Cost-of-living crisis supernaked? 2023 Yamaha MT-10 first ride

Forget your Superdukes, Streetfighters, ZH2s and all that 180hp+ nonsense… could the £14k, 165hp Yamaha MT-10 be the ideal supernaked for UK roads? Join me for my first ride report as we explore the unbelievably addictive crossplane engine, the better-than-you'd-think chassis and the… slightly rubbish brakes. Should I buy one?
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[@tticom]

I've just ridden the current non mt10 non sp and I thought the brakes were fine. That bike put a smile on my face that lasted for a couple of days. I definetly will buy one soon.

[@timrodierides]

To be honest, I've just got back from 5 days of fast road riding on my SP and the brakes were absolutely fine. I might change the pads for more bite when they're worn, but I wouldn't bother changing master cylinders or anything...

[@CrouchyOnBikes]

Great review Tim! I just chuckle all the way through your videos, love your style 😂 I currently have an MT09 and looking at upgrading to the MT10-SP (as soon as I’m gainfully employed again!). Also handy as the Yamaha dealer is my next door neighbour!

[@timrodierides]

Thanks for the kind words Sean - hope you find employment again (well, as soon as you want/need to!)

[@stephenspiteri_zunkus]

It does sound incredibly good that I was tempted to buy one just for the noise. I think it sounds even better than a V4

[@trophyian]

41mpg? Would get a better mpg over the V4 from what I understand.

[@mattmutane5502]

@@trophyian My average is 38mpg, which for a hoon machine isn't all that bad! :)

[@eriklarsson3528]

That bike and engine is mega! Had owned 2018 mt10 and a 2020 R1. Will buy this bike again probably😂. Looking forward to moore of your content. Keep it up👊🫶

[@timrodierides]

Thank you Erik! Will definitely keep it up and hopefully have some more MT10 videos coming soon

[@Yii00T]

Was testing one today.. Loved it even the standard base model is amazing. Brakes on the one I had out weren't that bad and I'm coming from a S1000R lol. The noise and overall grin was immense. One thing is first gear.... literally could do a day out in just first😂😂. Feels amazing and I'm sold. Definitely will be having one when I can afford it lol.

[@timrodierides]

I think an S1000R has mega brakes, from memory! Gearing is long, yeah... I spend a lot of time in 2nd. But the noise...

[@Steve-motorcycles]

❤ MT10 ❤I’m sure Yamaha use wooden blocks for brake pads, change them and the brakes are a whole lot better.

[@sd5458]

Seriously. Sintered pads was the first upgrade I did on my FZ09. Changed the whole feel of the brakes.

[@stickvortex]

Which pads did you fit? I find it a little confusing to find upgraded pads.

[@albertlira7443]

Fantastic looking and sounding bike. I wonder if anybody you pass by ever come across your videos and think hmm... i swear this is me.

[@guslythgow7103]

I brought the SP because of the suspension, also the steering damper is also wired into that system. This makes landing the front wheel at Any Speed safe.. I have also added the comfort seat 👍

[@Yammi-wn3lm]

Recommend I bought the SP model and the reason why I bought it because the crossplane CP4 engine sound never gets boring.

[@daniellang6112]

OMG! You referred to a Ducati 1198. Just so happens I traded in an 1198s ony MT10 True compatison! MT10 will be better every day rider. My 1198s was like a fine piece of china,beautiful to look at Too nice of condition to ride every day😢. So far I love my 2020T20! P.S good video & save your $$$$ on the SP version.

[@brianglendenning1632]

Cost of living bonus depends where you are, of course. Where I live a 23 MT10SP is AU$28500 - for equivalent money you can get a ZH2 (and have a couple of grand in your back pocket), an S1000R Sport, Speed Triple RS, or stretch a little ($300) and get a Super Duke R. I know your test ride is on the big standard MT10, but the upgrade is good value. Where I live, MT10 is not the same value proposition and an S1000R or SDR looks might good value, comparatively.

[@timrodierides]

Blimey yeah - it definitely feels a bit more 'budget' than a SDR...

