Photo: Yamaha
Enter the Yamaha DT-07, the dirty sibling of the agile, naked MT-07 machine. DT-07 is a custom build that was recently introduced at the 2015 AIMExpo show in Florida and it’s a bike that honors the flat track racing heritage in the United States.
Even though the donor bike was heavily modified, the Yamaha DT-07 still retains several lines of the MT, albeit only visible to the trained eye. Largely based on the MT-07, the DT-07 was built from scratch and is an original Yamaha Motor USA creation.
It is more of a design exercise from its makers, who tried to find out what a flat track machine could look like if created in the modern days.
The engine is pretty much all that's left of the MT, with everything else being purpose-built for the project. As Yamaha only added a minimalist bodywork to the machine, the radiator seems huge, even though it didn't look this big on the MT-07.
And with the front end maintained simple and clean, this impression is even stronger. We're still trying to get used to the image, but it's hard, as we're so used to air-cooled flat trackers with a narrow front. Not sure yet if we like this or not.
The frame of the DT-07 is a custom job, and so are the swingarm with the adjustable pivot and the rear linkage. The forks were sourced from an R6, and modified because the front brakes were no longer needed.
Propulsion Labs aftermarket wheels were added and they received flat track tires, and they look great without the fenders. The fuel tank cover, seat pan and the shorty tail section are a single-piece structure that makes everything look robust and... inviting.
Wonder if such machines will ever become available in Yamaha dealerships...
It is more of a design exercise from its makers, who tried to find out what a flat track machine could look like if created in the modern days.
The engine is pretty much all that's left of the MT, with everything else being purpose-built for the project. As Yamaha only added a minimalist bodywork to the machine, the radiator seems huge, even though it didn't look this big on the MT-07.
And with the front end maintained simple and clean, this impression is even stronger. We're still trying to get used to the image, but it's hard, as we're so used to air-cooled flat trackers with a narrow front. Not sure yet if we like this or not.
The Yamaha MT-07 is a lightweight and nimble platform for more custom builds
It turns out that the MT-07 is a very neat platform for various custom builds. The bike is simple and tidy, and this favors modders who are using a minimalist design language. At the same time, potential projects that involve a more complex approach, or even a dash of bling will find a great canvas in the shape of the MT-07.The frame of the DT-07 is a custom job, and so are the swingarm with the adjustable pivot and the rear linkage. The forks were sourced from an R6, and modified because the front brakes were no longer needed.
Propulsion Labs aftermarket wheels were added and they received flat track tires, and they look great without the fenders. The fuel tank cover, seat pan and the shorty tail section are a single-piece structure that makes everything look robust and... inviting.
Wonder if such machines will ever become available in Yamaha dealerships...
Google News