The MT-01 was available here in Australia from 2005 & Yamaha offered Stage 1, 2 & 3 performance tuning kits, but none of them addressed the brakes or suspension. For some strange reason you can now only find them for sale in small rural towns, and all in stock form.
there is channel on here "Oscar Liberek" from Australia and he makes great RAW videos of it. Also the bike is his dad's and im sure he lives in rural part as well
@@armandblake They've got a real quality feel to them. Could just be the sheer quantity of metal. Bottomed out at about $8K AUD and then started going back up as the numbers declined. I checked them out along with the Buell 1125CR, Moto Morini Corsaro Veloce, BMW R 1200S and Tuono 1000R back when I was looking for a sporting twin to replace my '97 TL1000S, but the performance just wasn't what I was looking for despite the torque. In fact nothing really did it for me until I picked up the 2018 KTM 1290 Superduke.
@@Joric78 You rode a TL1000 & survived? It's no surprise that you went for a Superduke after that. Last time I checked Space X weren't adding 2 wheels & handlebars to their main booster engine, so the Duke is the next best thing.
I do admire Yamaha; I think they're the most innovative and bravest of the Japanese companies. Sometimes it works; monoshocks, power valves for two-strokes, EXUP for four-strokes, five-valve heads, the V-Max, and sometimes it doesn't; the hub-centre GTS1000, the Niken, and this MT-01. I think they have more hits than misses. Long may they continue!
Subbing, I have been a ridder my whole life!! Love biking!!! I had a major stroke 7 years ago and it effected my balance terribly. Then 2 years ago I discovered the F-3S Spyder!!! I’m back in the wind!!!
One of my friends here in Japan loves taking his MT-01 to the track and he gets it leaned over proper. It's a funny/cool thing to see this big-ass V-twin naked getting busy in the corners.
I guess I am one of the very few people who actually own a 2007 Moto Guzzi Griso and a 2009 Yamaha MT-01. The 2 most fantastic bikes ever produced. Very different but also very similar motorbikes. Thanks for this video highlighting the MT-01!
I really miss my big Yamaha Stratoliner. That bike was fantastic. Very well balanced and amazing to ride. For me, Yamaha did a very good job one their V twins as did Honda.
I had the Stryker. My favorite cruiser. fell in love with it again when I got it flashed. Only got rid of it to change bike styles and got a FZ1 instead.
I had my Mt01 for 15 years, and it's fun to see your enthusiasm. The only bike I was totally in love with. This bike gave alot back as you have described. I actually used it on trackdays too, an honest wrestling with a lots of swet. Thanks for the video
I've had my mt01 for 2 years now and I love it i agree with everything you said about it. Ive had many bikes that are better in everyway but still nothing beats the MT for me. I even had a fight with a lorry on it and the MT survived to tell the tale 💪💪
Hear you…I made an almost fatal mistake with a semi-trailer, it was either brake and die or hit the throttle (no time to downshift) the torque monster saved me…
Also... That MT-01 has been on my ultimate unicorn bike list forever! Super jealous of you right now while also being tickled for you getting to spend some time riding it. Thanks for sharing it with us all!
I have a 2009 Mt01 RP18 . I've was doing 185kph and twist the throttle and it still pushed my butt back into the seat. Torque monster and a lot of fun. As far as handling I find it fine considering my other bike is an 07 Rocket 3. So I find the Mt quit a joy to ride. Thanks for the review I'm glad you had a fun ride.
mt-01 red 2008 ,my first bike and man i had trouble handling corners , but almost any bike feels really easier , u gain an extra pair of balls after experiencing the kodo 😂
The MT-01 was the FIRST of the MT bikes! It was the successor to the BT1100 Bulldog, that made use of the old XV1100 air-cooled mill. The Japanese used a LOT of V-twin mills in roadster configs! As I've said before, YOU NEED TO TRAVEL, across the regions where bikes have been made that have supplied the REST OF THE WORLD! The MT-01 was a VERY POPULAR design concept and statement of intent by Yamaha, of the new design language coming our way! It was so popular at the design salons that it went into production! Later, we got the MY-07 and MT-09, with a "learner legal" MT-02 or 125cc, all following these very design queues! You're welcome Mr Spite!
The amount of bikes models ive owned that never made it to the US is astounding, and they are not weird wacky left field bikes, but bikes i would have thought would have sold well there. MT-01, XJR1300SP, CB1300, GSX1400, XTZ750 Super Tenere. Plus a load of 250 2 strokes and 400 4 cylinder sports bikes, but i don't suppose they would have been big sellers there, but surely the big cc standards would have? Also what is it with US models getting wacky idiotic names?? Is it because bikes sell better their if it has a silly name?🤷
I thoroughly enjoyed watching this on my lunch break, I just love your passion, in-depth exploration and enthusiasm. The MT-01 reminds me alot of Buell (specifically the XB12s) that I spent my teens and 20's reading and learning about. Wikipedia has a great write up on the bike including some records it set. I couldn't find the engine weight though. This makes me proud to be Canadian🇨🇦
When Spite and Yammie rode an XB9S, they complained about the powertrain performance. I really think Spite would fall in love with an XB12 if he were to get on one. I'd love to see how he might compare and contrast the XB12 with this bike.
@@TheWatzitooyaI remember that review and the criticisms, I completely agree that Spite should compare and contrast the XB9S to the XB12 (I'd love to see that) and I firmly believe that he'd fall as much in love with the XB12 as he did with the MT-01. Merry Christmas and all the best in '24 from Canada🇨🇦🇧🇲❤️
I have a 2011 MT01 which I sold 4 years ago, I missed it sooo much that I bought it back again 2 years later. The state of the front tyre/tire makes a massive difference to the handling especially if scalloped, as I know from personal experience. I am 5 foot 7 inches on a good day and have no problem riding it. My later model has the uprated 6 pot calipers on the front which make a good difference. They are appreciating in value over here (UK) and you would pay £8000/$10000 for a decent one. Great video, very enjoyable. PS my other bike is a Guzzi.
Haha I ended up the same route with a Moto Guzzi 1200 sport xD Have just not got around to buy back my MT01 yet. Like you said. I have never been on a bike that is affected by its tires as much as this. But its enginebraking, torque and weight just eats performance tires😂 😂don't know how many times I almost crashed going of a parking lot.. 160Nm just kick a cold tire lose in a instant
They’re a joy to ride but tyres and tyre pressures are so important to handling it’s a bit unfair to criticise handling when tyres are shot. The weight of the MT presents interesting handling characteristics and sometimes it’s the ratio of sprung weight to unsprung weight that can make a positive difference on average roads. I set my MTs suspension up nice and firm which was great on good smooth surfaces but when things got a bit bumpy, the weight made the suspension work without throwing me around. Not top spec components but enough adjustment to make things work.
Personally I prefer high torque motors over high HP ones. There’s just something about the instant shove when you twist it that makes it feel so beastly
ive always found v twins are best for wet weather... break traction on a single, a parallel twin, a four... they just go redline. then you back off and they bite and ouch... the vees always just sorta hang on whatever RPM you sorta tell it to stay at... extremely predictable. every hairpin bend in the wet on my daily commute involved a nice sideways drift followed by about 100M of wheel spin...
I have 2 of these beasts in Australia.....I have the factory upgraded MT0S Stage 3 which dealt with the handling issues when they lowered the front suspension a few inches and they upgraded the springs....handling issues significantly reduced....i also have another one which i have a set of 120 Cube bores, titanium rods and everything to make its go a little harder than stock.....the americans missed out with these bikes....if you look throughout europe these bikes have a huge cult following..great bikes
I'm glad you liked this bike I've been riding an MT-01 for 17 years and 280,000 km it rides in France every day and I fell in love with it in France this bike is very sought after because those who have tasted this Yamaha can no longer part with it so I agree with you in your impression and wish you a happy new year 2024 , Patrice Cordonnier de Paris, France.
