Dave,
it is PM here. All i have to do is try to sleep. (Santa is coming!)
New2BMW can use this thread to tell us about the MT-01
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darthrider
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She's Home!
http://r1150r.smugmug.com/gallery/814599/1
If you can look at that picture and imagine what it must be like to ride a sport bike with a big torquey V-twin, you don't need to read any further. This bike delivers everything that Yamaha claimed it would and more.
The sound.
The sound isn't as loud as you would think. The pipes are mounted high and you can here it, but it is really just a solid rumble until the growl kicks in at about 3300 rpm. Not disturbing at all.
Fit.
I am 6' 2". This is one reason why the MT won over the Speed Three and Brutale in my selection process. This bike fits me well. The seat cradles you, but restricts movement. Time will only tell, but for now, the seat is very comfortable.
The bars are narrower than the R by more than an inch. The are also lower and slightly more forward giving a riding position similar to a Rockster. Again, time will tell, but so farso good. The pegs seem to be in about the same position as the Roadster.
The engine.
Frankly, no real surprises. It has buckets full of torque right off the clutch release. It pulls hard from 1500 but with the typical V-twin vibes. Nothing annoying, but they let you know what the engine is trying to do. The vibes transition into a smooth hard yank at about 3000 rpm and the torque from that point can only be described as massive. Shifting at 4000 rpm propels you through another cycle of the same thing. Even when you hit fifth at 4K with the throttle open, the bike surges forward with a very strange sensation that it isn't even working hard.
Frame, suspension and handlling
The first things you notice are how rigid the bike is, and how light it feels. Technically, it weighs within 5 lbs of the Roadster w/ABS. It feels 20 or 30 lbs lighter. I am guessing that this is due to the weight being more central to the mass, and the fact that the frame doesn't seem to flex at all. Handling is precise and smooth. The length of the bike (4" longer than the R) is noticeable in tight medium and slow speed turns. This was more an adjustment on my part than an actual characteristic.
The suspension is firm,but more forgiving than a pure sports bike, at least at the current setting. I asume part of this is due to the extra weight as compared to a sport bike.
Brakes
Believe it or not, the brakes are as good or better than my ABS Roadster. The rear brake is better for sure. the front feels almost the same but with a smoother actuation due to the lack of servo assist. Granted the bigger tires have some input here.
My first real ride (other than commuting) will be October 9th to the Motegi speedway for the Boxer Trphy races. I'll have a better impression then. So far though, I have to say that this bike was supposed to have everything I ever wanted in a motorcycle, and it delivered.[/img]
If you can look at that picture and imagine what it must be like to ride a sport bike with a big torquey V-twin, you don't need to read any further. This bike delivers everything that Yamaha claimed it would and more.
The sound.
The sound isn't as loud as you would think. The pipes are mounted high and you can here it, but it is really just a solid rumble until the growl kicks in at about 3300 rpm. Not disturbing at all.
Fit.
I am 6' 2". This is one reason why the MT won over the Speed Three and Brutale in my selection process. This bike fits me well. The seat cradles you, but restricts movement. Time will only tell, but for now, the seat is very comfortable.
The bars are narrower than the R by more than an inch. The are also lower and slightly more forward giving a riding position similar to a Rockster. Again, time will tell, but so farso good. The pegs seem to be in about the same position as the Roadster.
The engine.
Frankly, no real surprises. It has buckets full of torque right off the clutch release. It pulls hard from 1500 but with the typical V-twin vibes. Nothing annoying, but they let you know what the engine is trying to do. The vibes transition into a smooth hard yank at about 3000 rpm and the torque from that point can only be described as massive. Shifting at 4000 rpm propels you through another cycle of the same thing. Even when you hit fifth at 4K with the throttle open, the bike surges forward with a very strange sensation that it isn't even working hard.
Frame, suspension and handlling
The first things you notice are how rigid the bike is, and how light it feels. Technically, it weighs within 5 lbs of the Roadster w/ABS. It feels 20 or 30 lbs lighter. I am guessing that this is due to the weight being more central to the mass, and the fact that the frame doesn't seem to flex at all. Handling is precise and smooth. The length of the bike (4" longer than the R) is noticeable in tight medium and slow speed turns. This was more an adjustment on my part than an actual characteristic.
