Q1. Could you explain the background of MT-09?

As you know, there is still a relatively slow economy within Europe and, YAMAHA business as well as all automotive business, is also in the same situation. To attempt to break through that current situation, we have focused on the biggest motorcycle category (that is 600cc to 800cc mid sport motorcycle) to not only increase the sales volume, but to also enhance both YAMAHA and Dealer business.

At the very beginning of the MT-09 development, we received a comment from a YAMAHA MOTOR EUROPE sale representative, "Our expectation for the model is very high. If the next model could not reach that expectation, it may cause our Dealers to leave Yamaha. That's a very serious matter." So, we understood the importance of this model even more so.

Q2. Please tell us about MT-09's development aim

Our company mission is "Creating Kando" and, to realize that for motorcycles, the priority is to "Focus on FUN" - the actual enjoyment of riding and owning the product. So, to create the first part of that enjoyment, we took into consideration the easy maneuverability and lightweight feeling of the motorcycle.

If you hold on to the MT-09, you can easily feel the light and compact body size. Then sit on it. Feel the relaxed position, the easiness in which you can touch the ground and the great ergonomic combination of low seat height, slim tank shape and forward leaning but upright body position with the Motard style handlebars right in front of you.

The new triple-cylinder light weight advanced design engine is based on the CROSS PLANE concept delivering linear, exciting and immediate power directly in line with the riders throttle control, through all rpm ranges. Of course, with this new engine we may look at a possible platform for others.

To create the agile handling together with serious riding performance, we focused on the centralized mass location through a lot of layout tests and, real time machine tests.

The combination of these characteristics lets the joy and excitement of riding the MT-09 flow through to all levels of riders, from the beginner to the very skilled.

Q3. What is innovative about this model?

We had a hunger to create ORIGINALITY with the MT-09 to allow it stand out from the rest of the current range of motorcycles. As you know, there are many competitors in the mid range capacity, and if the model does not have a uniqueness, it could soon be buried. Our product planning division therefore created a new concept for the MT-09, as a FUSION of both Motard and Sport naked characteristics.

There wasn't a similar model or concept close to this in the market. So, the final model image creation and was very tough work for us.

Q4. What was the biggest obstacle for development

There were many difficulties to resolve due to the MT-09 being a totally new model including engine and chassis.

Above all, the hardest work was the cost of the development. MT-09 was planned to be introduced into a sluggish economic condition in Europe, so there was no opportunity to achieve good sales if the price is not affordable. On the other hand, there was a possibility that our brand image could be damaged if the features or quality is not up to customer expectation.

To solve what could be a conflicting problem, we gathered the whole of YAMAHA's developmental departments, through horizontal weekly meeting with marketing, procurement, engineering and other divisions from the beginning of the project - this is unusual in the developing process - and we succeeded in achieving a very high target whilst maintaining the overall costs. I believe this was the reason we can provide the model at the presented price point.

For the MT-09's light weight, we were also challenged with a dramatic target. We focused on simplifying the layout whilst reducing component parts together with new manufacturing methods. This contributed to not only the light weight and the cost containment, but also maintained the necessary high Yamaha build quality. Plus this also resulted in the weight of the MT-09 being lighter than the 600cc class models, despite its 850cc capacity.

Q5. How was market response for this model?

It was acclaimed so much that it surpassed our expectations. Normally in press tests there are some diplomatic but somewhat negative comments, but this time there were many positive reactions.

Plus at the press test, there was the sales representative who provided the initial comment for new model. He stated with gusto, "You really did it!" "We really appreciate all of your hard work!!" It was our pleasure.

In conclusion, I think this project is the fruit of YAMAHA's passion from all of our colleagues. We accomplished this model's mission by concentrating power from within every department -marketing, procurement, value engineering, manufacturing, factory production, quality control and so on.

I appreciate all the colleagues who were concerned with this project, and it's my wish that we will continue to develop our future models in this same way.