Yamaha MT-10 breaks cover
Trevor Hedge takes you through Yamaha’s new big bang 998cc MT family flagship, the Yamaha MT-10
Overnight in Europe Yamaha unveiled the new flagship of their MT family, the 998cc MT-10.
The Yamaha YZF-R1’s signature crossplane crank adds that essential dose of big-bang character to the MT-10, and is just what Yamaha nakedbike fans have been wanting for years. That engine has soul unlike any other four-cylinder powerplant in production, that single feature alone will guarantee the success of the new Yamaha MT-10.
The MT-10 doesn’t look like any one trick pony, however, with a sporting Deltabox chassis, YZF-R1 sourced suspension and a short 1400mm wheelbase promises sporting agility.
With all the hardware seemingly lifted not from a previous generation YZF-R1, but the latest model, the new MT-10 will have nakedbike fans salivating, the only thing holding them back will be that the new model is not expected on the streets until the middle of 2016.
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Yamaha MT-10 in detail below
The Yamaha MT-10 engine has been developed directly from the latest YZF-R1’s 998cc in line 4-cylinder crossplane engine that is widely regarded as one of most advanced and exciting designs in its class.
For a more torquey feel, for day to day street usage, the engine features a number of significant technical changes that are designed to deliver strong low to mid speed torque, including newly designed intake, exhaust and fuelling systems, as well as an optimized crank balance. A number of model-specific settings have also been adopted in order to enhance the direct and connected feeling between the throttle and the rear wheel that is associated with the crossplane design.
MT-10 Engine Highlights
ï‚· YZF-R1 derived inline ‘CP4’ 4-cylinder crossplane engine
ï‚· Tuned for increased low and mid-speed torque
ï‚· YCC-T (Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle)
ï‚· Yamaha D-MODE running mode selection with 3 mode
ï‚· Switchable 3-mode Traction Control System (TCS)
ï‚· Assist and slipper (A&S) clutch
ï‚· Cruise control system for 4th, 5thand 6thgear
ï‚· Newly designed intake, exhaust and fuelling systems
ï‚· New lightweight forged pistons
ï‚· Carburized fracture-split (FS) con rods
ï‚· Newly designed crank web with optimized inertial mass
ï‚· New 4-2-1 titanium midship muffler with new exhaust valve design
ï‚· Revised secondary reduction ratio to match engine character
ï‚· Lightweight cooling system with simplified pipe and hose routing
Yamaha D-MODE, YCC-T (Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle)
Yamaha D-MODE offers the rider a choice of three engine running modes that are designed to suit different riding situations and conditions. The key to its operation are the sophisticated electronics in the YCC-T that can instantaneously alter the engine character by adjusting throttle opening, ignition timing and fuel injection volume.
The ‘Standard’ Mode gives a smooth feeling to the engine character throughout the entire rpm range, and is designed for use in a variety of riding conditions. ‘A’ Mode delivers a sportier engine characterin the low to mid speed ranges for added excitement and enjoyment, while ‘B’ Mode delivers a milder response and is designed to be used in situations where more sensitive throttle use is appropriate – such as slippery surfaces or congested streets.
Traction Control System (TCS)
To enable the rider to enjoy the power and performance of the MT-10 in different conditions, it comes equipped with a 3-mode Traction Control System (TCS), that can be deactivated if required. The system works by monitoring any slippage in the rear tyre, and when this is detected the YCC-T automatically controls throttle opening, ignition timing and fuel injection volume to restore rear wheel traction for increased control.
Level 1 has the lowest degree of TCS intervention and is designed for sporty riding, while level 2 is suitable for normal street riding, and level 3 is for use in wet or slippery conditions where rear wheel traction is particularly low.
Assist and slipper (A&S) clutch
The MT-10’s advanced A&S clutch is similar to that used on the new generation YZF-R1, and its compact and sophisticated design offers a number of advantages to the rider when accelerating and decelerating.
The key feature on Yamaha’s A&S clutch is its specially designed slanting cam that is located between the clutch boss and the pressure plate. This mechanism augments the force of the clutch springs and consequently allows the use of lower rate clutch springs in the MT-10, giving a much lighter feel at the clutch lever. When the rotational torque from the rear wheel is transmitted back to the clutch during deceleration, the slanted cams allow the pressure plate to slip out to some degree, and this allows the clutch to absorb the rear wheel’s back torque to give more controlled deceleration and increased riding comfort.
Cruise control
With its natural riding position, high torque engine and sophisticated chassis, the new MT-10 has the potential to cover long distances – and with its accessory-friendly chassis, it can be equipped with a range of Genuine Yamaha Accessories such as a high screen or side bags to prepare you for any journey. For more relaxed and enjoyable riding the new MT-10 comes equipped with a cruise control system that can be activated in 4th, 5thand 6thgears between 50km/h and 180km/h.
A switch on the left handlebar turns the cruise control on or off, and once it is activated, the Yamaha Chip Controlled throttle (YCC-T) maintains the selected speed of the bike whether riding uphill, downhill or on a level road. Speeds can be increased in 2 km/h increments with a push of the switch, and any setting is automatically cancelled by activating the brakes, clutch or throttle – while the ‘Resume’ switch restores he cruise control to its last-used speed.
