Yamaha concepts set for production

Yamaha looks set to expand its range of naked bikes after strong feedback on the two concept bikes it’s been showing around.

The firm first showed the MT-01 1600cc V-twin concept bike at the Tokyo motor show in 1999 and followed it this year with the unveiling of the MT-03, which is based around the single cylinder motor from the XT660 trail bike and was on display at the recent NEC show in Birmingham.

The response from showgoers has been so positive that it now looks likely that both bikes will go in to production within a couple of years, to complement the existing BT1100 Bulldog.

The MT-01, expected to be called the BT1700, is based around the grunty V-twin from the XV1700 cruiser but will be tuned to give it a sportier feel. The MT-03 will be launched as the BT660 and is hoped to attract people that like the idea of a supermoto but want the comfort and feel of a road bike.

Yamaha have yet to confirm the move but sources inside the company told MCN that the bikes are definitely being considered.

A brief poll of motorcyclenews.com users this week proved the positive response that these machines have had, with nearly all the people that responded saying the combination of power and styling is almost perfect.

For full details on both bikes and Yamaha’s plans for the roadsters check out this week’s MCN, out Wednesday, December 3.

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