A whole new type of bike offers riders the ultimate "Kodo* experience" 2005 European market model Yamaha Torque Sports "MT-01" Debuts at 4th INTERMOT Show

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (YMC) displays the new 2005 European market model Yamaha Torque Sports "MT-01" at the INTERMOT Munich 2004 (4th International Trade Fair for Motorcycles and Scooters) held over five days beginning from September 15, 2004.

Based on the "Soul Beat V-twin Sports" concept of the "MT-01" displayed as a special exhibition model at the 1999 Tokyo Motor Show, this model has been developed with the latest technologies throughout its design. It mounts a newly developed air-cooled 1,670cc OHV V-twin engine on an aluminum frame to produce awesome torque like no motorcycle before it and a ride that has to be described as the ultimate "Kodo* experience."

After the "MT-01" was displayed at the 1999 Tokyo Motor Show, it drew the attention of motorcycle fans around the world for its original concept and unique design approach, and many calls continued to be heard from different countries calling for further development of the concept.
In particular there has been a call from Europe, where annual demand in the sport bike category stand at about 250,000 units. European bike fans were asking for a big V-twin model with a different kind of character for the sophisticated adult for whom motorcycling is a hobby (According to Yamaha research, annual demand for all types of sport bikes is 570,000. Breakdown: sport bikes ?E250,000, supersport ?E140,000, off-road ?E96,000, American-style ?E60,000, others ?E23,000).

The now to be released "MT-01" is based on the original 1999 "Kodo* = MT-01" concept and has been developed around the key words "Soul Beat V-twin Sports" and adopting the latest technologies throughout to produce "the ultimate hobby machine." Development efforts concentrated on bringing out the awesome pulse and torque of a 1670cc V-twin engine and creating a look that combines innovative styling such as has never been seen before and the unmistakable look of quality.
In practical terms, this new model was designed to offer a high-level concentration of (1) a big-displacement V-twin acceleration that lets you feel the beat of every piston stroke, (2) strong of torque coming out of the turns, (3) the kind of light handling that lets you make the most of this engine character, (4) highly original appearance and (5) component specs that heighten pride of ownership. The result is a machine that lets the rider experience the full, raw power of a big-displacement internal combustion engine and enjoy the feeling of direct power to the road surface like the kick of a steed and the vital pulse of the engine.

Engine

1) New 1,670cc air-cooled OHV engine born of a thorough pursuit of maximum intake/exhaust efficiency
Taking the proven 48-degree V-twin engine of the U.S market model "Road Star Warrior" as the basic engine spec, the intake/exhaust systems and the crack assembly, etc., have been newly designed to produce a new power unit with vastly improved torque character and performance. The engine boasts four valves and two spark plugs per cylinder, plated cylinder walls, forged pistons and pent roof design combustion chambers. With a bore x stroke of 97 x 113 mm and a compression ratio of 8.36 : 1, this engine achieves maximum power output at 4,750 rpm and max. torque at 3,750 rpm. (By contrast, the Road Star Warrior achieves maximum power output at 4,500 rpm and max. torque at 3,750 rpm.)

The flywheel has been given 18% less mass than that of the existing Road Star Warrior's engine. This combines with the effect of the optimized intake/exhaust systems to achieve outstanding acceleration feeling. This is one of the main points contributing to great acceleration performance that overturns the image of big-displacement V-twins until now.

2) Fuel injection (FI) system that contributes to excellent drivability
The 40mm diameter downdraft type twin bore FI system has been adopted. As with the Warrior, the throttle body is mounted in a cross format to fit efficiently into the V bank. This contributes to great response and good transient characteristics. To better accommodate the FI system, a downdraft type large-capacity 7-liter air cleaner box is adopted. This new-design air cleaner box achieves a 40% reduction in air-flow resistance compared to that of the Warrior, thus ensuring plenty of fresh air flow for outstanding engine response. This lets the rider enjoy Kodo* and big-displacement power feeling in the 2,000 rpm range and excellent response in the 3,500 rpm range.

3) Compact design EXUP unit serves both cylinders
The Yamaha-exclusive EXUP device is adopted for the first time on a twin cylinder model. The system consists of a variable valve located at the meeting point of the two exhaust pipes that adjusts the cross-section diameter of the exhaust pipe in accordance with engine rpm. At the same time the operational map has been optimized to fit the characteristics of a big V-twin engine to optimize torque characteristics.

4) Appearance enhanced with adoption of an "up muffler"
In order to achieve both the necessary exhaust system capacity for the big-displacement engine and a great exterior appearance, a titanium "up muffler" (silencer) with a full resin plastic cover has been adopted. The exhaust pipes have been given large-radius curves to reduce exhaust-flow resistance, while a smaller silencer with a minimum external diameter of 86.4 mm and max. external diameter of 123.7 mm and a length of 415 mm is adopted to provide not only design appeal but also excellent exhaust efficiency and a crisp, pulsing exhaust sound.
The end portion of the muffler that is called the "end cap" and serves as the muffler cover, is a "plated resin plastic" type that consists of a resin plastic material plated with a copper and nickel compound to which a final plating of chrome is added. Also a forced-cooling fan is placed inside the muffler to further improve heat dissipation.