[@juliangreaves5684]

These are great bikes but you're right to call out the brakes. On my SP I replaced the pads with EBC sintered and it makes a big difference, putting them back in the 'acceptable' category. Even so, they still don't quite have the feel of the best Brembo set-ups.

[@mikejgriffiths]

Brembo Sintered pads Tim or even the EBC ones are a major improvement. I have a 2022 MT-10 SP and it is the tits. I too am a major tart and can confirm that the suspension is everything you want.

[@timrodierides]

This is NOT HELPING Mike. I want one… badly.

[@mikejgriffiths]

@@timrodierides Well if I'm up with our friend Mattnav anytime soon you're welcome to take it out. I had a 2020 standard MT-10 and swapped it in for the SP. Now I'm happy :D

[@mattmutane5502]

@@mikejgriffiths Oh look, I just commented about your bike Mike, now I see you beat me to it! ;) :D

[@mattmutane5502]

@@timrodierides You know you NEED one, just a bit more fun than the AdvS!!?? ;) (and as you know, you CAN tour on one!! ;) :D :D )

[@Fernando90054]

The bike is a lot of fun, and I guess that the SP version would be my pic. But by the other hand I’m not prepared to say good bye to my R nine T scrambler that I would have to swap for this…and I’m still in love with it. The brakes, hope they are better on the SP version…The looks of the MT-10, that insect front face with the pirate optic, is everything that I am against…but the engine, and the sound is addicting. The handling is supreme!! I’m very unsure about this to make a ponderous decision. And it is going to cost some money too…Man, it’s hard to decide.

[@gsxrjarrod]

EBC HH pads. Huge improvement.

[@nobbystyles4807]

god i miss my mt09..... i so wish id never sold it but i wanted a crf to do some laning on..... when i go back to the MT platform it will be literally a coin flip between the 09 and the 10. the triple engine is pure magic.

[@nuttySweeet]

Apparently the braided lines on the SP is what fixes the brakes, I would consider getting that one if you really want one. The semi-active suspension is meant to be a game changer.

[@timrodierides]

Say it quietly but I'm meant to be picking one up tonight!

[@nuttySweeet]

@@timrodierides congrats man! I'm hoping to get the new SP soon too 😃

[@grenphelps7455]

I've got one like that, just had it's 600 mile service this morning, yes the brakes are a bit vague, but, Yamaha puts a coating on the discs when the bikes are brand new, but the more you ride it the better the brakes become, although most owners, upgrade the pads to sinter pads, which sorts it out, but they are never going to be brembos, the the biggest problem with the brakes is all the KZbinrs banging on about it 🤦😅 , I love my bike, was out blasting around the Scottish Highlands yesterday (local stomping grounds) brilliant bike...💪💪

[@g0rd0n100]

Just bought one mate, looking forward to getting out on it, traded in my MT07 and skipped over the MT09, though i did test both of them... too late for Thunder in the Glen this year but I'll be out soon enough .

[@grenphelps7455]

@@g0rd0n100 I've never been, only good thing about it is, the roads are quieter up north 👌👌🤣🤣

[@disaffectedmale]

I agree, maybe I'm not reckless enough but 1 finger braking is sufficient for most situations in my experience. I've done about a 1000 miles on mine now and they definitely bed in after a while, I might upgrade the pads but I'm in no rush to do so. I love blatting round on mine.

[@neiljitsu]

The mt engines are great fun. The 900 tracer delivers power in a very fun wat. It feels like it has way more power than it does. You should ride one, you would be a bit tall for it however.

[@timrodierides]

The Tracer's on my list to ride!

[@gerryryan2302]

Lovely bike ..I’m slightly scared of it

[@Bod1st]

I keep coming back to reviews of this bike…everyone says the same, awesome machine. 😊 sub’d

[@timrodierides]

Thanks for the sub, appreciate it! It's a cracking bike

[@Druezy]

The new MT-10 SP Lego kit looks so good. What a sick bike.

[@timrodierides]

Yes! I want one (the Lego one).

[@mattmutane5502]

@@timrodierides Me too - you should buy both... ;)

[@disaffectedmale]

Seen 150mph (displayed) on my 22MT10 recently. No engine mods, standard (4, yes 4 cat) exhaust system with an Akra silencer. That's quite fast enough thanks.

