2021 Yamaha MT-10

While it might not have the outright performance to beat its competition, Yamaha’s MT-10 still packs enough punch with the lowest sticker price to make it the best deal in its class.

After the success of the latest-generation R1 debuting in 2015, Yamaha quickly followed that up in 2016 with the MT-10 (known as the FZ-10 in North America until 2018, when Yamaha discontinued the FZ moniker and rebadged the FZ-07, FZ-09, and FZ-10 as MT). Utilizing the same basic crossplane crankshaft engine but tuned with a bias toward low-end and midrange power, the FZ/MT-10 was an instant hit with those riders wanting that same R1 character in a versatile naked bike. It may not have the same outright power as an R1, but most won’t notice the difference.

There are no updates for 2021 to the Yamaha MT-10. Available colorways are Team Yamaha Blue and Matte Raven Black.

The 2021 Yamaha MT-10 carries over the same MSRP from last year, at $12,999.

The MT-10 has some pretty fierce competition in the liter-size naked bike class, such as the Aprilia Tuono V4 1100/Factory, BMW S 1000 R, Honda CB1000R, KTM 1290 Super Duke R, Suzuki GSX-S1000 ABS, and the Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS, just to name a few.

The Yamaha MT-10 uses the same crossplane crankshaft engine as the YZF-R1, with some internal parts switched out to provide more low-end and midrange power. Yamaha claims 158.2 hp at 11,500 rpm and 82 pound-feet of torque at 9,000 rpm. MC Commute’s Adam Waheed raved that the MT-10′s engine “is a hoot to ride…[with] considerably more grunt than an R1.” Like the R1, the MT-10 also is equipped with an electronic quickshifter, though it lacks a clutchless downshift capability.

With fully adjustable KYB suspension pieces and a twin-spar aluminum frame similar to the R1′s, the MT-10 offers “surprisingly agile” handling while delivering a “refined ride quality over bumpy surfaces yet (showing) poise over twisty stretches of tarmac” despite its softer suspension settings from the R1, according to Adam Waheed in his MC Commute review.

The same basic braking components as the R1 (four-piston Monoblock calipers and 320mm discs up front) provide superb stopping power, with the ABS remaining transparent unless full wheel lockup is being sensed.

The MT-10 is one of the thirstier bikes in the liter-class naked bike group, averaging around 30 mpg from its 4.5-gallon fuel tank according to Adam Waheed in his MC Commute review.

Accommodations on the MT-10 are comfy, with a wide, supportive seat good enough for all-day rides. There’s decent legroom, and a nice bend in its conventional handlebar mounted on risers above the top triple clamp.

The MT-10 is equipped with Yamaha’s Chip Controlled Throttle ride-by-wire system that offers three different D-modes (Yamaha’s term for power delivery settings), plus a three-level (plus off) non-IMU-based traction control system based off of the older-generation 2012 R1. ABS is standard equipment, and cannot be turned off. An electronic quickshifter (upshifts only) is also standard equipment.

The Yamaha MT-10 comes with Yamaha’s one-year limited warranty, with extended warranty and benefits available through Yamaha Extended Service.

The Yamaha MT-10′s fit and finish is right up there with the best, with excellent attention to detail and quality. The LCD dash is getting a little dated in this age of color TFT displays, but for the price you really can’t argue.