A couple of weeks ago, Yamaha announced that the MT-10 has had a fairly heavy going over with more top-end power as well as extra mid-range boost; all thanks to a whole host of engine updates. The standard MT-10 is faster, sharper and tech-ier. As is the 2022 Yamaha MT-10 SP. But not only that, the 2022 MT-10 SP is even better handling, thanks to some all-new suspension from Öhlins.
In fact, the 2022 Yamaha MT-10 SP is the first motorcycle in the world to feature the brand new Öhlins electronic suspension, front and rear. Although the YZF-R1 (as well as plenty of other bikes from different manufacturers) features a similar system, the ‘SP is on next-gen stuff.
The new kit gives a greater range of damping adjustments and a higher degree of response. You get three semi-active damping modes (A1, A2 and A3), and three manual modes (M1, M2 and M3). A1 is the sportiest mode, A3 is designed for touring, with comfort and stability in mind, and A2 is somewhere in the middle of them both.
In manual mode, you can adjust all the damping settings individually, at the front and rear.
Wheelies
Like the standard (non SP) model, the SP comes with the new titanium exhaust and ‘acoustic amplifier grills’ on the intake. All that stuff’s been designed to make sure everyone hears you coming; as well as to accentuate the bikes uneven firing order.
You also get the snazzy little TFT dash, and 6-axis IMU, so all the aids are ‘lean sensitive’. There’s a quickshifter, speed limiter, Bridgestone tyres and a Brembo front master cylinder.
As always, the MT-10 SP ‘Icon Performance’ colour scheme matches the YZF-R1M, and looks fairly smart, if a touch plain. We don’t know how much it’ll cost yet, apparently they’ll let us know when the new model is launched some time in the new year. I’m keeping everything crossed we get an invite to that one…