5) Primary and secondary reduction ratios optimized and transfer unit eliminated
To accommodate the new engine character, the secondary reduction ratio has been changed from "35/32 x 70/32" to "39/17" to produce a higher geared transmission (4% higher than the Warrior). The primary reduction ratio has also been changed to further contribute to the higher gearing while also fine-tuning the drive traction characteristics. This translates into an 11% increase in the length of the 5th gear range, producing a character that enables optimum enjoyment of the sense of engine pulse. Also, a new design has been adopted that eliminates the transfer unit that normally transfers drive power from the transmission to the chain. This transfer unit-free design has helped reduce the weight of the power unit. This also enables a longer rear arm despite a standard wheelbase, which becomes a major factor contributing to this model’s outstanding handling.

6) Separate aluminum die-cast oil tank
To ensure smooth oil supply to the dry sump lubrication system while also contributing to better concentration of mass for the power unit, a newly designed separate-unit oil tank made of die-cast aluminum has been adopted and positioned below the front end of the crankcase. The lower front positioning also improves cooling performance, thus contributing to lower oil temperature. Furthermore, along with the elimination of the transfer unit, this has helped make it possible to optimize the wheelbase dimension.


Chassis

1) New-design aluminum die-cast frame
In order to achieve a body design that accentuates the presence of this big-displacement V-twin machine, a newly designed aluminum die-cast frame is adopted. Employing Yamaha’s exclusive "CF Aluminum Die Cast Technology" has provided exceptional beauty in its finished form thanks to the greater design freedom this method enables.
The structure of the frame is a simple two-part (right-left) unit that is bolted together at just two points, the head pipe assembly in the front and the pivot assembly in the rear, thus eliminating the need for the usual welds. The engine is mounted to the frame by means of an 8-point rigid-mount system including four points on the right and left sides of the head and four on the right and left sides of the crankcase, thus making the engine a stressed member contributing to frame strength and rigidity. The result is a character that enables the pulse of the engine to be communicated directly to the rider. Furthermore, the CF aluminum die cast technology has enabled an open-sided "U" type cross-section structure to the frame that allows for more efficient use of space and concentration of mass.

2) Two-piece welded rear arm and new pivot shaft fastening assembly
In order to achieve a high level of handling stability, an aluminum rear arm with upside-down truss configuration has been adopted (two sections of mold-cast aluminum welded together). The box type structure made by welding together two pieces of low-pressure cast aluminum produces an excellent strength-rigidity balance. Also adopted is a new assembly for the pivot shaft assembly. The structure most commonly used is one in which sections of the frame enclose the pivot shaft from the outside. On this model, however, the pivot shaft is held from the inside by the (1) frame, (2) rear arm and (3) footrest bracket, in that order. This system provides optimum holding torque while at the same time enabling a slimmer footrest assembly design.

3) New-design 4-spoke cast wheels and radial tires
This model adopts newly designed 4-spoke cast wheels. Using the latest analysis technology has made it possible to build a 4-spoke wheel with roughly the same weight as a 3-spoke and a unique spoke design that is wider at the rim end than the hub end. Both of these wheels are fitted with radial tires. The front tire is a 120/70-17 and the rear an extra fat 190/50 ZR 17M/C to accentuate this model’s performance character.

4) High-performance front and rear suspensions
The upside-down front fork with 43mm diameter tubes provides both excellent cushioning and quick handling characteristics.
The rear suspension features the same horizontally positioned shock absorber as on the Road Star Warrior that contributes to improved concentration of mass and lower center of gravity while also providing excellent cushioning. Also, the suspensions are fully adjustable for preload as well as compression and rebound damping force. This combines with the effect of the upside-down truss configuration rear arm to ensure outstanding running stability and handling.

5) Front brake system with outstanding stopping power (Same as YZF-R1)
The front brake features a radial pump type master cylinder with a larger lever action and excellent control characteristics. Furthermore, the caliper is given a radial mount that minimizes distortion induced by the reactive force during braking, which helps ensure stable braking power and control especially during hard braking. This radial type mount is also characterized by excellent response during brake release that enables well-modulated braking action. (The caliper is the same as on the YZF-R1) The disc has a 320mm diameter. Also, the rear brake adopts a 267mm diameter disc with a combination of a two-pot pin-slide format and aluminum piston for excellent braking function and control characteristics.

6) Riding position with appropriate forward lean
The riding position has been set with a natural forward lean that is right for letting the rider experiencing the power of the engine below and enjoy the feeling of the machine's drive force biting into the road surface. Optimization of the handlebar shape and drop angle combine with the footrest position to provide a great sense of machine fit and hold.

7) Other features
Other features include (1) a meter panel with adjustable illumination (flashing in order of display panel, liquid crystal, needle), (2) multi-reflector headlight (4-pattern exterior) and (3) an LED taillight that accentuates the form of the muffler.