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Yamaha MT-10 (2022) reviewed (Baujahr 2022)

Yamaha's sturdy power bike turns out to be a fun grenade in the test

08.05.2022

Photos: motorradtest.de

Yamaha has finally given the MT-10 an extensive facelift for 2022. The machine now costs 15,450 euros and has increased enormously, especially in the chapter of technical equipment. Markus and Dietmar found out what the new MT-10 can do and how it rides during an extensive test drive.

The Whole Dark Site of Japan

Our test bike from Motorrad Ruser is in front of us in the color "Tech Black" and is actually quite black. Other available colors are "Icon Blue" and "Cyan Storm". When it comes to the color scheme, Yamaha remains largely true to itself, one of the three paintwork should please every willing buyer. The optics of the MT-10 continue to polarize. Either you like the "Dark Side of Japan" design or you don't. Although the new lamp mask at the front has been made a bit more pleasing, the Yamaha already tells you standing up: "Attention, I'm not for beginners".

Three beautiful MT-10: Cyan Storm, Icon Blue and Tech Black. We would take the left bike...

Hardly anything has changed in terms of ergonomics. You sit a little higher with 835mm, but the seating feeling has remained similar. Fortunately, because you sit upright on the MT-10 and have the feeling of having the machine under control immediately. Unfortunately, everything remains the same for the passenger or the passenger: The rear footpegs are mounted so high that you have your knees between your ears as a passenger. There are also no grab handles. The MT-10 will probably no longer be a touring bike, but it doesn't want to be.

The weight of 210 kg is standard for a power naked bike, as is the maneuverability. The handlebar angle is as usual with Nakes not so great, so when turning on the road you have to loop back and forth a few times. But as I said: The MT-10 masters the most important chapter in ergonomics, namely the seating position, without any problems. Thanks to the smooth handlebar position, you won't be pulled over the tank, you don't even have to lean forward. Especially our intervertebral disc Markus likes this very much and he can hardly wait to chase from the farm.

Wonderful: This is what effortless sitting on a powerful motorcycle looks like!

What she should be able to do

The predecessor was technically no longer up to date, Yamaha has now changed that. The 2022 MT-10 has all the technology on board that the kit gives: lean angle sensors, QuickShifter (now in both directions!), 4.2" color TFT display, wheelie & slide control, cruise control and even a speed limited are on board. There are 4 configurable driving modes, whereby power output, engine brake and traction control can be fine-tuned. For this purpose, there are two switches on the left, the settings for this can be used intuitively, as well as the tilting through the on-board computer. A bit strange: The riding modes can only be changed when stationary and Yamaha has still dispensed with smartphone connectivity.

The general settings can be called up with a thumbwheel on the right. We are not sure, but we have not found a change from English to german. However, the new color display is easy to read and after a short acclimatization period you get along well with the operation.

The Yamaha MT-10 offers all-round full LED lighting and especially the rear light has done it to us. At the front, the two intake tracts dominate, which, like the whole machine, announce a considerable thunderstorm even when stationary. Let's try that out right away ...

Photo: Yamaha (factory)

This is how it drives itself

The sound of the MT-10 is a bit surprising. The machine does not sound at all like a row four - and does not drive as it will turn out shortly. It is not a classic 4-cylinder, because Yamaha still relies on a 90 degree pin offset with a changed ignition order. As a result, this is a rough fellow who sounds the same (soundcheck: see top right). The intake noise is also really addictive, especially when gassing from low speeds - wonderful! We like the new titanium exhaust system visually, but the powerful collector does not allow a main stand - for free!

Then let's go. Already on the first meters it becomes clear: This is a typical MT from Yamaha. It is extremely manoeuvrable due to the short wheelbase and trimmed from front to rear for driving pleasure. In this respect, it is very similar to the MT-09, but here everything seems a bit bigger, heavier, more grown-up, more brutal. The MT-10 is the queen of the MT series, and it lets the driver feel it. Especially the start of the MT-10 is impressive. The machine accelerates so brutally that the wheelie control is constantly in use. You can't get rid of the impression that the front wheel always wants to rise. The machine doesn't give the impression that it has 166 hp - that feels like more!

The new QuickShifter, which works in both directions, allows you to get over the somewhat sluggish and non-adjustable clutch. You actually only clutch anyway when starting and at the traffic lights, otherwise you type the gears smoothly and without manual use. The chassis has easy play with the performance of the MT-10, the machine lies full on the road, without appearing sluggish. The USD fork and central strut are fully adjustable, Yamaha dispenses with an electronic suspension in favor of a more acceptable price. The modified brake system also works great, the Brembo radial pump makes the front brake noticeably snappier.

Conclusion - what sticks

The new MT-10 from Yamaha has made considerable gains and has now arrived in 2022, especially technically. Luckily, it hasn't lost anything in terms of driving fun, it's still a real fun rocket. The comparison to the MT-09 is obvious, because both machines are comparable in terms of ergonomics as well as driving pleasure - although the MT-10 is ahead in terms of performance.

The test bike was kindly provided by Motorrad Ruser . There, a black MT-10 is ready as a demonstrator for test drives. The area in Haseldorf is perfect for test rides and Motorrad Ruser has just received a lot of new Yamahas. So, if you want to sit up: Let's go to Haseldorf!

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