The MT-10 has long been lauded by the motorcycle press as one of the best high-performance naked road bikes ever created.

As a former editor of MCN, and a motorcycle journalist writing about every new model of motorcycle produced since 1994, I attended the press launch of the bike in Spain in 2016 and wrote for Bike Social: “After a day’s hard riding, the MT-10 is one of the top bikes of 2016 and incredibly hard to argue against. The MT-10 is a howling lunatic of a naked bike. This isn’t just a good bike; this is a great bike.” I stand by that statement today.

But there’s a big change for the MT-10 in 2022. Offering monstrous torque from lowdown the rev range, and a chassis taken straight from the all-conquering Yamaha YZF-R1 superbike, the MT-10 gives riders the kind of handling on the street usually reserved for WSBK Champion Toprak Razgatlioglu.

For 2022 the Yamaha MT-10 just got even sharper with almost brutal-looking, aggressive new styling. There’s a new full colour 4.2-inch TFT dash, a Brembo master cylinder, plus cruise control, a speed limiter, the latest specification 998cc EU5 compliant CP4 motor, new grilles on top of the fuel tank that are tuned air intakes with Acoustic Amplifier Grilles. They emit a deep roar for a true spine-tingling experience under power, and there’s a new lightweight titanium exhaust system.

To make the most of the bike’s 165.9ps, there are new engine and power rider modes to adjust throttle response and engine performance with four riding modes.

To celebrate the 2022 Yamaha MT-10 landing in the UK, we took it for a day’s ride on one of the UK’s most scenic roads – The Trough of Bowland in the Ribble Valley, across the Yorkshire Dales and into Cumbria to the iconic biker’s meet at Devil’s Bridge for a brew and a burger.

It’s nothing short of what a MotoGP bike had a few years ago, and now for the street, on a naked bike for everyone to enjoy.

The chassis, the electronics, and that new Brembo radial master cylinder give you a sense of purpose and safety rarely seen on a road-going 1000cc naked motorcycle.

I’m six-feet four, but the bike instantly fits me, and pulls a crowd at our first stop for a cup of tea at Inch Perfect Trials’ burger van – a regular stop in the area for bikers out for a ride.

We do a few pics and video with the Yamaha video crew and head off into the Trough Of Bowland itself. Well, that was the plan, except I miss the turning and carry on for some 10-miles totally in the zone of the MT-10’s beautiful handling and that torque.

There’s so much drive from the CP4 motor, especially between 4000 and 8000rpm that there aren’t any bikes I’d rather be on today on this road. And what a noise from those tank grilles.

There’s such a natural feeling of control from the ride-by-wire throttle. Just touch the gearshift lever and the up and down quick shift snicks into the next gear. It has bags of character from that off-beat CP4 engine, but all seems ridiculously easy to ride too. Just dial in more or less power and electronic help depending on which mode you choose.

I finally realise my navigational mistake, and head back to the Trough of Bowland where we’d arranged to meet for some more pictures and video. The start of the Trough is narrow, but a real spectacle.

It reaches a heady 968 feet above sea level in an area of outstanding natural beauty, and heads up from Dunsop Bridge to Marshaw, over some 45 miles, eventually leading into the city of Lancashire.

But we miss the city today and head towards the infamous Devil’s Bridge meeting spot at Kirkby Lonsdale for a burger and a well-earned cup of tea.

The road is bumpy and narrow in places and then opens to faster, more flowing MT-10 roads up near Quernmore where the bike can stretch its abilities a little.

The seaside town of Morecambe is hazy in the distance as we climb to the highest point of the ride before heading back down to Kirkby Lonsdale on the A683. Of course, it’s the home of the most successful Isle of Man TT rider in history – John McGuinness. It makes me think that he must have grown up honing his craft on these incredible roads.

Immediately, as I park at Devil’s Bridge among a crowd of some 30 bikes (there’s more like 300 bikes here at the weekends) the MT-10 draws a lot of admiring glances and comments: “Is that a special paintjob you’ve had done on the wheels, mate?”

I explain that it’s the standard 2022 Cyan Storm colour scheme complete with the flash of colour on the rear wheel that really make it stand out.

We stay at Devil’s Bridge for a couple of hours chatting to a load of motorcyclists from all over Cumbria, Lancashire, The Lake District and Yorkshire.

We share stories about the roads we’ve come on, what the best routes are, and admire each other’s bikes while eating the best burger I’ve had in years!

But, I feel like I’ve won the prize today; it’s 21-degrees Celsius and I have the MT-10 to take back to Clitheroe all by myself.

Learning to ride a motorcycle is one of the most exciting experiences and is something every rider remembers. Once you’ve passed your test, it’s time to look for your first ‘big bike’ and for those in the A2 category, even though your licence is restricted, your choice of Yamaha is far from limited. 

Whether you want the sports bike experience or to ride off-road on a proper adventure machine, or you want something to tackle the urban commute, with Yamaha, we’ve got you covered. 

MT-03 Muscular styling. Built to thrill. Zero gimmicks. The first of our A2-friendly Hyper Naked machines, the MT-03 is the perfect first ‘big bike’ to conquer the streets.  

