Yamaha MT-10 – Fashionable Streetfighter

Despite the fact that the combination of enormous power and lack of wind protection looks very strange at first glance, powerful naked bikes are consistently in demand, and the Yamaha MT 10 can serve as a clear proof of this. This two-wheeled monster was first presented to the public in 2016, and since then Since then it has been successfully sold in the markets of different countries. It’s not difficult to describe it in a nutshell - take the Yamaha R1, the famous sportbike, which enjoys the reputation of a “killer motorcycle”, remove the plastic from it, reconfigure the engine, and voila - the Yamaha MT 10 is ready! But you need to be careful when riding this monster, because this is a bike for professionals. The Yamaha MT 10 will quickly knock down the arrogance of a self-confident beginner, and, if he is lucky, there will be no irreparable consequences. But selling this motorcycle only upon presentation of at least 5 years of experience in category “A” would be a good idea, because if mishandled, it can be a real weapon of mass destruction.

Separately, it is worth noting the efforts of the designers who gave the Yamaha MT 10 recognizable features of the YZF series, without slipping into self-copying. This motorcycle looks fresh, attractive and aggressive . It attracts the eye, and it will definitely never get lost in city traffic, and it’s unlikely to confuse the MT 10 with any other bike. A predatory front end, lensed headlights , a well-chosen combination of colors, and the urban monster is ready to hit the roads. If desired, of course, the Yamaha MT 10 is quite capable of long-distance travel, but in general this motorcycle is clearly not suitable for it. His element is city streets and suburban highways . But you should always remember that under the right handle of this naked gun hides brutal power, and with one sharp turn you can instantly teleport from one point to another. The Yamaha MT 10 will not forgive the typical mistakes of beginners, and that is why this motorcycle is intended specifically for experienced professionals.

Bike features

Here are the main advantages of the model:

• aggressive design that embodies all the charm of current naked bikes;
• the motor is so powerful that it greatly exceeds class standards;
• Excellent handling thanks to the short wheelbase.

The Yamaha MT-10 probably has no disadvantages in principle; Another thing is that many “disadvantages” follow from the advantages. Simply put, a motorcycle is bad for some things, and completely unsuitable for others, but precisely because it is ideal in the area for which it is intended. For the MT-10, this is an urban environment. Despite the fact that its maximum speed is about 280 km/h, it will begin to deflate after 150 km/h.

Technical characteristics of Yamaha MT 10

For their flagship naked bike, Yamaha engineers did a great job, equipping the new product with the latest technology. In an alloy diagonal frame , hidden under the body kit, they placed a liter engine from a Yamaha YZF-R1, retuned and modified for better torque at mid-range speeds. The cross-shaped crankshaft , played a positive role in this . The technical characteristics of the Yamaha MT 10 are impressive - 160 hp. and 111 Nm of torque at 11,000 and 9,000 rpm, respectively . The curb weight is moderate - from 209 to 212 kg , depending on the configuration.

The Yamaha MT 10 received a 6-speed ; it was carried over to this bike from the YZF-R1 with virtually no changes. The dynamics of the motorcycle are hurricane, and the needle can go beyond the 100 km/h mark already in first gear, and with a sharp opening of the gas the bike can be lifted onto the rear wheel even in third or fourth gear. But, like other wet sump motorcycles, the Yamaha MT 10 does not like long wheelies - this can lead to oil starvation of the engine . However, even without such extreme sports, the MT 10 can deliver so much adrenaline that after the trip you will have to wash your pants.

braking system matches its acceleration dynamics - two 320 mm discs at the front and 220 mm discs at the rear , and the ABS system is already included as standard. But you need to monitor road irregularities very closely, since the rigid and informative suspension is not very energy-intensive, and every hole on the asphalt is immediately felt very strongly. In addition, the ground clearance of the Yamaha MT 10 without load does not exceed 13 cm, so even asphalt speed bumps in some cities can become a problem.

Dimensions and weight

The tank of this motorcycle is larger than that of its predecessor and is 17 liters. This was done due to negative reviews of the previous model. Together with fuel, the weight is not that big - only 210 kg, which is not a problem for such a beast. The wheelbase is small and amounts to 1400 mm, and the seat height is 825 mm. In short, the motorcycle is not suitable for short people.

