Yamaha BT 1100 Bulldog
At Yamaha, they presented the new Bulldog as a simplistic setter with a desire to hit and amaze with their naked appearance. The display of the muscles of the house's two-cylinder unit, mounted in a tubular steel frame, further fuels the theory of (imaginary) aggressiveness. The Bulldog is a kind of hybrid machine, the alchemical result of mixing already known ideas and techniques, so his pedigree is not entirely purebred.
Pedigree
The main culprits behind the birth of the Bulldog are in Belgrade, Yamaha's Italian subsidiary, where the idea came from, so it's no surprise that they were modeled on the iconic Ducati Monster. The design composition, which sells very well, has been perfected by the creative Japanese with their tried and tested technique.
The proven 75-degree V-twin design with 1063 cc and 48 kW (65 hp) was taken from the sister Drag Star 1100 custom model. powered by Mikuni steam carburetors) and performance is not quite the pinnacle of a two-cylinder engine as it comes from a family of custom motorcycles.
But in any case, it's conceived as a lazy cruise car that basically boasts a lot of torque.
If you look analytically, the Bulldog is put together as a fun puzzle: let's say the front brake kit is standard from Yamaha and their rocket, the supersport R1 model that shows complete confidence when you press the brake lever.
Also worth mentioning is the innovatively designed minimalist dashboard hidden behind a small windshield. The seal gives him a large analog speedometer, which has a compressed miniature tachometer in the lower right corner. It is complemented by poorly visible main control lamps and a digital display (receipt) of the trip computer. A pair of tailpipes and an aluminum rear end smell like Ducati.
On a walk
When I first see a Bulldog in person, I find his outlines more pleasing than in photographs. There it looks (too) short and (too) tall, but in reality it is shorter and longer. When I sit on it, I have the feeling that in a deep, interesting saddle seat, I am drowning there under a fuel tank of an unusual shape. At the same time, the seat cover, which loves to fold out, deserves criticism, so that when folded it can be torn along with your shoes.
The position behind the wide steering wheel is comfortable and does not get tired when driving at speeds up to 120 kilometers per hour. On the contrary, it is very exciting! Above this speed, the wind pressure is high enough that it was difficult for me to reach a maximum speed of about 180 km per hour. It is a pity to rush with him on the track, because speeds higher than allowed for him do not suit him, so he likes to walk at a more moderate pace.
It's ideal for city hopping, jumping to nearby mountain lakes, or driving to the shore on winding country roads. There, despite the large mass, the Bulldog cheered me up, and we both enjoyed the turns on these walks. He didn't protest if a passenger joined the party. The frame, of which the unit itself is a part, and the adjustable suspension are definitely good for keeping the line in corners.
With the engine, however, at certain points I lacked more agility and at least a dozen more horses. It's true that I didn't have to walk excessively through the five-speed gearbox, but at the same time I blame it for the excessive volume and loud "cloning", especially when shifting into first gear.
Japanese tech fans will get a gimbal for secondary gear, blow their nose and wave as the Bulldog got secondary gear. I tell you, for no reason! Namely, I did not miss the chain even with a slightly sharper transition and search for boundaries. Not to mention unloading, because there is no need to lubricate the chain.
Pricelist
Base motorcycle price: 8.193 00 euro
Price of the tested motorcycle: 8.913 00 euro
Informative
Representative: Delta Team, doo, Krško, CKŽ 135a, Krško
Warranty conditions: two-year unlimited mileage warranty
Prescribed maintenance intervals: first service for 1000 km, then every 10 km
Color combinations: black, blue, gray
Original accessories: tinted windshield, universal tinted windshield, alternator cover, trunk, suitcase holder
Number of authorized dealers / repairers: 17/11
Technical information
engine: 4-stroke - 2-cylinder, V-twin - air-cooled - SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder - driveshaft - bore and stroke 95 x 75mm - displacement 1063cc, compression ratio 3, 8:3, claimed maximum horsepower 1 kW (48 hp) at 65 rpm - claimed maximum torque of 5500 Nm at 88 rpm - pair of Mikuni BSR2 carburetors - unleaded petrol (OŠ 4500) - electric starter
Energy transfer: oil bath multi-plate clutch - 5-speed gearbox, gear ratios: I. 2, 353, II. 1, 667, III. 1, 286, IV. 1.032, V. 0, 853 - cardan
Frame: tubular steel construction with engine as part of the frame - frame head angle 25° - front 106 mm - wheelbase 1530 mm
Suspension: front adjustable telescopic f 43 mm, wheel travel 130 mm - rear central shock absorber, wheel travel 113 mm
Wheels and tires: front wheel 3, 50 x 17 with tire 120/70 x 17, rear wheel 5, 50 x 17 with tire 170/60 x 17, tires without tubes
brakes: front 2 x disc fi 298 with 4-piston brake caliper - rear disc fi 267 mm
Wholesale apples: length 2200 mm - height 1140 mm - seat height from the ground 812 mm - fuel tank 20 l / 5, reserve 8 l - weight (with fluids, factory) 250 kg
Capacities (factory): not listed
Our measurements
Mass with liquids (and tools): 252 kg
Fuel consumption: 6, 51 l / 100 km
Flexibility from 60 to 130 km / h
III. gear: 6, 5 s
IV. performance: 7, 4 s
V. execution: 9, 6 p.
We praise:
+ brakes
+ conductivity
+ driver position
+ comfort
+ cardan transmission
+ appearance
We scold:
- motorcycle weight
- loud transmission
- rear view mirrors
grade: The Bulldog is the right choice for those who want to impress with their appearance. Traditional Yamaha engineering wrapped in a coat of modern design will impress anyone who wants a rugged bike with good ride quality. Suitable for those for whom speed is not a primary concern, but who need a reliable mechanical friend for reliable cornering alone or in pairs on country roads.
Final grade: 4/5
Text: Primož manrman
Photo: Aleš Pavletič.
Technical information
engine: 4-stroke - 2-cylinder, V-twin - air-cooled - SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder - propeller shaft - bore and stroke 95 x 75mm - displacement 1063cc, compression ratio 3:8,3, claimed maximum power 1 kW (48 hp) at 65 rpm - claimed maximum torque of 5500 Nm at 88,2 rpm - pair of Mikuni BSR4500 carburetors - unleaded petrol (OŠ 37) - electric starter
Energy transfer: oil bath multi-plate clutch - 5-speed gearbox, gear ratios: I. 2,353, II. 1,667, III. 1,286, IV. 1.032, V. 0,853 - cardan
Frame: tubular steel construction with engine as part of the frame - frame head angle 25° - front 106 mm - wheelbase 1530 mm
brakes: front 2 x disc fi 298 with 4-piston brake caliper - rear disc fi 267 mm
Suspension: front adjustable telescopic f 43 mm, wheel travel 130 mm - rear central shock absorber, wheel travel 113 mm
Weight: length 2200 mm - height 1140 mm - seat height from the ground 812 mm - fuel tank 20 l / stock 5,8 l - weight (with fluids, factory) 250,5 kg
