First Look: 2022 Yamaha MT-10

Published: November 10, 2021

New, more powerful EU5 CP4 engine, full titanium exhaust, uprated IMU riding aids and much more for Yamaha’s flagship supernaked

The Yamaha MT-10 is one of the best supernakeds out there today (check out our video test against the Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 HERE), with a retuned big-bang R1 engine, in a sharp streetfighter chassis with wide, flat bars, upright riding position and sweet styling. And Yamaha has just released a 2022 update that looks to make it even better.

2022 Yamaha MT-10
2022 Yamaha MT-10

The R1-based CP4 crossplane crank engine is updated for more power (though the firm is being coy at the moment on just how much) and improved torque feel, with a heap of modified internals. There are new forged aluminium pistons and offset steel con-rods (rather than titanium as on the R1), which increases the inertia of the bottom end, presumably from being a little heavier.

2022 Yamaha MT-10
2022 Yamaha MT-10

A heavier crank/rod assembly revs a little less quickly, but also holds revs a little longer, so will give a less on/off feel and better midrange, which is more suited to road use. There are new direct-plated cylinders for better thermal and friction performance, and the fuel injection, intake and exhaust systems are all overhauled to reduce emissions and improve torque even more.

2022 Yamaha MT-10
2022 Yamaha MT-10

The whole intake system is also redesigned for better sound, including a wacky ‘acoustic amplifier’ that delivers the intake roar straight to the rider’s ears. The exhaust is a new full-titanium design, with extra catalysing power to meet the EU5 emissions regs, and the design emphasises the low-down growl of the big-bang engine.

2022 Yamaha MT-10
2022 Yamaha MT-10

The electronics package is also uprated for 2022, with a new 4.2” full colour LCD dashboard, six-axis IMU, new slide control, lift (wheelie) control, cornering ABS, engine brake and traction control functions – all customisable – as well as a standard up/down quickshifter. There’s also four rider power modes, and a new Yamaha Variable Speed limiter function, so you can set a top speed limit for around town, or on unfamiliar back roads to avoid accidental speeding mishaps…

2022 Yamaha MT-10
2022 Yamaha MT-10

On the chassis front, the MT-10 sticks with the Deltabox aluminium frame and swingarm, with fully adjustable KYB USD front forks and rear monoshock. There are some detail upgrades though: you get a new Brembo radial master cylinder for improved braking feel, and the MT-10 uses the latest Bridgestone Battlax S22 Hypersport tyres.

2022 Yamaha MT-10
2022 Yamaha MT-10

The riding position is tweaked for better comfort, there’s a new range of accessories including heated grips, levers, Akrapovic exhausts, and Yamaha’s also got a new range of Gilles parts for the new MT-10. The styling revamp makes the MT-10 look even more like one of Michael Bay’s Transformers, with new air intakes, LED headlights, position lights and fuel tank cover.

2022 Yamaha MT-10
2022 Yamaha MT-10

There’s no word on price yet, but the MT-10 comes in three colours: the natty Cyan Storm, a factory race blue scheme, and simple Tech Black with black rims. It will be in the shops from February. More info: www.yamaha-motor.eu

MT-10 TECH HIGHLIGHTS

More powerful EU5 998cc R1-based engine

Titanium exhaust

Compact and functional new exterior styling

Improved ergonomics

Brembo radial master cylinder

Yamaha Variable Speed Limiter (YVSL)

Quick Shift System (QSS)

A&S clutch

New 4.2” full-colour TFT display

APSG ride-by-wire throttle with four power delivery modes (PWR) 6-axis IMU

Lean sensitive Traction Control System

Slide Control system (SCS)

Lift control system (LIF)

Engine Brake Management (EBM)

Brake Control (BC)

Yamaha Ride Control (YRC)

R1-derived aluminium Deltabox chassis

Long aluminium swingarm

Compact 1,405mm wheelbase

43mm fully adjustable KYB front forks

Fully adjustable KYB rear shock

Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 tyres

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