I was so close to buying one of these back around 2014, shop near me had one for 6 months or so, but would not budge on price... regret not just biting the bullet and doing it.
I love a Man sized bike. I have a 36" inseam. I got a KLR because it was the only motorcycle in the showroom that I could operate as is because I could slide back to where I fit. That looks absolutely awesome!!!
I love my MT01, owned it for three years, i like that it is so different from most bikes to ride. Great fun watching your first encounter with the Kodo. Hope you get one yourself
yeah it is a MT but i think it belongs in the family of vmax and cruiser riders. My brother is a MT-09 hooligan and he hates this bike so much i cant even describe it :D his complaints about cruisers are the same for this bike as well. Doesn't handle well, doesn't stop well, overheats and definitely needs a traction control so you dont keep buying new and expensive sport tires for it
@@Mendabur31not anything like a cruiser, it’s a street rod, muscle bike…I got movement just saying that! It has to be ridden to understand but definitely not everyone’s cup of tea.
I am so glad that I live in Europe where I was able to see this gem on the roads sometimes. Absolutely legendary bike, I love everything about it. I wish I had bought it when it was still produced.
I get the feeling that Yamaha made this machine when they themselves weren't quite sure what constituted a proper naked bike as far as chassis feel and ergonomics go. Perhaps it was meant to work more along the likes of a sport standard and mix that with the cruiser characteristics of the powertrain. Either way, even if it wasn't a truly commercial success, the fact that it exists and its descendants (most specifically the MT/FZ-07, MT/FZ-09 and MT-10) are objectively great platforms makes me think that the MT-01 experiment did exactly what it was set out to do, which I think was to clarify to Yamaha themselves what the direction forward would be as far as future naked production, and what future platforms should emphasize vice what they should stay away from. So in that regard, props to Yamaha for being willing to experiment in order to finesse the future generations of bikes they would produce.
im 5 ft 6 and 140 ponds and just fitted me so well, did long trips on the Autobahn to the alps and then several one week alpine pass tours , and all went so well. Like you i oftentimes shouted of pure joy. The only thing: the bike could lean like a racer, but the too low situated pegs were to low and limited the ability, the bike itself would offer. Its just an awesome and always demanding task, That is the fun, not a bike, that does everything for you with little helpers.
I borrowed my brother in law's MT-01 when my car was off the road. Gave it back after 2 weeks, it was either gonna take my life or my license. For the first week I rode it very gently, it's a fucking monster. Second week, it was flat out, scraping the pegs all the way to work and rolling the rubber off the sides of the tyres. I live in the French Alps, the roads aren't like the "difficult" roads Spite shows here, they've actually got, y'know, "corners".
I'm in the UK and a very proud owner of a Yamaha MT-01. The handling issues just add to the character, and once you have it setup correctly it's OK. Nothing beats that noise, especially with a set of ackros
One bike i always regret selling. I had one of the last in white with the black frame and swingarm. I just couldn't find a black one which was my holy grail. Great bikes.
I have this bike, got used from my dad about 34k km when i got it and after all these years i still love it, done a lot of stuff with the bike, touring, track day, even daily commuting and the joy... Christ in heaven, i just clocked around 170k km like 2 month ago, this bike and my 2020 Vmax is the 2 bike i will never sale, the only way for me to sale that 2 is for me to drop dead
European MT-01 owner here: Did you know that Yamaha basically took a Yamaha R1, took all fairings off, took the 1000Cc 4 cylinder R1 engine out of the frame and put a 1700 Warrior engine in and some obvious finishing and voila: there is the MT-01. So we're talking about a 1700 Cc V-twin Yamaha R1 here. You really should go see the video called: Yamaha MT-01 Brünn / Brno 2011 And then get yourself motivated to declare again that the Yamaha MT-01 is hard to ride.... It will take some effort, and it will take a learning curve, but when experienced enough you'll be able to toss this bike bike up and down the corners of any circuit you can come up with in a way that serious 4 cylinder cruise-missiles will have trouble keeping up with you. The bike usually can do a lot more than the average rider will be able to show. And the MT-01 name: well this bike was the very first MT of the MT-line; so it was Master of Torque number 1. And if you really need to match MT-01 to the size of the engine: the motor is about 100 cubic inches (103 I'd say) so; MT-01 also refers to the 100 Cui in the name MT-01. And if you really need to go stupid fast everywhere: please consider the Yamaha MT-10 for this really is a Yamaha R1 without fairings, so basically the successor of the Yamaha FZS Fazer 1000.
My boss has an MT-01, it sits in the reception area of the office building. The bike is pristine and low mileage. He always said it's the one bike he won't ever sell. The only thing I can say about it is that it sounds so much better than in the video... Although that bike has the stage 3 kit with the Akrapovic exhaust.
I have MT-01 stage 2 for 14yrs,one of a few bikes of mine,5'6 and no issues with height, reccomend getting suspension set up professionally, huge difference ☘️🇮🇪
Van Driessen - Been watching you for years, since you joined YN, and I know how much you've always wanted to ride one. I'm really glad you finally got to ride your holy grail. I hope you get to own one soon. Living in the UK these are readily available on the used market. Initially doing my spreadsheet warrioring when I was first getting into biking this was one of the bikes I was initially considering for my first/second bike. SOO glad I got a FZS600 instead!!! Having owned all of the major Japanese and European brands in the past, and currently own a Ducati, I can honestly say Yamaha are outright the BEST motorcycle manufacturer in the world! I love that they have the balls to continually do crazy shit and make awesome difference off the wall motorcycles!
Great review. I bought my MT-01 (UK based) when they came out in 2005 (I part exchanged my Yamaha R1 for it after one test ride!!) and I still own it 18 years later. Still the best bike I’ve owned. I’ll never sell it!
I have a 2007 MT01SP here in the states. Its really a great bike- thanks for the review. If you're in the NW sometime you can ride some of my VTwins...
Spite - you need to stop it mate! I've owned an FTR1200, had an Aprilia Shiver 750 and have a DL1000. Love my V-twin sport bikes. I was contemplating a Griso and now I want an MT-01. You bloody legend
So funny that you would release this video right now. I was just going over my dream bike list with the girlfriend a little over a week ago when I saw a 2007 ZX14 Special Edition (US Paint Job) up for sale. The MT-01 is also on the short list of bikes I will someday own. I was riding a 2004 Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 when this bike came out and I was just in awe of it. What a beast.
It used to be my bike for more than 7 years. Unique and capable for everything. Commuting, traveling or going stupid fast on b roads. The handling is so SO steady. I had superbike tyres on it and they worked so good. You can go really fast. Of course it is not a ktm or ducati, and what is tough for the bike is changing direction from side to side. But again, you just push harder the fatbar and everything is under control. After, I got a moto guzzi stelvio 1200. I can't choose between the two. The stelvio is a GUZZI, so it's so fun and unique. But the MT 01 is as unique as an MT-01 and nothing else. THAT SPECIAL. I want to mention that going at 60mph the rpms are 2300 (in a fantastic speedo) . What other bike can do that??!
Glad you got to ride this beast. It does look and sound pretty dang cool... I won't be shocked if one shows up in the garage in the coming weeks/months. From what I've seen though... this thing just makes me want a Vmax more and a Bolt950 and a Kawi Voyager1700 while I'm dreaming. I think you are up in the night about Japanese V-twins though. Un-killable levels of bulletproof, smooth running, they don't burn or leak oil and they start pretty much every time... with many budget friendly options to choose from in the used market... Solid motorcycles IMO. Really good options for the budget minded buyer.
