from The Dan Bongino Show: TRUTH LIVES on at https://sgtreport.tv/

from ZeroHedge: There is some good news and some bad news for China bulls this morning (local time). First the good news: since mainland China (aka A-shares) were closed for the past week, mainland Indexes such as the Shanghai Shenzhen CSI 300 are up – just barely – because after opening up almost 11% to […]

from ZeeeMedia: TRUTH LIVES on at https://sgtreport.tv/

The best sheet pan dinner ever. READ MORE...

Each time Vice President Kamala Harris speaks, former President Donald Trump's prospects improve. In fact, during Harris' hitherto-rare-but-now-increasingly-frequent interviews, the potential Trump campaign ads practically write themselves. For instance, during an appearance Tuesday on ABC's "The View," Harris shockingly declared that she would have done "not a thing" differently than...

For an extra $1,700 over the base MT-09, the MT-09 SP has better suspension and brakes plus a few other goodies. (Photos by Dave Schelske) Several months ago, we reviewed the updated 2024 Yamaha MT-09. We’ve heaped praise on the MT-09 since its 2014 debut because it delivers a thrilling ride and loads of character in a lightweight, affordable package. But the MT-09 SP is even better. Over the course of four model generations, the MT-09 has steadily improved – more power, better handing, new features. An SP version of the MT-09 has been available since the third-gen update of the platform in 2021. (SP is short for “Sports Production,” and there’s also an SP version of the MT-10). What makes the SP better than the standard model? Mostly suspension and brakes, plus a few extras. The MT-09 SP has a two-tone Liquid Metal / Raven color scheme inspired by the YZF-R1M. When manufacturers need to hit a certain price point, suspension and brakes are where they’re likely to make compromises – and therefore save money. The standard MT-09 has KYB suspension, with a fully adjustable 41mm inverted fork and a single shock with adjustable spring preload and rebound, and the 2024 model has firmer damping. Eureka! Gold fork tubes with black DLC-coated sliders and a gold Öhlins shock reservoir. The MT-09 SP’s fork is also made by KYB, but it’s a higher-spec unit with DLC-coated tubes for less friction and full adjustability that includes high- and low-speed compression damping. Out back, the SP has a fully adjustable Öhlins shock with a remote reservoir and a remote preload adjuster. The fully adjustable Öhlins shock has a remote reservoir and a remote preload adjuster. The standard MT-09’s front brakes are dual Advics 4-piston radial calipers with 298mm floating discs, while the MT-09 SP is equipped with top-of-the-line Brembo Stylema monoblock 4-piston radial calipers. This year, both models were upgraded to a Brembo radial front master cylinder, which provides more precise feel at the lever. The 2024 Yamaha MT-09 SP has Brembo Stylema monoblock radial front calipers and Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 tires. Other updates for 2024 on both the MT-09 and MT-09 SP are mostly enhancements. Both have a larger 5-inch TFT instrument panel with four display modes (the SP gets a dedicated Track theme) and new self-cancelling turnsignals. Using the Yamaha Y-Connect app, a smartphone can be paired with the bike, allowing use of the free Garmin StreetCross app for on-screen turn-by-turn navigation. The 2024 Yamaha MT-09 SP has a larger 5-inch TFT instrument panel with multiple display themes, and the SP also gets a special Track theme. The Yamaha Ride Control electronics suite has been simplified into three standard ride modes (Sport, Street, and Rain) as well as two customizable modes that allow rider aids to be tailored to the rider’s preferences via the TFT menu or Y-Connect app. The MT-09 SP gets special YRC settings, including four exclusive Track ride modes and the ability to turn rear ABS off. The handlebar switches have been redesigned to be more user-friendly and intuitive, and cruise control is now standard. Riding the up-spec MT-09 SP on the freshly paved Tail of the Dragon was a blast! The transmission now shifts more smoothly, and Yamaha’s third-generation quickshifter works at lower speeds and in more