Following the previous B-King is Yamaha's MT-01. The XJR1600V was behind the launch of this 1999 concept model after five years of development. The mega-torque performance produced by the 1600cc class displacement is the cornerstone of the MT series that continues to this day.
XJR is equipped with a V-twin 1600cc engine
The Bolt R Spec, Yamaha's last air-cooled and last V-type engine over 126 cc, was discontinued in 2022. Yamaha once dominated the market with the Star series, but with the end of the Bolt, even cruisers will disappear from Japan and Europe.
Meanwhile, around 2000, the XV1600 Roadster equipped with a 1600cc air-cooled V-twin engine was being sold in Japan and was gaining momentum to compete with Harley, which had a 1450cc engine at the time. In the aftermath, the MT-01 KODO concept model was born, and the XJR1600V was produced.
The XJR1600V is a provisional name here and was originally an experimental prototype built during the development of the MT-01. It is a phantom model built to test what would happen if the MT-01 KODO, which was exhibited at the 1999 Tokyo Motor Show, were actually ridden. It was not intended for commercial production, so it is different from the model shown in the photo. It is not intended for commercial production, so it has a strange atmosphere when seen in photographs.
The prototype can be identified as a 2000 model from the livery of the base model, the XJR1300, which indicates that it was running immediately after the Tokyo Motor Show. The real thrill of sport driving with the huge V-twin engine is truly mega-torque riding. The engine was producing maximum torque at only 2000 rpm.
At the same time, Yamaha was also developing a V-4 2000cc engine for the next VMAX, and it is likely that Yamaha intended to dominate the American market with an engine lineup that had a strong personality. Although the VMAX2000 was no more, the momentum of the Yamaha V-type offensive was tremendous.
XJR1600V (tentative name) [YAMAHA] An experimental prototype equipped with the engine of the XV1600 Roadster, which was released in Japan in 1999. It is truly a mega-torque machine with a maximum torque generation speed of 2000 rpm.
XV1600 Roadster (1999) [YAMAHA] Equipped with the world's largest 1600cc V-twin engine, the XV1600 Roadster competed with Harley. At the time, Yamaha was on the offensive with the Star series, including the Dragster.
The XV1600 Roadster's engine was an air-cooled OHV. The OHV system, in which a camshaft in the crankcase drives the valves via pushrods, was a traditional Harley mechanism.
XJR1300 (2000) [YAMAHA] A big naked bike that was expanded from the previous 1200cc model in the 1998 model year. The 2000 model in the photo is a matured version with new lightweight wheels and other features that reduce weight by 8 kg.
MT-01 (1999) [YAMAHA] Concept model exhibited at the Tokyo Motor Show. The rear suspension with a unique mounting system was installed under the engine in the production version.
REVIEW: Riding the MT-01 was a new experience that I still can't forget.
The author was able to test-ride the MT-01 when it was first released for coverage. The OHV big twin engine of around 1500cc was an engine that could only be selected by Harley and XV1600 Roadster, but no one expected that the day would come when it could be enjoyed as a sport bike.
The engine's red zone starts at 5500 rpm, and I was first surprised at how quickly it hits its head. The chassis is a sport bike, but the engine is a cruiser. The lightweight crankshaft and other parts have improved the response, so the engine revs up quickly.
The MT-01 is not suitable for aggressive riding, but it is a cruiser that relieves the stress of riding on winding roads with shallow banking angles. It is amazing that the concept of Harley's Sportster and Buell, which had the same type of engine, was realized with a big twin.
What's great about this is that we now have a one-of-a-kind package that offers both the pulse of an engine that is more than a Sportster and the thrill of sport driving. The fact that you can enjoy winding down without getting hot with an engine that is not fast but tasteful is similar to the Hawk 11 now.
MT-01 (2005) [YAMAHA] Imported and sold by Presto Corporation in Japan, the MT-01 was in the lineup until 2009.
The frame is a twin-tube aluminum die-cast frame with an inverted fork.
The style of the differently shaped headlights, which combined multiple reflectors and projectors, and the two upswept mufflers were also unique and aggressive.
The MT-01 is powered by a 1670cc engine based on the XV1700 Roadster Warrior, the successor to the XV1600 series. FI was adopted for the intake and equipment similar to that of a sports bike, such as plated cylinders and forged pistons, was introduced.
Since the engine delivers more than 14 kg-m of mega torque even below 3000 rpm, the correct way to ride it is to use a higher gear and attack it with a cruising sensation. Incidentally, the current MT series stands for Master of Torque.
MT-01 European specifications (2005 Model)
Overall Length x Overall Width x Overall Height: 2185 x 790 x 1160mm
Wheelbase: 1525mm
Seat height: 825mm
Weight: 240 kg
Engine: Air-cooled 4-stroke V-twin cylinder, OHV 4-valve, 1670cc
Maximum output: 90 PS at 4750 rpm
Maximum torque: 15.3 kg-m at 3750 rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 15 liters
Transmission: 5-speed return
Brakes: F=W disc, R=disc
Tires: F=120/70ZR17, R=190/50ZR17