As an ex MT-01 owner, no the motor is not 'just' out of a warrior. Yamaha did a lot of modification to it, lighter crank, different heads and more BHP/Torque (think a Patrick racing tuned warrior) plus chain final drive. The later version had better brakes 2007 on (6 pot) and the SP had uprated Ohlins suspension. The Handling is really for sweeping bends not tight back roads, hit a tight roundabout fast, and the front has a 'tuck in' tendency. Sound wise? The pipes you had on the test one? The UK had a guy who did a conversion to the OEM mufflers, Basically gutted and 2 inch perforated tube through+ packing, Fantastic sound (loud and DEEP). Power wise, what killed the 01 was the euro emission laws, especially on the 2007+.. there was a 'power drop/step' to get them through the noise regs. They also got a bit 'strangled' up top. I did stage 2 (which meant a new ECU and makes the bike fully tuneable, no O2 sensor) open airbox mod, and the UK (Ralph's) muffler mod.... far sharper throttle response, pulled to the redline, and peeling out of corners, several friends with sport bikes were shocked they had to 'handful it' to keep up. I did 80k on mine, and absolutely a bike I will always remember. Complete fun to ride, and yes that roll on torque? A HD mechanic who rode mine called it "a big boys Buell".
@@donaldoehl7690 mine never skipped a beat even when i launched it in the bush on a gravel road. New owner is very satisfied as well. Only sold it because i do a lot of solo traveling and needed a lockable hard case storage and ABS
just bought mine as my first motorcycle since it fits my 6'7''' lankyness. tuned up to around 100hp with straight pipes. Absolutely amazing feeling to ride and insane sound. And just fast enough :)
When I discovered the MT01 time i laughed for 5 min straight. It seemed so funny to me that they did that. I actually bought that bike that got me laughing and man it went places with me and not always the nice kind like snowy mountain tops in blizzard like conditions.
YES YS YES!!, One of the few guys, that did not do the Acrapovic "downgrade" trap, tats what it is . THE best original exhaust!!!!!!! Even with double housing, air fan cooling and an automatic valve in it that adapts torque to every revving level.
My dad bought one new, loved it, he's 6'3 and it suited him well but he only had it for about 2 years, the vibration and rather short fuel range annoyed him. His biggest complaint was hardly any aftermarket parts and the stuff he could buy was expensive. I rode it a few tines and liked it.
I’ve got a warrior and absolutely love that 1700cc engine. I couldn’t imagine what it would be feel like on this platform. I’m sure once you ride the MT-01 nothing is going to come close to comparing to it.
I always wanted to see Yamaha release a sports oriented bike based around the v-4 V-MAX engine with chain drive, not a shaft. I always felt that combo would be a wicked canyon carver on the street.
I fell in love with this bike when I first saw it in the first Ghost Rider movie (I believe it was the stunt bike he used). Then I saw one in person in Paris in 2006 and I fell in love with it even more. I've been kind of slowly looking for one in the USA but they are a little hard to come by. Also at this point they're pretty old so it would probably need some work ... still interested but I don't want to pay top dollar for such an old machine. Thanks for the great review Spite!
I've had one of these for the last 15 years in the UK. Had loads of bikes in my 40 years riding career, but the MT-01 is the only one I've kept long term, it does everything I want & nothing else out there compares to it's uniqueness tbh. I had a Buell X1 Lightning about 20 years ago, I loved it but so much stuff went wrong with it I ended up selling it. I missed it so ended up buying one of these. That's what I liken these to, a Japanese Buell, but with reliability.
I had one of these in Portugal for six years. Fantastic ride. Didn't want to sell it but I'm moving back to England, so I had to. The bikes are easy to manage. They handle well enough, and come on, 265 kg isn't heavy. The brakes are fine, too. The bike looks better without the fly screen and the motorcross bar protectors. Two problems with these bikes: the fork seals fail regularly; the starter motor is prone to fail, although you can be proactive on that score by glueing the magnets back on more securely tha Yamaha originally did it. Nick
Heres one for you to hunt down and test ride. its called V-bike by Custom Chrome. It was only sold as a kit back in early to mid 2000's. powered by a harley clone engine by Rev-tec. They are so cool.
My very first bike was a 1978 Yamaha 650 Special and it rode about like you described this 😂 But like you, I loved that POS and rode 'er for many years! Cornered well once I dialed it in and was comfy dragging pegs. Had a couple other bikes in between. Now...Finally have my Wide Glide. It's a Shovelhead ❤❤❤ I'll ride her til I need a trike to keep riding. Just like you said at 24:27...I am past my days of needing to go fast. I do still enjoy the loud however 😉 STRAIGHT PIPES SAVE 🤘 LIVES
The MT-O1 just gets you…but some people don’t get it. Great to see how this test turned around. The biggest bike I had ever ridden was an 850 Laverda, I saw the MT, took it for a test ride, pulled a couple of wheel stands without really trying and that was it🥰. Let me assure you that nothing gets off the line at the traffic lights faster..after a couple of goes, the sports bike riders just peel off down a side street to lick their wounds😂😂😂😂
LOL, I like this bike and just decided to search to see if there was a newer video on them since I last checked a few years back. Boom, there is spite.
I have a Road Star with the same engine. It's a fantastic bike. Lots of folks take them to 200k miles with only routine maintenance. With a little less dad bod like this, I think it would be a perfect daily cruiser for grown ups.
@@jvillain9946 longest running motorcycle engine ever was the Harley Sportster platform, Swifty. Always a hater, and 99 percent of the time never rode one, and most of the, couldn't afford one. Much cheaper to hide behind a computer and spew hatred. Different strokes for different people.
@@jvillain9946 pretty foolish and childish on your part to say that they used all Harley equipment. NOTHING could be farther from the truth. Get off the computer and get a ACTUAL education.
@@t.s.racing and they're still trash. Just bc they haven't updated it doesn't mean its long running. They're hard to keep running. It means it's outdated overpriced trash. It's not that I don't have the money. It's that id rather spend it on an actual good bike
I wished for a long time for yamaha to make a v twin sport bike. As far as I know, they did not. But I loved my Warrior! And will be looking for a Mt 01
I traded my Blackbird for one of these back in the day. Completely loved it. Many complains about its handling. But I think it's spot on, BUT have never been on a bike that is so affected by what tires it got. First of all, It eats sport-tires because its weight 😅 then the torque and engine braking flats the rear tire in notice😂. So if you ride one. Just make sure this is not the case. But it easily keeps up with sportbikes on backroads 😀. It's one of the bikes you really should have owned. Even if I ended up on a Moto Guzzi I still consider getting a MT01 again. Only negative I have to say is how the engine just chockes out after 4000rpm leaving you beaten by a ER6. Making you do a down-payment on a Stage 3 kit 😎 it solves
Yamaha did modify the motor. It has some titanium moving parts and a different weighted crank. Having owned one and putting a lot of miles on it, I loved the motor. All torque, all the time. I also didn’t find it hard to ride in the twistiest. Not sport bike handling, but similar to big sport touring handling. Similar to a Kawasaki Concours. I’ve owned a lot of bikes, and this is by far my favorite. You have some bad tires. The MT-01 handles pretty good but heavy. I also didn’t find it that large. It’s weird to hear you say it. Yes, it’s thick and heavy, but still 100lbs less than any Softail. I completely agree with your last comments. It’s like they built it for me. I lost mine in an accident and miss it daily. That was 17 years ago. BTW. MT-01 was the first MT and the reason for the 01 designation. It had nothing to do with displacement. They later made a MT-03 but didn’t sell it in the US either,
Had one for 2 years so did 2 mates, both went off the road on long sweepers but both good riders. Brilliant fun,built so well but, watch out its a light chassis but engine has a big flywheel, gryro effect on a fast corner if your on high revs means it takes double the force to turn, it will run wide just out of no where and front tyres take a hammering as your turning in against the engine at high speed. Brakes are R1 good stuff and exaust will blow someones hat off if they stand behind!
