For those who felt that the standard MT-10 was too moderate, Yamaha has unveiled a loud and performance-oriented version called MT-10 SP.
Featuring a sophisticated suspension setup and a loud paint job, the MT-10 SP takes the motorcycle’s hooligan character up one notch. The MT-10 SP rides on semi-active Ohlins electronic racing suspension (ERS), which is controlled by a suspension control unit (SCU). Adopted from the flagship YZF-R1 superbike, this system adjusts the compression and rebound damping depending upon the riding conditions. The MT-10 is propelled by the same 998cc four-cylinder 'CP4' crossplane engine, borrowed from the YZF-R1. The engine delivers around 165bhp and 101Nm of torque through a six-speed transmission. Besides making the engine Euro IV compliant, Yamaha has also revised the engine mapping to improve the throttle response throughout the rev range. It now also gets a quickshifter for clutchless gear changes.
Apart from the new suspension, the MT-10 SP also gets a TFT instrument cluster and a unique paintjob to set it apart from the standard bike. The standard electronics package includes a three-level traction control system, three rider mode options and a slipper clutch. The MT-10 SP will go on sale in Europe by February 2017. In India though, enthusiasts will have to make do with the MT-09 as the chances for the MT-10 or the MT-10 SP being launched seem very bleak.