Yamaha refers to the new MT-10 as an evolution, and that is exactly the right word. There are still many similarities to the previous generation, but there have been numerous improvements and upgrades made across the board. To begin with, the chassis is the same R1-derived Deltabox as before, with a slight increase in wheelbase from 55.1 inches to 55.3 inches. It houses an updated version of the CP4 engine, which was derived from the R1, but with different internals to accommodate the naked roadster. There are heavier steel con-rods instead of the superbike's titanium ones, and a tune that prioritizes midrange thrust over peak power.
The MT-10 isn't lacking in performance. Power rises from 158.2 bhp to 163.6 bhp for 2022, while torque rises from 81.9 pound-feet to 82.6 pound-feet, peaking at 11,500 rpm and 9,000 rpm, respectively. These are European figures because Yamaha does not disclose US performance figures, but they are likely to be representative of what we get here. Concerning the Euro motor, Yamaha claims that the emphasis has been on increased thrust between 4,000 and 8,000 rpm, so the improvements may be more noticeable when riding the bike than they appear on paper.
The 2022 MT-10 SP receives new updated styling as well as the same mechanical changes to the engine, electronics, and airbox as the MT-10, so there is no difference in power or performance between the two models. The SP's advantage comes from Ohlins electronic suspension, as it has in previous years, but the system on the 2022 bike is noticeably better than before.
It's the first bike in the world to receive the next-generation Ohlins kit, which includes three semi-active damping modes that respond to riding conditions and three manually-adjustable presets.
The MT-10 SP also receives a new lower fairing to distinguish it from the standard model, as well as braided steel brake lines as standard.