Yamaha Mt10 Top Speed
When the current Yamaha YZF-R1 debuted back in 2015, everyone was wondering when it's naked version would appear. That question was finally answered the following year when Yamaha unveiled the MT10 at the 2016 EICMA Motorcycle Show, effectively replacing the ageing FZ1 as the flagship sport naked of Yamaha. Fast forward to 2019 and the MT10 finally made its local debut at the IR Bike Fest. It may be a little bit late to the party, but it came out with all guns blazing. Ready to battle it out with the likes of the Aprilia Tuono V4 1100, BMW S1000R, Honda CB1000R, Kawasaki Z1000R, and Suzuki GSX-S1000 abs. We wasted no time requesting for a test-unit. Thankfully our friends at Yamaha Motor Philippines and Y-Zone happily obliged.
The Dark Side of Japan
Many see Japan as a traditional and respectful society where conformity is the norm. While that's mostly true of modern Japanese society, unknown to many there's a vibrant and flourishing subculture where new fashions and ideas are constantly emerging. These same creative forces, we were told, are what drives the darker and unconventional side that inspired and shaped the unique MT motorcycles. These philosophies inspired the design of the MT15, MT03, MT07, MT09, and the flagship MT10, giving every rider the chance to experience the thrilling torque, outstanding agility and provocative design.
We've tested all of the MT series bikes except for the MT03, which is not locally available, and I must say I was somehow intimidated by the MT10 when I first saw it. Scared even. Knowing that it is based on the mighty YZF-R1 is enough for even a seasoned rider like me to question my riding abilities. Having tested the YZF-R1 a couple of years ago, I can still vividly remember my surreal experience with that bad boy of a superbike and in hindsight, I was thankful and somehow surprised that nothing unfortunate happened to me. I'm not saying that it was a bad experience mind you, it's just that the YZF-R1 has so much power and so much speed that you're almost always seduced to go fast all the time even if you don't have to. It's like there's a little red devil on your shoulder constantly whispering to your ear to go fast. And the sweet sound that brilliant 998cc inline CP4 motor makes at high rpm is so addicting. Now just staring at the MT10 parked in Yzone makes me want to do bad things with it already. Time to ride the beast.
Not just a naked YZF-R1
Unlike other manufacturers that use older versions of their liter bike's engines on their sport nakeds, Yamaha decided to pamper the MT10 by giving it the same engine as the current YZF-R1, albeit re-tuned for more low and mid rpm punch. In case you're wondering, CP4 stands for Crossplane 4 cylinders, and it's basically the same liquid-cooled 998cc dohc inline-4 cylinder motor that features Crossplane Crankshaft technology developed in Yamaha's renowned YZF-R1 superbike. The MT10 also shares the chassis, swing-arm, brake calipers and KYB suspension with the R1.
Yamaha believes that we really don't need 199 bhp for road riding. So to make the R1 mill more street friendly, Yamaha made some adjustments to the airbox, intake ports, engine internals, final gear ratio (via a bigger rear sprocket), and exhaust system to achieve the ideal balance of linear torque and top end power for the MT10's street mission. Final power figure is a modest 158.3 bhp compared to the R1's stellar 199 bhp. But the real star of the party however is the 82 lb-ft of torque, 80% of which I feel are readily available between 4000rpm to 8000rpm, and there's plenty of usable power from as low as 2000 rpm to make life in the slow lane much easier.
The MT10 also benefited from a host of other improvements to make it more comfortable for everyday use; like a 10.1 inch higher and wider aluminum fat bars, lower foot pegs, lower seat height and a steel subframe to accommodate, believe it or not, optional soft panniers. You see, even if Yamaha tagged the MT10 as a Hyper Naked, it still has a touch of practicality built into it. It may look out of character for a Hyper Naked, but you can actually use the MT10 for daily commuting and for long distance touring. They even equipped it with standard cruise control for that purpose. So overall the MT10 is more than just a naked R1, to become a "Masters of Torque" Yamaha engineers optimized it for road use.
Taming the Beast
Overall power may be a bit down compared to the R1, but the 82 lb-ft of torque is more than enough to flip you upside down if you're not careful with the throttle (try not to sneeze while holding tightly on the throttle). To tame the beastly torque, Yamaha equipped the MT10 with an advanced suite of electronic rider aids such as ride-by-wire, more refined ride modes, and an adjustable traction-control system for utmost safety.
The ride modes offer three presets that can be changed on-the-fly via a toggle switch located below the stop-run-start switch on the right hand side twist grip. All three ride mode presets offer the full 158.3 bhp power and only differ on the sensitivity of the butterfly valves opening on the intake tracts controlled by the ride-by-wire system; number 1 is the most aggressive, with almost instantaneous throttle response. This is not for the faint hearted; ideal for track days or aggressive riding on canyon roads. Number 2 has a quick but softer throttle response that's ideal for everyday riding. Number 3 is the softest, ideal for wet road conditions.
