It’s not called the King of Yamaha’s Hyper Naked range for no reason
Last year, Yamaha revised both the MT-07 and MT-09 with fresh styling and Euro 5-compliant engines. Now, it’s the turn for the MT-10 to be updated and much like its smaller siblings, the flagship naked bike arrives looking even more imposing and with even more power.
Starting with the visuals, Yamaha gave the MT-10 new twin-eye LED headlights with LED position light strips above them. The nose shrunk but the air ducts mounted on both sides of the fuel tank cover grew in size to help the engine churn out more power. For 2022, the MT-10 will be available in three colours – Cyan Storm, Icon Blue and Tech Black.
Speaking of power, the R1-derived CP4 crossplane engine now benefits from lightweight aluminium forged pistons, offset con rods and direct-plated cylinders. Not only that, Yamaha has also replaced the titanium con rods with steel units to increase the moment of inertia at the crankshaft.
All these help the engine to produce 164 hp at 11,500 rpm and 112 Nm of torque at 9,000 rpm. The enlarged intake, along with an all-new air cleaner box that is equipped with three intake ducts, produce a “sensual roar” between 4,000 rpm and 8,000 rpm. Not only that, there is also a new titanium exhaust that emits a deep sound to complement the uneven firing sequence. Despite these upgrades, the engine meets Euro 5 regulations.
As for the electronics, the new MT-10 is now equipped with a six-axis IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) that uses data collected from its two sensors to manage the riding aids such as the lean-sensitive Traction Control System, Slide Control System, Lift Control System, Engine Brake Management and Brake Control.
Also onboard are ride-by-wire throttle control with four modes, four riding modes with presets for the rider aids and a new variable speed limiter. These can be accessed and controlled via a 4.2-inch full-colour TFT display.
Elsewhere, the MT-10 retains its lightweight Deltabox chassis, which is mated to 43mm fully adjustable front forks and rear shock from KYB. Like the R1, the front braking system features dual floating 320mm discs with 4 piston radial-mounted callipers. New for the 2022 model year is Brembo’s radial brake master cylinder that offers improved braking feel.
