Is the Yamaha FZ-10 Too Ugly?

So it’s out. Yamaha got its intentions revealed by the California Air Resources Board’s interminable raft of paperwork. The MT-10, a fearsome roadster powered by the current-generation R1 powerplant, will be coming to the US as the FZ-10 for the 2017 model year.

We hinted that might be the case when the MT was introduced in Europe earlier this year, and our hopes were fueled by our local Yamaha reps resolutely denying any knowledge of whether we’d get it or not. “Maybe we will, but I don’t really know,” was the typical line.

Still, we all knew. Yamaha’s a global company, and there’s a hole in the lineup that the current FZ1 agedly fills, so bringing this naked to America makes all sorts of sense, especially given the success of the R1. And it should be a ripper, even if the engine loses some power to the R1 and even if the suspension isn’t as tack-sharp as the supersport’s. With an upright seating position, even 130 hp at the rear wheel feels impressive.

With so many aging sportbike enthusiasts in the mix, a bike with high performance and a roomy (or at least mostly upright) riding position should spell instant success. After all, bikes like the BMW S1000R, Aprilia Tuono, and KTM 1290 Super Duke R have sold reasonably well—even as BMW sells far more S1000RRs and Aprilia moves more RSV4s. Should be smooth sailing for the FZ-10.

Or will it? Just look at that face! Where the old FZ1 was a safe evolution of the 2001 original, the -10 is all lines and creases and boxes-within-boxes. It’s aggressive and silly and very, very Japanese. Maybe this will work. I understand that Kawasaki’s Z1000 is just as polarizing—buyers love the looks, absolutely adore them, and aren’t quite as interested in the bike’s performance or dynamics. Those who take a pass, I’m told, just can’t get on board with the Z’s styling.

Maybe the FZ-10 will be just like that, a get-it-or-you-don’t kind of machine. Polarizing and special. I have no doubt it’ll be a fantastic motorcycle, with a charismatic engine and sharp handling. I just hope it doesn’t end up like Suzuki’s outrageously styled B-King, itself a very good motorcycle with polarizing styling.

So, the question: Does the FZ-10’s styling matter to you?