It should have been clear from the moment Yamaha launched its MT-09 with the ‘CP3’ triple and the MT-07 with the ‘CP2’ twin that they would eventually be joined by an MT model using the R1’s ‘CP4’ engine – and that’s precisely what’s happening in 2016.
The newly-revealed MT-10 uses a derivative of the R1’s 200-horsepower, 998cc four-cylinder engine in a chassis that’s also borrowed from the latest R1 to create a machine that will take on the likes of BMW’s S1000 R, KTM’s Super Duke 1290 and Aprilia’s Tuono V4 for the title of top naked superbike.
While other members of the MT line-up are impressive value for money but clearly use budget components in some places, the MT-10 sticks to the high-end style of the R1 it’s derived from.
The 998cc engine has been retuned, so won’t quite manage the same power as the R1. Figures haven’t been released, but expect something close to 180bhp, since it’s so closely related to the superbike. Its electronics package is stripped back a fraction, but it retains Yamaha’s YCC-T fly-by-wire throttle and three riding modes – ‘standard’, for everyday riding, ‘A’ for sharper response and ‘B’ to soften the delivery on slippery surfaces. There’s traction control, too, but with only three settings (plus ‘off’) rather than the bells-and-whistles, EMU-controlled set-up on the latest R1.
Given its sporty character, one surprising addition to the electronics is cruise control, which works anywhere between 50km/h and 180km/h in 4th, 5th and 6th gears, and which maintains speed even on hills by automatically manipulating the throttle position.
Inside, the engine gets a new crankshaft, pistons, revised intakes and exhausts, an assist-and-slipper clutch and a revised secondary reduction ratio to suit the torquier character.
Although the Deltabox frame looks identical to that of the R1, Yamaha claims that it’s strength/rigidity balance has been altered to suit the naked bike’s handling, and clearly the tubular steel seat subframe is a new addition. Tweaked though it is, there’s still a short, 1400mm wheelbase and the same swingarm as the R1.
At the front, the forks are again R1-derived KYB units, with specific damping settings for the MT-10, and at their lower extremity you’ll find a set of R1-style radial callipers and 320mm discs.
The styling sits in the middle ground between the MT range and the R1, with a pair of small LED headlights similar to those on the superbike flanked by air intakes that give a family resemblance to the other models in the MT line-up. Behind them lies a 17-litre fuel tank.
If you want one, you’ll need some patience, since Yamaha says the MT-10 won’t be available until May next year. Plenty of time to choose between the three colour options of ‘Night Fluo’ (that’s grey with yellow wheels), ‘Tech Black’ and ‘Race Blu’ then.
