News 7 Nov 2017

Yamaha unveils various new 2018 models at EICMA

MT-07, MT-09 SP, Tracer 900s and Raid edition Teneres all announced.

Source: Supplied.

Yamaha has bolstered its range for 2018 with the announcement of multiple new models to be released made at EICMA in Milan, Italy, earlier this morning.

The Japanese brand will release a new MT-07 for the new year, as well as an MT-09 SP version to emphasize its commitment to produce class-leading products in the hyper-naked segment.

With its characterful and torquey CP2 crossplane engine, compact chassis, low weight and agile handling, the Yamaha MT-07 is one of the few motorcycles that appeals to all kinds of riders. For 2018 Yamaha’s designers have created an all-new body for this top-selling model that enhances its appearance and also gives an improved feeling of quality.

Source: Supplied.

The new MT-07’s more mature body design retains the fundamental character of the previous model and blends it with new elements that have been inspired by the MT-09, such as the bolder headlight that gives a more imposing face.

A newly-designed fuel tank and MT-09-style ‘air intakes’ give a sharper image and reinforce the MT family look, while a new seat and separate black side panels accentuate the mass-forward design. The updated MT-07 is equipped with a completely new seat design that gives an improved riding position for riders of all sizes, as the new shape gives the 2018 model a more integrated profile.

With 130mm travel at both the front and rear, the MT-07’s suspension system is designed to give comfortable, progressive and predictable performance. The front forks are equipped with revised settings that give a sportier character, while the rear suspension is fitted with a new rebound damping adjuster.

Source: Supplied.

Coming just one year after the launch of the new MT-09, Yamaha’s naked bikes will be further strengthened by the launch of the new MT-09 SP, offering a premium specification with an emphasis on sport performance. Featuring Öhlins equipment, as well as dedicated colouring and unique finishing, the radical new MT-09 SP builds on the significant strengths of the MT brand.

In order to give riders even greater possibilities to explore the outstanding performance of the three-cylinder torque-rich crossplane engine, Yamaha’s designers have specified an Öhlins rear shock absorber for the new MT-09 SP. It’s also fitted with Kayaba front forks, in which both legs can be adjusted for rebound and compression damping.

To complement its premium specification, the MT-09 SP is finished in an exclusive Silver Blu Carbon colour scheme that matches the design featured on the MT-10 SP. The SP theme is continued in the seat, which features distinctive blue stitching that complements the tank and wheels.

Unlike most other bikes in the class, the MT-09 SP’s special LCD instrument panel displays white information against a black background, giving higher levels of clarity during daytime riding.

Source: Supplied.

In terms of sports-touring, Yamaha uncovered a new Tracer 900 alongside a Tracer 900GT variant. Powered by Yamaha’s popular 847cc CP3 engine, the team of designers have concentrated on reinforcing the strengths and values of the Tracer 900, while also introducing a range of updates and changes that are aimed at enhancing the bike’s touring potential.

There’s a larger, adjustable windscreen that offers better upper-body weather protection for a more relaxing and enjoyable ride on longer journeys. For enhanced passenger comfort, the 2018 model also features a revised passenger footrest assembly together with the newly-designed grab bars.

Yamaha has also made subtle but efficient revisions to all of the body panels and covers in order to improve the overall look, feel and quality. A new air intake area on the front cowl gives a more refined appearance and the design of the fuel tank’s side-panels and side-wings are also revised.

The Tracer 900 is equipped with a newly-designed aluminium swingarm as well as revised rear shock settings. Both the rider’s and passenger’s seats are new for 2018 and the rider’s seat can be adapted for height in two positions to accommodate your personal riding style. Plus, there’s a soft pad on the tank for added rider comfort on longer journeys.

It also benefits from narrower handlebars, together with slimmer and lighter hand-guards. The new layout gives a more natural riding position for added comfort and the new handlebars help to keep the rider’s arms out of the airflow at higher speeds.

Source: Supplied.

In addition, the Tracer 900GT is a new model that comes with a premium specification as standard. Developed from the Tracer 900 and sharing the same 2018 specification upgrades, the Tracer 900GT is designed to offer sport touring riders the ultimate package at what’s set to be a competitive price.

