If you’ve been keeping an eye on the movements of the Japanese manufacturer over the past year, you’ll have seen updates to the Dark Side of Japan range - but there has been one outlier, the Yamaha MT-10 range.
It’s been an immensely popular machine based on the R1 formula, and following updates to the MT-07, MT-09 and learner-focused 125 and 03 range, the MT-10 & MT-10 SP is next up to the table. It looks like on the menu is more power, new looks and revised dimensions.
Publications Cycle World & Motorrad (amongst others) have been scanning European type approval documents, and an update to the range-topping hyper naked machine will be finally hitting European dealerships in 2022.
What’s due to be updated on the new 2022 Yamaha MT-10?
Starting off with the model codes, a change from RN45 (A & B) to RN78 (A & B) could signify a fairly significant change. We are yet to see any images of the 998cc CP4-powered pair, but it would appear the two models will be differentiated by their parts rather than performance.
Fitted with the same motor as the previous generation, power has increased a touch to 163.6 bhp (from 158.2 bhp) and 82.6 lb-ft (112 Nm) of torque at the same peak revs, despite no noticeable difference to engine spec. That could suggest a new exhaust system, with top speed now up by a couple of mph to 155 mph.
Geometries and dimensions have been altered across the board - the wheelbase is longer (1400mm to 1405mm), it’s taller (1110mm to 1165mm), and a couple of KG heavier. It’s speculated that there will be a slightly revised steering angle or new suspension set up, with the SP model likely still to come with the semi-active electronic suspension as seen on the other Yamaha range-topping machines.
The marmite change will likely be switching away from the characteristic dual headlights, to the new MT-defining single spotlight. Whether or not there will be two of these up front to keep the same MT-10 style remains to be seen, but it’s unlikely.
Some MT-10 owners may be looking for increased tank size to improve fuel economy, perhaps others will want some more touring dynamics - but all we can say is stay tuned for the reveal.
Whether it's unveiled at EICMA or just before, it's very likely that you'll get to see the new model at Motorcycle Live 2021.
We’ll keep an eye out now that we know there’s something in the works, and once we hear the official details we’ll come straight back to you! Something tells us it'll be an extremely popular reveal...
