Traveled: Yamaha MT10 SP
Despite mentioning other Yamaha models, don't panic - we're still talking about the MT-10SP. It should be noted that his mechanical genes are hidden in the sisters mentioned above. Yamaha did offer the MT-10 to buyers, but the real heir, hey, a road-going R1M of sorts should be introduced at this year's World Championship. The reason lies in its equipment and character, although the MT model nevertheless formed the basis. The idea was simple – paint the emtejko in the sporty colors of the house, equip it with Öhlins electronic suspension and the multi-coloured TFT dashboard known from the R1M. The result is a novelty for this year, the SP model variant.
Electronics…
The presentation of the peeled poison ivy (Hyper Nakeda, which sounds like Speed of Darkness as it was called on Yamaha) took place at the end of this winter in South Africa. Well, it was the end of summer there at the time. The roads around Cape Town on the coast and inland were just the right choice for Iwata's new "naked creation" character, as it is a combination of fast, wide roads and carousel-like winding coastal paths. While the electronics are what characterizes it, let's still mention the excellent CP4 four-cylinder unit, which, like the standard "emtejka" version, can produce 160 "horsepower" with truck torque that sometimes gives the feeling that a four-cylinder engine . -cylinder buzzes at the bottom - but like a V-shaped. While similar, the devil is in the details: the MT-10 and MT-10 SP are weaker than the R1M, with different pistons, valves, air passages, airbox, and a lighter sliding clutch. However, the SP, like the athlete, has a Clutchless Shift System (QSS). Starting this year, the base and Touring versions are also equipped with this system. The driver has three modes of operation of the D-function unit, he will be pleased with the rear wheel traction control, ABS, of course, is standard. The biggest difference between the standard and the latest MT-10 SP is the Öhlins electronic suspension, which automatically detects bumps in the road and adapts to them on its own. The pre-tuned suspension is stored electronically in two modes of operation: A1 is designed for a sharper and sportier ride, while A2 is slightly softer. There are also three “classic” tuning modes, where all parameters can be set manually.
... and pleasure
It's a game of suspension settings, which was experience on different types of South African roads. On well-paved wide roads where there were no potholes and bumps (which we are used to at home), the more difficult A1 path is the right choice, and on winding, slower and also bumpier roads, I chose the A2 path. Everything on the bike works great together, the brakes and the short wheelbase Deltabox aluminum frame. This gives the bike great agility in tight corners and is a pleasure to handle even after fast and very long corners. Of course, the electronics are not as sophisticated compared to the R1M, but still good enough for the driver's confidence in its operation (which is reflected in a higher level of safety).
text: Primozh Yurman · photo: Yamaha
