All Tests – Test Yamaha MT-10: mouth of a killer and athlete’s body – Static: the mouth of the grip …

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Yamaha MT-10 test: killer face and athlete’s body

All Tests - Test Yamaha MT-10: mouth of a killer and athlete's body - Static: the mouth of the grip ...

The first Japanese manufacturer to have transformed its Superbike into an elite roadster with the FZ1 in 2006, Yamaha is back ten years later with the MT-10. And what does a naked R1 Crossplane look like? Unparalleled sensations and efficiency ! Test.

Static: the mouth of the grapple…

Far from running out of steam, the Yamaha MT surge has grown every year since its discovery in 2014 – with then the -, to the point of crushing any opposition in Europe in each category with some 65,000 units sold in two years all versions combined. (from la to la via la).

The key to this success? Dynamic motorcycles, generous in sensations and often well placed at the price level. Add to that a cleverly orchestrated marketing campaign on the "Dark Side" theme – supposed to be inspired by the Japanese underground subculture, whose videos have exceeded 4 million views on the web -, shake up, and here are some best- sellers in power: in France, the MT-07 and the MT-09 monopolize the first places of !

Beyond this enviable success, Yamaha’s tour de force is to have renewed its offer on the basis of a common identity base but radically different engine architectures: single cylinder for the MT-125, twin for the and MT-07 , three-cylinder for the MT-09 and 4-cylinder for the MT-10, new standard bearer of this turbulent sibling. There is something for all tastes – mechanically, at least – and all budgets !

On an aesthetic level, however, the MT range is less unanimous because of its strong aesthetic bias … and this new MT-10 is no exception to the rule! Let’s get rid of the "problem" right away: yes, the front face of this roadster closely derived from the R1 (see box below and our Technical point on page 3) is at least original, with its protruding cutouts and two lenticulars taken again with the Superbike tested by MNC on then long course on .

Our test of the Yamaha MT-10 in video

In addition to this first test of the Yamaha MT-10, also discover our from Almeria (Spain).

No need to beat around the bush – whose side exit is also made of titanium on this MT-10: the novelty has a hell of a face, between manga and Transformers, which will not please everyone.

Lovers of soft lines, discretion (but also elegance?), Go your way! Especially in this "Night Fluo" version, whose gray "cement" color contrasts violently with the yellow "chasuble" of the rims (in aluminum, and no longer in precious magnesium as on the R1) !

Main differences between the MT-10 and the R1

  • Bodywork and ergonomics: saddle widened (and lower by 30 mm), handlebars raised and widened, footrests advanced on the MT-10

  • Aluminum rims and steel frame rear buckle on the MT (magnesium on the R1)

  • Less advanced electronics on the MT: no inertial unit, management of lateral slides and wheelies, start assistant or shifter (available as an option)

  • -40 hp and -1.4 Nm of torque (160 hp and 111 Nm against 200 and 112.4 on the R1)

  • Shortened transmission on the MT-10, reworked exhaust and intake, new crankshaft, new pistons, enlarged airbox, etc..

  • -5 mm wheelbase (1400 mm on the MT against 1405 on the R1)

  • +11 kg (210 kg against 199 on the R1)

  • Standard speed regulator on the MT-10 (not available on the R1)

  • -€ 5,000 (€ 13,199 until 07/31 then € 13,499 versus € 18,499 for the R1)

The rear part is more neutral, with its very visible LED light taken from the MT-09. Short and offering little storage space (a disc lock enters the forceps under the saddle), this tubular loop also trades the magnesium of the R1 for steel, admittedly less prestigious but also – above all – less expensive to produce.

In return, it inherits integrated mounts for hanging semi-rigid suitcases – available as an option – as well as a windshield and hand guards reminiscent of those of the MT-09 Tracer. Here is what is seen while waiting for a hypothetical MT-10 Tracer, of which Yamaha France questioned by MNC did not want to confirm to us or not the existence….

A correct presentation … for an undressed Superbike !

In terms of quality of construction and finish, the MT-10 is an overall credit to the reputation for know-how of Yamaha motorcycles in general, and of the MT range in particular. At 13,199 € in launch price (13,499 € from August 1), it is however the least of things !

Despite an inevitable "plastic" aspect, the novelty enjoys a careful assembly, without false notes or music cables. The welds of the aluminum perimeter frame do not attract any derogatory remarks, nor the quality of the surface treatments.

On the other hand (but it is common on this type of motorcycles), certain mechanical parts are exposed to the gaze where they are hidden behind fairings on the R1. And all are not intended to be seen, among others the hoses and the pump of the cooling circuit, or the expansion tank attached to the right side of the radiator, really poorly integrated despite its "camouflage" in black plastic.

The electric regulator located under the wheel arch (in front of the impractical lock of the trunk, fixed under a waterproof cap) is also a little task, while the small oil cooler would have benefited from being surrounded by scoops. But hey, some will also like this side "gas factory" specific to stripped sports motorcycles !

Very few will appreciate, however, the absence of rubber on the footrests and of the clutch lever spacing adjustment, fortunately easy to handle because it is progressive. In addition, angled valves and braided brake hoses would not be too much on a motorcycle of this caliber….

We console ourselves by discovering some relevant practical aspects, even unexpected in this segment "Hyper Naked": the complete and readable instrumentation (list of information on page 4) is managed from the right stalk, while a 12V socket takes place in below the cockpit. Enough to support Yamaha’s strategy of offering a motorcycle with two faces, via several road accessories (read).

Not convinced by this improbable versatility? Yamaha so apparently, since a cruise control – yes, yes! – even finds its place on the left stalk! Not really essential on this kind of motorcycles – keeping the shifter of the R1 would have been more appreciable – but why not !

Finally, the deflection offered by the fork crown with tortured shapes is also a good surprise since it preserves a good part of the bust. Of course, the head and shoulders remain exposed (it’s a roadster, don’t dream!), But this little protection is always welcome, especially on expressways where the regulatory 130 km / h are reached in a flash – at 5500 rpm / min in 6th gear – thanks to the ardor of the engine !

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