2020 Yamaha MT-10 Review - R1 cross-plane derived MT

When it comes to Yamaha's MT line-up, or Maximum Torque, the MT-10 sits in prime position, as the most powerful, most decked out and most expensive MT model available, derived from the YZF-R1 but built for the road, with changes that prioritise real everyday riding.
The heart of Yamaha's MT-10 is the cross-plane powerplant from the R1, a 998cc four-cylinder that has been tuned for the road and thanks to Ride-by-Wire features three ride modes, varying from a wet weather toned down mode, street mode and crazy all the thrills full performance mode. You're not losing that R1 performance, but the MT-10 is a pleasure to ride on the road, even at lower speeds with exceptional fueling.
Cruise control is standard, as is traction control, ABS and those ride modes, while fully adjustable suspension, an upright seating position and great geometry lends the MT-10 handling that is on rails, suspension that only gets better as the speeds rise, and an exceptional level of control.
Add powerful brakes, futuristic styling and great comfort and it's easy to see why the MT-10 exists, the YZF-R1 may be a stunning machine, but for many the sportsbike ergonomics are hard to swallow on the road, where the MT-10 offers all the benefits of a nakedbike with one of the most intoxicating powerplants out there.
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[@seancarroll8326]

Obviously, a great review at the end of the day.

[@samuelbarrett1082]

Got this joke by a minute and a half in, at the end of the day.

[@rickdeskis]

At the end of the day, youknowwhatimsayin'? It is a great review.

[@Ganzonx1]

I've watched many MT-10 videos and this one has to be one of the best overview/review videos. Very informative, great set up, awesome presentation. Sir keep up the great work.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Thanks, glad to hear it was of help!

[@dmac7660]

I bought a 2018 model. That sound - the instant power - it is amazing. I love it.

[@emanuelruiz7710]

I too have a 2018. I'm putting miles on that sucker. Got it dirt cheap too. Love my mt10. I just modded my LCD screen, did the reverse colors on it

[@gorillaninja78]

Can’t wait to see the 2021 updates

[@tienthanh21697]

it's just amazing how you can articulate your feelings and thoughts of the bike. An exceptional review :)

[@MotoJournoKris]

Thanks!

[@johnbini1929]

Very good review. I was thinking to go for this bike next spring, you comments give me another motivation to go for it!

[@MotoJournoKris]

Definitely one to check out, and there's some minor updates for the 2022s!

[@GC-xy2ec]

Nice review Kris

[@bdoubleu68]

Great Review, best bike I've owned. The bike really does love the Brisbane twists over Mt Nebo, Glorious etc..

[@MotoJournoKris]

They really are amazing!

[@888jackflash]

Nice report, Kris. The one item that keeps emerging about the MT-10 is "the awesome sound" of that cross-plane motor. I have yet to ride one, but from listening to videos, I'm going to insist that my SV1000 V twin sounds "like that"... but BETTER. There's nothing like the THUD of a properly-tuned V Twin.

[@MotoJournoKris]

I don't think I've heard anything I'd say is as good as the MT-10, subjective as that is, even including the Ducati V-twins, but I haven't ridden an SV1000, so you never know!

[@888jackflash]

@@MotoJournoKris Ditto for the MT-10, in my case. But it SEEMS to me that Yama-mama might have been trying to simulate a V-Twin sound with the Crossplane crank; at any rate, look for a good open-road video of the SV1000.. that motor comes on like a freight train, with lovely noises.

[@2twolow]

Drink every time he says "at the end of the day"

[@MotoJournoKris]

I edited a lot out too!

[@tormodi5925]

Maybe but if you think about it, it's an expression that says a lot..

[@reginlamson8624]

Im fukkkin groggy now mate!

[@natural9743]

What about just saying,"When the sun goes down" instead.

[@MotoJournoKris]

@@natural9743 Can give it a try, haha.

[@rj9617]

Very good review! Seriously considering this bike. Thanks!

[@MotoJournoKris]

They're a great machine!

