New, more powerful EU5 CP4 engine, full titanium exhaust, uprated IMU riding aids and much more for Yamaha’s flagship supernaked
The Yamaha MT-10 is one of the best supernakeds out there today (check out our video test against the Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 HERE), with a retuned big-bang R1 engine, in a sharp streetfighter chassis with wide, flat bars, upright riding position and sweet styling. And Yamaha has just released a 2022 update that looks to make it even better.
The R1-based CP4 crossplane crank engine is updated for more power (though the firm is being coy at the moment on just how much) and improved torque feel, with a heap of modified internals. There are new forged aluminium pistons and offset steel con-rods (rather than titanium as on the R1), which increases the inertia of the bottom end, presumably from being a little heavier.
A heavier crank/rod assembly revs a little less quickly, but also holds revs a little longer, so will give a less on/off feel and better midrange, which is more suited to road use. There are new direct-plated cylinders for better thermal and friction performance, and the fuel injection, intake and exhaust systems are all overhauled to reduce emissions and improve torque even more.
The whole intake system is also redesigned for better sound, including a wacky ‘acoustic amplifier’ that delivers the intake roar straight to the rider’s ears. The exhaust is a new full-titanium design, with extra catalysing power to meet the EU5 emissions regs, and the design emphasises the low-down growl of the big-bang engine.
The electronics package is also uprated for 2022, with a new 4.2” full colour LCD dashboard, six-axis IMU, new slide control, lift (wheelie) control, cornering ABS, engine brake and traction control functions – all customisable – as well as a standard up/down quickshifter. There’s also four rider power modes, and a new Yamaha Variable Speed limiter function, so you can set a top speed limit for around town, or on unfamiliar back roads to avoid accidental speeding mishaps…
On the chassis front, the MT-10 sticks with the Deltabox aluminium frame and swingarm, with fully adjustable KYB USD front forks and rear monoshock. There are some detail upgrades though: you get a new Brembo radial master cylinder for improved braking feel, and the MT-10 uses the latest Bridgestone Battlax S22 Hypersport tyres.
The riding position is tweaked for better comfort, there’s a new range of accessories including heated grips, levers, Akrapovic exhausts, and Yamaha’s also got a new range of Gilles parts for the new MT-10. The styling revamp makes the MT-10 look even more like one of Michael Bay’s Transformers, with new air intakes, LED headlights, position lights and fuel tank cover.
There’s no word on price yet, but the MT-10 comes in three colours: the natty Cyan Storm, a factory race blue scheme, and simple Tech Black with black rims. It will be in the shops from February. More info: www.yamaha-motor.eu
MT-10 TECH HIGHLIGHTS
More powerful EU5 998cc R1-based engine
Titanium exhaust
Compact and functional new exterior styling
Improved ergonomics
Brembo radial master cylinder
Yamaha Variable Speed Limiter (YVSL)
Quick Shift System (QSS)
A&S clutch
New 4.2” full-colour TFT display
APSG ride-by-wire throttle with four power delivery modes (PWR) 6-axis IMU
Lean sensitive Traction Control System
Slide Control system (SCS)
Lift control system (LIF)
Engine Brake Management (EBM)
Brake Control (BC)
Yamaha Ride Control (YRC)
R1-derived aluminium Deltabox chassis
Long aluminium swingarm
Compact 1,405mm wheelbase
43mm fully adjustable KYB front forks
Fully adjustable KYB rear shock
Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 tyres