2019 Yamaha MT-10

The 2019 Yamaha MT-10 is an open-class streetfighter-style motorcycle that blends the rowdy performance of the YZF-R1 superbike engine with more street-friendly ergonomics and chassis tuning. Wearing futuristic Transformer-like styling similar to the rest of Yamaha’s “Masters of Torque” family, the MT-10 is positioned at the top of the three-bike engine range—998cc inline-four, 847cc inline-three, and 689cc parallel twin—and aimed at experienced motorcyclists who are seeking refined on-road performance. Don’t be fooled though: With its crossplane-crankshaft engine configuration, the MT-10 delivers a feel and sound unlike anything else in the world of motorcycling.

And that, boiled down to its essence, is why the MT-10 is so much fun to ride. It has an engine character—the low-end grunt of a V-twin combined with the wailing top-end of an inline-four—usually reserved for exotic European motorcycle brands but with the build quality for which Japanese manufacturers have long been praised. The MT-10 is carefully honed and polished, a hallmark of the Japanese engineering culture, but, like the R1, that buffed-out mechanical sweetness is underlined by a vat of bubbling soul with a musical overtone that cannot be ignored.

Likes: Unique engine sound and feel mated with athletic handling

Dislikes: Thirsty at the fuel pump with conservative ABS programming

Verdict: Loads of character, power, and performance in a refined package

Previously known as the FZ-10, the Yamaha MT-10 has always performed well in Cycle World comparison tests. In a recent showdown with its top naked-bike competition, the YZF-R1-derived inline-four held its own. “It is rich in character with a unique sound and feel thanks to its crossplane-crank configuration.”

2017 Yamaha FZ-10 - FIRST RIDE REVIEW

2017 Yamaha FZ-10 - ROAD TEST

Aprilia Tuono 1100 RR vs. BMW S1000R vs. KTM 1290 Super Duke R vs. Yamaha FZ-10 Comparison Review

The 2019 MT-10 faces stiff competition inside the 1-liter-and-up naked-bike class, primarily from European brands, including the BMW S1000R, KTM 1290 Super Duke R, and Aprilia Tuono V4 1100. It also competes against the revamped-for-2018 Honda CB1000R, Kawasaki Z900 ABS, and Suzuki GSX-S1000 ABS.

2018 Suzuki GSX-S1000 ABS

2018 Kawasaki Z900 ABS

2018 Honda CB1000R

The 2019 Yamaha MT-10 is available in Ice Fluo—easily identified by its orange wheels—and a stealthy Matte Raven Black. A wide line of accessories are available, including a quickshifter and a slip-on Yoshimura muffler. The MT-10 can also be configured for touring with a windshield, “comfort” saddle, and hard luggage.