The Tracer 900GT comes fitted with quickly detachable 22-litre colour-matched genuine hard side-cases as standard. Tracer 900GT riders get a unique view from the cockpit, with the latest TFT instrument panel, it has the provision of heated grips, plus it’s equipped with fully-adjustable front forks and a remote pre-load adjuster for the rear shock.

There’s a Quick Shift System that transforms acceleration performance of the bike based on the system used on the latest MT-09, while the Tracer 900GT also benefits from the fitment of a cruise control system as standard equipment. It’s the same system that’s used on the MT-10 and can be set to control the riding speed in fourth, fifth and sixth gears when riding between 50-180km/h.

Source: Supplied.

And the new models didn’t stop there, as wraps were pulled off of a new XT1200ZE Super Tenere Raid Edition, as well as a Tenere 700 World Raid Edition Prototype model. Having pioneered the development of rugged, lightweight dual-purpose motorcycles back in the 1970s, Yamaha has always had a close relationship with the adventure segment.

The XT1200ZE Super Tenere Raid Edition comes fully prepared for serious long distance exploration, equipped with an outstandingly rugged and reliable 1199cc twin-cylinder engine featuring a 270-degree crank layout that delivers strong torque for effortless riding.

Its specification tells the serious adventure rider everything they need to know: shaft drive, electronically-adjustable suspension, 23-litre fuel tank, adjustable seat and screen, unified braking, a rugged skid plate featuring side extensions, carbon side panels and advanced electronic technology including TCS, Cruise Control and D-MODE.

Alongside it, inspired by the remarkable levels of worldwide interest generated by the T7 concept – together with the positive feedback and encouraging reviews from those who have ridden it – Yamaha has created Tenere 700 World Raid, a prototype model which is being used to develop the final specification of the production model.

Featuring the rugged rally-inspired character of the original T7 concept bike and developed using the information gained from intensive testing of the T7 during 2017, this lightweight adventure bike is unlike anything else on offer in the market place.

In contrast to many models available today from other brands, the Tenere 700 World Raid’s low weight and slim chassis give excellent off road performance for more extreme riding in a wide variety of terrain and its compact 689cc CP2 engine delivers a wide band of tractable and easy to use power that make it ideal for on- and off-road adventure riding.

At the very heart of the Tenere 700 World Raid prototype is the same highly acclaimed 689cc twin-cylinder crossplane engine that has been used in the MT-07. The prototype features a custom-made rally-style Akrapovic exhaust that reinforces the bike’s rugged looks and delivers a deep and powerful tone.

Source: Supplied.

The steel chassis has been reworked and improved in key areas in order to achieve optimised handling and features capable upside down front forks and a monoshock rear. The Tenere 700 World Raid features the same rugged looking rally bike silhouette as the T7, with a number of fine-tunings such as a lower seat height, that make the future production model accessible.

The fuel tank has been developed to give a useful range between refills, while at the same offering excellent ergonomics and contributing towards the machine’s low weight. Carbon is used for the side panels, front fender and the one-piece rear tail and the cowl is equipped with a Dakar Rally-inspired four-projector headlight assembly.

The cockpit area is designed to enable the rider to locate additional equipment such as navigation devices and this exciting adventure bike features the T7-inspired colour scheme, with Racing Blue and carbon fibre bodywork.

Yamaha will be taking the Tenere 700 World Raid prototype on a challenging trip across the world throughout 2018, where a team of Yamaha riders will take on a number of tough adventure stages across the globe, enabling Yamaha fans in Australia, America, Africa and Europe to see it first-hand.

Source: Supplied.

Updates to the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R1M superbike have also been revealed, including the latest state of the art Öhlins Electronic Racing Suspension (ERS), enhanced ERS settings in Yamaha Ride Control (YRC), updated Quick Shift System (QSS) with new downshift function, improved Lift control (LIF) and new ECU mapping.

Stay tuned for further information once released by Yamaha Motor Australia in regards to local pricing and availability of the latest 2018 models.

Recent