2016 Yamaha MT-10 – Ray of Darkness

Any road, any time, any speed

Having already created some of the most innovative and successful models in the European market, Yamaha have developed an all-new one-litre motorcycle that has the potential to challenge all comers in the naked bike class. The radical new MT-10 is ready to exceed expectations and appeal to those riders who are looking for a new kind of connected riding experience that can be enjoyed on any road, any time and at any speed.

MT rideability with racing technology

Its 998cc crossplane engine delivers massive levels of linear torque in the low to mid speed range for adrenaline-charged performance – and the aluminium Deltabox chassis features an ultra-short wheelbase of just 1400mm to give supremely light and agile handling performance. Aggressive mass forward styling with a natural riding position give the MT-10 a dominant presence that attracts attention and demands respect – and with its high-tech YZF-R1 based suspension systems and class-leading specification, this iconic new member of motorcycling’s most successful and influential family is the most remarkable naked bike to be developed by Yamaha so far. 

New levels of excitement and emotion

The Dark Side of Japan has already inspired the design of some of the most ground breaking motorcycles seen in recent years. From the seminal MT-09 through to the MT-07, and on to the MT-125, this ground breaking range of models is changing the face of motorcycling and bringing new levels of excitement and emotion to the street.

Night Fluo: The new MT-family identity

Featuring a dynamic new Night Fluo colour option that will also be available on many other members of the MT segment in 2016, the arrival of the new flagship expands the range and brings added excitement to the whole MT family. A new rider starting out today on the MT-125 now has the widest choice of MT models on offer, enabling them to stay with the MT family as they progress through every step of their riding career.

Another legend from the Dark Side of Japan is about to emerge onto the streets of Europe. And real world motorcycling will never be the same again.

MT-10 Engine

CP4 engine tuned ultimate torque enjoyment

The MT-10 engine has been developed directly from the latest YZF-R1’s 998cc in line 4-cylinder crossplane engine that is widely regarded as one of most advanced and exciting designs in its class.

For ultimate torque emotion for day to day street usage, the engine features a number of significant technical changes that are designed to deliver strong low to mid speed torque, including newly designed intake, exhaust and fuelling systems, as well as an optimized crank balance. A number of model-specific settings have also been adopted in order to enhance the direct and connected feeling between the throttle and the rear wheel that is associated with the crossplane design.

Yamaha D-MODE, YCC-T (Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle)

Yamaha D-MODE offers the rider a choice of three engine running modes that are designed to suit different riding situations and conditions. The key to its operation are the sophisticated electronics in the YCC-T that can instantaneously alter the engine character by adjusting throttle opening, ignition timing and fuel injection volume.

The ‘Standard’ Mode gives a smooth feeling to the engine character throughout the entire rpm range, and is designed for use in a variety of riding conditions. ‘A’ Mode delivers a sportier engine character in the low to mid speed ranges for added excitement and enjoyment, while ‘B’ Mode delivers a milder response and is designed to be used in situations where more sensitive throttle use is appropriate – such as slippery surfaces or congested streets.

Traction Control System (TCS)

To enable the rider to enjoy the power and performance of the MT-10 in different conditions, it comes equipped with a 3-mode Traction Control System (TCS) that can be deactivated if required. The system works by monitoring any slippage in the rear tyre, and when this is detected the YCC-T automatically controls throttle opening, ignition timing and fuel injection volume to restore rear wheel traction for increased control.

Level 1 has the lowest degree of TCS intervention and is designed for sporty riding, while level 2 is suitable for normal street riding, and level 3 is for use in wet or slippery conditions where rear wheel traction is particularly low.

Assist and slipper (A&S) clutch

The MT-10’s advanced A&S clutch is similar to that used on the new generation YZF-R1, and its compact and sophisticated design offers a number of advantages to the rider when accelerating and decelerating.

The key feature on Yamaha’s A&S clutch is its specially designed slanting cam that is located between the clutch boss and the pressure plate. This mechanism augments the force of the clutch springs and consequently allows the use of lower rate clutch springs in the MT-10, giving a much lighter feel at the clutch lever.