This thing is a legend! Made as a concept bike and it made so much noise that Yamaha went "sure why not?" . The height and torque makes it a battle to handle and 13 L fuel tank makes it urban riding bike. Pipes' placement doesn't allow for a passenger due to overheating. So not a touring bike as well. It is a novelty bike at best which is greatest in its' category in my opinion and i will own it someday for sure. Also i think its called 01 because its the first one in MT family. In a perfect world; in the hands of great custom mechanic, this could turn into great bike if you could adress the centre of gravity issues and Harley style fan on the engine block fins. If anybody has some advice on how to lower it succesfully engineering wise im all ears
i had no idea this bike existed…it is exactly what i envision as my dream bike…i’ve never been a sports bike guy…i’ve had many big v twin cruisers including harley heritage…btw…of all of my metric bikes , I truly loved my kawasaki 1500 vulcan… i’ve yearned for a bike that has the rumble and torque of a big cruiser, but can handle sweeping turns without dragging floor boards…the buell wheelbase is too short , , the ftr has no range, and the motus ( my ultimate dream bike) is priced way out of my league …the riding position on this seems to be perfect for blowing around town or taking on road trips…i would bet that fuel economy was a concern for yamaha offering this in the u s…but, im with you…this is my bike!
They actually DID modify the Warrior engine a lot for the MT01, i.e. the crankshaft is a lot lighter to make for quicker throttle response. So some of the lowest rev punch is lost - while strengthening the midrange power output. And the bike is very susceptible to either worn tyres or bad choice of tyres. Throw on a set of Continental Road Attack 3 or 4 and she will actually handle really quick and nimble for a bike in that weight range.
I loved this whenever I got the chance to ride this thing my friend had one for a brief period it was a monster the hand of god pushing you the speed and the sound never matched 😂.
I have this thing. Immense fun, never gets old. With good typres, its pretty agile. Handlebar needs to be broader for handling. Engine is from Warrior, but has been modified, so it has a lot more horsepower.
i have had a lot of harleys and ive yet to own that vibrates your eye balls except my first one ..i rebuilt the engine and took the top and bottom end to the Precision Balance Company of Indianapolis and it didn't vibrate anymore...passed the open beer can test ..set an open can of beer on the front fender , rev up the engine and the beer can won't fall off or foam over and talk about free up some horse power when the engine is dynamically balanced , you have to do it as you won't believe
My first bike was a 2006 Yamaha BT1100 Bulldog Fully Loaded with Laser Exhausts and a Magura bar with lowered risers. Loved the torque on it, but then I saw the MT-01 and in 2010 I bought a 2008 RP18 white one secondhand with just 3k km on it and Stage 1 Akra's. In 2014 at 74k km a truck hit me on a double lane roundabout and it was a total loss. A few months later I bought a second one, a black RP18 from 2008 with just 9k km on it and also Stage 1 Akra's. It has now almost 80k km on it and still going strong. Go for a Hyperpro spring kit front and rear and the handling will improve a lot more together with good tyres like Michelin PilotRoad 6. Get a 190/55 on the rear in stead of the standard 190/50. When wearing off the tyre it will keep the handling better. But for God's sake: buy one, you'll never want another! But I like Griso's too. The MT-01 is a bike with an edge. Some will get cut and get hurt, others will love to get cut. You have to work it to get the love out of it. Love your review!
You need to hear a Ducati DesertX with the full race Termignoni de- cat system. The install includes an EVO tune. I've put over 7k miles on mine in under 6 months, regularly get told it sounds incredibly. Some people refuse to believe it's available right from Ducati on a new bike, just check the right option box. 😅 Oh, and no surprise that a desirable Yamaha ISN'T avaliable in the US market. I wanted a World Raid or Rally T7, none are provided to the US market.
Got to see one at a bike night at my local cycle gear here in oregon. dude was an old head with wind kissed skin who was friendly as could be. coolest experience
Based on what i've noticed about what you like in a bike from all your videos, I gotta say it suprises me that you didnt even mention Buell when talking about V-twin naked bikes! I'd be amazed if you wouldn't fall in love with a Ulysses. Between the sporty transmission and sport bike tires, it hand no business going very far off the hard roads. But it made an awesome naked bike on the street!
The Buell M2 Cyclone, S1 Lightning, X1 Lightning, and XB12 Lightning were all designed for street use, so no need to adapt an adventure bike. I owned the M2 and it was a great bike. As a current owner of a Moto Guzzi Griso 1100 though, the Buells are a downgrade in just about every way.
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I want that bike
you might like the new Buell Super Cruiser
i am lucky to have MT01 Black edition it is a great bike
i feel satisfaction going on 3rd gear hearing the sound oh always it will draw a big smile
The MT-01 was available here in Australia from 2005 & Yamaha offered Stage 1, 2 & 3 performance tuning kits, but none of them addressed the brakes or suspension. For some strange reason you can now only find them for sale in small rural towns, and all in stock form.
there is channel on here "Oscar Liberek" from Australia and he makes great RAW videos of it. Also the bike is his dad's and im sure he lives in rural part as well
Yeah, and they are bloody expensive. Get one while you can if you can afford it. I used to say that ages ago when I couldn’t even legally ride
@@armandblake They've got a real quality feel to them. Could just be the sheer quantity of metal. Bottomed out at about $8K AUD and then started going back up as the numbers declined. I checked them out along with the Buell 1125CR, Moto Morini Corsaro Veloce, BMW R 1200S and Tuono 1000R back when I was looking for a sporting twin to replace my '97 TL1000S, but the performance just wasn't what I was looking for despite the torque. In fact nothing really did it for me until I picked up the 2018 KTM 1290 Superduke.
I see one on my way to work each day here in Adelaide.
@@Joric78 You rode a TL1000 & survived? It's no surprise that you went for a Superduke after that. Last time I checked Space X weren't adding 2 wheels & handlebars to their main booster engine, so the Duke is the next best thing.
I do admire Yamaha; I think they're the most innovative and bravest of the Japanese companies. Sometimes it works; monoshocks, power valves for two-strokes, EXUP for four-strokes, five-valve heads, the V-Max, and sometimes it doesn't; the hub-centre GTS1000, the Niken, and this MT-01. I think they have more hits than misses. Long may they continue!
Vmax too with a v4 1700cc engine was mad xD
My bad you said it xD
dont forget the crazy vmax lmao
oh you already said it haha
Subbing, I have been a ridder my whole life!! Love biking!!! I had a major stroke 7 years ago and it effected my balance terribly. Then 2 years ago I discovered the F-3S Spyder!!! I’m back in the wind!!!
One of my friends here in Japan loves taking his MT-01 to the track and he gets it leaned over proper. It's a funny/cool thing to see this big-ass V-twin naked getting busy in the corners.
Its a naked, and easy to lean over, but you should know what your doing with this bike with the weight which will come down at some point.
I guess I am one of the very few people who actually own a 2007 Moto Guzzi Griso and a 2009 Yamaha MT-01. The 2 most fantastic bikes ever produced. Very different but also very similar motorbikes. Thanks for this video highlighting the MT-01!
You're gonna need protection bruh! ;)
@@JoaquimGonsalves Haha, you are right about that!
@@jala6707😊 Enjoy and ride safe brother.❤
IDK why but that motor is very contrasting to the rest of the bike. It's like someone photo shopped a v twin in there. I LOVE IT!!!!
I really miss my big Yamaha Stratoliner. That bike was fantastic. Very well balanced and amazing to ride. For me, Yamaha did a very good job one their V twins as did Honda.
I had the Stryker. My favorite cruiser. fell in love with it again when I got it flashed. Only got rid of it to change bike styles and got a FZ1 instead.
Kawasaki also. Spite is simping hard for HD with his metric V-twin takes.
