Fun bike Qs (MT-01 ??) | GTAMotorcycle.com

Fun bike Qs (MT-01 ??)

C

Claude

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Now that I'm retired (so with more free time), I'm thinking at restoring old bikes and also, at getting a fun bike.

This fun bike will not be new or too old; thinking at 2000~2010 for a not prohibitive cost. Must be japanese, may be a V-twin but absolutely not a cruiser and, ideally, not a 4 inline. Will be used for short (few hours) rides and commuting, with no passenger.

My current Versys 1000 will remain my "main" bike for trips, long rides and two-up (long or short) rides.

My first thought is about a Yamaha MT-01. From what I read, the engine is really thrilling. I'm wondering more about the overall qualities of the chassis and the comfort. Anybody here have some experience with MT-01?

Maybe a Suzuki DR-Z400 but I'm really unsure about the power of comfort.

Any other suggestions? Thanks!
 
Hubby had a 2002 FZ1 and it was a blast...plenty fast for thrills, and an upright sitting position with pegs nicely positioned so you can stand up and stretch...there's also the FZ/MT 07 or the FZ/MT 09...I have the 07 and really enjoy it...very light weight with lots of low end torque...there's a YouTube video comparing all three, and while the FZ/MT 10 has the most horsepower and torque, the 07 was also tops for overall fun...

 
I came close to buying a MT01 years ago when they first came out. There's no real issues with them other than the tiny peanut sized fuel tank that will serious limit range (which is why I didn't buy one).
I get what you mean by a play bike and in that price range their isn't much that's Japanese that comes to mind. I'd personally say larger CC Monster or a Speed Triple (both have character and fun play bikes with good reliability and range but alas not Jap).
 
My KTM 625SMC was the absolute most fun bike I have owned at city speeds. Unbelievable the amount of fun you can have on a supermoto without breaking the speed limit. Absolutely terrible for extended highway riding, but unbelievable around the city and doable for short highway hops.

Why the requirement for Japanese? I would understand for a distance or primary bike that needs to be dead on reliable with minimal maintenance. For a secondary bike, I would go something cool and European, cause why the hell not.
 
Triumph Street Triple RS, or the MT09 would be on my list.
 
Yamaha VMAX, another similar to the MT01 but its got a V4 that sounds like a v8 with an exhaust and its fast
 
Just take an FZ1 or MT10 for a ride in the mountains and you will be sold....HP and torque through out the power band..the only downfall is the size of the gas tank....i carry extra fuel....
 
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Just to clarify - is the MT-01 has been replaced by the MT-10 now, correct?


basmn said:
..the only downfall is the size of the gas tank....i carry extra fuel....
Click to expand...

Sorry - dont mean to go off topic, but what kind of container do you carry it in?
 
I'd certainly look at something with some better off pavement manners - you have a long distance machine. Your Versys can do all you describe but heavy and awkward off pavement.

A KLR650 will be "okay" off pavement and I can do 500 km days on mine in Australia. They are cheap and bullet proof but maybe too close to what you have.

KLX230 will give you dual sport capability while still allowing short rides on pavement.
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Verysys 300 is not dual sport but much lighter and more nimble than what you have and can do highway speeds.
 
@POWERMAN I looked up the MT-01 and no it's not the same thing as the MT-10...the 01 is classed more as a sports cruiser and it looks like it either wasn't available in Canada (from what I found on Google, but I may be wrong) and kind of reminds me of their Vmax...the MT10 is the big brother to the MT07 and MT09...
 
No need to import; MT-01 was sold in Canada from 2006 to 2009.

I read all your answers; thanks!
I want a japanese bike even if I'm looking for a second ride; reliability and low maintenance cost are the clues.
I also want something else than a inline 4. In my head, a triple is to close to a 4.
V-max surely is thrilling but I always saw it as a big barge. Very powerful but nothing else to please me.
KLR 650 is a good suggestion but I'm a street rider without interest for off road.
MT-01 is still my top choice. MT-07 should also be quite fun but noticeably less HP and torque and about the same price because it is much newer.

Please continue suggestions; maybe I'll read about a thrilling suggestion I didn't think about.
 
To throw something different into the mix. Aprilia Shiver 750. I picked up an 08 this spring and absolutely love it. Good torque comfortable posture, easy to flick around, and fits taller riders. I'd ridden the MT07 before and personally I believe the Shiver is a better bike all around. Can be found cheap, snagged mine for less than $4k.
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Sorry - dont mean to go off topic, but what kind of container do you carry it in?
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I bought one of those gas cans from canadian tire..the ones for your chain saw that have a gas can on one end and an 2.5L oil container on the other.. cut the oil can off with the band saw. Works great, never leaks and fits in my side bag perfectly ?
 

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Suzuki SV1000 or Honda VTR1000 (Firestorm). Should find a clean good example of on for under $3000. I'd still get the MT-01 but just throwing more options out there.
 
You are talking about this??
Yamaha-MT-01.jpg

Then consider a VFR800.
There are lots about and very popular.
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V4 not inline and has been a hugely successful bike for Honda.

Too bad 4s are out ...this is pretty exceptional - I was considering it

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OP - what are the qualities that make the bike FUN for you?
 
Hardwrkr13 said:
OP - what are the qualities that make the bike FUN for you?
Click to expand...

Geez; that's a good question!! I'll try to answer my way (and to myself...).
My last 2 years: Versys 1000
The 22 (twenty-two) years before Versys: 1 x ZX11C and 1 x ZX11D
The 16 years before ZX11s: 1981 KZ1100 shaft

I intend to keep the Versys and I'm looking for something "refreshing". I would like to discover feelings that are new to me so with a bike different to what my previous bikes were/are. That's mainly why I don't want inline 4; I always got inline 4 in the past. I really think that a twin (V or vertical) should bring something new to me. I'm really leaning toward MT-01 because of the torque that must be addicting. I am not in need of big HP numbers as I do not ride very fast anymore. Mono's do not really appeal to me but it's not 100% "no".

As you can see, the short answer to your question is: I'm not 100% sure yet.
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