What would a Yamaha MT-04 250cc flat tracker look like? Oberdan Bezzi, who keeps turning out loads of very cool sketches, thought it might be an opportunity for Yamaha to open up a segment of the market with something other than a scooter or the usual small displacement motorcycles you see throughout much of the world. He thought if Yamaha built a V-Twin like this it might appeal to the riders looking for something that stands out from the crowd.
He has a more standard sketch for his MT-04 idea but this flat track concept, aimed at the U.S., caught my eye. Think about the large base of new riders looking for a way to get comfortable on a motorcycle but having a problem finding a small displacement bike that looks good. In my mind, this would solve that problem quite nicely. In fact, something this nice might do away with the need to move up too quickly because the rider wanted to get off of his "beginner bike" and give him or her an opportunity to really learn how to ride. Nice idea!
Link: Oberdan Bezzi
Kickboxer Subaru WRX Powered Motorcycle Concept
{ 16 comments… add yours below ... }
Hmmmm….www.xrdna.com
Looks like a Honda Ascot. Same idea really.
Same idea as the original idea of the Ascot. Let’s hope it doesn’t take the same route as the Ascot, ugly, plain, standard. This design is much better than Harley’s XR1200. But, a 250??? C’mon Yamaha. Step up put something beastly in there. Even if it one of your inline fours.
BTW, I see Harley is indeed bringing the XR1200 to the U.S. where it belongs after all. It’s listed on their web site.
I should have read before i posted the last one. I see now that this is not a Yamaha project. But c’mon Yamaha. Step up.
I love all of Oberdan’s sketches. I wish the manufacturers would consider some of his concepts.
My first bike was a 250 Yamaha, albeit a single cylinder bike, that thing could move decently for around the city travel. Remember, every bike has its place and use
Scratch my comment about bringing the XR1200 to the U.S. For some reason http://www.harleydavidson.com is taking me to the U.K. site. Harley quality!!
Virago engine in a flattrack body? I like it!
Don’t Yamaha make an XV750 (maybe they used to): If a 250 V Twin in a flat track inspired body is good, then a 750 V twin with tht body must be THREE TIMES BETTER! I really like that litte two fiddy though.
There was a really interesting article in a Cycle World recently by the designer of the HOnda Ascot (we got them here called the FT500/400). Basically how his concept and idea were bastardised and ruined…. with pictures.
Sell that bike with a bigger engine (500cc – 750cc) and I will seriously look at it.
I like it, mainly because it’s; A) a standard bike, and B) small displacement. There aren’t enough choices for small displacement bikes. I don’t always like riding around on big bikes and the 250 is very appropriate for beginners too. I’d prefer a single or vertical twin, probably 400cc. To me, Yamaha is not associated with the V-twin.
-todd
Keep it a 250. Often, a learner rider has to use a 250 before graduating to a bigger bike, and more often than not, a lightweight 250 gives the same grin factor as a bigger, heavier bike.
I owned an ‘83 Hondat VT500 Ascot. Nice bike, a little small for me and a lot underpowered. Looked great. A 250 though? No interest. Make it with the 1800 engine and let me know who to make the cheque out to. Oh yeah, make sure there’s part of the gas tank under the seat. I don’t want to stop every 90 or 100 miles like on my old Ascot.
Keep the 250, I’d like another choice of something cool to ride besides the little Ninja. I’ve already got a Ducati, I don’t need another big 2-cylinder. However, this looks like a fun little bike to zip around town with and head back and forth to work.
This is a totally untapped market here in the states. Every August I start looking on the Big Four’s web sites for bikes exactly like this. NO JOY!! Build them now!!!
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