I agree. I had a -01 Yamaha XVS1100 earlier this year. it had no more than 6000 miles and It was a hoot to ride. A really great motor.
I had my Mt01 for 15 years, and it's fun to see your enthusiasm. The only bike I was totally in love with. This bike gave alot back as you have described. I actually used it on trackdays too, an honest wrestling with a lots of swet. Thanks for the video
I've had my mt01 for 2 years now and I love it i agree with everything you said about it. Ive had many bikes that are better in everyway but still nothing beats the MT for me. I even had a fight with a lorry on it and the MT survived to tell the tale 💪💪
Hear you…I made an almost fatal mistake with a semi-trailer, it was either brake and die or hit the throttle (no time to downshift) the torque monster saved me…
Also... That MT-01 has been on my ultimate unicorn bike list forever! Super jealous of you right now while also being tickled for you getting to spend some time riding it. Thanks for sharing it with us all!
I have a 2009 Mt01 RP18 . I've was doing 185kph and twist the throttle and it still pushed my butt back into the seat. Torque monster and a lot of fun. As far as handling I find it fine considering my other bike is an 07 Rocket 3. So I find the Mt quit a joy to ride. Thanks for the review I'm glad you had a fun ride.
mt-01 red 2008 ,my first bike and man i had trouble handling corners , but almost any bike feels really easier , u gain an extra pair of balls after experiencing the kodo 😂
The MT-01 was the FIRST of the MT bikes! It was the successor to the BT1100 Bulldog, that made use of the old XV1100 air-cooled mill. The Japanese used a LOT of V-twin mills in roadster configs! As I've said before, YOU NEED TO TRAVEL, across the regions where bikes have been made that have supplied the REST OF THE WORLD!
The MT-01 was a VERY POPULAR design concept and statement of intent by Yamaha, of the new design language coming our way! It was so popular at the design salons that it went into production! Later, we got the MY-07 and MT-09, with a "learner legal" MT-02 or 125cc, all following these very design queues!
You're welcome Mr Spite!
Also mt03 was a nice smaller one. But single piston was a bit of a pain. But damn yamaha was bold :p
The amount of bikes models ive owned that never made it to the US is astounding, and they are not weird wacky left field bikes, but bikes i would have thought would have sold well there. MT-01, XJR1300SP, CB1300, GSX1400, XTZ750 Super Tenere. Plus a load of 250 2 strokes and 400 4 cylinder sports bikes, but i don't suppose they would have been big sellers there, but surely the big cc standards would have? Also what is it with US models getting wacky idiotic names?? Is it because bikes sell better their if it has a silly name?🤷
I own both the MT-01 and the Bulldog. And additionally I own an old MT-03 with the 660cc engine.
@@oldineamiller9007 nice lineup
@@thomasbouvier3203
Thanks. Yes indeed. My friend said, the MT-3 looks like a MT-01 that shrinked after a hot wash.
I thoroughly enjoyed watching this on my lunch break, I just love your passion, in-depth exploration and enthusiasm. The MT-01 reminds me alot of Buell (specifically the XB12s) that I spent my teens and 20's reading and learning about.
Wikipedia has a great write up on the bike including some records it set. I couldn't find the engine weight though.
This makes me proud to be Canadian🇨🇦
When Spite and Yammie rode an XB9S, they complained about the powertrain performance. I really think Spite would fall in love with an XB12 if he were to get on one. I'd love to see how he might compare and contrast the XB12 with this bike.
@@TheWatzitooyaI remember that review and the criticisms, I completely agree that Spite should compare and contrast the XB9S to the XB12 (I'd love to see that) and I firmly believe that he'd fall as much in love with the XB12 as he did with the MT-01.
Merry Christmas and all the best in '24 from Canada🇨🇦🇧🇲❤️
I have a 2011 MT01 which I sold 4 years ago, I missed it sooo much that I bought it back again 2 years later. The state of the front tyre/tire makes a massive difference to the
handling especially if scalloped, as I know from personal experience. I am 5 foot 7 inches on a good day and have no problem riding it. My later model has the uprated 6 pot calipers
on the front which make a good difference. They are appreciating in value over here (UK) and you would pay £8000/$10000 for a decent one. Great video, very enjoyable. PS my other bike is a Guzzi.
It's so true. When I changed the tires on my MT-01 to Commander 3's, it just wanted to lean all day
Haha I ended up the same route with a Moto Guzzi 1200 sport xD
Have just not got around to buy back my MT01 yet.
Like you said. I have never been on a bike that is affected by its tires as much as this. But its enginebraking, torque and weight just eats performance tires😂
😂don't know how many times I almost crashed going of a parking lot.. 160Nm just kick a cold tire lose in a instant
They’re a joy to ride but tyres and tyre pressures are so important to handling it’s a bit unfair to criticise handling when tyres are shot. The weight of the MT presents interesting handling characteristics and sometimes it’s the ratio of sprung weight to unsprung weight that can make a positive difference on average roads. I set my MTs suspension up nice and firm which was great on good smooth surfaces but when things got a bit bumpy, the weight made the suspension work without throwing me around. Not top spec components but enough adjustment to make things work.
Personally I prefer high torque motors over high HP ones. There’s just something about the instant shove when you twist it that makes it feel so beastly
ive always found v twins are best for wet weather...
break traction on a single, a parallel twin, a four... they just go redline. then you back off and they bite and ouch...
the vees always just sorta hang on whatever RPM you sorta tell it to stay at... extremely predictable.
every hairpin bend in the wet on my daily commute involved a nice sideways drift followed by about 100M of wheel spin...
After hearing the sound, I'm angry with Yamaha 😂😂😂
That induction noise is pure orgasm
Totally justified. :)
Same sound as MT10
😂 he should also shown on video how much the front fork flex at idle
This bike is just something els. Miss it so bad
It looks like they used the vmax 1700 frame, forks , front light and probably a lot more.
I have 2 of these beasts in Australia.....I have the factory upgraded MT0S Stage 3 which dealt with the handling issues when they lowered the front suspension a few inches and they upgraded the springs....handling issues significantly reduced....i also have another one which i have a set of 120 Cube bores, titanium rods and everything to make its go a little harder than stock.....the americans missed out with these bikes....if you look throughout europe these bikes have a huge cult following..great bikes
I'm glad you liked this bike I've been riding an MT-01 for 17 years and 280,000 km it rides in France every day and I fell in love with it in France this bike is very sought after because those who have tasted this Yamaha can no longer part with it so I agree with you in your impression and wish you a happy new year 2024 , Patrice Cordonnier de Paris, France.
I was so close to buying one of these back around 2014, shop near me had one for 6 months or so, but would not budge on price... regret not just biting the bullet and doing it.
I know I'm going to regret not buying this one when it sells.
@@spitescornerbuy it, you won't regret it 😉
😢
I love a Man sized bike. I have a 36" inseam. I got a KLR because it was the only motorcycle in the showroom that I could operate as is because I could slide back to where I fit. That looks absolutely awesome!!!
I love my MT01, owned it for three years, i like that it is so different from most bikes to ride. Great fun watching your first encounter with the Kodo. Hope you get one yourself
I almost went with one of these in 2021, I was infatuated by it but sensibly went for the XSR900 2018 instead. Still a bit in love with it though 😍
yeah it is a MT but i think it belongs in the family of vmax and cruiser riders. My brother is a MT-09 hooligan and he hates this bike so much i cant even describe it :D his complaints about cruisers are the same for this bike as well. Doesn't handle well, doesn't stop well, overheats and definitely needs a traction control so you dont keep buying new and expensive sport tires for it
@@Mendabur31not anything like a cruiser, it’s a street rod, muscle bike…I got movement just saying that! It has to be ridden to understand but definitely not everyone’s cup of tea.
