There are lots of motorcycles that shouldn’t be forgotten. We decided to start a new series about such motorcycles and the first bike of the series is the Yamaha MT-01, a cruiser in a sport package. This is possibly the fastest mass-produced V-Twin in a straight line with magnificent styling, plenty of torque and literally no practicality. Good news is, nobody cares about those things because it’s a machine with a soul. If you are lucky, you can get one for 7-9,000 €.
The MT-01
Concept
The MT-01 was originally unveiled as a concept motorcycle at the 1999 Tokyo Motor Show, and the strong public interest led Yamaha to develop the production version, which was released in 2005. The Japanese did not change too much on the concept so the MT-01 has radical, straight-from-show-concept-bike styling and a monstrous road presence. We will later found out why.
Styling
Lots of fine details
The idea was simple: take a supersport frame and put a large V-Twin in it. From the styling point of view, the MT-01 is a real masterpiece and it is among Yamaha’s best ever. At the time of its premiere, it was one of the most aggressive looking cruisers and nine years later it’s still gorgeous. Of course being aggressive is not a big achievement for a naked machine that features a 1670cc V-Twin. The MT-01 makes all Harleys and retro bikes look like effete antiques. It’s a cruiser that’s not, definitely a bike you buy for the looks. What’s most appealing about the MT is it goes back to what a motorcycle is all about. Simplicity, character, passion.
Looking for adjustable mirrors for your MT-01? See this Motorcycle Handle Bar End Convex Blindsight Rearview Multi Angle Adjustable Chrome Plated Billet Aluminum Outside Rearview Side View Mirrors Universal Fit For Yamaha MT-01 MT-03 WR TDM TDR TW Fazer XJR TDM XJ XTZ V Max WR FZ1 FZ6 FZ8
Engine
The V-Twin offers plenty of torque
The slow-revving V-Twin s derived from the Road Warrior custom motorcycle. It’s big, heavy and produces a tremendous amount of heat while you wait at the red light in the summer. And it’s vibrating, too. It’s not a very modern engine but it delivers an amazing 90 Nm of torque at 3,750cc. Performance is a bit shy at 90hp but frankly, it’s enough. It takes off at 1500rpm and it’s all over by 5000rpm. In top gear going at 160 km/h, the bike is running at just over 3000rpm. Huge low rev torque makes it quick off the line (0-60 mph takes about 3,5 seconds) but the powerband is a bit narrow. As you suspect, the exhaust noise is pulsating and highly addictive.
Ride quality
Click on the image for more pictures
The MT-01 features an aluminum frame, top-quality suspension (multi-adjustable front and rear), while the brakes comes from the R1. Despite its premium components, the bike can’t hide its weight so it’s not very agile in the corners but it’s a stable, fine handling machine. The suspension is adjustable and there are millions of aftermarket parts that can make a difference. Most of the MT’s are tastefully modified but beware of the hideous small planet-sized adventure tank. You just have to live with a range of 200-200 km (120 miles).
Ergonomics
The bike is roomy enough for bigger riders but the design has its cost: the tank is very small (15l) and there’s literally no luggage space. Pillions get a rough deal: the pillion pegs are placed too high and the seat pad is vibrating. Wind protection is non-existent but the MT is not about top speed, anyway. Due to vibration, stock mirrors do not show you what’s really going on behind you but you can buy better ones.
The MT-01 is a stature with lots of compromises but the styling and the torque compensate the lack of practicality.
Pros: styling, torque, sound, breaking, top build quality, good reliability, uniqueness
Cons: weight, vibration, lack of wind protection, won’t change line mid corner, vibrating mirrors, range, zero storage space
2012 Yamaha MT-01 Spec and Photos
Missing a gear indicator from your MT-01? See this Yamaha MT-01 2005-2012 Healtech Gipro X-type Gear Indicator
