ON the Yamaha stand at the 1999 Tokyo motorcycle show, there was one machine that blew everyone's minds. It was a concept bike so radical, so groundbreaking that no one really thought the engineers who dreamed it up would ever put it into production.

Well, those doubters were wrong and five years later, that bike, the MT-01 is back and ready to roll. Its radical 'Torque Sports' concept combines a massively torquey, 1700cc V-twin engine with a supersport chassis, for a new style of sports riding that works everywhere, from open twisty roads to city streets.

The MT-01's unmistakable exhaust note, rumbling like distant rolling thunder, gives this beast a raw, primal beat, with its own unique attitude and the kind of street presence that others can only dream about. Riders will revel in the awesome low rev torque performance, with thrust that's right there whenever you need it, at the slightest twist of the throttle.

Revs and gears become almost irrelevant - open the throttle at just 1,500rpm and feel the thrust as those shuddering waves of torque launch you towards the horizon. All held under control by a taut supersport chassis, beefy upside down forks and radial brakes, like no other street bike. Whether hacking down your favourite back road or carving through city traffic, you're riding the engine not just the bike.

Offering something new to the market, this 'Torque Sports Roadster' will come complete with dedicated accessories and apparel. If you can't wait to see it, your next chance will be at Germany's International Motorcycle and Scooter Fair, Intermot, Munich, 15-19 September 2004. Get ready to rumble - it looks like another Yamaha legend is ready to hit the street.