Excellent review sir. I appreciate you comparing it to the FTR.
I am so glad that I live in Europe where I was able to see this gem on the roads sometimes.
Absolutely legendary bike, I love everything about it.
I wish I had bought it when it was still produced.
I get the feeling that Yamaha made this machine when they themselves weren't quite sure what constituted a proper naked bike as far as chassis feel and ergonomics go. Perhaps it was meant to work more along the likes of a sport standard and mix that with the cruiser characteristics of the powertrain. Either way, even if it wasn't a truly commercial success, the fact that it exists and its descendants (most specifically the MT/FZ-07, MT/FZ-09 and MT-10) are objectively great platforms makes me think that the MT-01 experiment did exactly what it was set out to do, which I think was to clarify to Yamaha themselves what the direction forward would be as far as future naked production, and what future platforms should emphasize vice what they should stay away from. So in that regard, props to Yamaha for being willing to experiment in order to finesse the future generations of bikes they would produce.
my little mt03 rips too! XD
im 5 ft 6 and 140 ponds and just fitted me so well, did long trips on the Autobahn to the alps and then several one week alpine pass tours , and all went so well. Like you i oftentimes shouted of pure joy. The only thing: the bike could lean like a racer, but the too low situated pegs were to low and limited the ability, the bike itself would offer. Its just an awesome and always demanding task, That is the fun, not a bike, that does everything for you with little helpers.
I borrowed my brother in law's MT-01 when my car was off the road. Gave it back after 2 weeks, it was either gonna take my life or my license. For the first week I rode it very gently, it's a fucking monster. Second week, it was flat out, scraping the pegs all the way to work and rolling the rubber off the sides of the tyres. I live in the French Alps, the roads aren't like the "difficult" roads Spite shows here, they've actually got, y'know, "corners".
I'm in the UK and a very proud owner of a Yamaha MT-01. The handling issues just add to the character, and once you have it setup correctly it's OK.
Nothing beats that noise, especially with a set of ackros
One bike i always regret selling. I had one of the last in white with the black frame and swingarm. I just couldn't find a black one which was my holy grail. Great bikes.
@@BikingChapI have a Superior MK2 edition MT01 in Midnight Black for sale . Check out my bikes on my channel.
Hi Tom … subscribed to your channel a while ago … from MisterTorque U.K.
@@MISTERTORQUE thanks mate
I have this bike, got used from my dad about 34k km when i got it and after all these years i still love it, done a lot of stuff with the bike, touring, track day, even daily commuting and the joy... Christ in heaven, i just clocked around 170k km like 2 month ago, this bike and my 2020 Vmax is the 2 bike i will never sale, the only way for me to sale that 2 is for me to drop dead
European MT-01 owner here: Did you know that Yamaha basically took a Yamaha R1, took all fairings off, took the 1000Cc 4 cylinder R1 engine out of the frame and put a 1700 Warrior engine in and some obvious finishing and voila: there is the MT-01. So we're talking about a 1700 Cc V-twin Yamaha R1 here. You really should go see the video called:
Yamaha MT-01 Brünn / Brno 2011
And then get yourself motivated to declare again that the Yamaha MT-01 is hard to ride.... It will take some effort, and it will take a learning curve, but when experienced enough you'll be able to toss this bike bike up and down the corners of any circuit you can come up with in a way that serious 4 cylinder cruise-missiles will have trouble keeping up with you. The bike usually can do a lot more than the average rider will be able to show. And the MT-01 name: well this bike was the very first MT of the MT-line; so it was Master of Torque number 1. And if you really need to match MT-01 to the size of the engine: the motor is about 100 cubic inches (103 I'd say) so; MT-01 also refers to the 100 Cui in the name MT-01. And if you really need to go stupid fast everywhere: please consider the Yamaha MT-10 for this really is a Yamaha R1 without fairings, so basically the successor of the Yamaha FZS Fazer 1000.
My boss has an MT-01, it sits in the reception area of the office building. The bike is pristine and low mileage. He always said it's the one bike he won't ever sell.
The only thing I can say about it is that it sounds so much better than in the video... Although that bike has the stage 3 kit with the Akrapovic exhaust.
I have MT-01 stage 2 for 14yrs,one of a few bikes of mine,5'6 and no issues with height, reccomend getting suspension set up professionally, huge difference ☘️🇮🇪
Van Driessen - Been watching you for years, since you joined YN, and I know how much you've always wanted to ride one. I'm really glad you finally got to ride your holy grail. I hope you get to own one soon. Living in the UK these are readily available on the used market. Initially doing my spreadsheet warrioring when I was first getting into biking this was one of the bikes I was initially considering for my first/second bike. SOO glad I got a FZS600 instead!!! Having owned all of the major Japanese and European brands in the past, and currently own a Ducati, I can honestly say Yamaha are outright the BEST motorcycle manufacturer in the world! I love that they have the balls to continually do crazy shit and make awesome difference off the wall motorcycles!
Great production quality!!
Great review. I bought my MT-01 (UK based) when they came out in 2005 (I part exchanged my Yamaha R1 for it after one test ride!!) and I still own it 18 years later. Still the best bike I’ve owned. I’ll never sell it!
Spite your such a good narrator I love it, keep up the great content boss man
Much appreciated!
I have a 2007 MT01SP here in the states. Its really a great bike- thanks for the review. If you're in the NW sometime you can ride some of my VTwins...
Hi , if You still have it and want to sell it , please let me know . Best regards , Patrik
I do still have it- but I'll never sell it. You'll have to be at my estate auction one day. @@patrikbrazdil8064
Spite is the only reason I got one of these back in april
Lucky. I'm jealous
Spite - you need to stop it mate!
I've owned an FTR1200, had an Aprilia Shiver 750 and have a DL1000.
Love my V-twin sport bikes.
I was contemplating a Griso and now I want an MT-01.
You bloody legend
Nice to see someone enjoying an Apillia. My BF rides one. Most here have never heard of them. Everyone hears Italian, they think Ducati 😂
Do it…
I read about this bike in a magazine when I was a kid, it was just amazing
So funny that you would release this video right now. I was just going over my dream bike list with the girlfriend a little over a week ago when I saw a 2007 ZX14 Special Edition (US Paint Job) up for sale. The MT-01 is also on the short list of bikes I will someday own. I was riding a 2004 Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 when this bike came out and I was just in awe of it. What a beast.
It used to be my bike for more than 7 years. Unique and capable for everything. Commuting, traveling or going stupid fast on b roads. The handling is so SO steady. I had superbike tyres on it and they worked so good. You can go really fast. Of course it is not a ktm or ducati, and what is tough for the bike is changing direction from side to side. But again, you just push harder the fatbar and everything is under control. After, I got a moto guzzi stelvio 1200. I can't choose between the two. The stelvio is a GUZZI, so it's so fun and unique. But the MT 01 is as unique as an MT-01 and nothing else. THAT SPECIAL. I want to mention that going at 60mph the rpms are 2300 (in a fantastic speedo) . What other bike can do that??!
Glad you got to ride this beast. It does look and sound pretty dang cool... I won't be shocked if one shows up in the garage in the coming weeks/months. From what I've seen though... this thing just makes me want a Vmax more and a Bolt950 and a Kawi Voyager1700 while I'm dreaming.
I think you are up in the night about Japanese V-twins though. Un-killable levels of bulletproof, smooth running, they don't burn or leak oil and they start pretty much every time... with many budget friendly options to choose from in the used market... Solid motorcycles IMO. Really good options for the budget minded buyer.
There was a used one at my local dealership in Canada. Great condition, whoever got it hopefully they know what they have. So cool!
