2022 Yamaha MT-10 SP Overview [12 Street and Track Fast Facts]

An up-spec mannequin at all times warms my little gearhead coronary heart. Firstly are the all-important bragging rights, letting homeowners casually drop names like Öhlins and Brembo as in the event that they’re saved in your contacts—Oh, you haven’t met? We go method again. However what Yamaha’s illustrious SP badging has promised is efficiency, and the tuning-fork model goals to make good on that declare with the 2022 Yamaha MT-10 SP.Nonetheless basking within the glow of a current refresh is the well-rounded Yamaha MT-10, which struck a chord within the more and more targeted liter-class bare phase because of its can-do angle and worth. The SP expands the mighty MT-10’s repertoire for an additional $2900 over the bottom mannequin through semi-active Öhlins suspension, an unique YZF-R1M-inspired livery with an identical belly-fairing and polished aluminum swingarm, and steel-braided brake traces—a minor listing with doubtlessly main impacts.All of that’s value investigating. So, we put miles down in canyon curves, tackled commutes, and went for a observe day at Buttonwillow Raceway Park to see what the additional coin will get you. Now, it’s time for the Quick Information.

1. Know one factor concerning the 998cc CP4 engine—torque. You’ve learn the headline, however Yamaha’s not backing a one-trick pony. This streetable engine packs all of the low-end and midrange punch you possibly can ever need on the highway. That superbike-derived DNA shines by as soon as within the wide-open areas of the racetrack, the place throttles are held on the cease and revs are despatched to the heavens. The MT-10 SP spools up with vigor and doesn’t lose steam till the bitter finish, the place the R1’s light-weight titanium internals and tuning would possibly show a bonus on longer straights. That’s not a lot of a trouble, as its broad midrange by no means permits you to down.

2. Sing it with me—Crossplane crank, how candy the sound. In the course of the MT-10 platform’s current replace, engineers determined it was time to place these forward-facing consumption ducts to work—they now feed the brand new air-intake system. Sound is a precedence on the massive MTs, evidenced by their acoustic grilles conveniently positioned proper underneath your chin on the 4.5-gallon gasoline tank. Listening to that CP4 observe echoing off canyon partitions is one thing that piques my curiosity any day of the week, and that’s a observe you possibly can placed on repeat. 

3. An up/down quickshifter and a sport six-speed gearbox. What extra may you need? Properly… Yamaha’s bi-directional quickshifter deserves a wholesome little bit of reward on the road. With a faucet of the lever and off you go, raging by the gearbox like a banshee. The acute surroundings of the racetrack did reveal conservative quickshifter programming. Go for an upshift whereas flirting with the limiter, and it will probably hesitate. Spiking the revs with rapid-fire downshifts isn’t appreciated both. You’ll must let the rpm settle or attain for the comparatively mild clutch lever, which is what I opted for in Buttonwillow’s heaviest braking zones. Deal-breaker? No, although it’s a quirk the YZF-R1 doesn’t exhibit, you might need to combine shifting methods in particular conditions on the 2022 Yamaha MT-10 SP.

4. Journey-by-wire throttle is simply the tip of the digital iceberg. Yamaha engineers tossed a brand new throttle on the MT-10 platform, derived from the R1 superbike. That’s excellent news, because the prior era massive MTs and R1s suffered from snatchy fueling of their aggressive energy modes. 4 energy modes (1-4) are discovered on the MT-10/SP. Stage 1 bares the MT’s tooth and is a tad overexuberant on the road or observe, whereas stage 2 hits the candy spot whatever the setting. In fact, inclement or city circumstances would possibly name for the tamer ranges 3 and 4.

5. IMU-enabled rider aids are at house on the road or observe. On deck, we’ve got energy modes (throttle), lean-angle-detecting traction management, cornering ABS, slide management, engine braking, and wheelie management settings—all absolutely adjustable inside 4 using modes (A-D). Whereas the road isn’t a spot to check most of those options, the observe presents a chance. In practically all instances, I’d say they move with flying colours. The TC and SC work harmoniously to reel within the CP4’s would possibly, providing you with the arrogance to twist the grip with gusto whereas leaving imply darkies. One may even hork up a modest wheelie with WC in its lowest setting. Whereas ABS by no means falters on the highway, ultra-hard braking on the circuit did make ABS 1 throw a match, regardless of it disabling the IMU. ABS 2 chimes in a hair early at lean, although it’s greater than prepared for A bunch.

6. Öhlins semi-active suspension presents versatility on the click on of a button. The Good EC 2.0 system options the same old assortment of modes: three semi-active (A1-A3) and three guide (M1-M3) modes, all tuned respectively. A1 is the sportiest and most at house on easy canyon roads or on the racetrack, maintaining the chassis tidy throughout onerous acceleration, braking, or when leaned over. A2 takes the sting off for the true world, although nonetheless athletic, whereas A3 is like using on velvet by comparability. These are your parameters and dialing damping settings is finished in a snap, simply sharpening the MT-10 SP’s fangs in comparison with the bottom mannequin. Don’t overlook, when it’s time to go house, pop it in cozy mode and journey in luxurious with cruise management engaged.

