Streetfighter, naked bike, sport standard – take your pick, but a motorcycle like Yamaha MT-10 should really be called Answers.
And the question? You have $13,999 in your bank account, the value of which is decreasing day by day due to inflation, so how should you spend it?
You can be cautious and invest it, but the stock market is always volatile and cryptocurrencies are fun money.
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Or you can buy something tangible. You work hard for your money, so reward yourself. Buy something fun.
You can steal another $1,001 from your piggy bank and buy $15,000 Dedicated S-Works Turbo Levo Electric powered mountain bike. You will be the envy of everyone in your locality, but it is still a Bicycle. You have to pedal it goes anywhere.
Instead, why not cut through the chase and buy a 160-horsepower screaming machine with blue electric wheels and laser eyes? Money can’t buy happiness, but it can buy a bunch of thrills.
Twist the handle to the right and the MT-10 punches a hole in the atmosphere, drawing air in through a trio of unequal length intakes and emitting a howl that echoes through a pair of Acoustic Grilles, numbing Paralyze all the right nerves and tap into your hypothalamus to find large amounts of dopamine.
Embrace your inner hedonist. Ask for forgiveness rather than asking for permission. Be the gear changer you want to see in the world.
Pitching through the aforementioned gears – made easier with a quick up/down shifter but also smooth and smooth using a sliding/assisted clutch – and the 998cc Four continuous acceleration is the thing. exciting and hopelessly addictive. The only thing that stopped me was a free lunch offer with North Carolina pulled pork and sweet tea on the menu.
TAKE OFF
Helmet: Scorpion EXO-R1 Air
Coat: Scorpion Optima
Gloves: Scorpion SGS MK II
Trousers: Super-waisted jeans
Boots: Fly Racing M16 Waterproof Riding Shoe
Yamaha’s Torque Master
The MT-10’s CP4 (4-cylinder multi-plane) engine is tuned from Yamaha YZF-R1 Sport bicycle. Its multi-rotor crankshaft deflects each crank 90 degrees from the next, resulting in uneven firing intervals that sound and feel different from a typical Inline-Four and similar to one. V-Four. Fluctuations in inertial crankshaft torque are softened, providing a more linear throttle response and helping to keep the rear tire from hooking when launching out of corners. This thrill factory produces instant, predictable powerhouses that give goosebumps.
Tuned for the street, the MT-10’s engine differs from the R1’s race-ready engine. Its crankshaft has more inertial mass for smoother throttle response, its control rods and valves are made from steel instead of titanium, and the intake ports, combustion chamber and pistons are in different forged aluminum, resulting in a lower compression ratio (12:1 vs 13:1 on R1). Yamaha has optimized the distribution of torque between 4,000 and 8,000 rpm – right in the heart of the rev range.
Like the YZF-R1, the MT-10’s throttle system now uses Yamaha’s Throttle Position Sensing Grip (APSG), which uses a spring, slider, and gear mechanism to create variable resistance. for a more natural gas feel. Throttle response can be varied by selecting one of four PWR (Power) modes, with Modes 1 to 3 going from sharp to soft and Mode 4 reducing power for sketchy conditions. . There are also high and low engine braking modes.
Response is rather anemic below 4,000 rpm, vivid in the midrange, and very annoying from 8,000 rpm all the way to the red line (12,000 rpm). When are we? tested MT-10 a few years ago, its 160hp at the crank shifts to a peak of 138hp at 9,400rpm at the rear wheel, with over 120hp above 8,500rpm. The flat, wide torque curve tops out at 77 lb-ft at 9,200 rpm. The metrics should be similar for the current model.
Suspension on the right is a shorter, lighter silencer that protrudes from the exhaust box below with four catalysts that help remove unfriendly elements from the exhaust. A slightly larger rear sprocket (42 teeth compared to the previous 43) contributes to smoother response at low throttle openings and better fuel economy, which Yamaha says has increased from 30 to 36 mpg .
The MT-10’s 2022 update also includes a 6-axis IMU and comprehensive electronics originally developed for the YZF-R1. The system includes sensitive traction control, slip control, wheel control, mind control (but I don’t quote that) and cornering ABS, all with multiple levels or modes. . Each mode can be adjusted independently, and the Yamaha Ride Control system offers four riding modes with attendant presets. Since it’s easy to go surprisingly fast on the MT, the new Yamaha Variable Speed Limiter can help drivers avoid unwanted attention from authorities by limiting acceleration beyond the specified speed.