As an ex MT-01 owner, no the motor is not 'just' out of a warrior. Yamaha did a lot of modification to it, lighter crank, different heads and more BHP/Torque (think a Patrick racing tuned warrior) plus chain final drive. The later version had better brakes 2007 on (6 pot) and the SP had uprated Ohlins suspension. The Handling is really for sweeping bends not tight back roads, hit a tight roundabout fast, and the front has a 'tuck in' tendency. Sound wise? The pipes you had on the test one? The UK had a guy who did a conversion to the OEM mufflers, Basically gutted and 2 inch perforated tube through+ packing, Fantastic sound (loud and DEEP). Power wise, what killed the 01 was the euro emission laws, especially on the 2007+.. there was a 'power drop/step' to get them through the noise regs. They also got a bit 'strangled' up top. I did stage 2 (which meant a new ECU and makes the bike fully tuneable, no O2 sensor) open airbox mod, and the UK (Ralph's) muffler mod.... far sharper throttle response, pulled to the redline, and peeling out of corners, several friends with sport bikes were shocked they had to 'handful it' to keep up. I did 80k on mine, and absolutely a bike I will always remember. Complete fun to ride, and yes that roll on torque? A HD mechanic who rode mine called it "a big boys Buell".
I owned XV1600 with a very similar engine and it was an experience to ride it every time
The Roadstar is a LOT of motorcycle. I loved mine but it wasn't loving me back so it had to go. 😢
@@donaldoehl7690 mine never skipped a beat even when i launched it in the bush on a gravel road. New owner is very satisfied as well. Only sold it because i do a lot of solo traveling and needed a lockable hard case storage and ABS
Would love to see a direct comparison of this to like an old Diavel or a B-King.
just bought mine as my first motorcycle since it fits my 6'7''' lankyness. tuned up to around 100hp with straight pipes. Absolutely amazing feeling to ride and insane sound. And just fast enough :)
Might be the coolest modern classic bike.
When I discovered the MT01 time i laughed for 5 min straight. It seemed so funny to me that they did that. I actually bought that bike that got me laughing and man it went places with me and not always the nice kind like snowy mountain tops in blizzard like conditions.
I have been riding my MT-01 for nearly 14 years now. Still exiting every time.
We got it here in Canada and I see one every now and again. Definitely on my list of bikes I wanna own some time
YES YS YES!!, One of the few guys, that did not do the Acrapovic "downgrade" trap, tats what it is . THE best original exhaust!!!!!!! Even with double housing, air fan cooling and an automatic valve in it that adapts torque to every revving level.
My dad bought one new, loved it, he's 6'3 and it suited him well but he only had it for about 2 years, the vibration and rather short fuel range annoyed him. His biggest complaint was hardly any aftermarket parts and the stuff he could buy was expensive. I rode it a few tines and liked it.
I’ve got a warrior and absolutely love that 1700cc engine. I couldn’t imagine what it would be feel like on this platform. I’m sure once you ride the MT-01 nothing is going to come close to comparing to it.
I always wanted to see Yamaha release a sports oriented bike based around the v-4 V-MAX engine with chain drive, not a shaft.
I always felt that combo would be a wicked canyon carver on the street.
I fell in love with this bike when I first saw it in the first Ghost Rider movie (I believe it was the stunt bike he used). Then I saw one in person in Paris in 2006 and I fell in love with it even more. I've been kind of slowly looking for one in the USA but they are a little hard to come by. Also at this point they're pretty old so it would probably need some work ... still interested but I don't want to pay top dollar for such an old machine. Thanks for the great review Spite!
Those were a old buell lightning in the movie.
@@RiderofthePegasus Oh snap really? Dangit! Ha well now I'll have to look into one of those. Probably a lot more available!
@@MoxyDaveX1, I own one, awsome fun bikes but they are not the most reliable! Cheap as chips in US though, more expensive here in Europe.
I'm a ZRX rider. A big portly bike,...that dearly love. This could be a stable mate. I had an '82 Yamaha Vision. Fun bike. I love a V twin.
Your having fun on a RELIABLE japanese BIG V-Twin unlike some i dont care to mention HAHAHAHA , Regards from Dublin Ireland
I have a 2009 and still love it and will never sell. It pulls hard and turns heads!
We have this bike in India also, the bike that passed me shook me up with its torque & super crisp exhaust sound...
I've had one of these for the last 15 years in the UK. Had loads of bikes in my 40 years riding career, but the MT-01 is the only one I've kept long term, it does everything I want & nothing else out there compares to it's uniqueness tbh. I had a Buell X1 Lightning about 20 years ago, I loved it but so much stuff went wrong with it I ended up selling it. I missed it so ended up buying one of these. That's what I liken these to, a Japanese Buell, but with reliability.
I rode a few of these as a dealer tech here in 🇨🇦... I really enjoyed them.
I had one of these in Portugal for six years. Fantastic ride. Didn't want to sell it but I'm moving back to England, so I had to. The bikes are easy to manage. They handle well enough, and come on, 265 kg isn't heavy. The brakes are fine, too. The bike looks better without the fly screen and the motorcross bar protectors. Two problems with these bikes: the fork seals fail regularly; the starter motor is prone to fail, although you can be proactive on that score by glueing the magnets back on more securely tha Yamaha originally did it. Nick
Heres one for you to hunt down and test ride. its called V-bike by Custom Chrome. It was only sold as a kit back in early to mid 2000's. powered by a harley clone engine by Rev-tec. They are so cool.
My very first bike was a 1978 Yamaha 650 Special and it rode about like you described this 😂 But like you, I loved that POS and rode 'er for many years! Cornered well once I dialed it in and was comfy dragging pegs. Had a couple other bikes in between. Now...Finally have my Wide Glide. It's a Shovelhead ❤❤❤ I'll ride her til I need a trike to keep riding.
Just like you said at 24:27...I am past my days of needing to go fast. I do still enjoy the loud however 😉 STRAIGHT PIPES SAVE 🤘 LIVES
The MT-O1 just gets you…but some people don’t get it. Great to see how this test turned around. The biggest bike I had ever ridden was an 850 Laverda, I saw the MT, took it for a test ride, pulled a couple of wheel stands without really trying and that was it🥰. Let me assure you that nothing gets off the line at the traffic lights faster..after a couple of goes, the sports bike riders just peel off down a side street to lick their wounds😂😂😂😂
LOL, I like this bike and just decided to search to see if there was a newer video on them since I last checked a few years back. Boom, there is spite.
I have a Road Star with the same engine. It's a fantastic bike. Lots of folks take them to 200k miles with only routine maintenance. With a little less dad bod like this, I think it would be a perfect daily cruiser for grown ups.
The older Buells sounded like a mean harley with the right exhaust. I had to look twice when my buddy took his out. Truly beautiful
Considering Buells used all HD equipment. Thats also why theyre trash
@@jvillain9946 longest running motorcycle engine ever was the Harley Sportster platform, Swifty.
Always a hater, and 99 percent of the time never rode one, and most of the, couldn't afford one.
Much cheaper to hide behind a computer and spew hatred.
Different strokes for different people.
@@jvillain9946 pretty foolish and childish on your part to say that they used all Harley equipment. NOTHING could be farther from the truth.
Get off the computer and get a ACTUAL education.
@@t.s.racing they did. They just recently stopped using Harley crap. Hell buell was owned by Harley for a while.
@@t.s.racing and they're still trash. Just bc they haven't updated it doesn't mean its long running. They're hard to keep running. It means it's outdated overpriced trash. It's not that I don't have the money. It's that id rather spend it on an actual good bike
I bought a MT-01 new in 2007 in the UK. Great bike I've still got it and will never sell it.
I own two Limited Edition MK2 MT01,s in Midnight Black … see video on my channel. Have a 2009 for sale.
Hearing you ride it the first few minutes...it reminded me of driving my Yamaha fjr...it take effort to ride it as well
I had a `99 Roadstar and that bike had phenomenal brakes. Best stopping bike I ever rode without ABS.
