2023 Yamaha MT-10 Specs, Top Speed, Price, & Reviews

Unlike some of its later siblings, MT-10 still keeps the dual Projector headlights, which give off the impression of a predator beast (literally) when observed from certain angles. 

Nevertheless, their stripped-down look is admittedly more refined and compact than previous versions – whose distinct styling used to receive numerous backlash for being “too aggressive.” The bike’s main body (particularly the gas tank) witnesses significant reductions in ridges and cuts, paving the way for a smoother, friendlier mechanical beauty.

Yamaha MT-10 exterior 3

We have also spotted a slight dimension expansion (2100 L x 1,165 H x 800 W, wheelbase of 1405 mm), though the gap is not that noticeable compared to previous specs (2095 L x 1100 H x 800 W, 1400 mm in wheelbase). Even the seat height experienced minor increases to reach 835 mm. With all these upgrades, the 2023 version’s total weight is heavier than last year – over 463 pounds (210 kg).


2023 Yamaha MT-10 Key Specs

  • Make: Yamaha
  • Model Year: 2023
  • Type: Hyper Naked
  • Color: Cyan Storm, Icon Blue, Tech Black
  • MSRP Price: $14,199
  • Warranty: 1-year limited factory
  • Engine: 998cc, 4-stroke
  • Power: 165,9 HP
  • Mileage: 34.44 mpg (14.64 km/l)
  • Transmission: 6-speed
  • Fuel Tank Capacity: 17 L (4.5 gal.)
  • Seat Height: 835 mm (32.9 in.)
  • Wet Weight: 212 kg (467 lb.)

2023 Yamaha MT-10 Specifications

Engine

Engine type4-stroke, Liquid-cooled, 4-Cylinder, DOHC
Displacement998 cc
Power165,9 horsepower (122.0 kW) @ 11.500 rpm
Bore x stroke79,0 × 50,9 mm
Compression ratio12,0 : 1
Maximum Torque112,0 Nm (11,4 kg-m) @ 9.000 rpm
Lubrication systemWet sump
Ignition systemTCI
Starter systemElectric
Transmission systemConstant Mesh, 6-speed
Fuel consumption6,83 L/100 km
Clutch TypeWet, Multiple Disc
Final transmissionChain
Yamaha MT-10 engine

Chassis

FrameDiamond
Caster Angle24º
Trail102 mm
Front suspension systemTelescopic fork
Rear suspension systemlink suspension, Swingarm
Front travel120 mm
Rear Travel120 mm
Front brakeHydraulic dual disc brake, Ø 320 mm
Rear brakeHydraulic single disc brake, Ø 220 mm
Front tire120/70 ZR17M/C (58W) Tubeless
Rear tire190/55 ZR17M/C (75W) Tubeless

Dimensions

Overall length2,100 mm (82.7 in.)
Overall width800 mm (31.5 in.)
Overall height1,165 mm (45.9 in.)
Seat height835 mm (32.9 in.)
Wheelbase1,405 mm (55.3 in.)
Minimum ground clearance135 mm (5.3 in.)
Wet Weight212 kg (467 lb.)
Fuel tank capacity17 L (4.5 gal.)
Oil tank capacity4,90 L (1.3 gal.)

Competitors

ModelPriceEngineTop Speed
2023 Kawasaki Z1000$12,9991043cc186 mph
2023 BMW S1000R$16,995999cc186 mph
2023 Ducati Monster$12,995937cc149 mph

2023 Yamaha MT-10 Features

Additional Features

Aggressive MT Styling

The undeniable king of the MT series, the MT-10 displays raw aggression from every angle with a stripped-down look achieved by removing unnecessary bodywork elements, sharpening the nose assembly and refocusing attention on the pure mechanical beauty of the muscular engine and compact frame.

High-Performance Full LED Lighting

Twin-eye mono-focus LED headlights and LED position lights situated above the headlights combine with a compact nose assembly to minimize overhang and lend a refined, dominant style. Separate high and low beam units provide excellent illumination and project a powerful, even beam with softer light at the edges. There is also a redesigned LED tail light and LED turn signals.