[@stevecade857]

Check out deals on the mt10. I recently picked up a new 2022 (identical to the 2023) for £12.5 with £1k of genuine Yamaha accessories thrown in. That's a big jump to a new SP in cost. The standard mt10 has fully adjustable suspension and most competent riders well find their sweet spot for how and where they ride. As others have said change the pads. It really clears up the lack of initial bite and wooden feel from the standard pads.

[@timrodierides]

I've seen some cracking deals - like you say, about £12.5k with loads of stuff thrown in! Such a grin machine, I can't believe I've overlooked it this long to be honest.

[@stevecade857]

@@timrodierides I can understand people being put off by the looks but it's a naked bike so pretty much a blank canvas. So many parts available to make it your own and improve its looks with more still to come. Really it's about how the bike rides and makes you feel and the cp4 motor might be down a bit on top end nakeds but it's still got so much character and performance it doesn't really matter.

[@gintarasa9289]

P&H Crawley have brand new SP’s for £14900 ! I’ve swapped my Ducati Multistrada 1260 to mt10sp previous model and no regrets whatsoever.

[@danco6010]

I currently ride a 2023 MT09SP and thinking of upgrading to the MT10, done 16500km (allot of city/touring and even track days) from may till now. The brakes on the 09 are very weak in my humble opinion (it's the only thing i don't like about this bike). Switched to EBC HH pads, braking is better, but still weak. Before i will sell the bike, i will replace the brake master cylinder with a Brembo RCS/braided lines and if that is not enough i will put some Brembo GP4 RS calippers. All the people i know that ridden the MT10 said they love the engine, but the brakes aren't on par with it.

[@soulrebelno1]

I love Yamaha bikes; I had one, but sold it back in Feb 2022. I just wish Yamaha would employ an Italian to do the styling on some of their bikes. Saying that, I do like the look of the MT-10, but it's no Tuono, which is absolutely gorgeous, and comes fitted with a half-fairing. 👍

[@timrodierides]

See, I like the 'no f***s given' styling of the MT-10. Hated the previous gen, mind you…

[@soulrebelno1]

@@timrodierides I think it's one of Yamaha's better looking machines-and I'd love one! It's just when you look at some of their other models, and think, great bike, great engine, but it's been hit with the ugly stick a few times! A case in point is the XSR900 sport heritage model. To my eye, the design looks awkward in naked form, but stick a fairing on it, and it looks 🤬 great-Kenny Roberts here I come!

[@disaffectedmale]

It looks best in Tech black with some black levers, a tail tidy and a black Akra can. Like mine.

[@timrodierides]

@@disaffectedmale But you're not biased, right? 😜 Hope you're enjoying it!

[@Yippeedee]

I bought the XSR 900 6 months ago and have already covered 14000km made up of almost B roads riding. I think I’m ready to upgrade to the mt 10.

[@HeyAddieImTojo]

What on earth do you do riding 80kms per day? Absolute mad man😂

[@thepongopete]

Apologies if you mentioned this in the video, but will you be jumping on the SP for a bit of a comparison? I think I just decided what my next bike is going to be...

[@timrodierides]

I'm hoping to get an SP in!

[@elvisthewart670]

On my 22 mt10 after brakes was bedded in i thought they was no more worse than my previous z900 and they was very good brakes

[@disaffectedmale]

100% agree. 22 MT10 here. I don't know what the fuss is about.

[@LambChopRides]

Enjoyed that Tim! 👌

[@timrodierides]

Cheers Chopsy! When are we both buying them?!

[@LambChopRides]

@timrodierides haha yeah I know! I've been told speak to Geoff for a bargain! 🤔

[@Supernova12034]

Hey Tim! which has more bottom end? This or Superduke? Which one is more fun?

[@timrodierides]

Hey! The superduke has way more instant bottom-end shove. The MT10 is more about the mid-range really. They're both tonnes of fun, in different ways. The SuperDuke feels a bit more like you have to really hang on to it, but it doesn't ever really chill out. The MT10 is less hard work, sounds better and yet still has a really naughty side.

