In 2009, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer launched the Yamaha MT-01 along with a special production version of the MT that featured upgraded Ohlins suspension, Pirelli Diablo Corsa tires, and a specific livery with Red, White, and Black topped by a red seat.
The Yamaha MT-01 motorcycle was the bike that started the "Torque Sports" revolution that opened a new world of sports with an alternative to the high rpm rush of modern bikes.
In the performance department, the model had at its core a high-performance powerplant that delivered massive amounts of torque and strong acceleration, with its large-diameter lightweight forged pistons that featured a dual spark plug system for great combustion efficiency and strong power delivery.
The 1,670cc four-stroke V-Twin air-cooled engine delivered an output power of 90 hp at 4,750 rpm and 150 Nm (111 lb-ft) of torque with a peak at 3,750 rpm. With 240 kg (529 lbs) of dry weight and a five-speed manual transmission with a wet multi-place disc clutch, the bike registered a top speed of 208 kph (129 mph).
The two-one-two exhaust system featured a mix of stainless steel and titanium components with dual large-diameter mufflers that boosted torque and horsepower while delivering a throaty, rumbling V-Twin sound.
As for braking performance, the 2009 Yamaha MT-01 packed two 320 mm discs with four-piston calipers on the front wheel and a 267 mm disc squeezed by a single-piston caliper on the rear wheel.