situations. Intake sound has been improved with revisions to the intake ducts and airbox and by adding Acoustic Amplifier Grilles atop the fuel tank that project intake sound directly into the cockpit. The 2024 Yamaha MT-09 SP has a polished and clear-coated cast-aluminum swingarm. The bikes have new styling, a reshaped and repositioned fuel tank, sportier ergonomics, and more steering lock. The net result of these changes is more weight on the front tire and a smaller turning radius, making the bike easier to maneuver. There’s a new two-piece saddle with rider’s seat that’s flatter and narrower near the front for an easier reach the ground. The footpegs have been moved rearward and are adjustable. The clutch lever is now adjustable, the mirrors are larger, and the cast brake pedal was replaced with a stronger forged unit. Sportier ergonomics and revised frame improve the rider’s sense of control and the bike’s maneuverability. GEAR UP | 2024 Yamaha MT-09 SP Helmet: Speed and Strength SS900 Jacket: Speed and Strength Lightspeed Mesh Airbag Vest: Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 Gloves: Speed and Strength Rust and Redemption Pants: Speed and Strength Dogs of War Boots: Speed and Strength United by Speed Shoe Yamaha also made changes to the MT-09/SP’s chassis. The CP3 Triple is a stressed member of the chassis, and the right- and left-side engine brackets were made thicker for more rigidity in the middle. The headstock bracket, on the other hand, was changed to allow more compliance up front. The 2024 MT-09 SP is the first bike in Yamaha’s Hyper Naked lineup to get the wireless Smart Key system. Other upgrades exclusive to the MT-09 SP include Yamaha’s wireless Smart Key System; a polished and clear-coated finish on the cast-aluminum swingarm; and a two-tone Liquid Metal / Raven color scheme inspired by the YZF-R1M. Yamaha hosted a press launch for the MT-09 SP in western North Carolina at Fontana Village, which is located on the famous Moonshiner 28 (NC Route 28). Our test route included the perfectly radiused curves of the Cherohala Skyway and the infamous Tail of the Dragon, which had been resurfaced a few weeks earlier and was billiard-table smooth. In the background is Fontana Dam. We tested the MT-09 SP on some of the best roads in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina. Those tight, technical Appalachian backroads are where the MT-09 SP really struts its stuff. Its spinforged aluminum wheels are shod with the latest Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 tires, which provide incredible grip and fluid transitions through turns. The bike’s revised ergonomics, weight distribution, and chassis provide a better sense of control and boost rider confidence. The standard MT-09’s suspension works well, but the SP’s suspension is noticeably better. It gives riders a greater degree of control over settings, and the up-spec KYB fork and Öhlins shock provide a more refined and precise feel. Likewise, the Brembo Stylema calipers offer greater sensitivity at the lever and more immediate response than the standard model’s binders. The MT-09 SP’s higher-spec chassis bits level up the bike’s responsiveness and agility, as well as its style and functionality. The MT-09 SP commands a $1,700 premium over the base model. Is it worth it? If you are an exacting rider or a self-proclaimed gear geek, then the top-of-the-line SP has the best components and the most sophisticated tech with some added flair thrown in. You can’t go wrong either way. Check out more new bikes in Rider’s 2024 Motorcycle Buyers Guide  2024 Yamaha MT-09 SP Specs Base Price: $12,299 Website: YamahaMotorSports.com Warranty: 1 yr., unltd. miles Engine Type: Liquid-cooled transverse inline-Triple, DOHC w/ 4 valves per cyl.  Displacement: 890cc Bore x Stroke: 78.0 x 62.1mm Horsepower: 117 hp @ 10,000 rpm (factory claim) Torque: 69 lb-ft @ 7,000 rpm (factory claim) Transmission: 6-speed, cable-actuated slip/assist wet clutch  Final Drive: Chain Wheelbase: 56.3 in. Rake/Trail: 24.7 degrees/4.3 in. Seat Height: 32.5 in. Wet Weight: 428 lb (factory claim) Fuel Capacity: 3.7 gal. Fuel Consumption: 41.3 mpg (MT-09) The post 2024 Yamaha MT-09 SP Review appeared first on Rider Magazine.