DOSSIER

YAMAHA

MT-10: high-displacement naked sports car with exuberant performance

The sportier naked segment is one of the most fascinating. The mere fact of considering building a motorcycle without a fairing derived directly from any of the current motorcycles in the superbike segment may seem crazy. Let's not forget that these bikes have taken a leap forward in terms of power in recent years that have led them to exceed 200 hp, and with technology and materials that place them at a mere 200 kg in weight.

They are bikes for the circuit, the only place where some will be able to get the most out of them. Modifying them with higher handlebars to achieve a less forced position and removing the fairing to achieve a brutal aesthetic was an operation that was initially carried out by tuners for some fans that most considered crazy.

AND HOWEVER... Those original streetfighters would have had something when they were so successful that the big brands considered it worthwhile to include them in their catalogue. The truth is that it was not very complicated either, because once the traditional sports car was available, the rest of the work was to adapt it to its new function, already having the fundamental base, because neither the chassis nor the engine changed more than in details. And we now find that almost universally we have in the catalogs the two versions, dressed and naked to choose from.

Fortunately, renowned firms have been able to make these bikes not just what they seem, and the great naked sports bikes have managed to combine the emotions of their sisters with a certain rationality that allows them to be much more valid bikes for day-to-day use. The way to achieve this has been to stop the escalation of power, at least in most of them, and provide them with a less extreme dynamic behavior, but maintaining that wild spirit that is the basis of their success.

SPECIAL ENGINE...The Yamaha MT-10 is also a very special motorcycle within this select group, both for its aesthetics and for its engine. Its sister, the YZF-R1, is the only superbike with an in-line cylinder engine that has a common MotoGP technology, the crankshaft with a closed firing order, in this case with the crankpins set at 90°.

The MT series, "Master of Torque" is made up of a whole family that brings together models of all displacements, but all united by a radical aesthetic that Yamaha has dubbed "Dark Side of Japan", with this older sister as an example of up to where it can be reached, both in the aesthetic section and in its own operation.

MORE ELECTRONICS...The new version has adapted to the new times, not only due to the need to pass the emission standards of the Euro5 homologation, but also to include the electronic improvements that are currently evolving at a speed that is difficult to follow.

The maximum power is not a problem in these motorcycles, and with some exceptions all the manufacturers have limited them, and in this case the 2022 model declares 166 CV, 5.5 CV more, but the work has not focused on this figure but on gain torque in the middle and control the curve from low revs, avoiding oscillations.

MORE LINEAR... The inertia of the crankshaft has been increased considerably, specifically 43.5%, and pistons have been renewed, now forged, connecting rods, split by fracture and the chrome coating of the cylinders, all with the aim of reducing the internal friction. Power has increased in the range between 4,000 rpm and 8,000 rpm with a new adjustment of fuel injection parameters and new lines. The exhaust is now titanium with a new design

The result is truly spectacular because the new MT-10 offers impressive downforce, few bikes can compare. You just have to accelerate without hesitation in the first two gear ratios to get the front wheel off the ground even from low revs.

PRECISE ADJUSTMENT...Fortunately, this muscle has been accompanied by a new electronic system that has a precise adjustment of all its parameters to make it respond exactly as you want. In any case, the acceleration is now constant and energetic, a true pleasure for the senses that will satisfy those who bet on this type of motorcycle, who want precisely this.

Another of the great attractions of the MT-10 is its sound. The pulse of its engine is different from that of any other in-line four-cylinder, with a hoarse tone that can also be seen in the Japanese firm's MotoGP bikes, and Yamaha wanted to make the most of it in this new edition. For this, intense work has been done, creating a new air box with three ducts of different lengths and cross sections that accentuate its distinguished sound, especially between 4,000 rpm and 8,000 rpm. In addition, grilles have been added to the top of the fuel tank that amplify it and increase the feeling of acceleration, which is already spectacular.

UPDATE...The third leg that has been worked on is the obvious one, the electronics. Today in six months the new devices leave the latest news old and the MT-10 has caught up with its predecessor. It now has a new, very small six-axis IMU, even smaller than the YZF-R1, and a more sensitive and precise electronic throttle. It features the usual control and assist systems, with four power modes, five traction control, lift, slide, and downshift hold, all independently adjustable.

It also comes standard with a quick-change system that works in both directions and works particularly well, even at low revs. The information provided by the different sensors and the new IMU also make it possible to have ABS when cornering. As standard equipment it also includes control and speed limiter. The instrument panel is also new, a 4.2” color TFT screen that, in addition to being used for configuring all the options, can also serve as an interface for Yamaha's MyGarage and MyRide applications.

TWO OPTIONS...The chassis and its components have not changed except for details, since a radial Brembo master cylinder has been incorporated and the suspensions have changes in their adjustment. The standard version, which is the one with which we have had this first contact, has fully adjustable KYB suspensions, including high and low speed compression in the rear.

Meanwhile, the SP continues to have new generation Öhlins material with electronic regulation and semi-active operation. The bodywork has changed a lot, and from the previous "transformer" aspect we have gone to a more organic one without superfluous elements, shorter and with different optics. The tank cover has smoother shapes and the design of the saddle has been changed.

UNIQUE...There is no doubt that the MT-10 is a motorcycle that stands out from its competition. It is true that there are more powerful bikes, others that have a behavior closer to that of the superbikes from which they derive, or others more suitable for tourism, but the Yamaha is special. It is because of its sound, but also because of that general balance that it has achieved between the radical nature of the original concept of this segment and the ease with which it is handled.

The engine is really impressive in the middle, and of course beyond, but its power delivery can be regulated if you want more peace of mind. The standard version offers a wide possibility of adjustment of the suspensions, although our experience with the SP in this regard is even better, but even adjusting by hand, it works spectacularly.

MORE TACT...The new pump offers more modulation and so much power that you need to have the fork well adjusted and the bike balances very well helped by a contained weight and dimensions in which a really short wheelbase stands out, which defines the agility of a motorcycle that you notice known from the first moment. You can play with the engine tuning parameters very easily on the go and the shift assistant gives you fast and safe operation, even in very sharp reductions.

The good thing is that that ability to go fast, very fast, is combined with the ability to make constant use of it. The position is not radical at all, you can drive around town without problems, although the turning radius in maneuvers is a bit reduced, the clutch is soft and as the first gear ratio is quite long, you take advantage of the torque and the smoothness of the low speed even driving very slowly.

LONG LEGS...That first short leg will then allow you to approach the paellas in it without having to have the engine very high in revolutions while you trace them, but with an acceleration at the start that is difficult to match. Yamaha offers two equipment packages focused on improving its touring skills with more protection and a tail or sports bag with an even better sound exhaust by the ubiquitous Akrapovic.

Perhaps the ideal would be to have both, considering that this new MT-10 performs perfectly in both occupations. What everyone will not agree on is the line of a motorcycle that is framed in that Yamaha philosophy that makes them so particular. If you like that dark side, the alternative is clear.

CONCLUSION...This third edition of the MT-10 is once again offered in two versions, this standard one which accounts for two thirds of sales and the SP which increases its price from €16,999 to €19,899. For Yamaha, the sports naked segment accounts for almost half of the high-displacement market, well above the trail or super sports cars.

They are motorcycles whose priority market is Europe, especially Great Britain, Germany and France, and which they have in the highest category with really brilliant competition. This alternative plays with the advantage of its differentiator, its driving engine and intoxicating sound, a particular line and the possibility of combining the best sporty character with conventional use. If you want it all, here it is.

Autonews