|
Feature: Yamaha's MT-1 for real
Yamaha presents their latest monster creation - the MT-1 - at
the Intermot in Munich no longer as a concept like in Tokyo but
as a fully grown production motorcycle. While the bike will be
available on the European market in 2005, we over here in the
USA will have to wait another year befor we can get our hands
on the brand new machine. We stopped by at Yamaha's Design Cafe
to have a closer look at the development of the MT-1 and bring
you the technical specs of the European version. (Tech is as
ususal on the bottom of the page)
Maximum taste instead of maximum power
"I came to work for Yamaha because they always do things
differently" tells Tsuyoshi, product planning manager for
the European market. In today's hectic world, for many people
it is more and more difficult to find the time to ride their
motorcycle.
"My dream was to create a sportsbike for a kind of full
time enjoyment, right out of your garage." he continues,
"the development of higher power and less weight on the
latest supersport machines is fine, however more people find
it increasingly difficult to find suitable traffic conditions
for these bikes.
As an alternative, we wanted to create a kind of 'maximum-taste'
sportsbike.
We headed off with creating and testing a riding proto type to
check all the functional options of our idea. With the task team
being quite positve the second step was to test the market response
to our new concept: the Tokyo Show model amazed and we got very
inspiring feedback from all sides. This marked the start of the
production model development.
Full time enjoyment
Best engine for this type of bike: big, long-stroke V-twin (click
to enlarge)"A long-stroke engine is best for such a concept
because it offers a lot of torque at very low rpm, a pulsating
engine feeling and a very strong, instant throttle response in
all riding conditions. That is something you can enjoy both for
relaxed and for aggressive riding, and in this way your whole
ride will be full time enjoyment, from the moment you leave your
garage to the moment maybe 3 hours later when you put it back
inside: you will have had 3 hours of full time enjoyment."
"Only, the difficulty with a long-stroke engine design is
the engine height. But by utilising a pushrod valve operation
system we could solve this problem." Indeed, the cylinder
heads are very low and compact: there are no overhead camshafts
to take space above the cylinders. In this way it is possible
to fit the engine into the aluminium frame.
Third generation big twin
 Purpose-built new
engine: Yamaha spares no effort
This basic engine design made its debut in the Wild Star and
was modified for Yamaha's flagship power cruiser, the Warrior
1700, where it got rave reviews for its performance and character.
But to function in MT-01's sportier concept, Yamaha overhauled
it completely with 3 main goals:
- Performance increase
- Significantly lighter weight
- Increased rigidity for sports riding.
The engineers made such a thorough job of this, that 90% of the
major components of the MT-01 engine are new as compared to Warrior!
"We can say that it's a new engine almost."
PERFORMANCE UP
To create this new 'high output' engine, the engineers made the
following essential developments:
1. Cam profile
The camshaft profile has been redesigned for strong torque
and a very wide powerband
2. Fuel injec
tion system with special injectors
- The fuel injectors are equipped with a 12-hole system (instead
of the common 4 holes) for a very fine fuel spray and optimised
combustion
3. EXUP system
- The engine is equipped with Yamaha's patented EXUP system to
further increase the torque. EXUP is a system that operates a
valve in the exhaust collector in relation to the engine rpm-range.
For optimal exhaust efficiency you need a wider exhaust diameter
at higher rpm as compared to lower rpm and that is exactly what
the EXUP system does: it reduces the diameter at lower rpm
- The whole system is made out of titanium to keep the weight
as low as possible
4. Variable air intake system
- A similar optimization as the EXUP is used on the intake
side, where a valve system regulates the air intake diameter
of the airbox just before the air filter. This keeps the airflow
and air intake speed always at an optimum level, for the best
throttle response
5. Lighter Crank weight
- The crank weight is reduced by 2 kilograms to create an instant
engine response and a very direct feeling
6. Increased conrod bearing size
- To withstand the engine's higher performance level, the big-end
bearing size was increased from 53 to 57 mm diameter
7. Oil tank
- The oil tank is styled as a part of the engine and to keep
oil temperatures lower it is mounted at the front side, where
it is exposed to the cool airstream when riding
LIGHT WEIGHT
The incredible effort Yamaha's engineers made is shown by the
fact that total engine weight was reduced by an amazing 20 kilograms!
All parts have been scrutinized for weight-optimization and the
whole transmission system got a new layout with the drive axle
moved to the other side of the engine. Also items around the
engine have a high tech lightweight construction: for example
the EXUP system and the mufflers are made out of titanium.
Engine-Chassis mounting
It has been deeply analysed how to perfectly integrate the engine
and the frame to achieve the best pulse feeling and the best
chassis feedback. Yamaha testriders tried many different prototypes
to find the optimum rigidity!
