EICMA 2015 FIRST LOOK: 2016 Yamaha MT-10 Naked R1 Superbike

Yamaha calls it “the next level,” and it is the extension of the line of MT/FZ models at both ends. At the top now arrives the MT-10, essentially a stripped-down 2015 YZF-R1 superbike powered by a reworked crossplane 998cc inline four cylinder of undisclosed power, while the compact MT-03 is the new entry model, powered by a 321cc twin cylinder unit derived from that of the YZF-R3. They share a crisp look and very functional design concepts that make them very attractive all-around bikes, at home both in town and on the open road.

The MT10 has a strong and aggressive style unlike Yamaha's previous FZ1 liter-class naked bike. In fact, this bike is unlike the FZ1 in that it is directly descended of and shares many components with the US-market YZF-R1S, the more cost-conscious version of Yamaha's dominant new superbike. So the engine gets steel instead of titanium connecting rods but is nonetheless state of the art with its crossplane crankshaft and 79mm x 50.9mm bore and stroke. Compression is a healthy 12.0:1 and tuning is meant to emphasize low- to midrange power. Cycle World's 2015 YZF-R1 long-term testbike made 167.4 horsepower on our Dynojet dyno, so we'd expect something in the range of 150-hp at the rear wheel from this bike.

Ride-by-wire throttle control is augmented by power modes and traction control, but the electronics are minus the top-line R1's inertial measurement units. An assist/slipper clutch makes for light pull and drama-free downshifts. And yes, the bike is said to be equipped with cruise control. Watch out BMW! In all seriousness, this bike looks to be a direct competitor for BMW's S1000R and Aprilia's Tuono V4.

The engine is harnessed by a massive looking, twin-spar cast-aluminum frame derived from the YZF-R1 featuring the latest generation diamond structural design. Front suspension is by a 43mm inverted fork, rear suspension by twin arm aluminum swingarm and link actuated monoshock, all fully adjustable. Wheelbase is 55.1 inches but no other frame geometry numbers (or seat height) were released as of this writing. ABS brakes with radial-mount four piston calipers are likewise R1S pieces, while 120/70-17 and 190/55-17 radials are supersport spec.

Yamaha USA has not stated if the bike will be available in the US.