EICMA 2015: Yamaha MT-10 unveiled

Yamaha stumped the audience at the ongoing EICMA 2015 when it revealed the 2016 MT-10, "It's most remarkable naked bike." And yes it looks wicked!

Based on the mighty Yamaha R1, the MT-10 shares most of the mechanicals but loses on the some of the exotic bits. It ditches the fairing but seems to have retained the projector headlights that were seen on the previous generation YZF-R1.

The 2016 Yamaha MT-10 is powered by the YZF-R1 derived 998cc crossplane engine that produces 165PS and 101Nm of torque (expected). Yamaha has made changes to the engine to boost the mid range These include newly designed intake, exhaust and fuelling systems and steel connecting rods from the low spec YZF- R1S model (The top-spec R1 gets Titanium con rods). The deltabox frame, swingarm, suspension and electronics package from the R1 gets incorporated into the MT-10 except for the IMU.

Yamaha has provided its D-Mode software to alter engine maps to suit power delivery for the varying riding conditions The rider can switch between three settings, Standard for a smooth engine character across the rev range , B-mode for rainy/slippery conditions and the no restrictions A-mode that'll let all hell break loose.

The Yamaha MT-10 also gets three mode traction control system to put all that power down, effectively and efficiently. In addition, Yamaha has also included a cruise control system for days when you want to not be hooligan. You can use the system in fourth, fifth and sixth gears between 50kmph and 180kmph. The setting can be cancelled by applying the brake or pulling in the clutch.

The 2016 MT-10 gets fully adjustable 43mm KYB inverted forks and a adjustable KYB monoshock at the rear.Two 320mm floating discs with 4-pot Nissin calipers comprise the front brake setup while at the rear there is a 220mm disc. The Yamaha MT-10 gets ABS as standard.

The instrumentation doesn't look as feature rich as the unit on the YZF-R1

With the MT-10, Yamaha is aiming for motorcyclists who want the power but don't want to compromise on everyday rideability. We hope Yamaha gets the MT-10 (along with the other models in the MT line up) to India as it is a suitable machine for our streets. Let the prayers begin!