Yamaha MT-10 SP Review (2017)
What Is It?
The Yamaha MT-10 SP is a premium naked bike which builds on the flagship MT-10 and is powered by a Euro 4 compliant liquid cooled 998 cc inline four engine, producing 158 bhp at 11,500 rpm and maximum torque at 9,000 rpm.
Specs
- Seat Height: Average (825 mm / 32.5 inches)
- Weight: Heavy (210 kg / 463 lbs)
- Economy: Poor (35 mpg / 8.1 l/100km / 12.4 km/l)
- Range: Average (130 miles / 209 km)
- Power to Weight: Very high (0.752 bhp/kg / 0.561 kW/kg)
- Top Speed: Very high (150 mph / 241 km/h)
Pros
- Cool TFT dash
- Suspension
- Engine
Cons
- Large turning circle
- Very thirsty
- Seat
What Is It Like?
Suspension
It's as sweet as and I haven't felt the need to adjust anything. I have been switching between the two "active" modes depending on road surface and have no complaints at all.
I am still running the OE S20's, which aren't the best tyre in the world, but to date they have handled everything that I have thrown at them. I can only put this down to the suspension.
The Motor
What a peach of a motor the CP4 is. Torque, torque and more torque. So responsive.
I have read that some people have issues with a snatchy throttle response on the standard MT-10 and some are reporting it on the SP too, but my throttle response is silky smooth. No jerkiness, just a silky smooth transition when picking the throttle up again mid-bend. Love it.
Ride Modes
The are four different power modes: Track (1), Standard (2), Touring (3), Rain (4). Again I have only used two of them, Track and Standard
All modes are full power, but the throttle response, traction control and electronic suspension settings are different. I usually use Standard as this has a nice progressive throttle response.
All modes are customisable in terms of suspension and traction control settings. The response and surge of power from the motor is amazing and combined with the throttle response and suspension it makes for some fun riding 😊
Seat
I am really enjoying the slightly more relaxed seating position compared to my Tuono V4.
The only issue is that I wasn't completely happy with the fit of the optional comfort seat from Yamaha. It didn't quite line up as it should at the fuel tank and I think if I had left it there may have been some rubbing on the fuel tank paint.
So....email and pictures to KD Motorcycles and by return email a new one had been ordered and is on it's way to me. That's customer service for you!
Tyres
They will be getting changed to my favourite Metzeler M7 RRs as soon as the rear wears out. Front brake pads have been changed to Brembo SA compound as the OE pads feel a little wooden. The stopping power was fine, but the initial bite and feel from them was not so good.
- Steve L, 2017
Price Guide
Related Bikes
Yamaha MT-10 - The original MT-10 from 2016, without the colour TFT dash or Ohlins suspension.
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Do you own this bike? We would love to hear anything good, bad, unexpected or that you have changed plus anything that a prospective new owner might find interesting or useful.
More Info
Check out this video review from RidingWithTom.