MT-01 heads 05 Yams

Yamaha`s 2005 line-up includes a major update for the R6, a range of cracking new learner-friendly 125s and the brute force of the torque-laden MT-01.

Read about the updates to the R6 in our separate story (see link, right).

The MT-01 has a 1670cc engine, will cost around £9500 and make a massive 110lb/ft of torque – that’s 50% more than an R1. It will also kick out 90 bhp@4,750rpm.

The megaphone exhaust silencer is made out of titanium. The chassis has sports bike influences – a heavily-braced alloy swingarm made as long as possible for stability, fully adjustable rear shock (mounted horizontally) and front suspension and radial calipers based on the 2004 R1s.

It weighs 240kg. Yamaha-approved tuning parts will be available in three stages ranging from cosmetics to high compression pistons, hot cams, stronger valve springs and uprated clutch. Clothing, sunglasses, pendants and watches will all be offered, too.

See link, right, for updates to the 2005 R6

Have Your Say, here.

Other New Yamahas and updates to existing range:

BT1100 Bulldog: Changes to fuelling, reshaped seat, flatter and straighter bars.

TDM900A: With anti-lock brakes.

DT125X: Long-in-the-tooth two-stroke trailie gets the supermoto treatment.

XT125R: New entry-level, four-stroke trailbike, aimed at budget end of the market. No non-nonsense machine for commuter and learner thrills. There will also be a supermoto version, the XT125X.

YBR125: Small commuter sports bike in the vein of Honda’s CBR125. YBR has been popular in Asia for years. This is the first year it will be in the UK.

Colour Changes

R1: Silver tech, Yamaha blue

FZ6 Fazer: Silver storm, Yamaha blue

FZS1000S Fazer: Lava red, Mistral grey

TDM900: Diamond black gold with matt black frame, Silver tech with matt black frame

XT660: Racing red

XJR1300: Galaxy blue

XVS650: Sunset silver, Midnight black

XVS1100A: Blue midnight black, Gold midnight black, Midnight black

DT125: Racing blue; Yamaha black

MORE DETAILS IN MCN – OUT ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15