Ready to Accessorize

The MT-10 arrives ready for personalization. The exposed hardware makes it ideal for mounting a range of Genuine Yamaha accessories, including windscreens, chassis protection and other items. A standard 12V DC power outlet is ready to recharge your personal mobile devices or various electronic accessories.

Rider-focused Ergonomics

Ergonomics on the MT-10 focus on greater comfort and control. Protruding areas around the fuel tank are reduced offering more freedom of movement and better feel when the rider grips the tank with their knees under hard braking or cornering. The ‘rider triangle’—the bar/footrest/seat relationship—is optimized for a feeling of sitting more within the bike. Additionally, seat firmness is enhance comfort.

Chassis/Suspension

Deltabox Aluminum Frame

The MT-10 uses an aluminum Deltabox frame derived from the YZF-R1 superbike to create a lightweight and responsive chassis that is built for agility with its ultra-compact 55.3-inch wheelbase. The frame uses a strength-rigidity balance that was developed specifically for the MT-10 and uses the engine as a stressed member of the frame for optimal cornering performance.

Fully Adjustable KYB® Fork

The MT-10 features an inverted 43mm KYB® front fork which offers full adjustability and 4.7 inches of travel, for excellent front-end feel and road holding along with an adjustment range ready for a variety of street or track conditions.

Lightweight Wheels & High-Performance Tires

The MT-10 rolls on lightweight five-spoke aluminum wheels for nimble steering and suspension feel. Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 tires—a 120/70ZR17 front and a huge 190/55ZR17 at the rear—are engineered specifically for the MT-10, providing chassis-matched handling and grip.

Linkage-Type KYB® Shock

The four-way-adjustable KYB® piggyback-style shock uses a rear bottom link pivot position that is strategically placed for optimal handling and excellent transmission of engine torque to the asphalt. Like the front fork, the MT-10’s rear suspension offers a wide range of adjustment and a smooth, well-controlled 4.7 inches of wheel travel.

Powerful, Controllable Brakes with Advanced ABS

Developed on racetracks around the world, Yamaha’s advanced Brake Control (BC) System works with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) to minimize brake slip under aggressive braking or on less than ideal surfaces. Mated to high-specification braking components including radial-mount, four-piston front calipers, sintered brake pads, large 320mm front discs and 220mm rear disc provide exceptional braking power and control.

Electronics

Advanced Quick Shift System (QSS)

Advanced up and down Quick Shift System (QSS) comes standard on the MT-10. By enabling quick, clutchless shifting both up and down the gear box, this system makes full-on acceleration more exciting, downshifting faster and smoother, with less chassis disruption while changing gears.

Advanced Ride-By-Wire Throttle Now with APSG

Advanced Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) system instantly calculates ideal throttle valve opening based on movement detected at the throttle grip. The MT-10 also features an Accelerator Position Sensor Grip (APSG) which employs a spring, slider and gear mechanism to produce a natural throttle feel. The rider can also pre-select throttle response characteristics by using the PWR (Power delivery mode) switch to choose between four different power modes.

Cruise Control System

The MT-10 includes a cruise control system powered by the YCC-T. Using the left handlebar switchgear, the rider can easily select or adjust a set speed to ease long-distance touring on the highway, improving rider comfort.

Four-Mode Yamaha Ride Control (YRC)

While all electronic rider aids on the MT-10 can be adjusted independently, Yamaha Ride Control (YRC) simplifies the process for owners by offering four different selectable riding modes, each with pre-set traction control, SCS, QSS, LIF, EBM and BC system settings to match ride preference.

Full-Color 4.2-Inch TFT Display

The MT-10 comes equipped with a premium full-color 4.2-inch TFT display, featuring a clear, easy to read screen and intuitive function navigation controlled by a scrolling menu switch on the right handlebar and a quick-select mode switch on the left handlebar.