[@tormodi5925]

Very good review. Pointed out most of what's to know. Regarding looks I think it's one of the meanest looking motorcycles around. Love it. When I'm out riding I try not to be too obvious about looking through my tinted visor - at the peopoe that looks ;)

[@johnnyinked]

great review, took one for a test ride and felt more planted with the mt 10 then a mt 09

[@luisdetomaso2224]

That's because the 10 has the world-class R1 derived suspension and the 09 ships with garbage. The MT09 chassis can be brought up to the same level, but you'll need to drop a couple grand

[@dmac7660]

Excellent review! I have owned many bikes over the years (including the MT 09) and this is my favourite. Race bikes are built for the track. This bike is happiest on the road. That power delivery makes every ride a thrill. By the way, all 3 modes allow for full power. The difference is the amount of throttle twisting required. I prefer mode 2 since mode 1 can be a little surprising at times. BTW A Givi sport screen really helped with the wind and looks stock.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Yamaha have done an exceptional job making it such a great thing for the road, with that perfect mix of crazy performance that delivers all the thrills like you say, but without then feeling totally unsuitable for being on the road and all that entails.

[@theashpilez]

The megatron styling was floated in late 2005. Along with a few more ideas. I am currently riding the bike with those ideas in mind. C14.

[@bruceleong9534]

Nice review Kris. I like all the MT range but I think the 07 is my favourite. Great on road bikes which have pulled Yamaha out of the sales doldrums.

[@MotoJournoKris]

I'd own at MT-07 in a heartbeat, for a relatively simple machine they are an amazing overall package. Even jumping between different bikes, like the MT-10, it always shines.

[@tooyoungtobeold8756]

Nice looking bike.

[@D-Squared]

Exceptional

[@jasoncee666]

I get really excited when I hear these motors around the mountains in my neighborhood the sounds are so blissful, especially with aftermarket exhausts. The only problem I'm always left wondering was that an R1 or MT 😲

[@MotoJournoKris]

Yep, they sound amazing, that cross-plane engine is something else!

[@evanmiller2495]

I love how there are two types of people. Those who despise the sound of motorcycles and get pissed off when they hear one, and those who absolutely love the sound and practically nut whenever they hear one😂

[@bebop2599]

The MT range is great, this bike is awesome to ride and to think a new turbo version is also on the cards.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Yep that's an interesting rumour. With Kawasaki's H2 range though it makes sense other brands would want to get in on the action, as some of the more exotic options do really well.

[@dante8478]

The swingarm are like ronie coleman bicep

[@grainofsalt4934]

Worked an accident where a guy wrecked one of these into a bunch of rebar. It’s was horrific

[@user-tx5dy1fz4g]

Hey Kris, when you will review the new Yamaha Mt10Sp? Good video as always 👌

[@MotoJournoKris]

I'll see if I can get my hands on one to test!

[@user-tx5dy1fz4g]

@@MotoJournoKris can’t wait!

[@CS-ti8oq]

He lost me at the 8th “end of the day”

[@batistaaraujo1736]

Muito lindo esse mota

[@MotoJournoKris]

Yep it's a looker, has a real presence to it, which is very fitting for a 'supernaked'.

[@dg8062]

You HAVE TO have the ecu flashed and preferably de cat and exhaust. Turns this bike from good to spectacular!

[@markfisher2808]

Just bought 2020 model pick up next week looking forward to the experience 🙂

[@MotoJournoKris]

Nice stuff, they are a great machine!

[@chrisvantassel8867]

Such a great bike, I had no interest in this bike but I was able to test ride it for fun. I was blown away and bought it on the spot. For contrast it was added to a stable that included a Super Duke GT and VMAX. I love all of my bikes but "at the end of the day" the MT10 would be my first choice. I'm adding bags to it for some distance which shines a light on its only weakness.....gas mileage....terrible!

[@MotoJournoKris]

Yep, they are wickedly good, they just must use more fuel the more fun you're having!

[@scottdavis4388]

You have a race engine and complain about fuel mileage .... lol. I love the fact my R1 gets less MPG than eco friendly cars.