Their expertise showed in the comments from Yamaha own staff
who rode the bike for the first time:
"The handling is amazing, you can change side exactly like
you want, it's not too sharp, not too heavy, you don't feel like
you need an effort. The brakes are amazing too. Without any effort
the response is so quick that the bike feels like a light weight."
Additional mountings have been added at the cylinder heads, for
a stronger connection to the frame. And a specially designed
subframe reinforces the engine's structural rigidity for stronger
feedback to the rider.
Chassis
Top spec chassis.
Compact, strong and tightly fitted frame due to Yamaha's CF technology
Latest R1-technology adjusted to fit to the specific structure
of the MT-01 frame
"The chassis of this machine had to perform like a top sport
bike", states Tsuyoshi. "So all components are based
on latest supersport technologies: upside-down front fork, fully
adjustable suspensions, Brembo radial brake pump, radial brake
calipers, R1-type swingarm, everything."
Especially the construction of the frame was a key issue.
"We had to create a very rigid and lightweight frame. However,
from styling point of view we wanted to keep the engine as the
dominant part, so the frame should not become too big. That's
why we used Yamaha's latest 'Controlled-Filling die cast'
technology of Yamaha, to be completely free to shape the frame
in the way we wanted it."
Indeed, this technology does not need to use the big aluminium
plates or beams that are common on traditional aluminium frames.
Instead, it uses high vacuum levels to allow the casting of large,
complex and lightweight structures with thin walls. This will
make the frame very compact besides being rigid.
"To achieve the design of the concept model, the chassis
had to have a very 'tight fit' around the engine and without
the CF technology, that could not have been achieved" Tsuyoshi
is convinced.
The second advantage of this technology is: there is no welding
on the frame, which makes the looks very clean. This top spec
frame is complemented by the beautiful R1-style aluminium swing
arm for top level road holding.
"For this feature we deliberately chose a different approach
than for the Tokyo show model, which used a beautifully designed,
but in function compromised swingarm. For MT-01 the target was
uncompromised function. Thus, the whole swingarm and suspension
combination is based on the latest supersports technology!"
Practicalities
Yamaha knows how attention to details can enhance your enjoyment.
1. The mufflers under the seat enhance
the riding experience:
- "I was surprised by the sound of this bike. It overpasses
the current twins. Also when you are riding you can hear the
sound made by the mufflers behind you."
2. Tapered handlebar
- Adjusted for a very active riding position, a tapered handlebar
keeps you 'in control'. Of course it is rigid-mounted (no rubber
mountings) to give you the most direct feedback
3. Hydraulic clutch operation
- Always very smooth control of this torque monster...
4. Complete dashboard equipments
- Multi-functional dashboard with hazard lights and anti-theft
immobilizer key
- The meter itself has beautiful backlight illumination
Pictures of 2005 Colours : 'Silver Tech' ...
...and 'Deep Armour'
Tech Specs
Engine
Type: 4-stroke, V-Twin engine, air-cooled,
OHV, 4 valves per cylinder
Displacement: 1,670 cc
Bore and Stroke: 97 x 113 mm
Compression ratio: 8.36
Max. Power: 66.3 kW (90 HP) @ 4,750 rpm
Max. Torque: 150.1 Nm (15.3 kg-m) @ 3,750 rpm
Lubrication: Dry sump
Fuel supply: Fuel injection
Clutch type: Wet, multiple disc
Ignition: TCI
Starti
ng system: Electric
Transmission: Constant mesh, 5 speed
Final transmission: Chain
Primary reduction ratio: 71/48 (1.479)
Secondary reduction ratio: 39/17 (2.294)
Gear ratio
1 - 38/16 (2.375)
2 - 30/19 (1.579)
3 - 29/25 (1.160)
4 - 24/25 (0.960)
5 - 24/30 (0.800)
Chassis
Frame: Aluminium CF die-cast
Front suspension: Telescopic fork
Front wheel travel: 120 mm
Rear suspension: Swingarm (Link suspension)
Rear wheel travel: 117 mm
Caster angle: 25°
Trail: 103 mm
Front brake: Double floating discs, Ø 320 mm
Rear brake: Single floating disc, Ø 267 mm
Front wheel: 4 spokes, 17 x MT3.50
Rear wheel: 4 spokes, 17 x MT6.00
Front tire: 120/70 ZR 17 M/C (58W)
Rear tire: 190/50 ZR 17 M/C (73W)
Dimensions
Overall length: 2,185 mm
Overall width: 790 mm
Overall height: 1,160 mm
Seat height: 825 mm
Wheelbase: 1,525 mm
Min. ground clearance: 140 mm
Dry weight: 240 kg
Fuel tank capacity (reserve): 15 litres (3 litres)
Oil capacity: 5 litres
back to BIKES overview
|
