Rennie Scaysbrook | November 22, 2021
Yamaha’s MT-10 has been the company’s flagship nakedbike since its release back in 2016 but it’s remained largely unchanged since then.
That’s all changed for 2022 as the company has debuted a heavily-revised MT-10 and for the first time, we’ll get the MT-10 SP in the North American market.
Focusing on the base model MT-10, the motor is the CP4 unit derived from the 2022 Yamaha YZF-R1 but features steel conrods for better mid-range torque compared to the superbike’s needs for top-end power. Yamaha USA isn’t releasing power and torque figures but the European models will come with a claimed 163 hp and 82 lb-ft of torque—whether the U.S version produces that remains to be seen.
$16,899 for the MT-10 SP is a very tasty price in deed.
The now Euro-5 compliant motor sits in the same Deltabox chassis as previously, and particular attention has been paid to the sound the rider will hear via acoustic tuning of the intake system via different length intake tubes as well as ‘acoustic amplifier grilles’ on the gas tank that direct the sound to the rider.
A new titanium exhaust has been crafted, which also adds to the audio experience of the new MT-10.
Aesthetically, the MT has taken a few cues from the MT-09 range with a new face that feature twin-eye mono-focus LED headlights and LED position lights situated above the headlights. As for the ergos, the rider triangle has been changed to give a less pronounced angle for the riders legs, which gives a more relaxing hip stance for longer rides. The seat padding has also been firmed up to help this.
The electronics are all new and mimic those found in the R1. A six-axis IMU is fitted and monitors the traction, slide, lift (wheelie), and brake control (BC) systems, and there’s three different stages for engine brake control as well. You can also adjust all these modes independently of each other via the Yamaha Ride Control feature by way of four different riding modes.
The brakes get a new Brembo radial master-cylinder (hopefully the brakes perform better than those on the R1M…), and the suspension is conventionally-adjusted 43 KYB forks up front and a KYB monoshock, both fully-adjustable.
Looking at the MT-10 SP, the main difference is the Ohlins fork and shock that feature semi-active adjustment, similar to the R1M. The system offers six modes (three auto and three manual), with adjustment done via the dash.
The SP also gets a cute lower fairing and steel braided brake lines. The 2022 Yamaha MT-10 SP will be available in the liquid Metal/Raven color scheme from dealers in May 2022 for an MSRP of $16,899, while the base model comes in Cyan Storm or Matte Raven Black and will be available from dealers in March 2022 for an MSRP of $13,999.
For more Yamaha news and reviews, click here
