Yamaha MT-10 Review - Everything You Need to Know

The Yamaha MT-10 is a high-performance, liter-class naked bike that combines aggressive styling and upright ergonomics with advanced technology derived from superbike competition. Powered by an inline-four engine sourced from the YZF-R1, it delivers punchy, sweet-sounding power suitable for both street and track riders alike. The MT-10, with its stripped-down aesthetic, twin-eye LED headlights, and functional intake ducts, embodies Yamaha’s “Dark Side of Japan” design philosophy, offering riders a thrilling ride. Here’s everything you need to know about Yamaha’s MT-10.

This streetbike was last updated for the 2022 model year (read the 2022 Yamaha MT-10 Review and Is Yamaha’s 2022 MT-10 the Best Naked Bike in its Class? articles) and is part of Yamaha’s six-bike “MT Masters of Torque” naked bike lineup, positioned just below the top-of-the-line $16,999 up-spec MT-10 SP. It’s powered by Yamaha’s 998cc inline-four engine, equipped with a crossplane crankshaft—hence the CP4 designation. The liquid-cooled 16-valve cylinder head features dual overhead camshafts. This engine produces an impressive 135 hp, putting power to the rear tire (our testbike has a Dunlop racing slick instead of the OE-fitted Bridgestone Battlax S22 rubber) and delivering 75 lb.-ft. of torque.

Related: Top 5 Features - 2023 Yamaha MT-10 for Track Riders

The bike draws fuel from a 4.5-gallon tank and weighs 467 pounds, ready to ride. It features a KYB inverted fork with full damping and spring preload adjustment, offering nearly five inches of travel. Upfront are radial-mount brakes paired with a radial master cylinder, while at the rear, a KYB shock also provides full damping and spring preload adjustment, with nearly five inches of travel.

The MT-10 comes loaded with advanced technology, including an IMU-powered traction control system, wheelie control, slide control, an electronic quick shifter for both up and downshifts, ABS, and superb LED lighting. The air intakes and speakerlike cutouts amplify the engine’s roar, making it sound as thrilling as it rides. Priced at $14,499, this motorcycle is built in Japan and comes with a one-year warranty.