YAMAHA MT-10 SP (2017 - 2021) Review

Highlights

  • Spectacular super naked with R1 underpinnings
  • Semi-active electronic suspension
  • Exceptional cross-plane crank engine

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Annual servicing cost: £230
Power: 160 bhp
Seat height: Medium (32.5 in / 825 mm)
Weight: Medium (463 lbs / 210 kg)

Prices

New N/A
Used £8,500 - £12,500

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
5 out of 5 (5/5)

The award winning MT-10 is an excellent bike, and now Yamaha have moved the game forward with the MT-10 SP.

The semi-active suspension gives you more scope, which makes the new MT easier to personalise to the roads you ride and how you like to ride them. The colour TFT clocks, new switchgear and R1M like colours give a feeling of sophistication and quality. However, Yamaha’s biggest competition is the standard MT-10, which is still brilliant in stock trim and £2600 cheaper.

Super naked group test video: KTM 1290 Superduke R vs Kawasaki Z H2 vs Ducati Streetfighter V4 vs Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory vs Yamaha MT-10 SP

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine

The big difference between the MT-10 and SP is obviously the suspension. It’s now controlled by Ohlins’ semi-active system. This enables you to change the suspension on the move (compression and rebound only) and the suspension responds to road imperfections on the move. There are two semi-active modes A1 and A2, plus three manual modes. In the manual modes the suspension isn’t ‘active’ but you can change the settings electronically. A1 is the sportier of the two semi-active options.

Engine

Next up: Reliability

Yamaha have left the R1 derived cross-plane engine alone, it’s identical to the standard MT-10. The same smooth 160bhp and 81.87ftlb of torque. It’s a gem; one of the finest engines on the market. It has the over rev and excitement of a conventional in-line four, but the grunt and torque of a V-four or even V-Twin. It will pull from as little as 2000rpm on a continuous wave of power, it’s sublime.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
5 out of 5 (5/5)

Yamaha has a great reputation for build quality and reliability and the MT-10 SP follows this envied tradition. It’s based on the current R1 and, early gearbox recall aside (which doesn’t affect this model), there have been no major problems reported.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Yamahs’s standard MT-10 is £2600 cheaper, but doesn’t have clever semi-active Ohlins suspension, or the new TFT clocks, switchgear and colours. At £13,699 the MT-10 SP isn’t cheap. BMW’s S1000R Sport is Yamaha’s closest competion, with unique semi-active suspension and starts at a cheaper £12,725.

Equipment

4 out of 5 (4/5)

The rider aids are identical to the standard MT-10, this means conventional ABS and traction control, there isn’t slide control or cornering ABS as like Yamaha’s R1 as the SP doesn’t have an internal gyro to measure lean angles. Ohlins semi-active suspension replaces the conventional suspension and the SP gains a full colour TFT dash similar to the R1.

Specs

Engine size 998cc
Engine type liquid cooled, 16v, inline four-cylider
Frame type Cast aluminium beam
Fuel capacity 17 litres
Seat height 825mm
Bike weight 210kg
Front suspension 43mm Ohlins semi-active
Rear suspension Single ohlins shock semi-active
Front brake 2 x320mm discs, four-piston radial calipers, ABS
Rear brake 220mm disc, single piston caliper, ABS
Front tyre size 120/70x17
Rear tyre size 190/55x17

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption 42 mpg
Annual road tax £117
Annual service cost £230
New price -
Used price £8,500 - £12,500
Insurance group -
How much to insure?
Warranty term 2 years

Top speed & performance

Max power 160 bhp
Max torque 81.87 ft-lb
Top speed 160 mph
1/4 mile acceleration -
Tank range 160 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

2016: Model introduced

2022: New version introduced based on the standard 2022 Yamaha MT-10

Owners' reviews for the YAMAHA MT-10 SP (2017 - 2021)

11 owners have reviewed their YAMAHA MT-10 SP (2017 - 2021) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your YAMAHA MT-10 SP (2017 - 2021)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Engine: 5 out of 5 (5/5)
Reliability & build quality: 4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Value vs rivals: 4.3 out of 5 (4.3/5)
Equipment: 4.4 out of 5 (4.4/5)
Annual servicing cost: £230
4 out of 5 MT 10 SP Great Bike
04 April 2023 by Flabdog

Year: 2020

Annual servicing cost: £170

Great bike. With a decat and Leo Vince on nothing sounds better. Lack of legroom for tall riders is an issue.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Ohlins suspension does its job regarding ride quality. Can manage about 45 mins tops before needing a leg stretch.

