It all started in 1999 when the Japanese motorcycle maker presented the Yamaha MT-01 as a concept machine at the Tokyo Motor Show. Due to tremendous public interest in the motorcycle, Yamaha manufactured a production version released in 2005.
The Yamaha MT-01 was a muscle bike that debuted in 2005, part of the MT series, and is available in New Zealand, Australia, India, Europe, Japan, and regions of North America. The bike packed a cruiser engine and sports bike-style frame and suspension.
The Yamaha MT-01 muscle machine was powered by a Yamaha Warrior XV1700 engine, modified to suit the MT's characteristics, while the braking and suspension systems were borrowed from the 2004-2005 Yamaha R1.
In 2009, Yamaha released the MT-01, a bike that didn't bring any significant modification over its production time, except for color changes. Along with the 2009 model, Yamaha released an SP version that packed Ohlins suspension, Pirelli Diablo Rosso tires, a specific paint job with red and white, and a black and red seat.
In 2012, the Japanese maker launched the MT-01, a bike that packed the same 1,670cc air-cooled V-twin fuel-injected engine as previous models, boasting 90 hp with a peak at 4,750 rpm and 150 Nm (111 lb-ft) torque at 3,750 rpm.
The engine power was handled by a five-speed manual transmission and a final chain drive that spun the rear wheel to a top speed of 208 kph (129 mph).