Similar models

• Suzuki GSR1000 . This naked kit equipped with a 182-horsepower engine can easily compete with the Yamaha MT 10 in a number of parameters.
• Kawasaki Z1000. Another street fighter, the product of a masterly symbiosis of Kawasaki engineers and designers, who managed to create one of the most technologically advanced and stylish motorcycles of our time.
• Aprilia Tuono V4 1100RR . A very interesting Italian, incredibly powerful and also has good wind protection for a naked bike.
• BMW S1000R . A combination of Bavarian high technology, high prices and signature BMW reliability.
• Honda CB1000R . A more classic motorcycle in appearance, powerful, unusual and, at a minimum, worthy of attention.

Chassis and brakes

The suspensions here are quite sporty, which is reflected, among other things, in their rigidity: the travel of each of them is 120 mm. However, any adjustments are possible both at the rear and at the front, so the pendulum with a monoshock absorber and an inverted 43 mm fork will not cause any inconvenience if you use the motorcycle for its intended purpose and do not ride on broken roads, where it is appropriate to ride an enduro.

The rear uses a single 220mm brake disc along with a single-piston caliper, while up front there are a pair of robust discs that measure 320mm in diameter each. The latter are helped by four-piston calipers. Of course, it is better to buy a motorcycle with ABS installed; after all, the machine is very serious.

Pros and cons of Yamaha MT 10

Advantages

• Rich equipment is already included in the basic configuration . Here you have electronic gas, full-fledged traction control, an ABS system, cruise control, a quickshifter, and much more. The Yamaha MT 10 engine, by the way, can operate in three different modes. In general, the technical bells and whistles on this motorcycle would be enough for some small spaceship.
• Unsurpassed reliability typical of Yamaha motorcycles. No one has yet heard of any serious failures on the MT-10.
• Crazy acceleration dynamics , allowing you to leave even most liter sportbikes behind. Few people on the road can compete with this motorcycle on equal terms.
• Tenacious and effective brakes allow you to confidently control the situation.
• Spacious 17-liter gas tank . In general, the Yamaha MT 10 is quite economical if you drive quietly, but during aggressive driving with constant acceleration and braking of gasoline, it begins to consume an indecent amount of gasoline. The average gasoline consumption declared by the manufacturer is 8 liters .
• Comfortable straight fit without unnecessary strain on the arms and lower back.

Flaws

• Almost complete lack of wind protection . Already after 130-140 km/h, the oncoming evening begins to create serious inconvenience, especially if the pilot is above average height.
• High price . Well, what did you want? This is the flagship of the line! Moreover, used copies, which are still quite fresh, also cost decent money. Tuning from the official Yamaha catalog is also expensive.
• Nervous behavior at low speeds . In practice, this is expressed in the fact that when riding almost at idle, the bike reacts very sharply to the slightest turn of the throttle.

Total

Motorcycles like the Yamaha MT 10 are not created for speed records, although they can handle them too. Their task is simple - to give the owner as much adrenaline as they can bear . Of course, no one forbids using this bike as everyday transport in the warm season, but this will mean using its capabilities only by a third, or even a quarter. Convenient and comfortable by the standards of the class, the Yamaha MT 10 should not sit in a garage and carefully filter through traffic jams; its character is revealed only when it roars into a turn with a speed of 200 km/h on the speedometer. This is a motorcycle for pure pleasure. Maybe not too practical, but still great in every way.

Video Review

Specifications

Reviews from Yamaha MT 10 owners

This is really not a motorcycle, but a monster; turning the handle teleports you into orbit. I switched to the MT10 from a liter CBR, but I didn’t expect such agility, the bike is really nervous, it requires brains and experience. Out of habit, in the first days I almost got into a wheelie several times until I got used to controlling the wheelie. On the highway I accelerated to 190, there was no opportunity to check further, but it felt like there was still a lot of reserve there. In general, the toy is not for the faint of heart, and not for beginners, that's for sure. Grigory, Nizhny Novgorod, Yamaha MT 10 '2017.

Rocket without plastic, I used to drive a 2009 R1, I drove it to the track periodically, but in the end I was tempted and bought an MT-10. In short, I don’t regret it, the dynamics are crazy plus full control at any speed. Pavel, Moscow, Yamaha MT 10 '2016.

The toy is expensive, but then you understand what every ruble is paid for. I compared it with a friend’s liter GSR and with a Ducati Diavel, Yamaha beats both. It rides nose to nose with the GSR, but it brakes more confidently, plus it feels like it steers better, and it’s much more comfortable to sit on. My personal record is modest - 7 hours in the saddle with stops for refueling, almost without getting tired. I warmed up a little, and I could move on. Victor, Moscow, Yamaha MT 10 '2017.