Engine 5 out of 5

Special engine.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

No problems to report.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

The most uneconimical bike I have known. Smiles per gallon is what counts though.

Equipment 4 out of 5

Love the Ohlins and cruise control. Comfort seat is a must.

Buying experience: 12500. Was a steal at the time. Was given a good trade in value for mine. Was never going to haggle at that price anyway.

5 out of 5 You got a budget speak to adie crescents
26 September 2022 by Big p

Version: 2022

Year: 2021

Love the whole package and the price is amazing a lot of bike for a little buck And the torque will blow you away

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Nice finish

Engine 5 out of 5

The noise is addictive

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

The sound

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5

No complaints

Buying experience: Crescents 16000

5 out of 5 STUNNING bike....really.
12 August 2022 by SimonF

Year: 2019

Annual servicing cost: £180

Stunning bike, sound, feel, kit and performance. TRULY fast and fun. Seat a bit hard but otherwise super to ride.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Brakes are fantastic with real feel and power. Ride great for such a fast machine.

Engine 5 out of 5

This engine deserves 10 out of 5 really!!! Sounds and feels wonderful and goes like s**t off a shovel.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Truly excellent quality components, really cannot be faulted. Suspension amazing.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

It's an expensive purchase but residuals are very strong too, I lost very little when I sold mine after only 12 months. Just requires chain lube and then oil and filters. I covered 2500 kms on mine in 2 days thro UK and France and Italy, a treat to ride.

Equipment 5 out of 5

Nothing else is required, just fuel and chain oil and enjoy!!!!

Buying experience: Purchased new from the criminals at Alf England in the Midlands and as usual GREAT service. They explained the bike to me and I never changed any of the settings cos she goes like the wind!!!

5 out of 5 A face only it's mother could love!....Call me mum!
27 November 2021 by Damo_E

Year: 2020

Annual servicing cost: £180

It's the noise. I absolutely love the engine, probably one of the best road bike engines I've ever ridden. I frequently just start it up in my garage just so I can listen to it. The ergonomics are good for fast road riding and the adaptive ohlins work well if you take a bit of time to set the parameters up. It really does everything and when I come round to swapping I'll probably buy the new version. Starts on the button every time even when I've been out in shocking conditions. I've even grown to love the looks!

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

I actually find the ride very good. The adaptive ohlins play a big part, but I also find the seat/ riding position to be very comfortable as well. I've left the stock seat on as I had no problems with it. I can do an easy couple of hours without needing to get off, it's pretty spacious. Brakes, again I don't have a problem with, they aren't the latest Brembos, being Yamaha's own, but again for fast road riding they are good, perhaps a little less feel than the Stylemas I have on my other bike, but again marginal really.

Engine 5 out of 5

Probably, one of the best road engines ever. The sound, the drive, pickup etc. are excellent. It really is a superb piece of engineering. I genuinely love it to bits. The shunt low down is almost like a v twin, it's a very tractable unit. Overtakes are easy, and it finds grip even in pretty shitty conditions. The only down side is it is a little thirsty, even on gentle riding you'd struggle to get 40mpg. Something I think they have addressed in the 2022 version?

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

The only issue I've had is the catalyst getting a bit rusty. I treated it and now make sure I give it a douse of f365 when I come back, so far everything else is great. I've had several Yamaha's over the years and they tend to be pretty well put together and reliable, so far this is no different.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Costs aren't particularly cheap, but par for the course. I'd say they are similar to most Japanese brand dealerships in the UK.

Equipment 3 out of 5

I actually like the dash, yes it's small, but I found it really Intuative to use. The suspension is very good, but the overall electronics package is previous generation, no IMU etc. The quick shifter is pretty poor, it's up only and I find that its not as reliable as I'd like, so I tend to use the clutch more than you should on a £14.5k bike. Tyre wise, it's running Metzler M9's atm which really suit the bike. Actually I find the tyres seem to have improved the handling disproportionately, can't recommend them enough.

Buying experience: Bought at Chorley Yamaha. It should have been around 14.5k I paid a lot less. I walked in the day after the first COVID lockdown ended and I thought they where joking when he told me the price. My monthly payment is only £80...go figure.