Six-Axis IMU with Rider Aids

The MT-10 takes a significant step forward in technological advancement with the addition of Yamaha’s state-of-the-art six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit. Originally developed for the YZF-R1, the IMU on the MT-10 has now evolved into a smaller and lighter unit, featuring two sensors that measure three-axis angular velocity and three-axis acceleration, enabling a suite of rider aids including lean sensitive traction control, a Slide Control System (SCS), a front wheel Lift Control System (LIF), Engine Brake Management (EBM) and a Brake Control (BC) System with lean sensitive ABS.

Yamaha Variable Speed Limiter (YVSL)

An additional key technological feature offered on the MT-10 is the Yamaha Variable Speed Limiter (YVSL) which gives the rider the ability to set a top-speed limit for the motorcycle to ensure a rider-selected speed is not unintentionally exceeded.

Engine

Advanced Clutch

Yamaha’s assist and slipper clutch is used to give the rider smoother, more confident downshifts when entering corners aggressively as well as a lighter pull effort at the lever, all while easily handling the torque of the MT-10’s high-output, inline-four motor.

Compact Stacked Transmission

The six-speed transmission “stacks” the crankshaft, input and output shafts in a triangular layout to centralize mass and keep the engine shorter front-to-back, with optimal engine placement in the frame for outstanding handling.

High-Capacity Cooling System

A large curved radiator keeps engine heat in check while a compact air-cooled oil cooler ensures stable oil temperatures in any condition. Simplified pipe and hose routing minimizes the need for additional parts and saves weight.

R1-Derived Crossplane Crankshaft Engine

The potent 998cc inline four-cylinder engine features the same Crossplane Crankshaft technology developed in Yamaha’s renowned YZF-R1 superbike. The crossplane design nearly eliminates inertial engine torque to provide a direct connection between the throttle and rear wheel for maximum traction and linear torque feeling. Tuned specifically for the needs of the high-performance street rider, the MT- 10 engine develops awesome low- and mid-rpm torque with arm-stretching top-end power.

Tuned Intake System

To both enhance sound and increase efficiency, the air box is designed with three differing-length intake ducts tuned to resonate harmoniously at varying engine speeds to create a unique intake roar that enhances the overall riding experience. Enlarged ducts on either side of the fuel tank increase intake efficiency while adding to the purposeful, aggressive look.

Ultra-Modern Engine Design

The MT-10’s engine design creates the ultimate high-performing street sportbike. Engine reliability is ensured with strong, lightweight forged pistons and carburized fracture-split connecting rods that move through an extremely rigid, closed-deck cylinder block. The engine’s cylinders are slightly offset to reduce friction losses, with plated bores for excellent heat dissipation and cylinder sealing. The rocker-arm valve actuation utilizes the lever ratio of each rocker arm to allow for larger valve lifts while using lower camshaft lobes and reduced spring pressure, further boosting power and efficiency.

Top Features

Acoustic Amplifier Grilles

To further enhance the crossplane CP4 engine’s distinctive soundtrack, the air box is designed with three differing-length intake ducts tuned to resonate harmoniously at varying engine speeds to create a unique intake roar that enhances the overall riding experience. Sound is heightened further by Acoustic Amplifier Grilles positioned on the front left and right of the fuel tank, transmitting this tuned induction soundtrack directly to the rider, adding to the thrill when opening the throttle.

Advanced Quick Shift System (QSS)

An advanced up and down Quick Shift System (QSS) comes standard on the MT-10. By enabling quick, clutchless shifting both up and down the gear box, this system makes full-on acceleration more exciting, downshifting faster and smoother, with less chassis disruption while changing gears.

Advanced Ride-By-Wire Throttle with APSG

Advanced Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) system instantly calculates ideal throttle valve opening based on movement detected at the throttle grip. The MT-10 also features an Accelerator Position Sensor Grip (APSG) which employs a spring, slider and gear mechanism to produce a natural throttle feel. The rider can also pre-select throttle response characteristics by using the PWR (Power delivery mode) switch to choose between four different power modes.

