BUYING YAMAHA’S MT 10
The R1-engined brute guarantees performance and practicality in one wheel-lofting package. Rejoice as Japan’s first proper super-naked hits the used market…
Japan’s first proper supernaked is now a legitimate used distraction.
BUILD QUALITY
Overall build quality is really good, for example the plating is robust and resists the annoying, white corrosion that can plague fasteners on lesser machines. That said, there is one niggle worth noting: the Perspex lip behind the clocks is prone to scratching and careless washing can easily turn a nice bike into a tatty one. And this bit of plastic, which provides great windblast protection, costs £68 to replace.
TOILET CLEANER
The MT10’S underslung collector unit quickly submits to the nasty brown patina familiar to most bike catalytic converters. The only way to fix this is by getting stuck in with the Harpic Max – yes, that’s right, the bog cleaner. Paint it lightly on with a brush, watch the hydrochloric acid bubble for a few seconds, then wash it off. The chemical reaction turns the metal back to almost new condition. Don’t get it on your skin.
BRAKE UPGRADE
The brakes (lightly modified R1) provide decent stopping power, but lack feel mostly due to the more road-biased pad compound used by the MT10. If you favour spirited road riding and the odd trackday invest in Brembo SC sintered pads (£85). Cheaper than splashing out on more expensive master cylinder upgrades, these pads will transform the feel of the 10’s front brake, over the standard recipe.
HOUSEKEEPING
Because there are so many nooks and crannies MT10S are a pain to clean. That said, for people who like to go mad with the detailing this Yamaha can be a labour of love to keep showroom fresh. Applying an all-over treatment such as Scottoiler FS365 can help take the strain out of keeping an MT10 sanitary because it forms a barrier between the dirt and the bike’s surfaces. On a bike such as this, why wouldn’t you?
LOW DOWN RESPONSE
The MT10S engine is a re-tuned YZFR1 unit, but thanks to 2mm larger inlet valves it’s much gruntier than its donor. This makes the MT10’S engine really usable on the road. However, the fly-by-wire throttle is quite sensitive which means small openings can result in big surges – some owners like this feature, others don’t and opt for an ECU remap from a specialist dyno centre to smooth this out.
SERVICING
The 6000 mile/annual service (oil and filter change plus various checks) costs £140. The interim service, which takes place at 12,000 miles, will set you back around £299, while the major service including valve clearance check at 24,000 miles will cost around £599.
THE SP
It had a £3000 premium over the standard model as new, but you can now pick up a used, low mileage, SP for around £12,000. While it has the same engine and electronics as the standard MT10, the SP has Öhlins semi-active suspension rather than the base KYBS. The difference in ride quality is subtle but definitely noticeable – the stock bike’s suspension feels harsh by comparison.
COMFORT SEAT
Yamaha’s official Comfort seat costs £250 and is much more pleasing to the posterior than the standard pew. However, some owners had theirs replaced under warranty when the seat’s front lugs started wearing through the outer material, where it met the tank.
EXHAUST
Most people opt for a slip-on can rather than a full system or decat, and the official Yamaha Akrapovic titanium silencer (£793.74) is popular. If you opt to ditch the catalytic converter, teaming a link pipe with an aftermarket air filter should see about 15bhp added to the bike’s peak power. But should you choose to go down this route your MT10 will be earsplittingly loud, so earplugs and understanding neighbours will be required.