In September 2004 Yamaha created a whole new ‘Torque Sports’ category with the launch of the remarkable MT- 01. Powered by a massive 1670cc Vtwin engine and featuring an aluminium sports chassis, the MT-01 is a truly unique motorcycle that underlines Yamaha’s position as the leading innovator in the motorcycle industry.

Since its launch, the original MT-01 has won over many riders. This head-turning machine has introduced open-minded bikers to the pleasures of the Torque Sports world, where low rpm torque and effortless roll-on acceleration are the name of the game.

For 2009 Yamaha introduces the MT-01 SP, a special limited-edition version featuring a range of significant chassis and stylistic changes designed to offer an enhanced riding experience.

Öhlins front and rear suspension
One of the most significant new features to be seen on the new MT-01 SP is the use of Öhlins front and rear suspension.

New 43mm Öhlins front forks have been designed to offer high levels of feedback from the road surface. These high specification forks have been developed in association with Öhlins specifically for the new MT-01 SP, they feature optimal spring and damping settings which, after intensive testing, have been set to match the unique characteristics of the MT-01 SP’s high-torque engine and aluminium chassis.

The Öhlins rear shock absorber features a separate reservoir which ensures consistent damping performance. This new rear suspension offers high levels of comfort combined with first class handling, stability and road holding.

New levels of road-holding and excitement can be reached with the addition of these finely tuned updates, adding a greater level of sophistication and performance to an exclusive top of the range model.

Pirelli Diablo Rosso tyres
The new MT-01 SP’s front and rear wheels are equipped with Pirelli Diablo Rosso (‘Red Devil’) tyres as original equipment, with a 120/70-17 front and a 190/50-17 rear.

These well respected tyres offer good levels of grip combined with strong turning qualities and enhanced wet weather performance. These inherent characteristics are designed to underline the sporting potential of the SP’s aluminium chassis.

Fatter tapered handlebars and machined aluminium handlebar crown
The new MT-01 SP model is equipped with fatter 28.6mm diameter tapered handlebars which are used in place of the standard model’s 25.4mm diameter design. In addition, the SP is also fitted with a machined aluminium handlebar crown, and the combination of the new fatter handlebars and the high quality crown accentuates the bike’s muscular image, and ensures a comfortable and sporty riding position.

Special colour scheme
As well as being equipped with higher specification suspension, Pirelli tyres and fatter tapered handlebars, the new MT-01 SP also benefits from a special new colour scheme.

The focal point is the red and white fuel tank which is complemented by a red front fender and red chrome MT logo on the tank. A new two-tone seat and gold wheels underline the exclusivity of this attractive new SP model.

Other special features include a protective nano-film coating on the baremetal finish exhaust, and the use of additional chrome plating on selected engine and chassis components.

A more intense experience of KODO
KODO is a Japanese noun that can mean soul beat, pulsation, or the external expression of latent power. The original MT-01 was built around the concept of KODO, and the new higher specification Yamaha MT-01 SP has been designed to elevate the experience of KODO to an even higher level.

In developing the new model, Yamaha’s engineers have concentrated on two key areas: enhancing the levels of surface feedback felt by the rider, and accentuating the visualisation of the machine’s sporty character.

These goals have been achieved by the use of the new Öhlins suspension, Pirelli tyres and a radical new colour scheme which work together to deliver to the rider an even more rewarding Torque Sports experience by marching to the beat of a slightly different drum.

The MT-01 SP is available in strictly limited numbers in Australia priced at $25,999 RRP inc GST.

MT-01 Technical Highlights

  • Massive 1670cc, 4-stroke, 48 degree V-Twin engine
  • Aluminium sports chassis
  • Huge low rpm torque output

MT-01 SP Features

  • Sports bike handling qualities
  • New Öhlins front and rear suspension
  • New Pirelli Diablo Rosso tyres
  • New exclusive red and white colour scheme
  • New two-tone seat
  • New gold coloured wheels
  • New nano-film coating on the bare-metal finish exhausts
  • New additional chrome-plated components