ICE Fluo is a difficult colour to describe. It is neither white nor silver and fluorescent it is not. Granted, the choice of name for the colour may not reflect the reality, but describing it is another thing altogether.
Let's just say that Ice Fluo is neither Icy nor Fluorescent. It is, however, a more arresting (pardon the pun, officer) colour than Yamaha Blu, which is the other colour option for the Yamaha MT-25 that Cars, Bikes and Trucks tested.
The MT series of naked bikes is steadily growing and MT-15 fleshed out the range of hyper-nakeds that Yamaha offers to the market.
There is little doubt that the move is to take advantage of the growing interest in the category and what better way to appease the quarter-litre crowd than to utilise the R25's powerplant in an aggressive naked motorcycle?
Of course, the MT-25 is more than just a parts-bin special. A lot of thought has gone into the design and specially-made parts. It is not just a naked R25, no sirree.
The diamond frame from the R25 remains, as does the wheels, upside down forks and monoshock rear suspension. Everything else is changed to suit the MT-25's new role.
The top yoke is cast aluminium to accommodate the new handlebars, which offer a sporty riding position in conjunction with the high-ish rearset footpegs.
The new riding position is adaptable to both commuting and also sports riding, a feat that is difficult to achieve.
The suspension, which may be on the soft side for a sporty R25, now makes complete sense on the MT-25. The better leverage on the handlebars and the sporty riding position make the MT-25 completely at home blitzing corner apexes on the way to work (well, it would if you were not working from home).
The engine is off the R-25, the venerable liquid-cooled 249cc DOHC 8 valve twin cylinder with six speeds. The power output differs slightly though, with the MT down almost 1kW to 25.8kW at 12,000rpm but torque remaining at 22.6Nm at 10,000rpm.
This may have something to do with a gearing change and makes the MT feel as if it needs an extra gear. The MT certainly accelerates with more authority than the R.
Nonetheless, the MT rider will feel a bit more flustered on the highways than the R rider. Both still require one or two downshifts to make quick overtakes, the MT less so.
Styling is suitably MT series aggressive, with air scoops (with function to channel cool air to the engine) and sharp edges everywhere.
The icing on the MT-25 cake is the front headlamp assembly that looks as predatory as a Batman's mask and the DRL "eyes" make the look complete.
Both high and low beams are in the centre "eye". Opinions are torn between "gorgeous" and "can't make up my mind".
However, there's no denying the headlamp treatment fits the MT series philosophy perfectly.
Onboard the MT, the tank appears to be quite bulky but holds just 14 litres (and 0.30l less than the R). Surprisingly, while Joe Public sees the R25 as a 250cc sportsbike, the same Mr Public thinks the MT-25 is actually a much larger capacity motorcycle.
Seat height is exactly the same (780mm) as the R-25 but feels more accommodating due to the taller handlebars (lady riders, take note).
Windshield manufacturers will have a field day selling to MT-25 owners because there is practically nil wind protection. And the MT-25 will go quite fast enough to need it.
Potential owners will be pleased to know that Yamaha offers a wide range of accessories for the MT-25 (from tank protectors to crash protectors and exhaust canisters.
Overall, the MT-25 does what it says on the packaging. At the price of RM21,500, the MT-25 is more than the sum of its parts and is more versatile than its sports-focused sibling, the R-25.
Coming in at a lower price, that might just tip the (purchasing) scale towards the MT-25 and it would not be a lesser choice. You don't know the power of the Dark Side. even though it's bright Ice Fluo.