2009 Yamaha TT-R110E Review

Introduction

Designed to address to a larger category of riders, the Yamaha TT-R110E is expected to impress with its one-off features such as the electrically-started four-stroke powered engine mated to an automatic-clutch transmission. This last feature makes it ideal for kids to concentrate on riding, not gear changing, something that reduces their accommodating time on the bike and gets straight to pure off-road excitement.

And when it comes to this bike’s ability to make a point on the trails, the off-road suspensions and 7.1 inches of ground clearance work together in a harmonious way, leaving kids impressed and parents satisfied with the acquisition they’ve just made.

Being a four-stroke of small displacement, it doesn’t really get up to speed so it didn’t need more than a pair of drum brakes for quick stopping power at all times. But what it did needed in order to help small riders stay on it was the 26.4 inches ground clearance. Nothing is better than having your feet positioned on the ground after a doubtful incursion on those trails.

History

2007 Yamaha TT-R90E

First introduced at the end of 2007 as a replacement for the TT-R90E, the bike was supposed to come as a solution for those who have outgrown the PW50 and TT-R50E, but still aren’t quite ready to see their way on those four-stroke 125cc dirt bikes that are also bigger in size and have more powerful engines. We reckon the TT-R110E succeeds to fill that gap.

Competition

2009 Honda CRF100F

This is also the case of Honda’s CRF100F which is new for 2009. It stands as the only Honda in the lineup that has got the guts to prove a point against our Yamaha and it does it with the 99cc air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke SOHC; two-valve engine. Even though smaller, this unit is powerful, but the bike’s ease of handling and comfort is what makes us compare it with the TT-R, though not comparable is the 30.9 inches of seat height in the case of the Honda. But that is because this is a full-sized trail bike (it has the 19-inch front and 16-inch rear tires, a five-speed transmission and it is priced at $2,449), not a kids bike. It sure tricked me!

2009 Kawasaki KLX110

A real competitor for the small Yamaha TT-R110 is the Kawasaki KLX110. This is indeed a beginner bike with a seat height of 25.6 inches while the engine is an 111cc four-stroke, SOHC, two-valve single. A three-speed automatic transmission also makes it even more similar to the blue trail blast reviewed today. Put long travel suspension on it, 14-inch front and 12-inch rear tires and sell it for $1,849 and you’re in for one hell of a ride.

Exterior

2009 Yamaha TT-R110E

Being destined to be only an evolutionary step in a rider’s career wouldn’t justify this motorcycle’s neglected looks so Yamaha made sure that it reminds riders of those championship-winning YZ models. They made it look aggressive by fitting it with race-inspired side panels and decals. A narrow low seat was the appropriate choice for it and the fenders (at least the rear one) look like being prepared for some pretty rough off-road adventures.

In order to obtain a decent ground clearance, engineers went for the inclined engine positioning, a feature which makes traveling over bumps possible. Spoked wheels were the best solution (not like on the PW50) considering the shocks they’ll be suffering.

The color of choice is Team Yamaha Blue/White, just like on the bikes it stole the looks from.

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