Menus
- Test of the big torquey roadster over 2,500 km.
- Discovery
- In the saddle
- Contact
- In the city
- Highway
- National
- Departmental
- Consumption
- Comfort
- Convenient
- Conclusion
Test of the big torquey roadster over 2,500 km.
Unveiled in 2005, directly resulting from the concept-bike presented in 1999 in Tokyo, the Yamaha MT-01 impresses with its size, its monumental engine and its enormous silencers as big as cannons. The technical characteristics contribute to this impression of big: twin 1670 cm3 from the Road Star Warrior, 15.3 mkg of torque at 3750 rpm, more than 90 horsepower at only 4750 rpm…. The MT01 has everything a big one because it’s a big bike with a big heart like that: then Vmax bi (s) or big lung ?
Discovery
On the MT01, everything is centered around the enormous V-twin: you can hardly see that. The tank seems to rise to the chin, and the huge, raised pots contribute to those monstrous lines. It’s really a very big roadster that impresses.
Behind the massive side, the MT01 benefits from the latest technologies: multijet injectors, exup type valve, inverted fork, radial calipers ….
Up close, the finish is excellent: titanium for the exhaust, cast aluminum frame without visible welds, diode taillight, R1 fork…. The front headlight is made up of two headlights of different diameters perfectly nested.
In the saddle
Despite a saddle of 825mm, the bike barely allows the 1.70m rider to touch the ground, in part due to the wide seat. The apparent size of the motorcycle gives a first impression of heaviness…. It is that she weighs no less than 259 kilos all full made anyway !
The single central dial gives just the essential information: analog tachometer with red zone at 5500 rpm, digital speedometer associated with a clock and a partial double trip.
The driving position is rather straight but the handlebars positioned high enough surprises.
The mirrors do not really allow you to see much except the elbows, regardless of the setting.
Contact
It vibrates upon contact, while a hoarse sound fills the air. The vibrations of the big V-Twin take directly to the guts, echoing deep inside the rider and between the legs.
The first turns of the wheel are done almost naturally – apart from the weight which is felt in spite of everything – and without jolts. The clutch is forgotten and feels rather smooth. On the other hand, it vibrates and well. Is the MT-01 alive ?
In the city
The upright position is a bit more, like the big torque at low revs. On the other hand, it is heavy and we hesitate a little to play with it. The MT-01 rather encourages you to be wise in the city, where handling is not its asset. On the other hand, his vocalizations make passers-by turn around; eyes are fixed on it and its huge engine particularly well highlighted.
Highway
Launched on the motorway, the MT-01 engages with force and a deep groan to easily find itself at 130 km / h while it turns at only 3,000 rpm! It is still the neck that obliges to release the hand, because of a non-existent protection (like all naked roadsters) or the big vibrations in the hands.
National
After the motorway, the MT-01 is found at the same speed on the national road and with the same constraints. Road holding is good. The torque present from the lowest revs responds to the slightest request to push the pilot powerfully to the next big curve…. like a sumo.
Departmental
The MT-01 rather arrives with great pleasure on the departmental roads where it fits almost easily in the first corners. But when the turns become a series of curves, you have to start really working. Because the MT01 takes the pilot rather than the opposite and asks to be tamed. At a leisurely pace, it almost rolls up with its big vibrations and a torque of 12 mkg available from 1500 rpm. As soon as the pace picks up, don’t hesitate to put in power and muscle while anticipating well…. and always be on the right gear. Because if the engine willingly goes up in the revs, it is immediately in the red zone at 5,500 rpm, whereas the thrust has already stopped at around 5,000 rpm. And he especially appreciates being above 3,000 rpm.
If the MT-01 then meets another big roadster, it will be overtaken without effort, and all the more so if the pilot turns out to be more of a biker not used to mastering such a monster. The MT-01 is not instinctive and requires real experience. There is no room here for last minute improvisation, especially since the bike tends to widen when cornering..
Conversely, the cycle part is largely up to the task and contributes to healthy behavior on small roads. The MT-01 tilts at the rider’s request and goes where the rider’s grip tells it to go. Suddenly, the MT-01 accepts to be driven at a muscular pace … in every sense of the word. On the other hand, the necessary muscle and the weight make driving more tiring than any other. In any case, it ensures and assumes perfectly its function of bodybuilding that it fulfills very well..
Now, it is still quite possible to simply have fun on your handlebars by letting yourself be carried away by the vibrations of the big twin over the road, wedged between 2,000 and 3,000 rpm, where the sensations are best distilled..
Consumption
The twin cylinder stabilizes at around 6 liters per hundred, or even 7 liters in case of a little more sustained driving, but can drop to 5.4 liters in really smooth driving. The reserve warning light usually comes on before 200 km. But with a more curvy ride and the 15-liter fuel tank, the range can be around 220-230 km..
Comfort
If the rider’s seat is wide, the passenger cannot find much room in the rear folding seat, especially since the footrests are rather high. The rigid suspension ensures flawless handling, but causes pain for the driver and passenger when the road surface deteriorates and even more so when the pace is fast..
Convenient
The MT-01 was not designed for practicality. There is no room under the saddle. The large pots prevent any saddlebag. However, there are 4 retractable straps under the saddle. And the footrests are used to secure the turnbuckles.
With the tank placed high, a tank bag and the speedometer completely disappear from view.
Conclusion
The MT-01 is a concept-bike that will delight those who first fell in love with it. They will then be won over by the twin cylinder and its character. Because the engine is a treat for those who love the sensations and the big vibrations which make the whole particularly alive. In the end, it will delight seasoned riders who want an exceptional motorcycle and who have the experience riding a motorcycle with character. The sound of the two high outputs finishes captivating the biker. They will not want to leave it once the 14,000 euros have been disbursed (13,250 euros in 2006).
Strong points
- Design / aesthetics
- Manufacturing
- Big vibrations, engine and sound
Weak points
- Weight
- Rear suspensions
- Usable range between 3,000 and 5,000 rpm
available in white, metallic blue, black.
Competitors: Suzuki B-King
Motorcyclists’ opinions on the MT-01 in the tests
Technical sheet MT-01
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