5 out of 5 The view from New Zealand
11 September 2021 by Fidge

Year: 2019

Fantastic, fun bike that will do anything on road or track. Always puts a smile on your face. Great engine, great suspension and performance to spare.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

1000k days are no problem

Engine 5 out of 5

Just fantastic

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

A bit thirsty, but brilliant fun until the gas runs out

Equipment 5 out of 5

Runs really well on road 5’s

4 out of 5
01 March 2021 by Denisonice

Year: 2020

Superb engine. Lovely colour scheme in the flesh.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

-1 due to my own idiosyncrasies and where I ride. I live in Prague, where road surfaces are atrocious, and because of it I have found the suspensions to not be supple enough, at least for my back. To solve it, I have to ride on my toes all the time, which is making my knees hurt big time. So, all in all, the right bike at the wrong time. Shame, because I LOVE everything else about. If only Yamaha offered the same engine in a trailie-type chassis with slightly more forgiving suspensions, it'd be a winner for me.

Engine 5 out of 5

Orgasmic. Power delivery and sound, all of it, sublime.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

So far so good.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Not cheap, but value for money.

Equipment 4 out of 5

Semi-active suspensions: great, but not enough give for me, even at their most lenient.TFT: love the colour change as you rev up. Having said that, already looking a tad old I feel.

Buying experience: Dealer in Prague. Good. Price around 13.000 GBP with a few extras.

5 out of 5 The MT10 Grin
12 October 2020 by Keith Carmichael

Year: 2017

Annual servicing cost: £140

Every time I ride it I end up with big grin on my face. The bike sounds great decat, and stubby Werxs carbon can. I have fitted comfort seat which makes ride more enjoyable. Added small screen which does help with wind deflection. Never owned before a bike with ohlins electronic suspension, rode a standard MT10 before and I can say the extra for ohlins is worth it.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

There are bucket loads of torque, the MT10 is happy bimbbling round or scratching through B roads when the mood takes you, handling corners along with power wheelies keeping you engaged. The brakes are adequate enough and Abs not too intrusive. The MT10 is pretty much an all-rounder throw some panniers on and the bike is ready to tour. I ve managed full days of riding without too much pains though bum does end up numb, it's a good idea to wear cycling shorts with padding in.

Engine 5 out of 5

Enjoy the power /torque from engine the sound is addictive. Quick shifter is novel add, that can shift you when the mood takes you

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Standard down pipes if left can look rusty after a while, with a bit of elbow grease and autosol can keep them looking nice

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

The MT10 is a little thirsty but this is easily over looked due to the bikes fun factor

Equipment 5 out of 5

Best accessory probably the comfort seat, but decat and small carbon can add to the lure that the MT10 has. Avoid short stubby levers bought on line they were cheap and consequently don't fit aswell as standard. Fitted some bar end mirrors to keep bikes profile low they're not the best, they do work and I had to buy proper bolts to fit in bar ends drill and tap them, as the rubber plugs didn't keep mirrors in place.

Buying experience: Dealer was Ian Bells who have been good looking after me giving a good deal, and descent services.

5 out of 5 MT10sp Experience
20 April 2020 by Keith Carmichael

Year: 2017

Annual servicing cost: £400

Best is engine, practicality it's a almost do anything motorcycle from short blast to long haul touring. Dislike fuel gauge is like a revs counter! It's a wee bit thirsty, also gauge jumps in increments the first being half then third quarter.... N panic

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Having ohlins shocks makes for a plush ride Brakes are OK they stop you which is what they are meant to

Engine 5 out of 5

Good acceleration bit thirsty love the sound Lots of grunt if you like the front wheel to lift

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

So far she's been fine.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Love the bike, loads of character for an in line 4. Never fails to put smile on my face. Fuel economy ain't great she's thirsty.

Equipment 4 out of 5

Standard has to be the ohlins suspension. Love carbon Fibre pipe worx exhaust and the sound. Tyre choice Metzler 01s last well and give good grip. Fitted comfort seat which helps a lot on long rides.

Buying experience: Dealer brand new so priced at 2017 prices

3 out of 5 Fun & fast, but not a quality bike.
13 December 2019 by Joe Average

Year: 2018

Annual servicing cost: £300

If u never test ride anything else the SP seems like the dogs danglies. Comfy, powerful & good handling. Overall however, once you've had one for a while they don't live up to the hype.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Ride quality is very good, is it worth the extra over a standard MT10? Only you can decide that. Brakes... If you've never ridden anything else you may comment they are good. However they lack the feel & bite of Brembos. - The term wooden would be a fair description.

Engine 5 out of 5

This is the MT10's party piece. No shortage of power. Power settings helpful, bike can be to aggressive for road use so I've found dialing it back a notch makes for a nicer ride.

Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5

Yamaha's seem very much built down to a budget now. An MT10 won't fair well if ridden in inclement weather. Bare metal surfaces quickly tarnish, regular careful cleaning & corrosion prevention a must. Fork seals blew in 18 months. Some of the components just feel cheap. At over £15k with a couple of extras, the SP isn't cheap.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Yamaha dealers seem to charge a premium hourly rate. Factor in a chain & sprockets as the factory ones are poor.

Equipment 3 out of 5

SP is lagging behind now. For the price you'd expect Brembos & an autoblipper. Blipper can be sorted easily but invalidates warranty. Heated grips OK, comfort seat nice if you ride more than a couple hours. Screen good if you do long journeys at speed.

Buying experience: Yamaha are working hard to get away from the bike shed dealer image. If only the quality of the products matched the shiny showrooms. Shop around, there are deals to be had on the price front.

5 out of 5 MT10 SP Bonkers but great
13 November 2018 by Tony Pammen

Year: 2017

Annual servicing cost: £220

After having 2 Yamaha FJR’s before the MT-10SP I did wonder if I was having a midlife crisis, but the more I ride it the more I have fell back in love with biking. It’s true that I always seem to be going into petrol stations, but I’ll forgive the bike, just for the sheer thrill of that engine and what an engine it is, I don’t do wheelies, perhaps 3 or 4 in 200,000 miles, I think I done more than that on the MT-10 in the first week though to be honest when I overtake cars the last thing I want is to wheelie, I want forward drive but occasionally the bike wheelies, I’ve tried different power modes with different traction control levels with mixed results, some, however might like that. Would I recommend this bike without doubt it's great.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Some say the brakes are wooden but I find them ok, I don’t really have that much to compare them to, having FJRs as previous bikes. I got a comfort seat as an option which I would definitely recommend all day comfort. Yamaha heated grips are very good with the controls built next to the grip itself. The only other mod is a Givi screen, though I might get a Yamaha one for going up to Yorkshire to help with the wind blast, but for 90% of the time it’s perfectly fine.

Engine 5 out of 5

This engine is an absolute peach, low down power it’s available in any gear and it’s instant power. It makes this a very naughty bike, like a little devil on your shoulder saying go on give it a bit more you know you like it.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

As previously mentioned visits to petrol stations are very regular, I’m getting about 35-40 mpg, but it’s not a scooter so you pay your money etc.

Equipment 5 out of 5

The overall looks, the colours on the tank and wheels and the Öhlins suspension

Buying experience: I bought from P&H Motorcycles Gatwick, and I really enjoyed the experience, I got what I thought was a very reasonable price for my old bike, it was no hassle. And their service department looks the best I have seen.

5 out of 5 The DO IT ALL bike may just have landed
27 March 2018 by David Walker

Year: 2017

I've had many many bikes, supersport, superbike, nakeds, tourers - This thing TOPS the lot !!!!

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

I'm 6'2/3" and manage 100 miles + without any discomfort, and that's using the standard rock hard factory seat. It surprised me ! Brakes are epic, I can't say I would notice any difference between the standard calipers where compared to that of monobloc M4 brembo's.

Engine 5 out of 5

Fabulous power delivery, you could track this beauty or tour the highlands - EASY ! 2nd and 3rd gear power wheelies are on tap, like it or not ( Certainly no clutch required for that kind of tomfoolery ) Mode B is enough for the road, and if you have TCS at level 1 you really do not need anything more. ( Track work may invoke Mode A, however the throttle in my opinion is best at B )

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

The build quality is up there with the best I've seen. The exquisite details out-do that of italian exotica in my opinion, and far less susceptible to corrosion than some manufacturers I wont mention. I have ridden in the salt, this has had no detriment to any finishes.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

So much usable power from any revs mean you don't need to wring it's neck, hence a reasonable fuel economy. Remember this is a 'Hypernaked' so if you need to penny pinch on fuel go buy a paralell twin.

Equipment 5 out of 5

Hypersports I've always loved - great for this bike as a multipurpose inspiring plenty of confidence. Don't be surprised if you have the knee slider down near cold on roundabouts ( It really does handle that well ). I had Yamaha genuine heated grips fitted, which are great and no ugly aftermarket control hanging off the bars. There is a 12v power socket in the front cowl, so USB charging is simple with any adaptor. A big plus is the Cruise Control. This is a simple application, kinda rider intuitive really having only tried it once in a 30mph zone however I remember how impressed at how simple it was to use. OHLINS - What can I say, I'm like a magpie and the suspension just winks at me everytime I look at the bike. Exhaust note - anyone familiar with the cross-plane crank knows these bad boys sound something between a RSV4 and a RCV ! No aftermarket can yet, and to be honest I don't think it needs one.

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