When the rotational torque from the rear wheel is transmitted back to the clutch during deceleration, the slanted cams allow the pressure plate to slip out to some degree, and this allows the clutch to absorb the rear wheel’s back torque to give more controlled deceleration and increased riding comfort.

Cruise control

With its natural riding position, high torque engine and sophisticated chassis, the new MT-10 has the potential to cover long distances – and with its accessory-friendly chassis, it can be equipped with a range of Genuine Yamaha Accessories such as a high screen or side bags to prepare you for any journey. For more relaxed and enjoyable riding the new MT-10 comes equipped with a cruise control system that can be activated in 4th, 5th and 6th gears between 50km/h and 180km/h.

A switch on the left handlebar turns the cruise control on or off, and once it is activated, the Yamaha Chip Controlled throttle (YCC-T) maintains the selected speed of the bike whether riding uphill, downhill or on a level road. Speeds can be increased in 2 km/h increments with a push of the switch, and any setting is automatically cancelled by activating the brakes, clutch or throttle – while the ‘Resume’ switch restores he cruise control to its last-used speed.

MT-10 Engine Highlights

• YZF-R1 derived inline ‘CP4’ 4-cylinder crossplane engine

• Tuned for increased low and mid-speed torque

• YCC-T (Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle)

• Yamaha D-MODE running mode selection with 3 mode

• Switchable 3-mode Traction Control System (TCS)

• Assist and slipper (A&S) clutch

• Cruise control system for 4th, 5th and 6th gear

• Newly designed intake, exhaust and fuelling systems

• New lightweight forged pistons

• Carburized fracture-split (FS) con rods

• Newly designed crank web with optimized inertial mass

• New 4-2-1 titanium midship muffler with new exhaust valve design

• Revised secondary reduction ratio to match engine character

• Lightweight cooling system with simplified pipe and hose routing

MT-10 Chassis

Upright riding position

The MT-10’s natural and upright riding position has been developed to enable the rider to enjoy fully the outstanding performance of the YZF-R1-derived engine, whilst also offering the possibility of adopting different body positions to suit a range of situations. The handlebar/seat/footrest relationship – together with the shape and position of the tank cover and the use of wide tapered handlebars – have been designed to allow the rider to maintain a firm knee grip with good lower body contact during cornering and acceleration, and for added support during acceleration the rider’s seat features an integral hip stopper.

The rider’s forward lean position has been set at a slightly greater angle than on the MT-09 for comfortable higher speed riding, while the wide, slightly swept back upright handlebars and the horizontal spacious riders seat give a natural and flexible seating position suited to sporty riding.

Aggressive mass-forward styling

The design of the wide shouldered fuel tank cover with strong angular edges and duct shaped covers, together with the use of compact side cowls and the dual headlight front mask – accentuate the MT-10’s aggressive mass forward silhouette. This characteristic MT family appearance is strengthened by the use of a slim and lightweight tail end and long swingarm that seem to direct attention towards the muscular and athletic front section of the MT-10 and create a sense of dynamism that perfectly complements this new bike’s character.

Lightweight aluminium Deltabox frame

The MT-10’s chassis has been developed from the chassis used on the new generation YZF-R1 that is widely considered to be one of the most sophisticated and best handling supersport bikes in the marketplace.

While the YZF-R1 is a full-on supersport bike, the MT-10 is aimed at those riders looking for a thrilling and versatile performance bike that can be used in a range of situations. To enhance the new MT’s all round comfort in typical day-to-day usage, the Deltabox frame has a revised strength/rigidity balance that delivers outstanding handling agility together with class leading controllability and accurate feedback. Featuring a mass centralized design, the new steel subframe comes equipped with the necessary fixtures and fittings to facilitate the fitment of genuine Yamaha accessories.