[@mattmutane5502]

Tim, glad to find you've finally tested my bike... ;) :D I wonder if you have noticed yet that the front end is setup on the hard/direct side, but the rear is under-sprung and under-damped? (if, you weigh, like I do, more than say 80kgs...). It's a very odd state of affairs, and a very odd mismatch. That is one of my few criticisms of the bike, which I like you, love to bits! :D Personally, I like the fact the front brake doesn't have the super-sharp bite that has become en-vogue in the industry, I find you can better modulate it under heavy braking without upsetting the front with dive when pushing on - possibly an unfashionable opinion these days...? ;) (as you already said, the power is there, if you pull the lever hard enough! ;) ) Also, IMO, the comfort seat is a must, the standard one feels like a plank around the hour mark... You really should ride the SP as from friends who have that variant, they have solved the rear suspension issue, I myself solved it manually with an MCT custom modified rear shock setup (uprated spring for my weight and damping by Darren @ MCT to match), based upon the near identical R1 shock (best VFM upgrade you can do to the bike). If you want to have a go of mine, you know where to find me :) ( I need to have a go of the new SP too, which I'll do soon as I'm seeing my mate in a few weeks...). Enjoy the time you have with the bike! :D

[@timrodierides]

I'm attempting to try the SP! Possibly on an ownership basis 🤣

[@mattmutane5502]

@@timrodierides You know it makes sense! ;) :D

[@saveukraine7994]

Fastest bike stock 2023 amazing 😊

[@kevingreen6123]

Swap the pads for brembos it’s night and day difference!

[@timrodierides]

This seems to be the common theme among MT10 owners. Thanks for the heads up!

[@brianglendenning1632]

Is it a complete or adequate fix for the wooden brakes? It really is a cheap super naked, but not with those brakes coming from an 18 S1000R

[@dougiequick1]

I am in US and I never hear R1s called anything but R1...I mean unless it is the M that is worth mentioning "R1M"....where did you even get that idea? From dealer ads maybe?

[@BarnettSpeedSuzukiThou]

Samurai sword eh? Think you ll find thats the Katana, Kiru. Lol.

[@timrodierides]

I just wanted someone to name a bike that could do even fewer miles to a tank than the MT-10 🤣

[@BarnettSpeedSuzukiThou]

@@timrodierides yes my mate has one and is very familiar with petrol stations.

[@AuxesisHyperbole666]

Ok so how does it compare to the Diavel V4 Tim?

[@timrodierides]

Oof. That Diavel is basically a supernaked now - from memory the MT10 feels better leant over, engine sounds better. Diavel has more instant shove - you have to wind the Yamaha up a bit. Ducati brakes are miles better. MT10 more comfy suspension wise. MT10 also £10,000 cheaper!

[@AuxesisHyperbole666]

@@timrodierides Thanks, appreciate the comprehensive analysis. Presumably the SP has better brakes for an extra 3k and the Duc sounds better with the full Akro for 5k, so make that £12k cheaper! Check out the test ride at 9:30... kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpaTfJamoM1gnKc

[@3doorpete]

Hey Timmywimmy! Mainly pads - I use SBS street pads as they have more initial bite than EBC pads, which is the other issue aside from woodeness with OEM Yamaha ones - more bite, more feel - double win. ABS is actually not badly executed on the front.

[@timrodierides]

Ah cheers Pete! Good info. Thanks for being the least grumpy person on PH too 😂

[@MrAdambinnie]

+1 for SBS street pads, they are mint

[@nikos-giorgos]

Who tf authorised that front headlight-eyebrows combo?

[@user-hf8ie8mf3n]

Come to where I live…no idiot free days. Ha. 👍🤪🇨🇦

[@michaelarchangel1163]

Tim, is the SP really worth over two grand more ? Braided lines and EBC pads don't cost much, and also, unless you regularly take a pillion, after even basic suspension has been set up for a rider's weight, hardly anyone alters it. Haven't touched mine for about 15 years ! I did have Maxton respring a standard shock back then for my own weight though, as well as having a jackup kit for better turn in. I do like the SP's paint job though. Very smart. Fair enough if an SP was the biking equivalent of the Captain in Das Boot's request to Johann the Ghost mechanic for more power to the diesels, but there is no more available. SP should stand for Same Power. VFM mate, value for money ? Ah, acronyms, the province of the easily swayed, perhaps. Perhaps not, dunno. I simply abhor seeing people get shafted, especially by Huw Edwards. OK, that was uncalled for.

