The NEW Yamaha MT-09 (official video Full HD) The Dark side of Japan - YouTube
At the heart of this new bike is the 850cc motor which the firm promises will deliver instant throttle response with lots of low and mid-range torque. Peak power is a claimed 115bhp at 10,500rpm with 62lbft of torque at 8500rpm. This puts it almost bang in the middle of the sort of performance from the Triumph Street triple 675 and the Speed Triple 1050.
In a move that separates Yamaha from the rest of the Japanese bike brands (although not Triumph) it has abandoned the in-line four in an effort to breathe more life into its models. Why has it done this? Yamaha needs a unique selling point to distinguish itself from the 'run of the mill' middleweights and hopefully promote sales. So what have we got?





Caption: Love it, hate it, but why don't you try to ignore it?
Yamaha's website says:
The beating heart of this new kind of animal is a lightweight 850cc 3-cylinder engine that kicks out a wide band of raw, linear torque giving outstanding acceleration that gets your adrenaline flowing.
And for agile handling this dynamic new naked motard-style bike is equipped with a compact aluminium chassis and upright riding position that make light work of everything - from weekday urban riding through to Sunday morning blasts.
This determines the International Yamaha's future itself. While we may not exactly love it, its hard to disagree that in a world filled up with many many 4 cylinders, triples have their own unique presence. Expect more products from Yamaha on this platform if this succeeds. Something tells me that this motorcycle would be fun to ride. A lot.
Xbhp members, how do you perceive the Dark Side of Japan? Do you see International Yamaha's sales position improving anytime soon, by this move?
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