Yamaha MT-10 SP [2017-2021]: The Hyper Naked That Rewrites the Rulebook

Introduction

When Yamaha unleashed the MT-10 SP in 2017, it wasn’t just another hyper-naked motorcycle—it was a declaration of war. Built on the bones of the legendary YZF-R1 but stripped of its fairings and injected with streetfighter DNA, the MT-10 SP redefined what a liter-class naked bike could be. For riders who crave the soul of a superbike without the compromises of a race-tuned posture, this machine delivers raw power, cutting-edge tech, and chassis dynamics that blur the line between track weapon and urban predator. Having spent time with this silver-and-blue beast, I can confirm: it’s as unapologetically wild as Yamaha’s "Dark Side of Japan" marketing suggests.

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Design: Aggression Meets Refinement

The MT-10 SP’s design is a masterclass in controlled chaos. Its angular LED headlight—dubbed the “Robot Face”—glowers at the road ahead, flanked by muscular tank shrouds that evoke the R1M’s aerodynamic aggression. The signature Silver/Blue/Carbon livery (the only option for the SP) isn’t just eye candy; it’s a flex, a reminder that this bike shares its aesthetic DNA with Yamaha’s MotoGP-inspired flagship.

The 825 mm (32.5-inch) seat height strikes a balance between accessibility and sportiness, though taller riders might wish for a touch more legroom. The cockpit centers around a full-color TFT display lifted straight from the R1M, offering crisp readability and a premium feel. Switchgear is intuitive, with a joystick-style control for cycling through ride modes and suspension settings. Little details—like the gold-anodized Öhlins forks and blue-painted wheels—hint at the SP’s upmarket ambitions.

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Engine and Performance: Crossplane Cacophony

At the heart of the MT-10 SP lies the R1-derived 998cc crossplane inline-four, retuned for street savagery. With 160.4 HP (117.1 kW) at 11,500 RPM and 111 Nm (81.9 lb-ft) of torque at 9,000 RPM, this engine isn’t just powerful—it’s charismatic. The crossplane crankshaft eliminates the sterile whine of traditional inline-fours, replacing it with a lumpy, V8-like growl that crescendos into a metallic howl at redline.

Throttle response is razor-sharp, thanks to Yamaha’s YCC-T ride-by-wire system. In "Mode 1" (the sportiest setting), crack the throttle open in first gear, and the front wheel levitates with laughable ease. Yet the SP isn’t a one-trick hooligan. "Mode 3" softens the throttle map for rain or traffic, while the standard quick-shifter (added in 2017) allows clutchless upshifts that feel telepathic. Fuel economy? Expect 8.0 L/100 km (29.4 MPG) if you ride sanely—but let’s be honest, you won’t.

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Handling and Suspension: Öhlins’ Electronic Sorcery

What separates the SP from the standard MT-10 is its semi-active Öhlins Electronic Racing Suspension (ERS). Borrowed from the R1M, this system uses a Suspension Control Unit (SCU) to adjust damping in real-time based on speed, lean angle, and braking forces. Two auto modes—A1 (Sport) and A2 (Road)—plus three manual presets let you tailor the ride to your mood.

On Cape Town’s patchwork tarmac (where Yamaha hosted the launch), A2 mode shone. The 43 mm forks and rear shock absorbed mid-corner bumps without unsettling the chassis, while the 1440 mm (56.7-inch) wheelbase provided laser-stable corner exits. Switch to A1, and the SP transforms into a track-ready scalpel, firming up damping to minimize dive under heavy braking. The aluminum Deltabox frame strikes a perfect balance between rigidity and feedback, letting you carve corners with surgical precision. Bridgestone’s S21 tires (120/70 front, 190/55 rear) offer ample grip, though serious track riders might swap them for stickier rubber.

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Technology and Features: Smarter Than Your Average Beast

Yamaha didn’t just throw hardware at the SP—they baked in tech that enhances every ride. The 6-axis IMU-powered Traction Control System (TCS) is unobtrusive, allowing controlled wheelies in Mode 1 while keeping rear slides in check. D-MODE offers four throttle maps (including a customizable "User" setting), and the ABS—while not cornering-aware—provides confident stops via dual 320 mm front discs and radial-mount calipers.

The TFT dashboard deserves special praise. Its minimalist layout displays gear position, lean-angle data, and even a bar-graph tachometer for track days. Pair it with Yamaha’s MyRide app (via Bluetooth), and you’ve got navigation prompts and call alerts—though purists will likely ignore these in favor of the SP’s analog thrills.

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Competition: How the SP Stacks Up

The hyper-naked segment is a gladiatorial arena, but the MT-10 SP holds its ground against fierce rivals:

• BMW S1000R (164 HP): More refined, with ShiftCam variable valve timing, but lacks the SP’s raw character. BMW’s Dynamic ESA suspension rivals Öhlins’ ERS, but at a higher price.
• Ducati Streetfighter V4 (208 HP): A technical marvel with Desmosedici Stradale power, but its steep cost and frenetic delivery can overwhelm street riders.
• Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 (175 HP): The closest rival in spirit, with a glorious V4 and Öhlins semi-active suspension. However, Aprilia’s dealer network pales against Yamaha’s.
• KTM 1290 Super Duke R (180 HP): A torque monster (140 Nm!), but its upright ergos and basic electronics feel crude next to the SP’s finesse.

The SP’s trump card? It’s a superbike in disguise—more accessible than the Ducati, more thrilling than the BMW, and more reliable than the Aprilia. For riders who value crossplane theatrics and adjustable suspension, it’s peerless.

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Maintenance: Keeping the Beast Alive

Owners praise the MT-10 SP’s reliability, but neglect its needs at your peril. Here’s what to prioritize:

1. Oil Changes: Use 4.1L of 10W-40 or 15W-50 synthetic oil (API SG/JASO MA2) every 6,000 km (3,700 miles). The wet sump system simplifies DIY changes.
2. Chain Care: The 532-pitch O-ring chain demands regular cleaning and lubrication. Swap it for a premium X-ring chain if you’re chasing longevity.
3. Brake Fluid: Flush with DOT 4 annually. Upgraded sintered pads (like EBC HH) improve bite for aggressive riding.
4. Cooling System: The 2.5L liquid-cooling system needs biannual coolant checks. Consider a radiator guard if you ride in debris-heavy areas.
5. Tire Pressures: Stick to 2.5 bar (36 psi) front and 2.9 bar (42 psi) rear for optimal wear.

Pro Tip: The Öhlins ERS suspension requires specialist tools for major adjustments. MOTOPARTS.store offers retrofit kits for those wanting to tweak preload without a dealership visit.

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Conclusion

The Yamaha MT-10 SP isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a rebellion. A crossplane war cry wrapped in Öhlins-fed sophistication, it proves that naked bikes needn’t compromise on tech or tenacity. Whether you’re threading through city traffic or chasing apexes, the SP delivers a ride that’s as visceral as it is versatile. And when it’s time to personalize or maintain your machine, MOTOPARTS.store has the expertise (and inventory) to keep your hyper-naked king ruling the streets.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a date with a deserted backroad and a quickshifter begging to be abused.

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Specifications sheet

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