Yamaha have updated the MT-10 for 2022, making what promises to be the most powerful version yet.
The MT-10 has been a popular fixture in the range, sitting atop the MT tree since its introduction in 2016. And just like the preceding versions, the new bike is based on the R1 and its 998cc inline four
For 2022 though Yamaha have given the motor a considerable overhaul on its path to being their most gutsy MT unit yet, at 164bhp – up 6bhp on the outgoing model.
The revised engine gets lightweight forged aluminium pistons, offset conrods and direct-plated cylinders, which Yamaha say helps to increase efficiency.
Yamaha have also ditched the titanium conrods of the R1 in favour of steel ones in the MT-10, which they say helps to increase the feeling of torque because of the increase in drivetrain inertia. Steel just happens to be cheaper than titanium, too.
Elsewhere, the fuel injection has been fiddled about with to help boost torque in the midrange (from 4000-8000rpm), while both the intake and exhaust systems have been tuned for more oomph. But not oomph in the seat of your pants, oomph in the depth of your eardrums.
For 2022, Yamaha have equipped the MT-10 with a new airbox that features three intake ducts, all with different lengths and cross sections. Each one produces a different sound with the intake specially tuned to produce what Yamaha claim is a 'sensual roar' at the peak of the midrange.
As if that wasn’t enough, there’s even a pair of 'acoustic amplifier grilles' either side of the tank to aim the induction noise right at your waiting lugholes.
Better still, the MT-10 also gets a new titanium exhaust that has been tuned to emit a deep sound at the lower reaches of the rev range until the intake roar takes over. Needless to say, despite all that sauciness, the whole package is now Euro5 compliant.
Again Yamaha have taken another step on with the MT range’s signature (and at times divisive) looks. As well as the enlarged ducts the MT-10 gets an angry new face, complete with eyes (headlights), eyebrows (daytime running lights) and a nose (fairing parts).
There are a few other little upgrades elsewhere in the bike including a new Brembo radial master cylinder for the front brake, a more comfortable saddle, new throttle electronics, new six-axis IMU, quickshifter as standard plus a 4.2in colour TFT dash derived from the R1 unit.
For now there’s no word from Yamaha on the price but we’d expect them to release that over the coming months before the bike arrives in dealers in early 2022.
