Thanks for purchasing the MT-09 Seat slope mod for the 2021+ models. This includes the Gen 3 and Gen 4 models of the Yamaha MT-09. This is an early version of these instructions and they will be updated with lessons learned from customers as this product ships more.
The install of this kit should be straight forward with only 4 or 5 bolts to be removed and put back in.
What this kit does – it shims up the Tank/Seat forward bracket by 6-8mm to level out the front of the seat. Since the Seat and Tank are supported by the same bracket, I include some eccentric rubber bushings that can be used (not required) to keep the tank lower close to its OEM height.
Area we will be working in on the bike: (click on images for bigger sizes in this document)
Important notes / Tips before you begin!
- Do this install with the fuel tank mostly empty!! – Since we will be unbolting the rear of the tank, most of the tank weight will be back there. The tank will rest on the frame and you will need to pick it up to align with the bracket after the install. A full tank makes it feel like the tank wont move. Most support emails I get are from the tank being too heavy to lift.
- For the Gen 4 MT-09, I recommend starting with just installing the frame shims and if the tank alignment isn’t to your liking then doing the eccentric bushings for the tank. The reason for this is the MT-09 seat slots into the tank cut outs and raising the seat and not the tank could cause an alignment issue some people don’t like.
- Take photos of everything before you start, this is just a good mechanics trick to remember how stuff looked, and make sure nothing is missed.
- Tools Required:
- 4mm Hex Wrench
- 10mm socket/wrench (for Gen 3 models for the tank bolts)
- Blue Thread lock compound (Optional, but recommended)
- Torque Wrench (12Nm for the main bolts, 7Nm for the fuel tank bolts)
Basic Layout of the install:
The install has 2 parts – the Seat Bracket shims and the eccentric bushing for the tank alignment (lowers the tank by 3-4mm when the seat bracket goes up by 6-8mm). You can see in the Gen 3 image at the top of the page how the eccentric bushings work to offset the bolts down in the holes.
Install Steps:
Option 1: Install the Seat Bracket Shims only
Due to the Gen 4 MT-09 Seat and tank interface I recommend starting with the seat brackets first and the eccentric bushings later if needed. If you want to do everything in one install go to Option 2. Gen 3 can benefit from the eccentric bushings, so start with Option 2.
- Set the bike on a bike stand, center stand if equipped, or side stand. Note: side stand makes this more challenging due to the tank rear wanting to shift to the downhill side.
- Unbolt the 4 seat bracket/frame bolts. Retain the OEM bolts in case you want to return to stock, but they wont be used in this kit.
- Assemble the frame shim stacks as the images above show – fender washer on top>6mm shim > 2mm shim (optional)
- Gently but firmly grab the center and slide the shims under each side, this works best if another person helps just due to the weight of the tank, but it can be done just with one person.
- Insert the 6mm bolts included with the kit with 4x washers on them into the holes and start threading them into the frame by hand and tighten them just snug for now.
- Insert the seat as normal, and look at the alignment and see how the seat feels sitting on it. (For Gen 3 bikes do NOT use the upper slot when installing the seat bracket by accident, that can use the seat to be unstable)
- If the alignment is good and the shim stack height is what you want, one by one take the 6mm bolts out, (optional) add a small dab of blue thread lock (DO NOT USE red permeant thread lock), and then torque down to 12Nm. Work in a cross pattern across the bracket making sure its centered on the frame.
- If the alignment is NOT ok and you want to make a change: Take the bolts out and remove the 2mm shim if the stack is too tall and then redo-the above, and if the tank is lifted too high go to Option 2 below.
- Get your gear on, and go for a ride!
Option 2: Install the Tank Eccentric bushings and Seat Shims after
Option 2 follows a lot of the same as Option 1, but includes removing and installing the eccentric bushings on the tank side of the bracket. This will lower the rear of the tank by 3-4mm in the bracket to keep the tank closer to OEM angle/height with the seat front lifted. This could result in the front of the seat rising up more than OEM in the pockets on the side of the tank which is why I recommend trying Option 1 first.
- Set the bike on a bike stand, center stand if equipped, or side stand. Note: side stand makes this more challenging due to the tank rear wanting to shift to the downhill side.
- Unbolt the 2 or 3 (Gen 4) tank bolts and remove the meal sleeves (retain these as you will re-use them) from the OEM rubber bushings (you may support the tank with something non scratching like wood blocks if needed to keep the tank from sinking onto the frame.
- Unbolt the 4 seat bracket/frame bolts. Retain the OEM bolts in case you want to return to stock, but they wont be used in this kit.
- Take the bracket off the bike and push out the OEM rubber bushings, and insert the ones included in the JK3D kit back in, with the extra rubber flange on the bushing toward the tank (as shown in the image above). Ensure the eccentric bushings are aligned with the offset hole being at the 6pm (at the bottom) position. Shove the OEM Steel sleeves into the bushings.
- Set the seat/tank bracket back on the bike and align the tank to the bracket. Reinsert the OEM tank bolts and Torque to 7Nm.
- You can now do the steps in Option 1 to install the seat shims.
Final checks and considerations
You may need to tweak your bar angle with the updated seat alignment to adapt your wrist/arm positions. Do some testing and tweaking.
After a couple months of use in hot weather I would check the bolts on the frame/seat bracket to ensure no play.
As always, if you run into any issues, concerns, questions, or feedback please email me at support@jk3d.us and I will work with you directly on addressing any issues you run into.
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