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Yamaha MT-10 SP in the HP driving report

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Barely nine months after the MT-10 saw the light of day, Yamaha is stepping up with the tightened Yamaha MT-10 SP. The first ride reveals how the Brenner goes around the corner.

On this day, the “Dark Side of Japan” shows its sunniest side in several respects. Our Yamaha tourist guide is in a refreshing hurry. He knows the route inside out: As soon as he leaves the driveway, he gives material. With a good pull on the chain, he hurries down the street and leads the following troop into the thicket of curves. South Africa offers a spectacular backdrop for motorcycling, and the country roads have endless grip for a long time. Heavenly conditions for a sporty naked bike like the new one Yamaha MT-10 SP!

Yamaha MT-10 SP in the HP driving report

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Engine comes from the R1

From the perspective of the pursuer, the sound of the four-cylinder Big Bang in front hits the synapses practically head-on. The R1 engine with its irregular firing order sounds rough, dull and deeply bass-heavy. Vibes that get under your skin and stand out from the uniformity of conventional four-cylinder engines. Because the high-speed propellant is so motivated by the gas from medium engine speeds and of course because of the short wheelbase of the Yamaha MT-10 SP, the front wheel snaps towards the sky as if by itself when you accelerate. It seems to be an integral part of the MT genome that things wheel so wonderfully, regardless of their displacement.

Traction control has three levels

For the 2017 model year, the Yamaha MT-10 received some extras as standard. This includes a new mapping, a quickshifter, a new anti-hopping clutch that reduces manual force on the clutch lever, and cruise control. The standard MT-10 has driving modes one, two and three that influence the response behavior. The traction control also has three levels and can be completely deactivated when the vehicle is stationary. The driving modes and TCS levels can also be changed while driving at the push of a button or a toggle switch. A memory function saves the last setting selected before switching off the ignition. With the new mapping, even in driving mode one with the most direct response, the large MT accelerates very gently without causing a jerk. The 2017 model thus eliminates a major weakness of its predecessor. Besides, the power bolt doesn’t seem to be drinking so badly anymore. At the end of the test day, the on-board computer shows 6.7 liters.

Stable side position

But now to the Yamaha MT-10 SP: Yamaha praises the noble MT as the “little brother” of the R1M. This wears the same color dress as the super sports car and is adorned with a high-quality finish. The TFT display, including the switch for menu navigation, also comes from the R1M, which is why the setting options for driving mode (A, B, C, D), response behavior (PWR one to three) and traction control (three levels ) are subdivided and labeled differently than with the standard MT-10. The highlight of the SP is the semi-active Ohlins chassis, which automatically regulates rebound and compression damping on the fork and shock absorber in modes A1 (focus on sport) and A2 (focus on comfort). There are also modes M1 to M3. Here the setting is done manually by "electronic clicks".

Yamaha MT-10 SP costs 16,495 euros

The difference between A1 and A2 is relatively small. The Yamaha MT-10 SP is sporty and taut in both modes. On level ground, the SP drives as you would expect from a sports motorcycle: precise and direct. When firing out of the bend, the bike doesn’t lurch around a bit. No comparison to the standard MT-10! The lean angle also seems to have increased with the more stable chassis. The Yamaha neither hits the asphalt nor touches anything. Above 4,000 rpm, the automatic gearshift (without blipper function) works cleanly and completes the driving pleasure. However, Yamaha charges a lot of money for fun. At 16,495 euros, the MT-10 SP is almost in the top league of European competing products.

Yamaha MT-10 Touring Edition

Yamaha and the modular principle: In addition to the standard MT-10 at the lower end of the price range and the Yamaha MT-10 SP at the upper end, the Touring Edition joins them. It costs 14,795 euros and comes with some useful travel extras. This includes a more comfortably padded and slightly higher bench seat, a high windshield, enduro-style handguards over the levers, a set of soft case panniers plus a bracket and a device for attaching navigation devices. In South Africa, the MT-10 Touring Edition was ready for an extended round. The travel accessories serve their purpose on a long excursion. The windshield and the bench in particular ensure relaxation. Among the super naked bikes, the MT-10, especially the touring edition, is one of the most comfortable bikes.  

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