's CP3 engine perfectly
  • Bonamici Racing adjustable footrests
    – optimal ergonomics and freedom to adjust the driving position
  • Bonamici Racing tank cap
  • Bonamici Racing brake and clutch levers

All chosen with a focus on function, precision and uncompromising quality.

Conclusion: Standard beats “SP”

This MT-09 is a textbook example of why component selection and individual setup beats model designations .

Where the MT-09 SP delivers better parts from the factory, this setup delivers:

  • Individually adapted suspension
  • Significantly higher technical level
  • Better balance, grip and feedback
  • A motorcycle built for the rider – not the average

The result?
An MT-09 SP killer , built at Pitboxen - which is cheaper than an SP...

If you want the same out of your MT-09 – or any other motorcycle – it doesn't start with the dealer catalog.

It starts with setup and individual product selection.