The suspension is firm,but more forgiving than a pure sports bike, at least at the current setting. I asume part of this is due to the extra weight as compared to a sport bike.
Brakes
Believe it or not, the brakes are as good or better than my ABS Roadster. The rear brake is better for sure. the front feels almost the same but with a smoother actuation due to the lack of servo assist. Granted the bigger tires have some input here.
My first real ride (other than commuting) will be October 9th to the Motegi speedway for the Boxer Trphy races. I'll have a better impression then. So far though, I have to say that this bike was supposed to have everything I ever wanted in a motorcycle, and it delivered.[/img]
Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please.
Mark Twain
Mark Twain
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darthrider
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Awright, Yamaha Breath...I'm gettin' pissed!
Pics, reports, impressions, specs, race results, babe comments, all that.
We want it we want it now. Just because you have a new scoot to ride and it's probably 3:00AM over there doesn't give you an excuse for not providing it.
So...give it up!
Pics, reports, impressions, specs, race results, babe comments, all that.
We want it we want it now. Just because you have a new scoot to ride and it's probably 3:00AM over there doesn't give you an excuse for not providing it.
So...give it up!
Dave
#226
I've spent most of my life on motorcycles, the rest I've just wasted...
#226
I've spent most of my life on motorcycles, the rest I've just wasted...
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darthrider
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Well,
I took my wife shopping today, and of course myself too.
Two up, the MT well outperforms the Roadster. The motor doesn't care how many people are on the bike. I actually played around with a Ducati 900SS. This guy might have been 150 lbs, plus his bike is probably 100 lbs lighter than mine. He ended up ahead, but considering I had a passenger, he was quite surprised at my staying with him through the tunnels and curves around Shinjuku. When we got to the light I could read the surprise on his face when he turned to see how far back we were when actually I was only back by a second at the most.
Speaking of speed. My wife told me that we hit 153 kph through one of the tunnels. I never went higher than fourth gear and the rev count was in the mid to upper 3k range. I had no idea we were going that fast.
I can't speak enough about the rigidness of the frame. I really didn't expect the MT to handle better that the Roadster since the MT is 4" longer. I assumed they would be very close in the handling department. I was wrong. The stiff frame, USD forks and slightly sporty riding position more than offset the difference in wheelbase. Even two up, the bike handles great. Quick direction changes are smooth, predictable and relatively quick consdiering the middle weight bulk.
Another thing I felt out today was the shifting and throttle resposne. A lot of people assumed that short shifting means shifting often and early. They are not the same thing on this bike. Yes, shifting for performance is around 4k rpm, however, that is just past peak torque and the revs build the torque slow enough through that range to allow a good long wind up, even in first gear.
On day three, I am still of the belief that this bike is everything I have ever wanted in a motorcycle. My MT experience brings to life the imagination I have always had for the Brough Superior and Vincent Black Shadow. (+brakes and good tires!)
I took my wife shopping today, and of course myself too.
Two up, the MT well outperforms the Roadster. The motor doesn't care how many people are on the bike. I actually played around with a Ducati 900SS. This guy might have been 150 lbs, plus his bike is probably 100 lbs lighter than mine. He ended up ahead, but considering I had a passenger, he was quite surprised at my staying with him through the tunnels and curves around Shinjuku. When we got to the light I could read the surprise on his face when he turned to see how far back we were when actually I was only back by a second at the most.
Speaking of speed. My wife told me that we hit 153 kph through one of the tunnels. I never went higher than fourth gear and the rev count was in the mid to upper 3k range. I had no idea we were going that fast.
I can't speak enough about the rigidness of the frame. I really didn't expect the MT to handle better that the Roadster since the MT is 4" longer. I assumed they would be very close in the handling department. I was wrong. The stiff frame, USD forks and slightly sporty riding position more than offset the difference in wheelbase. Even two up, the bike handles great. Quick direction changes are smooth, predictable and relatively quick consdiering the middle weight bulk.
Another thing I felt out today was the shifting and throttle resposne. A lot of people assumed that short shifting means shifting often and early. They are not the same thing on this bike. Yes, shifting for performance is around 4k rpm, however, that is just past peak torque and the revs build the torque slow enough through that range to allow a good long wind up, even in first gear.
