The Yamaha MT10-SP is the Hyper-Naked Superpower of Sport Bikes
After an early morning, two-hour mid-summer ride in the heat of Canada’s only natural desert, the South Okanagan, it was time not only to refuel the 2022 Yamaha MT10-SP but also my electrolytes. I pulled into a gas station where two young boys were licking popsicles curb-side while waiting for their mom to escort them back to the fully fuelled car.
“What does the SP mean,” questioned my roughly 5-year-old motorcycle admirer as he pointed to the Yamaha MT10 tank. Before I could answer, his counter-part offered up a logical response with a nudge of the elbow and the look of logic on his face, “It means super-power!”
I wasn’t about to correct him so I just smiled as, by that point, I felt like a superhero. I had been rolling effortlessly across the asphalt on this naked sport, soaking up the sun and sights and loving it.
Trying to beat the summer heat and tourist traffic, open throttle was immediately after 6:30 a.m. coffee. With a few pit stops along the way, the roughly 300 km round-trip offered just the right amount of time and distance to fully explore what the Yamaha MT10 had to offer. The design of the bike is unique. Large intake ducts flank the sides of the tank giving it an aggressive outline.
A quick walk around will immediately tell you it’s fast. In my years on a motorcycle, every bike that has Brembo brakes will tip you off that it packs a punch. Although I did experience the feeling of lack of brakes when using them. It was an odd sensation.
A Second hint that a bike is designed for speed, is the suspension. With smart power technology, the MT10-SP is the first of its kind to be fitted with Öhlins 6-mode electronically controlled spool valve suspension. The suspension automatically makes miniscule adjustments as you ride thereby maintaining an incredibly powerful, yet stable experience.
Easy to see digital dash computer offers all the information you could want is fully programmable. Of note, the 17-litre fuel tank display shows full for an extended period of time. After some distance, it still showed full but when the gauge declined, it declined quickly, so distance was a better fuel monitor than the gauge.
You can scroll through the ride-by-wire throttle with four power delivery modes and match your lean sensitive traction control to your liking. I prefer ride mode 2 when I am getting to know a new bike although with a lift control system, and a slide control system ride mode 1 is manageable and there isn’t a whole lot of trouble you can’t get out of if you surprise yourself. If you end up riding in the rain, ride mode 4 will deliver a softer throttle response to aid in maintaining stability on wet surfaces. If you happen to part ways with your bike, the lean angle sensor will shut off the engine if the bike is lying on its side.
Being that the Yamaha MT10 is mirrored from the popular Yamaha R1 race model (that’s the third hint of speed), I anticipated a more compact rider triangle (bars-pegs-seat) but with a little slide back to the ‘hip-stopper’ at the passenger seat and my 34″ inseam found those extra few inches to keep the blood flowing while grabbing the tank with my knees. No fairing, no crouch but the experience of a race bike in a hyper-naked style.
Initially, power delivery felt delayed but as I made my way through the Yamaha MT10 6-speed transmission, I was pleasantly surprised by the power offered in the higher gears. The 998cc EU5 four-cylinder engine gives an uneven firing sequence delivering power when you want it. I can only describe it like when a plane takes off and you feel the increase in speed but at cruising altitude, its smooth sailing.
The Yamaha MT10 at highway speed in sixth gear, with the short wheel-base (55.1”), is not only agile in the corners but also responsive with power delivery rolling on and off the throttle. Riding is even easier with the quick-shift technology between the upper gears. Effortless. There is nothing more exhilarating than getting in the “Zone” and riding free in and out of corners.
I took that peaceful feeling to the most peaceful place I know – Spotted Lake. After spending some time there, I could feel the heat of the sun increase with every passing minute. I rode down the hill and into Osoyoos mid-morning, shifted course to the North, and began to navigate my way back toward Kelowna.
Without a windshield, a long ride will dry you out quickly without you knowing it. It is important to hydrate frequently whether or not you feel thirsty. Make sure to stop often because if you don’t stop, you might miss the candid practicality of 5-year-old admirers.
