New Yamaha MT-10 unveiled

It's the naked R1 we've been waiting for

YAMAHA just joined the super-naked class with this YZF-R1-based MT-10, unveiled tonight in Milan.

It's got a four-cylinder cross-plane engine derived from the 2015 R1's, and Yamaha says it's been tuned for more low and mid-range torque. Figures and price have yet to be announced.

The riding position is upright and the aluminium Deltabox main frame is also based on the R1's, giving it the shortest wheel-base in the class according to Yamaha, at 1,400mm.

Electronics include switchable traction control with three levels, three riding modes, an assist and slipper clutch and cruise control.

The suspension is YZF-derived and the brakes use four-pot radial-mounted calipers on 320mm front discs, with ABS.

It's got five-spoke cast aluminium wheels,  a 17-litre tank and an LCD instrument panel. 

It was ridden on to the stage at a Yamaha press conference by MotoGP champion Jorge Lorenzo along with his team-mate Valentino Rossi, who rode the new XSR900.

Yamaha said in a press release:

'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.

'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.'

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