On day three, I am still of the belief that this bike is everything I have ever wanted in a motorcycle. My MT experience brings to life the imagination I have always had for the Brough Superior and Vincent Black Shadow. (+brakes and good tires!)
Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please.
Mark Twain
Mark Twain
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darthrider
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DJ Downunder
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DJ:
I don't care much for the carbon bits either. I like metal on a bike like this. Bits of titanium would sell well in my garage.
My first mod will be these aluminum brake and clutch tanks.
Normally I wouldn't add weight to a bike, but the plastic tanks have to go. I see that Dave has one on his Speed 3 also.
I don't care much for the carbon bits either. I like metal on a bike like this. Bits of titanium would sell well in my garage.
My first mod will be these aluminum brake and clutch tanks.
Normally I wouldn't add weight to a bike, but the plastic tanks have to go. I see that Dave has one on his Speed 3 also.
Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please.
Mark Twain
Mark Twain
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yjleesvrr
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Jeff - a fabulous bike to be sure. It just makes me mad that Yamaha and so many others refuse to import some of their more interesting steeds over to America. How much did your bike cost over there in Japan? I've got a dealer friend who might be able to import one of those for me if I really wanted.
Member #93, June 2002
'14 BMW R1200RT "Wethead"
'77 BMW R100/7 "Airhead"
'14 BMW R1200RT "Wethead"
'77 BMW R100/7 "Airhead"
Yong;
The bike costs right at $13.5k in Japan, but you'll have to import it from Europe like I did. It may cost you as much as $!7k.
Dean;
Yes, sort of. The stage 1 kit is a street legal pipe and ECU. Stage 2 is a racing pipe and ECU. Stage three is cams, pistons, valve springs, velocity stacks, clutch and even another ECU. You can see it here.
http://www.yamaha-mt-world.com/default. ... 56&lang=en
Yamaha claims a 30% increase in hp and torque with the stage 3 kit. That would be somewhere in the 120 hp and 135-140 ft/lbs range. The word on the street is that the kit costs $5k.
The bike costs right at $13.5k in Japan, but you'll have to import it from Europe like I did. It may cost you as much as $!7k.
Dean;
Yes, sort of. The stage 1 kit is a street legal pipe and ECU. Stage 2 is a racing pipe and ECU. Stage three is cams, pistons, valve springs, velocity stacks, clutch and even another ECU. You can see it here.
http://www.yamaha-mt-world.com/default. ... 56&lang=en
Yamaha claims a 30% increase in hp and torque with the stage 3 kit. That would be somewhere in the 120 hp and 135-140 ft/lbs range. The word on the street is that the kit costs $5k.
Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please.
Mark Twain
Mark Twain
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darthrider
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Jeff -
I like those brake fluid reservoirs...are those made by Rizoma in Italy?
Rizoma is beautiful stuff but hard to get in the States.
Yeah, I need one too. That ugly thing sitting up there is like a a big wart with a hair growing out of it on the nose of a beautiful girl. You see it every time you look at her!
Have you noticed that right side shot of that fine V-twin looks sort of like Optimus Prime's avatar?
I did over 300 miles on the Speed Triple today in 101 deg. F. heat...didn't plan it that way but I have over 600 miles on the motor now and things are really loosening up.
A V-Max jumped on me and I had to let it out a little. Had no idea how fast as I was occupied watching the tach. Kept it to ~8,000 in 6th as it is still breaking in.
Later I remembered it has a tell-tale "highest speed since re-set" feature.
It showed 134MPH and was still pulling strong. Redline is 10,000 RPM. I'm guessing maybe 150-155 when it's broken in completely. I'll settle for that on a naked bike but 160 would be nice!
Sure surpised Mr. Max.
I like those brake fluid reservoirs...are those made by Rizoma in Italy?
Rizoma is beautiful stuff but hard to get in the States.
Yeah, I need one too. That ugly thing sitting up there is like a a big wart with a hair growing out of it on the nose of a beautiful girl. You see it every time you look at her!
Have you noticed that right side shot of that fine V-twin looks sort of like Optimus Prime's avatar?
I did over 300 miles on the Speed Triple today in 101 deg. F. heat...didn't plan it that way but I have over 600 miles on the motor now and things are really loosening up.
A V-Max jumped on me and I had to let it out a little. Had no idea how fast as I was occupied watching the tach. Kept it to ~8,000 in 6th as it is still breaking in.
