Yamaha MT – 01

Yamaha is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary, and for this venerable anniversary, they have created a motorcycle that is something special that we have never experienced before. And MT-01 is special! As a concept motorcycle, it was released six years ago at the Tokyo Motor Show in Japan and was recognized by experienced motorcyclists.

Why align them? Maybe because they are tired of everyday motorcycles? Most likely, since MT-01 literally embodies uniqueness, it doesn't even matter if everyone likes it, because MT-01 is not for everyone. Once you feel the soul of the massive two-cylinder engine, there is no turning back. Thoughts will always return to the motorcycle and to the unique feeling when the right hand grips the throttle lever. This is where Yamaha differs from all other Yamaha and, in fact, from all motorcycles.

The heart, a huge 1.670cc air-cooled 48° V-twin, is derived from the highly successful American Road Star Warrior. But MT-01 has little in common with choppers. It could hardly be the best representative of a stripped-down motorcycle street fighter. Instead of a lazy two-cylinder, it's powered by a four-valve sports engine with a twin-cylinder spark plug, power is sent to the wheel via a chain rather than a belt, and the transmission shifts quickly and precisely.

It also boasts a lot of torque and a decent 90bhp. Maximum power is reached at just 4.750 rpm, and 150 Nm of torque is reached at 3.750 rpm when the needle on the large, round, easy-to-read engine speed gauge reaches 01. On a winding country road, the MT-80 feels best, which means that in top (fifth) gear it pulls with continuous acceleration, full power and torque, at just under XNUMX km / h with the addition of gas.

The R1 accelerates more sharply so as not to make mistakes, but even this beast raises the front wheel too sharply on the gas. All of this is peppered with insanely good bass sound from a pair of titanium (megaphone style) tailpipes. The vibrations generated by the engine are extremely pleasant and caress the interior of the body and therefore give the driver and passenger a pleasant feeling.

The feeling when the engine rumbles with its recognizable sound is insanely good, inspires self-confidence and awakens a positive manly attitude in men. Our Alenka, who got the role of a tester for the rear seats, was impressed by the character of the motorcycle, she complained only about the sportiness, so it was not very comfortable to sit behind the driver. So for two and very long trips MT-01 is not exactly the best choice. However, for short adventures.

But the sporty rear seat isn't the only link between the MT-01 and the supersport Yamaha R1. For the first time, a two-cylinder engine introduced the EXUP exhaust valve system, which until now had only been used for sporty four-cylinder engines. During the ride itself, where it shows itself with a secure position, stability and calm running even at the last 220 km / h, the second part of the essence of this Yamaha is revealed. The front fully adjustable inverted forks are derived from the R1.

The rear recumbent shock is also fully adjustable, but unique in its own way due to the way it is installed in the frame and the swingarm, which is immediately recognizable to any supersport enthusiast. This is another product that you will also find on R1. So it should come as no surprise that it has an excellent position in corners where the MT-01 allows for such slopes that you can wipe a lot of plastic off the knees of the sliders. As with straight driving, 240 kg dry weight can be seen in corners.

He cannot and probably does not want to hide it. But not at all to make the MP cumbersome! We just want to point out that cornering is not as easy as with the R6 or R1. For a large carcass, you need a motorcyclist who knows how to blend in with a motorcycle. It is also the path to a unique experience when riding a huge beast. Hardly something ordinary and memorable enough.

We were also surprised by the good aerodynamics of the motorcycle. True, it is designed for a pleasant ride on urban and rural roads, but up to 160 km / h wind resistance does not interfere so much. Well, it is best there at speeds between 100 and 130 km / h, in a relaxed upright position and a slightly forward position. During speed increases, when the numbers are approaching two hundred, a slightly more aggressive sport stance will suffice to deal with the wind, while for longer periods of speeds above 180 km / h we recommend a sporty driver / fuel combination. a tank where he can lean easily. upper body.

You can write that this is one of the most aerodynamic bikes without a model that we have ridden in recent times.

The brakes taken from someone other than the R1 have also been adapted for sporty driving! So, racing technology thrives on the four-leg light alloy front and rear wheels. A radially mounted pair of brake calipers grips the front 320mm discs well. However, the brake lever feels good during braking and provides good control over the dosing of the braking force.

A few more words about the quality of workmanship. We find it very important to note that Yamaha has gone to great lengths to create its anniversary motorcycle. Highly! We have never seen such a beautiful motorcycle at their factory. MT-01 is full of small details that caress the soul of every conscious motorcyclist, be it beautifully curved exhaust pipes, a recognizable LED taillight, chrome accessories and a cover of a huge 7-liter "aerobox". , and to all joints and seams on the leather seat.

You can get to know the rhythm of the Koda, the rhythm of the big Japanese drums, in just under 3 million tolars. Everything a motorcycle has to offer is not overpriced. While it also goes hand in hand with the R1, the direction indicated by MT-01 is obvious. R1 for riders, MT-01 for hobbyists.

Technical information

Test car price: 2.899.200 seats

engine: 4-stroke, 1.670 cc, 3-cylinder, V 2 °, air-cooled, 48 HP at 90 rpm, 4.750 Nm at 150 rpm, 3.750-speed gearbox, chain

Frame: aluminum, wheelbase 1.525 mm

Seat height from ground: 825 mm

Suspension: front fully adjustable fork with a diameter of 48 mm, rear single adjustable shock absorber

brakes: 2 x 320mm front disc, 4-piston caliper, 267mm rear disc, 1-piston caliper

Tires: front 120/70 R 17, rear 190/50 R 17

Fuel tank: 15

Dry weight: 240 kg

Sales: Delta Team, CKŽ 135a, Krško, tel .: [phone]

THANKS AND CONGRATULATIONS

+ appearance (charisma)

+ motor

+ details

+ price

+ production

– sports (cramped) seat in the back seat

- very little space under the seat

Petr Kavčič, photo: Aleš Pavletič

• Basic data

  Test model cost: 2.899.200 SIT €

• Technical information

  engine: 4-stroke, 1.670 cc, 3-cylinder, V 2 °, air-cooled, 48 HP at 90 rpm, 4.750 Nm at 150 rpm, 3.750-speed gearbox, chain

  Frame: aluminum, wheelbase 1.525 mm

  brakes: 2 x 320mm front disc, 4-piston caliper, 267mm rear disc, 1-piston caliper

  Suspension: front fully adjustable fork with a diameter of 48 mm, rear single adjustable shock absorber