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Review of the New Yamaha MT-10 – A Half-Billion Dong Naked Bike

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14 February, 2025

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The large-displacement motorcycle market in Vietnam is quite vibrant, with customers having a wide range of choices from Asian to European brands. In the 1000 cc naked bike segment, the new generation Yamaha MT-10 can be considered a “rookie” as it was just introduced three months ago.

While MT-10 is not a stranger to the market, the new generation of this naked bike is still worth paying attention to. The bike I experienced was the standard MT-10, priced at 499 million VND.

Redesigned Style

Having used the previous generation MT-10, I could easily spot the upgrades in terms of design. Overall, the new MT-10 looks simpler and more balanced, of course, the design language still follows the Transformer style. This style creates a unique look for the MT-Series, but not everyone may find it familiar.

Despite appearing more compact than its predecessor, the new MT-10 is actually 5 mm longer, a negligible difference that can’t be noticed by the naked eye. The wheelbase has also been slightly lengthened, contributing to improved stability when riding at high speeds.

The noticeable changes on the new MT-10.

The most obvious change is the new LED headlight cluster, replacing the bulky unit of the previous model. The new lights are complemented by a DRL strip that forms a wing shape above them. The rear end has also been refined to create a harmonious look with the overall design.

Sitting on the saddle, I felt that the padding had been made slightly firmer. According to Yamaha’s specifications, the rider’s seat height has been increased by 5 mm, which may be a consideration for those of modest height.

The speedometer has been upgraded to a TFT display.

The new speedometer features a 4.3-inch TFT color display. The layout focuses on two key elements: speed and gear position, which are the most important information to monitor while riding. Other information such as trip distance, speed limit, riding mode, etc., is displayed discreetly along the edge of the instrument cluster.

The switchgear on the handlebars has been almost entirely rearranged, except for essential buttons like turn signals and horns. In the new generation, most of the function adjustment buttons have been moved to the left side, making them easier to access. However, the knob on the right side can be a bit tricky to operate while riding.

Abundant Power for the Streets

Similar to the previous generation, the new MT-10 offers three riding modes: A, B, and C, corresponding to the highest power output and the least intervention from safety systems, respectively. With a bike that produces 166 horsepower, I started with Mode C for a more relaxed and safe riding experience.

In Mode C, twisting the throttle on a 1000 cc naked bike doesn’t deliver as much of a punch. While the bike still leans forward with each twist of the throttle, the traction control and slide control systems give the rider more confidence, especially when accelerating through corners. This mode is also my favorite for navigating busy city streets.

The MT-10 offers three riding modes, each offering different power outputs and levels of system intervention.

The riding position of this bike provides a nimble feel when maneuvering at low speeds, and the improved cooling system ensures that the rider’s thighs are not bothered by the heat from the engine.

Switching to Mode A, the most aggressive setting, the MT-10 becomes almost unmanageable for inexperienced riders. The safety systems intervene minimally, and the throttle response is instantaneous. Even a slight twist of the throttle is enough to lift the front wheel off the ground.

In Mode A, the bike unleashes its full engine power, and of course, the MT-10’s performance is not lacking. However, a slight twist of the throttle during cornering or improper throttle control can easily lead to the rider being overwhelmed by the bike’s power.

The cruise control feature on the MT-10.

Yamaha claims that the 998 cc engine on the new MT-10 has been tuned to deliver 6 more horsepower than its predecessor. However, riding on Vietnamese roads may not allow one to fully appreciate this increase, as it’s rare to reach the engine’s peak power output of 11,500 rpm. A racetrack would be the ideal place to truly experience the bike’s capabilities.

More Tech, Higher Price

The new MT-10 is equipped with a maximum speed limiter, a feature that alleviates worries about speeding, a common issue among large-displacement motorcycle enthusiasts.

In addition to the speed limiter, the bike also incorporates a 6-axis IMU sensor, enhancing the functionality of the traction control, engine braking, slide control, and wheelie control systems. Other notable upgrades include Brembo rear calipers, a bi-directional quick shifter, and more.

Along with these upgrades comes a higher price tag. The new Yamaha MT-10 is priced at 499 million VND, a 30 million VND increase compared to its predecessor. Despite the price hike, the Yamaha MT-10 remains more accessible than competitors such as the Honda CB1000R (510 million VND) or the Tuono V4 1100 (680 million VND).

Overall, the MT-10 is a satisfying choice for Yamaha and naked bike enthusiasts, even if it doesn’t significantly outperform its rivals in the 1000 cc motorcycle segment.

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