Ever since the Yamaha MT-10 was revealed last year there’s been a question over how close its performance would come to the R1 it’s based on.
Now we have the answer, and it’s: ‘Close enough.’
The numbers that really matter are 160, 111 and 210. That’s 160 horsepower, peaking at 11,500rpm, with 111Nm of torque at 9000rpm in a bike weighing 210kg wet.
Those numbers are so close to those of its main rival, BMW’s S1000R, that they’re virtually inseparable. The power is identical, with the Yamaha peaking just 500rpm higher than the German bike. Meanwhile the MT-10’s torque peak is 1Nm lower than the BMW’s and hit 250rpm lower in the rev range.
In other words, the two share nearly the same power and torque curves. In terms of weight it’s the same story, with the BMW coming in at 207kg compared to 210kg for the Yamaha, both measured in ready-to-ride form.
If you’re hoping to let price make the decision for you, then you’ll be disappointed too, as the BMW and Yamaha compete head-to-head. In the UK, the Yamaha just scrapes under the £10,000 barrier at £9999 while the BMW costs £10,200.
Yamaha has also confirmed the range of extras that will be sold alongside the MT-10. Options will include an Akrapovic silencer, a quick shifter kit and billet aluminium bolt-on parts. There’s also set to be a sports windscreen, soft luggage, heated grips and a comfort seat option.
