- Based on Yamaha SPHEV system
- Comes with an electric motor and ICE
- No word about its official launch timeline
Yamaha has pulled the covers off the new MT-09 Hybrid, which is still in its prototype stage. As the name suggests, the bike is based on the MT-09 but comes with Yamaha’s new SPHEV (Series Paralllel Hybrid Electric Vehicle) system. This is supposed to combine the feel of an ICE vehicle with the carbon neutrality of electrics.
While hybrid technology isn’t a new word in the car market, the complexity and size of the system kept it away from bikes, until now. Yamaha debuted the SPHEV system on a scooter in February 2025 and with it reaching one of its most popular models, the brand hints that a hybrid system on motorcycles could be an alternative to fully electric motorcycles.
Now the electric motor is mounted on top of the engine and hides behind the chassis. The way it works is pretty straightforward. At slow speeds the MT-09 Hybrid rides like an EV with the motor propelling it. And as the speeds increase, the ICE joins the motor. This switch from electric to hybrid is automatic and combines a seamless torque-rich riding experience EVs and speed offered by ICE motorcycles.
As for design, the MT-09 Hybrid looks similar to the regular MT-09. However, with changes to its fascia, it now looks more futuristic. It also comes with and additional LCD dash along with the main TFT display. There are large air intake like panels under the fuel tank too.
Currently, there is no word about the MT-09 Hybrid’s launch timeline from Yamaha, but we can expect it to be debuted as a production version by 2026.
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