[Webike Moto Report] MT-10 SP

[MT-10 parts]
https://japan.webike.net/YAMAHA/MT-10+%28FZ-10%29/13798/mtop/

It is Motorcycle Journalist Kenny Sakawa.
The test drive this time is Yamaha’s new model MT-10SP.

The SP is equipped with OHLINS electronically controlled suspension and TFT full color meter.
It is a motorcycle combining naked and motard styling.
It is a bit different bike from ordinary Naked.
The concept of MT-10 is the best performance that can be handled on public roads.
It is based on YZF-R1, but engine and chassis are newly designed by approximately 50%.
It is not just a model that simply removed the exterior of YZF-R1.
There are three keywords.

Torque, agility, versatility.
Originally it is a motorcycle with plenty of torque at low and middle rpm range, but the engine has become further strengthened torque.
Although 160 horsepower at peak is lower than YZF-R1, the power at low and medium speed range is correspondingly more powerful and easier to handle.
It is extremely agile because it’s based on YZF-R1.
You can manipulate the motorcycle exactly as you want.
Wheelbase is very short for 1,000cc model, which also contributes to agile performance.

Finally it’s versatile.
The riding position is well relaxed.
High strength steel is adopted to sub frame considering passenger riding.
From these point, you can see that MT-10 is designed to fit the street use.
Let’s straddle.
First, the position of the handlebar is high and handlebar is wide.
It is a very natural position.
The seat height is low, it is 825 mm. It is 30 mm lower than YZF-R1.
Both feet reach the ground.

The SP model has an electronic control system called Yamaha Riding Control.
There are four modes, A, B, C and D.
A is the most powerful mode, B is sporty, C is for city ride, D is for riding in wet.
The D mode is valid on rain day like today.
Throttle control is linear and gentle.
Depending on the mode, suspension, engine and traction control is set optimally.
Today I rode in D mode, but I feel very comfortable and safe.
Throttle can be opened and closed more easily.
If you open the throttle, power will come out, but it will be gently output.
Suspension also become softer.
Even in D mode, traction control does not work immediately.
Traction control does not work even if you open the throttle considerably.
Such a setting makes me feel that this is a sports model.
I was not sure that the performance of tires was good, it griped considerably.
Also, ABS is installed and it works considerably in the deeply of the braking.
ABS is set that you can apply brakes more than expected though wet condition.
In conclusion, MT-10 and SP have outstanding performance overwhelming common since of existing Naked models.
It has plenty of torque, acceleration is also fast, the body is lightweight, it’s easy to handle, riding position is easy, and you can run safely with electronic control.
This is a completed motorcycle for debut model.
This is the motorcycle beyond the level of the naked model up to now.