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Let me see what you have
Aesthetically, the MT-10 has a cleaner look, with the meager bodywork on the previous model being dropped. The air intakes on either side of the fuel tank, previously only aesthetically pleasing but now fully functional, stand out more. New single-eye focus LED headlights and LED positioning lights combine with a more compact nose assembly to minimize overhangs and shorten the MT’s nose-to-tail length. The MT-10’s styling remains Transformers-inspired and will inspire cheerleaders or jeers depending on your point of view.
Aimed at middle-aged experienced riders who appreciate both performance and comfort, the MT-10 may look more aggressive, but its ergonomics are more user-friendly. Its fuel tank has been reshaped, its rider triangle has been modified to enhance the feeling of sitting “in” the bike, and its seat cushion is firmer for more support (height saddle slightly increased to 32.9 inches).
A couple of years ago we added a windshield, comfortable saddle, trunk and soft saddlebags to the MT-10, and it became a solid sport-tourer, thanks in part to the control system. standard travel. The current model is likely to perform even better as a long-term model. The new tubular subframe keeps the rear end slim while supporting passengers and equipment. Yamaha’s accessory list includes the top boxes in three sizes (30, 39 or 50 liters) along with passenger backrest pads and bag lining.
Behind the MT-10’s small flat screen is a new 4.3-inch color TFT screen that holds a lot of information. However, like the MT-09 and Tracer 9 GT, some text is small and hard to read at a glance – at least for the middle-aged eye of the demographic. In addition, the wheel next to the handle requires dexterity and coordination to use while controlling the throttle.
Mountain Riding
We’ve covered nearly 200 miles of some of the best roads near Asheville, North Carolina, including Blue Ridge Parkway, NC 215, NC 281, US 276, and Charleys Creek Road. The early morning fog and shadowy corners obscured the wet pavement and the patches of gravel made us nervous. Thankfully, the MT-10 is very forgiving and reassuring in tough conditions.
MT’s chassis uses the same die-cast aluminum Deltabox frame as on the R1, with the engine as a load-bearing element to save weight. It has a long swingarm for stability, but the compact 55.3-inch wheelbase (an inch shorter than the MT-09) and moderate 467 lb curb weight keep the MT feeling nimble. and fit – much better than Graybeard at the controls.
Most of the pavement on our route was smooth, but even where there were cracks, seams and dents, MT’s fully adjustable KYB suspension met the penalty without complaint. , and new Bridgestone Battlax S22 tires provide a secure grip. Checking tire pressure is now easier thanks to a 90-degree valve – a small but appreciated upgrade.
Fast bikes need strong brakes and MT’s dual 320mm floating front discs with 4-piston radial clamps and a single 220mm rear disc with 2-piston calipers convert kinetic energy into heat. New for this year are the radial Brembo master cylinder up front, the rear Brembo master cylinder and new cushion springs on the rear caliper, all of which lend a more precise and refined feel to the system. brake.
But wait a minute!
Joining this year’s MT-10 is the premium MT-10 SP, which replaces the manually adjustable KYB suspension with Öhlins semi-active suspension, adds steel braided front brake lines, and comes in color YZF-R1M inspired colors with premium styling accents.
The SP is the first production motorcycle equipped with Öhlins’ next-generation electronically controlled suspension using the latest in tube valve dampers. The driver can choose between three semi-active damping modes and three manual settings. Managed through the Yamaha Ride Control menu, the suspension can be adjusted to suit your driving style or environment.
We didn’t get a chance to drive the MT-10 SP, but we hope it takes the driving experience to another level. It’s available in Liquid Metal/Raven for $16,899. The standard MT-10 is available in Cyan Storm (shown) or Matte Raven Black for $13,999.
When the original FZ1 was introduced in the early 2000s, it helped the YZF-R1 showcase superbike performance and made it more livable on the street. From the FZ1 to the FZ-10 to the MT-10 equipped with the latest CP4 electronics, Yamaha has refined its formula and improved the end result. Ask the right question and the answer becomes obvious.
Specifications Yamaha MT-10 2022
Basic price: $13,999
Website: YamahaMotorsports.com
Engine type: Liquid cooled, four horizontal valves, DOHC with 4 valves per cyl.
Transposition: 998cc
Diameter x stroke of piston: 79.0 x 50.9mm
Horse power: 138 hp at 9,400 rpm (rear wheel dyno, front model)
Torque: 77 lb-ft at 9,200 rpm (rear wheel dyno, front model)
Transmission process: 6-speed, sliding clutch/cable-operated power steering
Last drive: Chain
The standard long: 55.3 inches.
Rake / Trail: 24 degrees / 4.0 inches.
Seat height: 32.9 inches.
Wet weight: 467 lb
Fuel quantity: 4.5 gal.
Fuel consumption: 36 mpg