Later I remembered it has a tell-tale "highest speed since re-set" feature.
It showed 134MPH and was still pulling strong. Redline is 10,000 RPM. I'm guessing maybe 150-155 when it's broken in completely. I'll settle for that on a naked bike but 160 would be nice!
Sure surpised Mr. Max.
Dave
#226
I've spent most of my life on motorcycles, the rest I've just wasted...
#226
I've spent most of my life on motorcycles, the rest I've just wasted...
Dave:
Rizoma is right. They have the licence for all of the MT aftermarket aluminum bits. Those tanks are $140 US each in Japan, $69 US in Europe. I think I'll pay the shipping.
160 is crazy on a naked bike. Can I try after you get there? Mine will top out at around 130 according to the spec sheet. I won't be pushing that for a while.
I did have my second day of two up street racing today. I dragged a Suzuki TL1000, but he didn't have a passenger. I satyed right with him without really trying. I think riding solo I would have had him.
Two blocks later a car hit us. Yes, a car hit us. Some a$$hole in an RX7 thought he would take his chance to race me when i wasn't even aware. As I rounded a curve and drifted toward the inner part of the lane, he passed me in my lane. His passenger door brushed my foot, my wife's foot and broke my right peg off. Yes, he broke my peg off. To make it worse, he didn't even stop. If I ever see his scratched RX7 in the street, it will be getting several boots to the sheet metal.
Rizoma is right. They have the licence for all of the MT aftermarket aluminum bits. Those tanks are $140 US each in Japan, $69 US in Europe. I think I'll pay the shipping.
160 is crazy on a naked bike. Can I try after you get there? Mine will top out at around 130 according to the spec sheet. I won't be pushing that for a while.
I did have my second day of two up street racing today. I dragged a Suzuki TL1000, but he didn't have a passenger. I satyed right with him without really trying. I think riding solo I would have had him.
Two blocks later a car hit us. Yes, a car hit us. Some a$$hole in an RX7 thought he would take his chance to race me when i wasn't even aware. As I rounded a curve and drifted toward the inner part of the lane, he passed me in my lane. His passenger door brushed my foot, my wife's foot and broke my right peg off. Yes, he broke my peg off. To make it worse, he didn't even stop. If I ever see his scratched RX7 in the street, it will be getting several boots to the sheet metal.
Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please.
Mark Twain
Mark Twain
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darthrider
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Damn Jeff, that's terrible.
I know you would liked to have throttled him but the main thing is you and your wife are OK.
Be careful out there buddy, they are out to get you!
Did the peg itself break or the mounting point? Hope you have no damage to the bike itself.
I bet you're watching for that RX7!
Take care,
I know you would liked to have throttled him but the main thing is you and your wife are OK.
Be careful out there buddy, they are out to get you!
Did the peg itself break or the mounting point? Hope you have no damage to the bike itself.
I bet you're watching for that RX7!
Take care,
Dave
#226
I've spent most of my life on motorcycles, the rest I've just wasted...
#226
I've spent most of my life on motorcycles, the rest I've just wasted...
Dave, the truth is that I am glad that bastard didn't stop. I know I would be in jail right now. What kind of a$$hole tries to pick a race with a bike carrying a passenger? In the end, we were very very lucky. We were travelling at about 50 mph and he passed me doing at least 70 in my lane.
The peg broke cleanly at the tang where it meets the swivel pin and spring. The bike and bracket are just fine, not even a scratch. The pin isn't even bent.
I found some aftermarket pegs on the internet and ordered them for about $50. They'll be here in a week. In the mean time, my dealer installed a used R1 peg at no charge.
I ordered the center "touring" model since they are slightly larger, but I ordered black. They have some Speed Triple items too.
http://www.oem-uk.com/acatalog/Yamaha_MT_01.html
The peg broke cleanly at the tang where it meets the swivel pin and spring. The bike and bracket are just fine, not even a scratch. The pin isn't even bent.
I found some aftermarket pegs on the internet and ordered them for about $50. They'll be here in a week. In the mean time, my dealer installed a used R1 peg at no charge.
I ordered the center "touring" model since they are slightly larger, but I ordered black. They have some Speed Triple items too.
http://www.oem-uk.com/acatalog/Yamaha_MT_01.html
Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please.
Mark Twain
Mark Twain