The new Yamaha MT-09 and Yamaha XMAX each won a Red Dot Design Award for 2024.
The 2024 MT-09 is in its fourth generation. Yamaha redesigned the bike as the previous 2021 MT-09 with the “cyclops” (one-eyed monster) headlight proved unpopular. The new version also has a new front screen, fuel tank, and tail section. Additionally, the redesigned fuel tank includes acoustic ducting to channel the bike’s engine sound to the rider. The new tank was also designed to allow for a freer riding position.
While the MT-09 won the award for its design, the XMAX won on practicality. Yamaha says the functionality of the front fork and engine, “are visualised in the tight silhouette, expressing an attractive sense of exuberance.” As a footnote, although it was the XMAX 300 that garnered the accolade, it has the same design as the XMAX 250 in our country.
Yamaha has picked up Red Dot Design Awards in each of the last 13 years, having won one at least every year since 2012.
Two of Honda’s motorcycles had also won the Red Dot Design Award, earlier. One was the EM 1e:, together with the Motocompacto. Both are electric scooters.
