The Yamaha MT-10 will be the brand’s flagship naked sportbike for 2022, arriving with a fresh face, updated engine and chassis, and more tech!
The Japanese behemoth’s focus with the MT line-up or ‘Masters of Torque’ machines employs a blend of hard-core hooliganism and racing genes from its top-notch ‘R’ series of motorcycles, slowly trickling down to the streets. Part of the appeal comes in a naked sport form factor, exposing the artwork that is the powertrain, chassis, and everything else in between.
Sitting atop the pecking order is the new MT-10 with a visual overhaul over its predecessor. Similar to the MT-09, Yamaha kicked things off with spanking new full LED headlamps with angry-looking eyebrow-shaped DRLs, replacing the classic trapezoidal units from the previous model. It is accompanied by a new cowl and special power blue alloy wheel.
Looking at its side profile, the Yamaha MT-10 ditches the side panels to go down the clean and coverless design route, exposing the new tank design, powertrain, frame, and side-slung exhaust. Moreover, the new bike stands taller than before, clocking in at 45 inches at its lowest point instead of 42 inches on the 2021 version.
Yamaha drew inspiration from the R1 and R1M, borrowing the well-renowned Deltabox frame. The unmistakable 998 ccs CP4 i4 engine is also present, which is already a Yamaha classic.
However, unlike on the R1, the manufacturer tuned the cross-plane inline-four (CP4) unit on the naked sibling for better mid-range torque and performance on the streets. Part of the revisions includes a cross-plane crankshaft, forged aluminum pistons, and direct-plated cylinders. As a result, the performance figures are still impressive at 163.6 bhp and 82.6 ft-lb of torque at 11,500 and 9,500 rpm, respectively.
Yamaha also changed the sound, courtesy of a new airbox with three pipes of dissimilar cross-section and length, varying the tone and adding extra character to it. If that wasn’t enough, it also added acoustic amplifiers on the tank, adding an extra twist during the intake phase. The MT-10 also features a titanium sports exhaust system, emitting a sound similar to V-twins or V4s.
Additionally, the optional quick-shifter is now standard on the MT-10, making shifting seamless and super slick. In terms of chassis updates, Yamaha retained the fully adjustable KYB telescopic forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear. Stopping power comes from R1-derived Brembo calipers and a new radial master cylinder to enhance the overall feel.
Moving on to electronics, the Yamaha MT-10 now comes with a 4.2-inch color TFT display, providing access to four riding modes and other tweaks. The rider can access them via the buttons and switches on the left-hand side of the handlebar. Worth mentioning, the bike also receives a sophisticated 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), providing riders with the safety net of lean-sensitive traction control, wheelie control, Cornering ABS, slide control system (SCS), etc.
With all its latest updates, the 2022 Yamaha MT-10 continues to be a compelling option in a category packed with great motorcycles, such as the Kawasaki Z1000, Honda CB1000R, and Triumph Speed Triple RS.
Expect pricing information alongside further hints on the SP version soon!
Gallery: Yamaha MT-10
Source: Yamaha
