2016 Yamaha MT-10: PH2 review
Yamaha's eagerly awaited naked R1 is both very naughty and surprisingly nice...
This may sound a contradiction, but in the MT-10 Yamaha has designed a bike that operates on many different levels. Not just when you want to go mental. This isn't simply a stripped down sports bike, it's a complete package. And that's what makes it such a star.
Generally when a manufacturer unveils a new super naked it talks about headline power figures and the sports bike chassis. Make no mistake, the MT-10 certainly has these boxes ticked. But during the unveiling Yamaha spent as much time talking about the MT-10's practicalities, such as its in-built pannier mounts, relaxed riding position and wind protection, as its peak power. There was an acknowledgement that riders of naked bikes wanted useable midrange power rather than the violent top end of a sports bike, hence the fact the crank is 40 per cent heavier than the R1's, the head has been redesigned, the intake valves are smaller and it makes its 82lb ft of torque lower in the rev range.
And while we all like sports bike technology, Yamaha admits a road biased naked bike doesn't need it as it only increases the bike's price. So no gyroscopic traction control, variable intake trumpets, or cornering ABS as on the R1. To be honest, after the MT-10's technical presentation I did leave slightly worried it may be a little too practical - it even has cruise control - because what I really wanted was a bonkers, naked R1. This concern didn't last long.
Despite actually having a shorter wheelbase than the R1, the MT-10 doesn't feel compact. Its riding position is roomy and relaxed as you would expect on a naked bike and the pegs aren't overly high. The engine sounds every bit an R1, with its lovely uneven exhaust note. However, a few blips of the throttle highlight the MT-10's heavier crank as the revs don't flick up and down as keenly. The dash is clear, the switchgear has the same intuitive layout as the R1 and the MT-10's slip-assist clutch has a nice, light action. Everything hints at the MT-10 being a big pussycat, which it is. Unless you don't want it to be.
The re-tuned cross-plane engine is an absolute beauty and stacked with both power and torque. It feels chalk and cheese compared to the R1's and, where the sports bike's motor needs to be worked at low revs, the MT-10 is always ready to deliver a hefty surge of acceleration. With any naked, the first priority is to test out its ability to wheelie and so as soon as we got to an open stretch of road I gave the clutch a slight flick and in second gear with the traction control still activated, the MT-10's front was instantly in the air. And it stayed there.
The cross-plane engine is so packed full of mid-range that as soon as the front is up you can just feed it gears and, should the wheel drop slightly when you change gear, it has enough sheer grunt to lift it once again. Yamaha has concentrated the torque below 9,000rpm and this not only makes it a great wheelie bike, it also makes it very easy to ride when you don't want to go mad.
You don't HAVE to wheelie the MT-10 everywhere. Instead you can take it easy and use the huge mid-range to devour the miles. The throttle response in 'STD' mode is nice and fluid, 'A' adds a bit more bite and, as usual on a Yamaha, the most aggressive 'B' mode is horribly abrupt. The traction control may be lacking an IMU, but it works perfectly and is clever enough to allow the front to lift a bit but not too much if you want a thrill. It's all very impressive and matches the bike's split personality perfectly. And the same is true for the handling.
As the MT's chassis is incredibly similar to the R1's, it is no surprise that the naked bike is very good in the bends. The surprise is how stable it is. Despite its shorter wheelbase, the MT is rock steady in a straight line while still cornering as well as rival sports nakeds. The suspension is a little on the firm side, but it is fully adjustable so this isn't an issue. I'd like a bit more initial bite on the brakes as they are a bit lacking in power and feel for my tastes. And, while I'm moaning, the pillion peg hanger (which can be removed) kept irritatingly catching on the top of my boot. This isn't the main controversy though.
One quick look on the internet reveals opinions are split about the MT-10's styling. Some like it, others hate it and it is somewhat ironic the MT-10 looks so much like Johnny Five from Short Circuit, given it's the film's 30th anniversary this year. It may look odd but the wind protection from the front end works in practice and an aftermarket screen can be added to make it even more practical (and ugly). To be honest, it does look considerably better in the flesh and pictures don't flatter the MT-10's styling.
After so many disappointments when it came to a naked R1, Yamaha has finally got it spot on with the MT-10. It may not be the sharpest, fastest or most powerful sports naked on the market. But it is the one that offers the best balance of performance and practicality, while still being more than capable of allowing you to go completely mad should you so wish. Weird looks or not it is the best of the bunch.
Watch the video here
Walkaround and details here
YAMAHA MT-10
Engine: 998cc, inline four, 16v
Power (hp): 160@11,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 82@9,000rpm
Top speed: 160mph (est)
Weight: 210kg (wet)
MPG: 45 (est)
Price: £9,999
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