[@timrodierides]

Haha. You make loads of good points, but you overlook the fact that the SP's suspension is… GOLD

[@Steve-motorcycles]

@@timrodierides it’s got to be good if it’s gold

[@mattmutane5502]

@@timrodierides Mike says it is indeed the tits! :) (I still prefer the simplification of non-electric suspension...(but accept the compromise that that is))

[@r1gr]

Going to braided lines. Because they're linked. You need 7 new lines. So £280 from HEL.

[@timrodierides]

Oof, that's not inexpensive. Might as well just buy an SP ;)

[@r1gr]

Yeah I would if I could go back in time. Rear shock on standard MT is quite poor for bigger riders.

[@DontPanicDear]

Wow you don’t see a Renault Wind every day 😮

[@timrodierides]

Where?! Totally missed that. And I'd usually stop and point it out haha. Up there with a Skoda Yeti.

[@DontPanicDear]

@@timrodierides 3.05 under your right armpit 🤓

[@OrangeGenerator]

I like your videos Tim but that hurtful comment toward Wall-E was.... hard to hear :( Poor Wall-E

[@timrodierides]

Hahaha sorry...

[@saveukraine7994]

Only difference with SP is suspension

[@timrodierides]

And braided lines, belly pan, different colour scheme and price!

[@terrellgarren7125]

I need you to dial it down some. I am beginning to enjoy your content as much as the wonderful Mr. Fly.

[@Dansk55]

These have never made sense to me. I have a zx10r with riser bar that can kill this bike. Why not just get an R1 and do the same conversion?

[@timrodierides]

Because not everyone wants to be a Kawasaki person

[@timrodierides]

Or a hacked-about and messed-about Kawasaki person

[@marksimpson5218]

Strange comment, so spend a lot more money on a R1 then turn it into a MT10.

[@dannygernaat9961]

Yamaha built great bikes, but those brakes are awefull. Compared to the Brembo mcs with the M50 (or Stylema) setups

[@SludgedB]

He wants to be Clarkson soooo bad lol

[@timrodierides]

Watch the other 400 videos I’ve done on here and my car channel and you’ll realise it’s just me… soz

[@Kurlach]

I didn’t realise the morons restricted their activity to the weekends. And if this is scary then what does that make the Streetfighter? It’s okay.. brakes are lame and wooden.

[@timrodierides]

Fewer biking morons during the week usually! The Streetfighter is brain-bendingly fast but better behaved if that makes sense!

[@randombanditdad3754]

Bmw s1000r is a better bike than mt10 sp for the money

[@timrodierides]

Sweeping statement and one I disagree with! MT10 has more character, S1000R has better… erm, looks maybe? And that's subjective. Performance is similar. Perceived build quality perhaps better on BMW... but they're both great bikes and it's really down to personal preference. Sorry for serious reply!

[@no2rides115]

s1000r is a boring bike as compared to MT its the way it delivers the power. MT10 is way more fun bike.

[@marksimpson5218]

Give me the Noise of the MT any day.

[@DaleMt09sp]

Ahh the empty 10 if you can suffer the fuel stops very good bike and of course you have to go for the sp model for the gold forks and paint job to look down on everyone else on a stock one I’ve recently bought a 2023 mt09 sp and enjoying the transition from a adventure bike with a triumph badge 🥱 as I’m watching the steering lock cropped up I’ve just come out of a tight drive and felt like Austin powers doing a 3000 point turn

[@brianglendenning1632]

I like the name “empty 10”. Made me chuckle while doing my morning ablution

[@elvisthewart670]

Smiles not miles I av this exact bike iv had 130ish miles from a full tank its about the fun ur avin watching the fuel go down