BACK IN 2016, YAMAHA INTRODUCED THE pinnacle of their MT empire, the MT-10, and, later, the premium MT-10 SP. Transforming a crossplane R1 into a torque-rich sports naked bike was an obvious move. It was an instant success: fun, muscular, easy to ride, and full of character other Japanese “hyper nakeds” seemed to lack. It was reasonably priced too.
In recent years, however, the MT-10 has begun to show its age, especially in terms of technology and rider aids. It was always on the thirsty side, too, and, by modern standards, the brakes were lacking. It was time for an update, which is why for 2022 Yamaha introduced a new MT-10 earlier this year.
The unique-sounding engine was never a weak point but Yamaha did give the MT a little nip-and-tuck. Peak power has increased to 166 hp at 11,500 rpm, which is about six up on the old bike. Torque is up slightly too, from 111 Nm to 112 Nm at the same 9,000 rpm, and Yamaha claim the engine is 15 per cent more efficient than before.
The main frame/chassis remained unchanged, with the big step up focused on the electronic technology. The now “old” Yamaha MT-10 lacked the sophisticated rider aids of the competition but that has been resolved with the