[@chrisvantassel8867]

@@scottdavis4388 Not really complaining just relaying info about the bike. When Yamaha puts cruise control, luggage and windshields on the machine it suggests that people will tour on it. 130 miles per tank is ok but you will be stopping more because it is impossible to ride this bike in a tame manner. That being said, I have other bikes that I would tour on before the MT10 but it would be nice to do so on the MT10 for the fun factor along side the touring. Still an amazing bike with bad gas mileage. Keep in mind my KTM Super Duke GT has a much larger tank and much better gas mileage and it says right in their motto "Ready to race" so a race engine can get good gas mileage. I have a Vmax also and the mileage is horrific, not sure Yamaha cared about anything but performance but then again, so does KTM......with good mileage.

[@raluxgaza]

@@chrisvantassel8867 you just made my choice of a second bike easier. I own a Tracer 900 GT and I've been looking at SDGT and MT10 SP, your review has convinced me to pick the MT10. Cheers mate.

[@nantecabes]

"END OF THE DAY"

[@richardbautsch1425]

Enjoyed the review, but I’m interested to know what your comment would be if you watched this vid. I bet you’ll get it right. Keep posting.

[@MotoJournoKris]

There's normally about a hundred new things I see that I should have done better each time I re-watch a video. I reckon I could spend 1000 hours on each and it'd be the same!

[@MIKI72130]

Considering buying btw mt10 and z1000sx. What would you do? Thanks for the feedback

[@MotoJournoKris]

Really sporty tourer I'd prob kit out an MT-10. More full tourer with better comfort, two-up, the Ninja really comes out ahead in my mind.

[@gelley46]

@@MotoJournoKris I have to agree. My MT10 is not great at two up. That is one of my disappointments in the bike. That and the trottle is a bit snatchy even after a tune. Just makes two up riding a chore.

[@mojaverailfabricationltd4435]

nice review, agree with most of your assessments except I don't find the clutch heavy at all!

[@MotoJournoKris]

It's all relative, I am used to the Ninja 400 which is incredibly light, and the Daytona. It's not bear trap heavy like some machines though!

[@davidkina5627]

So is it autoblip downshift too?

[@MotoJournoKris]

Sadly not! That's only on the R1 at this stage.

[@suffernama7742]

Ok Good night from Pakistan because its the End of Day 🤗

[@fred3000]

Is the throttle as jumpy as on the previous model years?

[@MotoJournoKris]

I found it smooth, but I certainly wouldn't be using the most aggressive mode on a daily basis.

[@emanuelruiz7710]

I didn't notice till I rode an older R1. Nothing a good ol ECU flash can fix. Did it to my mt10 and it's night and day

[@fred3000]

@@emanuelruiz7710 Cool where are you from? I bought a 2018 model MT10 and think of getting the ecu flashed

[@emanuelruiz7710]

@@fred3000 I live in commiefornia (California) lol. I went with 2 wheel Dyno works inc. they have some KZbin videos about their tune. I paid $295 during tax season, they offered a discount. Should be around $320 or something like that. I worked with Nels, great guy, easy to talk to and super friendly. Took about a week to do.

[@fred3000]

@@emanuelruiz7710 Thanks for the quick reply. Bummer! I am from germany, most shops that offer ECU flashes look kinda shady, I'll wait until it gets delivered and then decide if its worth the risk. Ride safe :-)

[@slakk5093]

Daytona 675 is a 105HP.. a lot more than 50HP.. 50HP is where most fast LAMS bikes sit around.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Yep that was my point, our Ninja 400 is around there, and I've had a MT-07L for several months for a long term test. It's enough power to have plenty of fun on the road, without feeling restricted.

[@grantsewell782]

Horse power?

[@MotoJournoKris]

Claimed figure is 160 hp.

[@USMCCGAGNG]

Orange is too trendy if you want to keep your bike more than a few years... I guess you could paint them. The bike is so stout and tough looking the orange takes away from that.

[@MotoJournoKris]

The wheels? They're more of a red, but highly reflective, almost fluro, so hard to get an accurate photo of the colour. I don't normally worry about what's trendy colour-wise, as long as I like the looks or colour that's good enough for me. The blue and black colour options have very downstated wheels in comparison though, so there should be an option for anyone. Or you could swap the red wheels with someone who has the Tech Black model for their wheels.

[@MARKINAU8]

Really really really............