Compact, Aggressive MT Styling

A stripped-down look is achieved by removing unnecessary bodywork elements and refocusing attention on the pure mechanical beauty of the muscular engine and compact frame. Twin-eye mono-focus LED headlights and LED position lights situated above the headlights combine with a compact nose assembly to minimize overhang and lend a refined, dominant style. Enlarged, functional intake ducts mounted on either side of the fuel tank cover increase efficiency while further enhancing the bike’s aggressiveness.

Cutting-Edge Chassis

Like the YZF-R1 superbike, the MT-10 uses an aluminum Deltabox frame to create a lightweight and responsive chassis that is built for agility with its ultra-compact 55.3-inch wheelbase. The MT-10 mounts fully adjustable KYB® suspension—front and rear—for excellent road holding and an adjustment range ready for a variety of street or track conditions.

Full-Color 4.2-Inch TFT Display

The MT-10 comes equipped with a premium full-color 4.2-inch TFT display, featuring a clear, easy to read screen and intuitive function navigation controlled by a scrolling menu switch on the right handlebar and a quick-select mode switch on the left handlebar.

Six-Axis IMU with Rider Aids

The MT-10 takes a significant step forward in technological advancement with the addition of Yamaha’s state-of-the-art six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit. Originally developed for the YZF-R1, the IMU on the MT-10 has now evolved into a smaller and lighter unit, featuring two sensors that measure three-axis angular velocity and three-axis acceleration, enabling a suite of rider aids including lean sensitive traction control, a Slide Control System (SCS), a front wheel Lift Control System (LIF), Engine Brake Management (EBM) and a Brake Control (BC) System with lean sensitive ABS.

Updated ‘High-Torque’ 998cc CP4 Engine

The next evolution of the MT-10 is equipped with a refined version of the 998cc liquid-cooled CP4 crossplane engine derived from the race-ready YZF-R1 powerplant. Providing a linear, torque-rich delivery, this is the most potent and technologically advanced engine ever seen on a Yamaha Hyper Naked motorcycle. Fuel injection settings have been optimized, and design of the intake and exhaust systems modified to lend the MT-10 a torquier, more street-focused engine character.

Performance and Handling: Advanced Features

2023 Yamaha MT-10 Top Speed

Its magic transition from 0 to 150 MPH only takes 14.24 seconds. And the process does not stop there, continuing to speed up to its peak rate (160.3 MPH according to our tests) at rev limiters. 

ECU fettling must have been at play, as we do not remember MT-10 being this fast before; they used to top out at about 150 MPH. Terminal speeds for quarter miles are impressive, as well.

Yamaha MT-10 top speed

Our best bet for maximum speed rate is to engage quick shifts for the ETs at around 11500 RPM. However, these estimations may differ for American spec models, as their restricted power starts tailing off at 10500 RPM. The only exception for US bikes is those with flashed ECUs, which will keep generating power till it reaches the redline – like their Euro-spec counterparts. 

And like any naked motorbike, any good performance over 130 MPH requires exceedingly small/closed-up riding poses: chin on the tanks, no gap at the elbows and knees. Big electronic riders or bad tucking techniques will stretch your 14.24-second run to 25 or 30 seconds

These widely varying factors are partly the reason why some of our tests reveal different results. (Not to mention, headwinds can kill off top-end speed-ups, too, much more so for naked bikes than faired ones). But overall, MT-10 can fare well against higher-end Superbikes, showing no weaknesses in rebound damping compared to giant competitors like Ducati Streetfighters V4, 1290 Super Dukes, or S1000R. 

Full-On Acceleration

MT-10 is the truest definition of a wheelie machine, accompanied by lower gear mechanism/inferior exhaust systems than Yamaha Plus R1 2005 – from which MT-10 gets its current muscular engine.

Keeping down the rear wheels is difficult – but also fun if you know where to look for the thrills. Although MT-10 does lag behind R1 in power modes, its horsepower of 165.9 HP is still a massive feat, slightly better than un-updated versions and definitely outperforming MT-09. Even the original R1 1998 up to 03 base models are nothing against MT-10; you need 04 onwards to surpass MT-10’s maximum power.