The traction control system also has 3 levels of intervention; level 1 is the least intrusive and will allow rear wheel power drifting, level 2 is configured for normal street riding, and level 3 is tuned for wet or slippery roads. It can also be switched off entirely if you want. The MT10 doesn't have the more sophisticated six-axis internal gyro like on the R1, but the system works brilliantly nevertheless. Standard abs, and a quick-shifter (upshifts only) rounds up the electronic package.
Living with the MT10
I had the pleasure of using the MT10 as my daily ride for a week and I must say I was very surprised how easy it is to live with on a day to day basis. For a liter bike, the MT10 certainly feels very light on its feet. This is evident the moment you pick it up from its side stand. With a centrally located mass, the MT10 remarkably hides its 210 kg heft very well.
At 825 mm the MT10's seat height is just enough for a 5 foot 7 rider like me, but shorter riders might find this prohibitive. The MT10 is surprisingly agile at low speeds. With plenty of leverage from the wide handlebars and a wide steering angle, filtering in traffic is very easy. It feels like you're riding a smaller bike. Heat management is also very efficient with a combination of a high-capacity curved radiator and oil-cooler; little heat makes it to the rider. City riding on the MT10 is actually quite enjoyable.
On the open road, the MT10 can easily change from a docile city commuter to a howling beast. Fast corners are taken with complete confidence and it feels supremely planted. OEM Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S20 tires provide plenty of confidence inspiring grip on dry and wet riding conditions. If you love doing wheelies, then this is the bike for you. Nothing is more eager to lift its front wheel up than the MT10. Even with traction control on, the system will allow you to do power wheelies in every gear.
Sadly you can't turn off the abs for maximum hooligan riding mode. Then again, that's probably a good thing. The brakes are noticeably softer compared to the R1, but they provide a good initial bite and progressive stopping power for everyday riding. Changing the brake pads and a set of aftermarket steel braided brake lines will certainly improve braking performance. The fully adjustable KYB upside down fork and rear shock absorber strikes the best balance of ride comfort and stable handling for my weight and riding style.
The MT10 provides a roomy perch and a slightly canted forward riding position that's comfortable for city riding, sporty riding, and for touring. All the switches are within easy reach and easy to use even with gloved hands, lessening rider fatigue. Cruise control is a surprise feature I didn't expect on the MT10 but I actually enjoyed using. Just activate the cruise control by pressing a round button on the left side switchgear when you're in 4th to 6th gear then press set. You can adjust your speed by 2 km/h increments by pressing the plus or minus rocker switch. Cruise control offers additional comfort during monotonous highway rides. The MT10 doesn't get the colored TFT screen of the R1, but nonetheless the large LCD display has all the information that you need at a glance.
What needs getting used to, however, is the immediate throttle response. If you're not used to riding any of the MT07 or MT09 bikes, this will come as a shock to you. If you're new to the MT10 I suggest that you switch the ride mode to number 3 first, which is the softest setting, before exploring modes number 2 and 1. Even in its softest setting, newbies would likely find this unsettling. But if you're an experienced rider then you'd love riding the MT10 over and over again. It certainly needs some getting used to, but when you're finally dialled in on the bike's throttle response and handling characteristics, everything about it makes absolute sense.
The MT10's combination of low speed agility, high speed stability, linear torque delivery, effortless speed, and howling sound are endearing qualities that makes riding the MT10 so much fun. I can't say the same for its styling, though. Some love it while others hate it. Me, I absolutely love it! Its transformer-like styling is never boring to look at. I think Yamaha did a great job of giving the MT10 the sinister styling that fit its "Dark side of Japan" character.
My final word
If you could put a price on fun then the MT10's PhP799,000 asking price is a bargain. While there are much cheaper naked bikes out there, none of them even comes close to matching the overall versatility and fun factor of riding the MT10. On both price and specs, the MT10 possesses qualities that simply blows its Japanese competition out of the water. It's not as powerful or as sharp as some of its European super naked contenders, but it's almost there. It's a bit softer if you ask me, but that's exactly what makes riding the MT10 so much fun.
Specifications:
Engine: 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, Inline-4 cylinder, 16 valves
Displacement: 998cc
Max Power: 158.3 hp @ 11500 rpm
Max Torque: 82 lb-ft @ 9000 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed
Seat Height: 825mm
Fuel Capacity: 17 liters
Tire, front: 120/70-17
Tire, rear: 190/55 -17
Brakes, front/rear: Double Disc / Disc ABS
Curb Weight: 210 kg
Price: PhP 799,000
+: Linear torque, effortless speed, light handling, easy to ride
-: A bit thirsty
C! Rating: 10/10
Source: https://www.c-magazine.com/wheel2wheel/bike-review-2020-yamaha-mt-10/
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