Yamaha Owner Review
Introducing a passionate story of "Yuta" who ride MT-01, from Webike Community's "My Beloved Moto" campaign.
He shared his review of the MT-01, including the advantage and the disadvantage, which he understands well because he is the owner.
Brief self-introduction
Motorcycle history and how I usually enjoy my motorcycle
I'm only a veteran in the year I got my license, which is almost 30 years now (lol). I started with the Bandit 250 (early days) and went on to the Jazz Kai 88cc, Z250FT, GSX750E, and TRX850. As expected, I don't ride around all the time like when I was young, but I spend time with my motorcycle as long as I'm allowed to ride around town for commuting and shopping, etc., besides the occasional touring.
The period when I rode MT-01
I bought a used motorcycle with a little over 20,000km on it and have been driving it for about two years. We drove almost 20,000km together. The total mileage is over 40,000km, but it is a tough engine with a feeling that there is still a long way to go.
Motive for purchase and use
When this motorcycle debuted in 2005, I was riding a Yamaha TRX850. I had always thought that the MT-01, with its "throbbing" concept, was the Big Twin I was looking for. Thirteen years later, when I was thinking about buying a new motorcycle, I chose the MT-01 without hesitation. It had a 1670cc V-twin engine that focused on torque rather than horsepower, a well-developed suspension that was similar to that of the R1, a unique and strong impact created by its design, and a big twin that you could feel the throbbing of the engine in the normal range, but that did not cut corners on driving. I thought, "This is it!"
I've been touring more and more, and even going to the mountain passes for a bit of riding. It's a heavy motorcycle, but I don't hesitate to use it on the streets. The body color in the photo is the normal silver, which has been painted yellow by myself, and the exhaust system has been replaced with an OVER slip-on silencer.
Satisfaction
For applications
(1) The strong torque from low rpm keeps the motorcycle from stalling. Even when following a vehicle at low speeds, there is always plenty of torque at low speeds, which makes me feel much more relaxed than with a small displacement vehicle.
(2) Air-cooled two-cylinder and OHV engine, but the suspension was like the SS of the day. You can enjoy riding on the mountain.
(3) The riding position is up handlebars with a slight forward lean. Some people think that the handlebars are too far away, but if you enjoy cornering, this is the right position. It is definitely more fun to ride than leaving the machine to its own devices.
For riding
(1) Thanks to the torque of the 670cc V-twin cylinder, you can feel the pulse of the explosion with a throbbing from low rpm. It has a big stride, and 3000 rpm is usually enough for most of the driving, including high-speed driving. If you are mainly driving around town, you may not have a chance to rev the engine, but above 3000 rpm, the engine blows up beautifully like a clock. By the way, the rev limit is 5500 rpm.
You can either enjoy the large stride acceleration in the higher gears, or you can rev it to the point where the maximum torque (15.3kgf-m/3750rpm) is generated in the shortest possible time. Either way, you will be able to enjoy the beat of each step.
(2) What I find most enjoyable are the moments when I get up out of a corner with the gas pedal open. To that end, I think the rear 190 tire size is an essential piece of equipment. It also has a fully adjustable suspension front and rear, which allows you to further customize the ride to your liking.
For appearance
(1) I think it's safe to say that the style of this motorcycle is all about the throbbing of the V-twin engine, but even in terms of looks, the sculpting of this V-twin engine is remarkable.
(2) Oddly shaped binocular headlights. A distinctive front mask that will never be worn by its naked motorcycle rivals.
(3) A digital speedometer is built into the large analog tachometer, creating a powerful image around the gauges. Yes, torque and power, not speed, are the stars!!
(4) The shape of the tank, frame, and swingarm depicts organic curves. The competition between the glamorous curves and the cool straight lines of the design.
(5) Unique cross-spoke wheels. In fact, they were finished to be as light as a three-spoke wheel (at the time).
(6) The stained exhaust pipe that juts out from the right side of the motorcycle is a powerful and beautiful feature.
(7) The center-up two-piece up exhaust system is a trend in SS machines, and I dared to bring it to this OHV two-cylinder machine...! These are just a few of the things that attracted us to this machine.
At first glance, it looks large due to its height and weight, but I think it's surprising that it has a cruiser's 1670cc engine on board and fits into this weight and size. In fact, the overall length is a little shorter than the current four-cylinder CB1300SF, the wheelbase difference is only +5 mm, and the vehicle weight is almost the same. And I'm tempted to applaud the many technologies used to actually achieve that form.
Dissatisfaction
For applications
(1) There is no storage space. There is almost no internal on-board space under the seat, and the ETC unit is full just by placing it under the pillion seat. There is no helmet holder either. I devised it by myself.
(2) As I mentioned in the advantages, the handlebars are far away and at the same time, the footing is a little tight. But I got used to it (lol).
(3) The capacity of the tank is quite modest at 13 liters, and I try to refuel based on 150 km. of 13 liters, the reserve is about 3 liters. It helps that the fuel consumption is good.
(4) The headlights were not as bright as I expected.
(5) In contrast to the good looks, the electrical, fuel, and intake/exhaust systems are packed tightly together, sacrificing easy maintenance.
(6) It's already the 15th anniversary of its debut if you look at the early models, so I think the number of bodies that need a fair amount of maintenance is increasing. However, as for the engine itself, it's fortunate that we haven't heard any bad things about it from owners who have put a lot of miles on it.
For riding
(1) You can't feel much overshadowed by the raging torque, but the weight is reasonable. Mine weighs 270kg (equipped) on the inspection certificate. You should keep in mind that this is a motorcycle that has a certain weight. The brakes themselves work so well that you only need two front fingers, so I'm not worried about that at all.
(2) There is a part where the vibrations get louder from 2000 rpm to 3000 rpm, and I think it's going to depend on whether you think it's a taste or an unpleasant one. I was surprised at first, but now it's my favorite part (lol).
For appearance
There's nothing to complain about in terms of appearance, as I've talked about it in terms of its strengths.
Summary
In conclusion, the MT-01 is a great motorcycle for the following!
(1) Those who want to feel the pulse of the 1670cc, OHV, V-Twin engine and enjoy its powerful torque as a road sport.
(2) People who place more emphasis on acceleration than on speed.
(3) You don't like to wear the same thing as others.
(4) If you are fascinated by the unusual style of the MT-01.
After writing it down like this, I was reminded of how the pros were even more appealing than the items I listed as cons, lol! Wouldn't you like to ride such a unique motorcycle?
Thank you, Yuta, for sharing your love of the MT-01 with us!
