Motorcycle specifications Yamaha1670 MT-01 2006 The spirit of Kodo

what's the point of creating a concept bike? To surprise, shock, amaze, disturb, and often let the dream fade away in the painful awakening to the realities of production. For once, a manufacturer has dared to unleash one of these most virulent prototypes onto the street. Born in 1999, the surprising MT-01 is about to invade our streets. And what's most interesting, as well as incredible, is that the production machine is almost identical to the show bike. The road version will have a modified swingarm, inspired by that of the R1, different but still radial brake caliper mountings, a rear monoshock placed under the engine, but still the same crazy silhouette. Admire the sleek design, the impression of strength and bestiality, the compact size, the monstrous twin... A familiar mill that's already making people happy. This monumental block is none other than the 1670 from the Road Star Warrior. Air-cooled and dry-sump lubricated, it develops no less than 85 bhp and almost 14 mkg on the Warrior. On the MT-01, this V-twin benefits from a vitamin treatment. 90 horsepower come out of the crankshaft, but it's above all its torque that's going to tear up the asphalt: over 15 mkg at 3750 rpm. Unimpressive figures compared with recent big productions peaking at over 2 liters. But the Yamaha's twin-cylinder combines all the genres, and ultimately all the sensations. Rocketed, air-cooled, fuel-injected, multi-valve, EXUP-equipped and with long-stroke dimensions, this very big engine should rip your arms off and, frankly, awaken your senses. But don't expect it to replace the V-Max - that's for later. The MT-01 is the latest addition to Yamaha's roadster family, but with a particularly spicy sauce. A sort of Japanese Buell. The manufacturer has announced a chassis worthy of a supersport (ah, the Z 1000 is starting to freak out), unique emotions, hellish handling, and that's just the beginning to entice us. We'll be able to see it up close at the Munich Motor Show in September, and on the road in early 2005. The proto made quite a splash in the last century - its descendant is going to tear it up!

we now know a little more about the MT-01. Sound From the spec sheet, you'd be tempted to believe that Yamaha has designed a hypersport roadster with a power-cruiser heart. Moreover, for those who love power, 2 engine kits are available to boost the big twin to 96 or 110 hp (track use only). In use, it becomes clear that the MT-01 is not in this vein. It loves sport, but in its own way. It's not just another roadster, it's a new genre: the "roadster-custom-big-potato". We won't dwell on the machine's silhouette. Since September 2004 (or 1999 for those who saw the proto), you've had plenty of time to discover it. Sculpted around its monumental twin, the MT is an imposing machine.

It's eye-popping, well-finished, and brain-busting when you see a red zone on the magnificent speedometer at 5,500 rpm (even my 206 comes up short later...). And then you wonder: "over 15 mkg, OK, but the Kawa VN 2000 spits out 3 more, and what about the Triumph Rocket III? And what's more, if I want to enjoy riding a Naked, I've got the Z 1000 or the Ducat' S4R... Actually, no, what I like is when an engine lives, like on the 1700 Warrior!"
Well, there's plenty to choose from. How about combining them all? Here's Yam's brilliant idea: take a big pot, dip in some Rocket III, a ladleful of R1, back to the Road Star Warrior, sprinkle with Buell and season with Tuono. And here's a spicy dish of the day that's sure to make your jaw drop. With an R1 fork and a technically and visually sophisticated chassis, it should hold its ground.

born as a concept bike, the Yamaha MT-01 remains a bit of a concept once it hits the streets. It's a motorcycle that doesn't care about performance, that's only interested in offering maximum sensations, passionately and immediately. With its strong identity, big trunk and big pistons, this is a charming machine that forgets only one thing in its quest for pleasure: comfort.

*Kodo: traditional Japanese drum music, similar to an earthquake-like expression of latent power, produced by a bass drum so huge that its intense beat resonates in your heart and soul.

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