7. A planted chassis is the 2022 Yamaha MT-10 SP’s calling card. What’s telegraphed by the MT-10 SP’s twin-spar aluminum body and swingarm is confidence, which is a pleasant factor to have whether or not you’re on the road or observe. She’s one of many greater gals within the class at 472 kilos, which explains why the SP enjoys just a little extra path when being coaxed into the corners than its Euro classmates. That quantities to what I’d label a tradeoff in favor of stability, not a compromise. Pile on the brakes, intention for the apex, and hammer the throttle on the exit—rinse and repeat till sunset or the checkered flag waves.

8. The Advics and Brembo combo get the assistance of steel-braided brake traces. The MT-10 platform lately gained a brand new Brembo front-brake grasp cylinder that feeds the four-piston calipers through steel-braided brake traces. The addition shouldn’t be as transformational as anticipated, with the lever gaining a touch of firmness. That appears to be by design, as Yamaha doesn’t need to go overboard with the preliminary chunk. There’s a very good really feel and no fade to talk of at tempo, although I’d nonetheless take pleasure in a bit extra assault.

9. Bridgestone Battlax S22 Hypersport tires imply enterprise. The S22 is a strong selection for anybody sport rubber, whether or not they dwell within the curvy highway sections or hit the cheeky observe day.

10. A singular livery identifies the top-tier MT-10. The Liquid Steel/Raven colorway is the one coloration accessible, which isn’t essentially unhealthy, contemplating that the match and end are wonderful. The SP does draw a good quantity of inspiration from the lusty YZF-R1M, with the three-piece stomach fairing. Additionally, the color-matched wheels are a welcome contact.

11. Sporty ergonomics discover the suitable steadiness. There’s a stroke of genius in tossing a set of handlebars and reducing the rearsets on a superbike. See, you get high-level efficiency that immediately might be lived with on the road. Yamaha hasn’t forgotten that premise, and the MT-10’s rider triangle doesn’t allow you to down when using to work or racking up laps. A snug riser handlebar and spacious legroom from the 32.9-inch-high saddle are a boon on the road. But, the footpegs aren’t too low for some excessive lean whereas scuffing knee pucks—bare bikes often imply you’re extra conscious of foot placement. Regardless of the MT-10s hanging all of it out with only a flyscreen for modesty, it isn’t too unhealthy on the road; taller elective windscreens can be found.

12. The 2022 Yamaha MT-10 SP takes all of it up a notch with out compromising its core values. Yamaha engineers may design an uncompromising hyper-naked to drop lap instances, not not like a few of its Euro compatriots—however that’s a job for the R1. The factor is, the MT-10 platform is destined for greater than that slender scope of labor, and the up-spec SP variant provides just a few extra abilities to its already flourishing resume that isn’t spoiled by just a few minor missteps. Observe days, sport using, and informal truthful have at all times been within the playing cards for the MT-10, they usually’re made that a lot simpler with the SP.

Avenue/static pictures by Joseph Agustin
Observe pictures by MPG InventiveRIDING STYLEAvenueObserve2022 Yamaha MT-10 SP SpecsENGINE

• Kind: Inline-4 w/ crossplane crankshaft
• Displacement: 998cc
• Bore x stroke: 79.0 x 50.9mm
• Compression ratio: 12.0:1
• Valvetrain: DOHC, 16 valves
• Transmission: 6-speed w/ quickshifter
• Clutch: Moist multiplate assist-and-slipper clutch
• Ultimate drive: Chain

CHASSIS

• Body: Twin-spar aluminum
• Entrance suspension; journey: Totally adjustable semi-active Öhlins inverted 43mm fork; 4.7 inches
• Rear suspension: Linkage-assisted absolutely adjustable Öhlins piggyback-reservoir shock; 4.7 inches
• Tires: Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22
• Entrance tire: 120/70 x 17
• Rear tire: 190/55 x 17
• Entrance brake: 320mm discs w/ radially mounted Brembo 4-piston calipers and Brembo radial grasp cylinder
• Rear brake: 220mm disc
• ABS: Cornering-aware

DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES

• Wheelbase: 55.3 inches
• Rake: 24.0 levels
• Path: 4.0 inches
• Seat top: 32.9 inches
• Gas capability: 4.5 gallons
• Estimated gasoline consumption: 36 mpg
• Curb weight: 472 kilos
• Colour: Liquid Steel/Raven

2022 Yamaha MT-10 SP Value: $18,899 MSRP

2022 Yamaha MT-10 SP Overview Photograph Gallery