Short 1400mm wheelbase and revised chassis geometry

The new MT-10 runs with an ultra-short 1400mm wheelbase – a full 35mm less than the nearest competitor, making it the most compact one-litre naked bike in its class. Combined with the extra-long YZF-R1 type aluminium upward truss swingarm and subtle revisions to the chassis geometry, the 1400mm wheelbase gives light and neutral handling performance together with outstanding straight-line stability during acceleration.

YZF-R1-derived suspension with revised settings

The MT-10’s suspension has been developed from the highly regarded systems used on the latest generation YZF-R1. At the front end the KYB upside down cartridge forks feature 43mm tubes and offer 120mm of travel. The newly developed model-specific settings used on the MT-10 give a smooth and compliant feeling during the initial stroke in low load situations, while at higher loads the front forks give accurate feedback and feel from the front wheel for a high degree of controllability.

At the rear end the MT-10 is equipped with the YZF-R1-type upward truss type swingarm that pivots close to the machine’s centre to give outstanding straight-line stability. This extra-long high-tech aluminium swingarm operates a KYB rear shock through a bottom link Monocross system, and the MT-10’s suspension settings are designed to utilize the chain tension forces towards optimizing driving force and traction during acceleration.

320mm dual front discs with radial mount 4-pot callipers and ABS

The MT-10 is fitted with dual 320mm diameter floating front discs that feature radial-mount 4-pot opposed piston callipers with sintered pads. This high-specification design is one of the most powerful and effective systems fitted to a naked bike, and gives the MT-10 rider an excellent balance of controllability together with outstanding braking power. The supersport-class front braking system is matched with a 220mm rear disc with a pin-slide calliper that gives plenty of feel and precise feedback, and ABS is fitted as standard.

LCD multi function instrument panel

To complement the MT-10’s advanced specification, this high performance one-litre naked bike is equipped with a new LCD multi-function instrument panel. The clear and easy to read design includes a digital speedometer, bar display tachometer, fuel gauge, odometer, gear position indicator and more. A shift timing indicator light can be adjusted to suit the rider’s individual preference, and there is a range of pictogram lamps that clearly display cautions, warnings and functions that are in use.

Aggressive front mask with dual LED headlights

With its angular components and array of small air gaps, the MT-10’s strong and angular face perfectly captures its character: light, high-tech, aggressive, powerful, and more! The menacing dual LED headlights sit beneath a compact mask and flyscreen, and the whole front assembly is mounted directly to the frame to accentuate the feelings of agility and lightness.

Both the front end and tail end incorporate a series of deliberately exposed fixtures that illustrate the customizing opportunities the MT-10 offers, from the fitment of different screens through to side bags and more.

MT-10 Chassis Highlights

• Natural and versatile forward leaning riding position
• Wide and upright tapered handlebars
• Aggressive mass forward body design
• Shortest-in-class 1,400mm wheelbase for light and neutral handling
• Lightweight aluminium Deltabox main frame with optimized strength/rigidity balance
• YZF-R1-derived race-developed suspension with revised settings
• 320mm dual front discs with radial mount 4-pot calipers with ABS
• Lean and athletic mass forward body styling with iconic MT family DNA
• 17-litre fuel tank
• Lightweight 5-spoke cast aluminium wheels
• Specially-developed Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport tyres
• 12v DC outlet as standard equipment, to power Genuine Yamaha heated grips
• Newly designed LCD multi function instrument panel
• QSS (Quick Shift System) available as an option
• Powerful and aggressive mono-focus dual LED headlights
• LED position light with newly designed lens
• LED turn signals and license plate light

2016 Yamaha MT-10 Details

MT-10 Genuine Yamaha Accessories

Yamaha will develop a range of genuine Yamaha Accessories for the new MT-10 that are designed to enable riders to enhance performance, functionality and style to suit their own requirements, tastes and lifestyles. More detailed information on the accessories will become available in early spring 2016.

2016 Yamaha MT-10 Colours

MT-10 Colours

Night Fluo

Tech Black

Race Blu

Availability

May 2016