If we had to rank the most effective engines of the previous decade, the Yamaha MT-09’s inline-triple would sit close to the highest. Its crossplane structure delivers oodles of usable torque—and by some means manages to really feel rowdy and manageable all of sudden.
Yamaha has slotted that motor into every thing from the retro-flavoured XSR900 GP to the touring-ready Tracer 9. The one hole in Yamaha’s MT-09 lineup? An journey bike.
Ever since Yamaha pulled the wraps off the Ténéré 700, we’ve been ready for them to create an even bigger model of it… a Ténéré 900, if you’ll. Identical to the MT-07 engine’s tractable nature has made it splendid for journey obligation, the MT-09’s torquey donk has all of the makings of an excellent all-terrain ripper. If solely.
Thankfully, Function Constructed Moto is on the case. Primarily based on the Gold Coast in Australia, they’ve taken a 2019-spec MT-09 and turned it into the Ténéré 900 that Yamaha hasn’t constructed (but).
“Usually, when a dialog begins between me and a shopper, the thought evolves round what they need out of the challenge,” says store boss Tom Gilroy. “The thought for this one spawned from a love of triple engines, the sound and energy they make, and the need for an journey machine. Tyson (the shopper) had some clear concepts, nevertheless it was as much as us to determine the easiest way to make this occur.”
PBM’s minds instantly went to the Yamaha Ténéré 700—and constructing a three-cylinder model of it appeared like a no brainer. “The MT-09, because it sits, is lighter than the Ténéré 700 and makes extra energy,” Tom explains. “So if we have been to beef up the suspension, carry the bike, fabricate a rally tower, and convert the wheels to off-road sizes wrapped in knobby tires, that will in all probability make loads of sense—or a minimum of be loads of enjoyable.”
PBM’s first port of name was the Yamaha MT-09’s suspension and wheels. A set of KTM 1190 Journey forks went onto the entrance with out an excessive amount of fuss, however the rear finish of the bike proved to be extra of a problem. The bike was despatched to Charlie Costanzo at Costanzo Racing Tuned to have the entrance finish dialed in and to have a custom-spec rear shock constructed. However that was simply half the battle.
“A little bit heavy engineering was wanted to have the rear working appropriately,” Tom explains. “I needed to design and fabricate some new shock linkages for the decrease shock mount, in addition to re-engineer the central body brace and prime shock mount to permit the suspension to actuate correctly by its full vary of movement. Some of these items is a bit like black magic to me, however between myself and Charlie we are able to just about determine something out; it’s largely Charlie.”
Subsequent, the MT-09 was handled to dirt-appropriate wheels and tires. It now rolls on 21F/18R Excel rims, wrapped in Motoz Tractionator RallZ tires. Twin Brembo brake calipers do obligation up entrance, and the bike is ready up in order that Tyson can swap in a set of 17” for spirited asphalt adventures.
With the MT-09 standing tall, Tom began determining the exhaust system. He sourced a pair of Yoshimura mufflers, mounted them beneath the seat, and fabricated a bit to attach them to the inventory three-into-one collector.
To nail the rally raid aesthetic, PBM ordered a Ténéré 700-specific rally tower from Italy, full with LED lights and a transparent windscreen. As soon as the crew had tailored it to suit the MT-09, they fabricated aluminum facet fairings to hyperlink the OEM gas tank to the brand new tower, whereas sustaining the angular vibe of the OEM physique panels. The front-end was completed off with a pair of yellow Perspex wind deflectors, that are neatly built-in with {custom} brackets that additionally accommodate the unique dashboard.
The cockpit additionally incorporates a Quad Lock wi-fi smartphone charger and vibration dampener, hooked up to a hand-crafted mounting plate. Excessive and large handlebars, fitted with PBM mirrors and aftermarket levers, full the package deal. Decrease down, the crew relocated the foot controls to a extra acceptable placement for journey using, and upgraded them with grippy MX-style pegs.
PBM additionally fabricated the aluminum entrance fender and fork guards, together with a pointy rear fender that continues the sharp enduro-inspired styling. Particulars embody an built-in LED taillight, a pair of PBM LED flip alerts, and a discreet license plate bracket. A seat worthy of a triple-cylinder grime bike sits up prime, upholstered in gripper vinyl by common PBM collaborator, Jamason at Timeless Auto Trim.
With the exhaust headers operating near the rider’s legs, the crew crafted a set of aluminum facet covers to enhance the prevailing warmth shields. Different handmade particulars embody a beneficiant sump guard and a set of crash bars, created from chromoly tubing. Not pictured are the bike’s new baggage racks, which might be fitted in minutes to carry a set of Kriega luggage.
As soon as PBM was achieved dressing the MT-09, Tom and Tyson stared on the uncooked steel bodywork and began debating the right way to paint it. “We threw concepts round, from basic Yamaha Dakar liveries to classic MX graphics,” says Tom. “We lastly landed on a blue and yellow Yamaha throwback that will use the long-lasting speedblock design, blended with a flat Yamaha blue and pops of yellow.”
“Justin from Pop Bang Classics broke out the paints, blended up some unimaginable colours, and took our paint renders from a laptop computer display screen to actuality. I used to be shocked on the colour Justin produced—so crispy and flat that each one of our {custom} sheet steel regarded like plastic.”
As quickly because the paint had dried and Function Constructed Moto’s Ténéré 900 was all buttoned up, Tom took it for a shakedown run. Since we’re properly acquainted with the MT-09’s motor, it didn’t shock us to listen to that he had the time of his life. “I solely have on-road expertise, however my God is it enjoyable,” he confirms. “Ripping the throttle will convey the entrance wheel up with out hesitation, and, as soon as traction management is turned off, the bike is a wild animal, tamed solely by the rider’s throttle management.”
We’re offered. Now if solely Yamaha would take word…
Function Constructed Moto | Fb | Instagram | Photos by Tristan Tolley
