2009 Yamaha TT-R110E Review

Test Ride

2009 Yamaha TT-R110E

Yamaha may have designed the TT-R110E for those who just start riding, but I’m sure that they also considered the fact that more experienced riders in the family will want to have fun on it from time to time or at least the fact that this bike needs to keep the pace with continuously experience gathering riders. That explains the great deal of fun and excitement that the intermediate TT-R is, especially for someone with a decent dirt bike riding background. It is extremely nice to get back on machines you started on (or at least similar ones) as it really shows how much you’ve learned and you can always make a great impression to those to which this bike “officially” addresses.

The 110cc air-cooled four-stroke SOHC motor with two valves starts with the push of a button and delivers strong low-end torque without jerking. A constantly opened throttle translates that into a decent pull on top of the rev range and the best of this engine is that it doesn’t need to be kept “in the zone” with constant shifts. In other words, the best thing about this engine is the gearbox. The four-speed, constant mesh tranny provides a smooth ride to a beginning rider and keeps up with adrenaline junkies as well.

Without a doubt, the 2009 Yamaha TT-R110E is the most versatile model in its lineup and it doesn’t all consist in power delivery and grunt. Handling is light and very precise, making the front end extremely easy to toss around and that rear wheel is always guaranteed to follow. With a pair of 14-inch front and 12-inch rear wheels, this TT-R runs over bumps smoothly and goes on the indicated trace with the greatest ease. No wonder, as the rider has 4.5 inches of front wheel travel and 4.3 inches of rear wheel travel at his disposal and it’s a pretty hard task to make the 110cc model feel overwhelmed at any time.

Very enjoyable and meeting all riders demands, the 2009 TT-R110E remains a small bike and it doesn’t avoid showing it. Both front and rear stopping power is ensured by drum brakes so if the bike didn’t managed to lose that when reinvented in 2008, it may very well never do. But, as long as you’re not bothered by the old-school wheel design, no reproaches will follow, especially that it breaks so efficiently with excessive mass on it.

The seat is a thing you’ll rarely meet if planning to ride the wheels off this thing, but in the few moments that it is touched, there is no impression of planning to cut you in half. Ergonomics are good, but still, it is very likely that your back will give up before the bike will ever do so.

The only modification I recommend doing to the Yamaha TT-R110E is adding a bigger rear sprocket and only if you exceed the standard one’s capabilities. Great bike overall!

Price

The 2009 model year price is just under two grand ($1,949 to be precise). That makes it a great deal, just like the Kawasaki KLX110.

Conclusion

Styled like a racing motorcycle, but prepared to teach both starting and intermediate riders a thing or two about trail riding, the 2009 Yamaha TT-R110E is a reliable motorcycle with a thing or two for performance, safety and easy maneuvering in complete control. That sure sounds like a recipe for all beginners bike and if the throttle is widely opened by the courageous kid, you can simply attach a throttle limiter and your heart will come down from you neck.

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