The evolution of the hyper-naked bike is continuous, and Yamaha has cemented itself in the development race with the MT-10 SP. Utilizing the proven R1 platform, Yamaha offers its highly admired 998cc liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder crossplane engine in a versatile chassis. A mix between practicality, premium Öhlins electrically controlled suspension, and the iconic roar of an irregular piston firing order makes the 2023 Yamaha MT-10 SP one of the more well-rounded hyper-naked bikes on the market.
Yamaha’s inline four-cylinder crossplane design offers extremely usable and linear power from idle all the way up to its roughly 12,000 rpm redline. Although the MT-10 SP doesn’t provide the same bottom-end punch as some of its rivals, its ability to smoothly cruise at low rpm makes puttering around town highly enjoyable. And when it’s time to shed some rubber, the 998cc four-cylinder turns into a rocket after 6,000 rpm. During the week, the 2023 Yamaha MT-10 SP works as a great commuter, but on weekend canyon runs, this hyper-naked knows how to party.
On our in-house Dynojet 250i dynamometer, the 2023 Yamaha MT-10 SP produced 134.4 hp at 10,100 rpm and 74.5 lb.-ft. of torque at 9,000 rpm. With a measured curb weight of 477 pounds on our automotive scales, the Yamaha’s power-to-weight ratio is not the most impressive on paper, but these numbers don’t tell the full story. Out on the road and in motion, the linear powerplant, agile chassis, and versatile suspension make the Yamaha MT-10 SP an exciting ride with a wonderful soundtrack.