Yamaha MT-10 action 1

Its excellent transmission and velocity is no joke when put into actual practice; we felt it is much faster than the official information on paper. The intake roar was so explosive that we almost believed its power exceeded R1 Plus. 

In our experiments, the bike managed 0-60 MPH within merely 3.08 seconds – a bit slower than MT-09 (2.95 seconds). Regardless, both are difficult to launch, requiring many trials to get close. 

And as mentioned before, MT-10’s wheelie nature might pose continued challenges if you wish to put the power down. Hence, please note that the 0 to 60 MPH transition timing varies depending on ride preferences and suite of riders. 

Handling & Braking

2023’s Yamaha MT-10 has the same handling of R1 anti-lock braking systems, KYB suspension, and Deltabox frame found on previous models.

Some of our testers bemoan its R1 brake control (BC) systems and rocker arm, as they tend to feel wooden on most stock pads; but other than that, the rest is a no-brainer. MT-10’s Brembo cylinder sealing paves the way for significant feel improvements during anchor jumps, though we couldn’t help but believe the experience could have been better with a full (rather than partial) system. 

Yamaha MT-10 exhaust

Its front forks underwent slight resettings, too, despite retaining the same 43mm adjustable unit. The front felt more planted than before and – when combined with four-cylinder engine brake management  – offered decent grip for most handlings and hose routing. 

Specifically, the engine braking will slow down the bike without the brake engaged, meaning that you don’t need to hit the pedal. This minimizes heat build-up (especially when descending) as well as wear and tear on the brake. And of course, the bike still enjoys good traction and grants you more control over it, which is way safer when handling sharp corners or in an emergency.

Such extra adjustments are not phenomenal, but the original design by Yamaha Motor Company has always been pretty alright since the beginning, with minimum friction losses; bigger upgrades for maximum traction are unnecessary. 

2023 MT-10: A Brief Review

Overall, MT-10 2023 is an undeniable king when it comes to Yamaha ride control; its latest range of adjustments in engine reliability, LED tail lights, spring pressure, etc., has made our trip a fun ride.

More specifically, the seat firmness, chassis protection, footpeg, throttle response, rear shock, and handlebars are all redesigned by Yamaha Corporation; but it was hard to notice these premium styling details if you just sat on the bike. Only after 200 miles or so on the road did we realize all the aches and pains from past models had gone completely. 

MT-10’s engine design and tank form are also slightly revised, making it a breeze to grasp the motorbike with our thighs during cornering/aggressive braking. The device also relieved major pressure points on our arms when we hammered up mountain roads. Accompanied by a wide range of revised foam and adjustable spring preload, the bike is the epitome of rider comfort, surpassing almost every standard model in naked motorcycle categories. 

Sure, its power inferiority compared to R1 might discourage some picky riders, but trust us when we say its peak engine speed and

2023 Yamaha MT-10 Photos & Videos

Photos

Yamaha MT-10 exterior 1
Yamaha MT-10 handlebars 1
Yamaha MT-10 handlebars
Yamaha MT-10 head light
Yamaha MT-10 exterior
Yamaha MT-10 lifestyle
Yamaha MT-10 exterior 4
Yamaha MT-10 action 2
Yamaha MT-10 action 3
Yamaha MT-10 drive 1
Yamaha MT-10 drive

Videos

The 2023 Yamaha MT-10 Is A MONSTER
2023 Yamaha MT-10 First Ride Review – Cycle News


*Disclaimer: The prices mentioned in this article may vary depending on the dealership and location. Additionally, the specifications mentioned, such as horsepower and top speed, may vary from different sources as they are often tested under different conditions.


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Daniel Barker

Motorcyclist

Daniel Barker was introduced to racing in 2006 when he experienced his first track day on his Suzuki sv650. With more than 15 years of experience on his track. Daniel is known as for his high-energy riding, drifting, precision stoppies and technical riding ability on virtually any motorcycle.


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