2022 Yamaha MT 10: The new cross-plane monster with upgraded specifications.

 From its release, Yamaha MT 10 was renowned as the willie monster. Its cross-plane crankshaft and torque feel created a distinctive characteristic compared to the race version R1 and R1M. After releasing the latest generation R1 and R1M in 2015, Yamaha released a road-focused hyper-naked version in the form of MT 10. The first unite came out of the factory in 2016. That model got some design tweaks over the years. Alongside a regular version, Yamaha also introduced an SP version with premium Öhlins electronic forks and some upgraded components. Yamaha gave some major overhaul to the most famous MT 07 and MT 09 this year. It is obvious to upgrade the most powerful MT of the lineup as well. 

The new Yamaha MT 10 for 2022 (Image: Yamaha EU)

The new model got some prime upgrades and design tweaks. Although it looks like a facelift, there are some impressive modifications to the performance. Yamaha tried to keep the torque feel of the MT 10 intact but with some significant improvements. The power output of the motorcycle has improved with upgraded BHP and torque. Aside from the powerplant, it also gets some electronic upgrades. Those upgrades were exclusive to the race versions R1 and R1M previously. The street riders can experience both the thrill of a cross-plane engine and the advanced rider-aids now.

The new powertrain

The new hyper-naked gets the same 998cc inline-four cross-plane engine from the past. This time, however, the internals are changed a little bit. Where the R1 and R1M get titanium con rod, MT 10 gets an offset steel unit. Yamaha says that it is for better torque output and feel on the roads. Pistons are the same forged aluminum units as the race-focused engine. They also introduced direct plated pistons for maximum efficiency.

The  new 998cc inline-four cross-plane engine with upgraded internals (Image: Yamaha EU)

The new internals with an upgraded fuel-injection mapping has improved the power output by 6 BHP. The torque is also up by 1 NM. It might not seem enough, but you will be impressed considering the Euro 5 compliant of the new bike. Yamaha managed to reduce emissions yet increase the power and torque of the new powerplant.

The sound acoustics

Yamaha is emphasizing the sound acoustics of the new MT 10 this year. Its cross-plane engine is a great sounding engine already. It creates a distinctive roaring soundtrack with the big-bang firing order. But they improved it even more with three different-length air scoops. They produce a resonating roar by two distinctively new acoustic amplifier grills. 

The new and upgraded air scoops (on the front of the tank) and the new acoustic amplifier grills (on the top of the air scoopes) (Image: Yamaha EU)

Alongside the intakes, the new bike comes with upgraded titanium link pips and a silencer. Thanks to the new material upgrades, Yamaha has created a peculiar note from low to mid-rpm. Even if you don't install an after-market exhaust system, the stock unit will give an immersive feel. The riders will experience a different sensation while riding the 2022 MT 10 on the roads.

Titanium link pipes for the new MT 10 (Image: Yamaha EU)

Titanium silencer of the new 2022 MT 10 (Image: Yamaha EU)

Chassis upgrades

There are some tweaks with the chassis geometry for the upcoming model year. The new bike gets a similar aluminum delta box frame and fully adjustable KYB front forks. Like the front suspension, the rear suspension is also from KYB with full adjustability. It might be depressing for some riders, but there is a notable improvement in the braking department. 

Upgraded redial master cylinder from Brembo for better front break feel (Image: Yamaha EU)

Aside from the same floating 320mm disks and radially mounted four-pot calipers, Yamaha offers a new Brembo master cylinder this year. It ought to give a precise feel to the hand while braking compared to the axial unite from previous years. Yamaha also improved the riding posture with redesigned footpegs and handlebar combinations. Those components changed the rider triangle for a better sitting position on the bike. Riders can now lean forward a bit as compared to the previous upright position. 

Upgraded electronics

Yamaha introduced the most number of upgrades for the electronics with the new MT 10. Alongside the improved ECU mapping, there is a new 6-axis IMU for better rider aids. Yamaha is providing its sophisticated accelerator position sensor grip (APSG) available with the latest MT 10. This unit was exclusive to the facelifted R1 and R1M from the year 2020. It is a distinctive ride-by-wire that provides a better throttle response cordlessly. The new bike has an improved PWR system with four power delivery modes. This new setup improves the cruise control with speed limiter. 

Sped limit option with new PWR management system (Image: Yamaha EU)

Cordless ride-by-wire throttle system for the MT 10 which were exclusive for the 2020 R1 and R1M (Image: Yamaha EU)

The new MT 10 has some other rider aids to accompany the upgraded electronics. There is traction control, Slide Control (SCS), wheelie control (LIF), engine braking control (EBM), and brake control (BC) available. Based on the preset power mode, riders will get a different combination of those aids. If it is not enticing, anyone can create a custom setup with a mix of those rider assistances. The instrument cluster has some improvements as well. Where the 4.2" TFT full-color dash was premium for the SP model, it is now standard. The up and down quick-shifter is also available with the regular MT 10. That feature was an optional extra and standard for the SP model last year. 

Fully-colored 4.2" TFT instrument cluster with an user friendly UI (Image: Yamaha EU)

Standard up and down quick-shifter with the 2022 MT 10 (Image: Yamaha EU)

Other simple upgrades

The most notable change to the new MT 10 for the year 2022 is the design. Yamaha followed their bare nacked bodywork with the new hyper-nacked like the upgraded MT 09 and 07. The headlights and tail unit have some improvements, just like the other MT siblings. The cyborg design language continues with the new bike. 

Cyborg looking front end of the new MT 10 inspired by other siblings in the MT series (Image: Yamaha EU)

Redesigned rear end inspired from the narrower design of the 2021 MT 09 (Image: Yamaha EU)

The riding position did change a little bit for better riding ergonomics. Aside from the riding posture, Yamaha also improved the comfort of the seat. The padding has some improvements for a better feel on a long ride.

2022 MT 10 also has better tires to stick to the road batter. The new pair is from Bridgestone specifically, known as Battlax Hypersport S22. Although it is negligible, Yamaha is yet showing 90-degree wheel air-valves as a unique feature. It might not be much, but the 90-degree valves help to pump air into the tires significantly.

Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 tire set for the new MT 10 (Image: Yamaha EU)

Not so distinctive feature with a 90-degree air-valve unit (Image: Yamaha EU)

Conclusions

The new MT 10 has some pretty good offerings for the upcoming model year. The new features were premium with the race homologation bikes in the form of R1 and R1M. That doesn't mean the road riders cannot experience the convenience of those rider aids. 

What do you think about the new MT 10? Do the new upgrades entice you? Are you planning to purchase one as your next hyper-nacked? Or do you plan to wait for the SP version with upgraded Öhlins semi-active suspensions?