Great report, love your love for it.
Is this the same bike that was for sale on Two Wheeled Texans a while back?
I wished for a long time for yamaha to make a v twin sport bike. As far as I know, they did not. But I loved my Warrior! And will be looking for a Mt 01
It would be an awesome Adventure Bike. Enormous lugged tires and a decent fairing would make it epic.
I traded my Blackbird for one of these back in the day. Completely loved it. Many complains about its handling. But I think it's spot on, BUT have never been on a bike that is so affected by what tires it got. First of all, It eats sport-tires because its weight 😅 then the torque and engine braking flats the rear tire in notice😂. So if you ride one. Just make sure this is not the case. But it easily keeps up with sportbikes on backroads 😀. It's one of the bikes you really should have owned. Even if I ended up on a Moto Guzzi I still consider getting a MT01 again.
Only negative I have to say is how the engine just chockes out after 4000rpm leaving you beaten by a ER6. Making you do a down-payment on a Stage 3 kit 😎 it solves
Yamaha did modify the motor. It has some titanium moving parts and a different weighted crank. Having owned one and putting a lot of miles on it, I loved the motor. All torque, all the time. I also didn’t find it hard to ride in the twistiest. Not sport bike handling, but similar to big sport touring handling. Similar to a Kawasaki Concours. I’ve owned a lot of bikes, and this is by far my favorite.
You have some bad tires. The MT-01 handles pretty good but heavy. I also didn’t find it that large. It’s weird to hear you say it. Yes, it’s thick and heavy, but still 100lbs less than any Softail.
I completely agree with your last comments. It’s like they built it for me. I lost mine in an accident and miss it daily. That was 17 years ago.
BTW. MT-01 was the first MT and the reason for the 01 designation. It had nothing to do with displacement. They later made a MT-03 but didn’t sell it in the US either,
Had one for 2 years so did 2 mates, both went off the road on long sweepers but both good riders. Brilliant fun,built so well but, watch out its a light chassis but engine has a big flywheel, gryro effect on a fast corner if your on high revs means it takes double the force to turn, it will run wide just out of no where and front tyres take a hammering as your turning in against the engine at high speed. Brakes are R1 good stuff and exaust will blow someones hat off if they stand behind!
Hey Spite, I would be interested in buying your Griso so you could then buy the MT-01. What say you?
I had one from the launch date, 2005 till 2018, that’s how good the bike is!✌️✌️
Next Spite-video: "I bought a 1700 yamaha - And I'm in love"
This thing is a legend! Made as a concept bike and it made so much noise that Yamaha went "sure why not?" . The height and torque makes it a battle to handle and 13 L fuel tank makes it urban riding bike. Pipes' placement doesn't allow for a passenger due to overheating. So not a touring bike as well. It is a novelty bike at best which is greatest in its' category in my opinion and i will own it someday for sure. Also i think its called 01 because its the first one in MT family. In a perfect world; in the hands of great custom mechanic, this could turn into great bike if you could adress the centre of gravity issues and Harley style fan on the engine block fins. If anybody has some advice on how to lower it succesfully engineering wise im all ears
Its almost like you've never heard of Buell. Same concept but handles like a dream.
i had no idea this bike existed…it is exactly what i envision as my dream bike…i’ve never been a sports bike guy…i’ve had many big v twin cruisers including harley heritage…btw…of all of my metric bikes , I truly loved my kawasaki 1500 vulcan…
i’ve yearned for a bike that has the rumble and torque of a big cruiser, but can handle sweeping turns without dragging floor boards…the buell wheelbase is too short , , the ftr has no range, and the motus ( my ultimate dream bike) is priced way out of my league …the riding position on this seems to be perfect for blowing around town or taking on road trips…i would bet that fuel economy was a concern for yamaha offering this in the u s…but, im with you…this is my bike!
The MT-01 reminds me of my 2001 Buell X-1 Lightening. What a unique beast. And, SOOO much fun!😁
They actually DID modify the Warrior engine a lot for the MT01, i.e. the crankshaft is a lot lighter to make for quicker throttle response. So some of the lowest rev punch is lost - while strengthening the midrange power output.
And the bike is very susceptible to either worn tyres or bad choice of tyres.
Throw on a set of Continental Road Attack 3 or 4 and she will actually handle really quick and nimble for a bike in that weight range.
I loved this whenever I got the chance to ride this thing my friend had one for a brief period it was a monster the hand of god pushing you the speed and the sound never matched 😂.
That noise is extremely good. At 170cm and 72kg i would not be able to handle it all but damn its a sexy sounding and looking bike.
I have this thing. Immense fun, never gets old. With good typres, its pretty agile. Handlebar needs to be broader for handling. Engine is from Warrior, but has been modified, so it has a lot more horsepower.
Had a Warrior, love that engine! Thanx for adding metric measurements in the video! Us europeans get confused with freedom measurements.
I’ve always liked the looks of the press photos. First time I’ve seen one in action here. You’re right. It’s not like my FTR S but it is a cool bike!
i have had a lot of harleys and ive yet to own that vibrates your eye balls except my first one ..i rebuilt the engine and took the top and bottom end to the Precision Balance Company of Indianapolis and it didn't vibrate anymore...passed the open beer can test ..set an open can of beer on the front fender , rev up the engine and the beer can won't fall off or foam over and talk about free up some horse power when the engine is dynamically balanced , you have to do it as you won't believe
My first bike was a 2006 Yamaha BT1100 Bulldog Fully Loaded with Laser Exhausts and a Magura bar with lowered risers. Loved the torque on it, but then I saw the MT-01 and in 2010 I bought a 2008 RP18 white one secondhand with just 3k km on it and Stage 1 Akra's. In 2014 at 74k km a truck hit me on a double lane roundabout and it was a total loss. A few months later I bought a second one, a black RP18 from 2008 with just 9k km on it and also Stage 1 Akra's. It has now almost 80k km on it and still going strong. Go for a Hyperpro spring kit front and rear and the handling will improve a lot more together with good tyres like Michelin PilotRoad 6. Get a 190/55 on the rear in stead of the standard 190/50. When wearing off the tyre it will keep the handling better. But for God's sake: buy one, you'll never want another! But I like Griso's too. The MT-01 is a bike with an edge. Some will get cut and get hurt, others will love to get cut. You have to work it to get the love out of it.
Love your review!
I just missed out buying one of these here in Australia ,, took it for a ride and it BLEW ME AWAY !!!! bulldozer on 2 wheels !
You need to hear a Ducati DesertX with the full race Termignoni de- cat system. The install includes an EVO tune. I've put over 7k miles on mine in under 6 months, regularly get told it sounds incredibly.
Some people refuse to believe it's available right from Ducati on a new bike, just check the right option box. 😅
Oh, and no surprise that a desirable Yamaha ISN'T avaliable in the US market. I wanted a World Raid or Rally T7, none are provided to the US market.
Ducs sound pretty good, I had my hyperstrada with a pipe for a year, but I prefer air cooled vtwin sounds
Got to see one at a bike night at my local cycle gear here in oregon. dude was an old head with wind kissed skin who was friendly as could be. coolest experience
10/10 would ride.
Based on what i've noticed about what you like in a bike from all your videos, I gotta say it suprises me that you didnt even mention Buell when talking about V-twin naked bikes! I'd be amazed if you wouldn't fall in love with a Ulysses. Between the sporty transmission and sport bike tires, it hand no business going very far off the hard roads. But it made an awesome naked bike on the street!
The Buell M2 Cyclone, S1 Lightning, X1 Lightning, and XB12 Lightning were all designed for street use, so no need to adapt an adventure bike. I owned the M2 and it was a great bike. As a current owner of a Moto Guzzi Griso 1100 though, the Buells are a downgrade in just about every way.