With an aggressive yet upright riding stance, you’ll have a commanding view of the journey ahead. Twist the throttle and you’ll tap into the MT-03’s torque-rich 321cc two-cylinder engine, lightweight agility and premium technology including 37mm upside-down front forks, LED headlight and LCD display. 

Built to the same quality finish as our other top-selling MT models, the MT-03 is a Hyper Naked that will excite and deliver every single day. 

Discover new limits. Enter R-World with the R3. 

XMAX 300 Tech MAX 
Bring style, practicality, and a premium range of features to your urban riding with the XMAX 300 Tech MAX. Inspired by the range-topping TMAX, our A2-friendly scooter option makes no compromise on finish or ride quality.  

With a 300xx Blue Core engine, motorcycle-type front forks, a 15-inch front wheel and a 14-inch rear wheel and disc brakes supported by ABS and traction control (TCS), the XMAX Tech MAX handles as well as it looks.  

The special dual leather padded seat puts you in a commanding riding position, while the aluminium footrests and keyless ignition system add premium touches that make this scooter a class leader. Add a 12V power outlet and enough space under the seat to store two full-face helmets, and you have a premium practical machine that can keep you moving and connected. 

MT-07 
With over 125,000 bikes sold since it was launched back in 2014, the MT-07 remains the number one bike in the Hyper Naked class. An outstanding all-rounder, powered by its torque-rich 689cc CP2 engine and housed within a responsive and agile chassis, the MT-07 will excite and inspire you through your A2 journey and beyond.   

With a new face for 2022, the MT-07 has leaner and sharper bodywork with twin air intakes, plus a compact LED headlight flanked by daytime running lights for that signature MT look. Large 298mm dual front discs give you optimum feel under braking, while LED indicators and an inverted LCD display add those premium touches you expect from a Yamaha Hyper Naked.  

Fun, lean and capable of handling any situation, it's impossible not to love the MT-07 which is why it remains one of Yamaha’s top-selling models. 

XSR700 
Take the performance and premium finish of the MT-07, add true Yamaha Sport Heritage, and you have the XSR700. 

Timeless looks and stacked with character, the XSR700 is powered by the much-loved 689cc CP2 engine which produces a throaty growl through its reshaped exhaust for 2022. Up front, the signature XSR LED headlight combines the latest technology with heritage style, plus, the inverted LCD dash displays essential rider information through a round minimalist design. 

Throw in other modern conveniences such as ABS, incredible fuel efficiency, an ergonomically friendly rider and pillion experience, and you have a sport heritage motorcycle with the substance to match the style. 

Ténéré 700 
Take your A2 riding experience literally anywhere with the Ténéré 700. Among our A2-friendly lineup is our go-anywhere class-leading adventure machine.  

Ready to tackle every road, dirt track, or sand dune, the Ténéré 700 is built seriously tough, powered by a high-torque 689cc two-cylinder engine equipped with optimised transmission to give you the perfect drive of power and control under any road conditions. 

With a lightweight double cradle tubular steel frame, long adjustable 43mm upside-down forks, and a slim compact body and seat, you’ll quickly realise why so many world travellers choose the Ténéré 700 as their adventure bike of choice.  

See the path ahead with the help of powerful 4-LED headlights and navigate tight situations with the wide tapered bars, a rally cockpit and adventure tyres. With switchable ABS, a protective screen, hard guards and a multi-function display, the Ténéré 700 packs a serious off-road punch in our A2 lineup. 

Take your A2 journey onto the next horizon. 

TRACER 7 
Conquer the open road in style and comfort, with the TRACER 7. Not the lightest sports tourer in the class, but an excellent everyday all-rounder, the TRACER 7 balances performance, practicality, and incredible long-range possibilities to our A2-friendly range of machines. 

Powered by a torque-rich CP2 engine combined with a 17-litre fuel tank, our middleweight sports tourer is easily capable of carrying rider, pillion and luggage over many miles. 

Adjust the front screen to suit your riding style and see the road ahead with twin LED projector headlamps. Add a multi-function display and adjustable front and rear suspension, plus a range of optional accessories such as comfort seating, luggage and heated grips, the TRACER 7 will take you through your A2 license and beyond. 

This season promises to be another belter with edge-of-the-seat action predicted across all racing series, so, here are five reasons you need to watch racing this year! 

The action is spectacular 
If you need a buzz, motorcycle racing will certainly deliver. Its bar-to-bar, elbow-bashing action will get your heart racing as 30 of the fastest racers in their selective championships all battle for glory leaving nothing on the line.   

In 2022, the racing was a perfect example of what it has to offer, with action closer than ever in MotoGP, World Superbike and here in the UK with the Bennetts British Superbike Championship.  

The McAMS Yamaha duo battled to the line at Brands Hatch and was split by a mere 0.034 seconds, which when you consider it takes between 0.1 and 0.4 seconds to blink, is mind-blowing! There were also close finishes and dare-devilish action at Thruxton, and it’s certainly set to continue as 2023 begins. 

Get ever closer to the riders 
The Bennetts British Superbike Championship and the World Superbike Championship have never been better for the fans. Open paddocks give the perfect opportunity to get up close to the riders. Whether that’s at organised signing events, on the packed pit lane walk, or if you’re lucky enough to catch them between their sessions. Either way, you’re going to see your favourite rider to grab a quick photo with. 

But it’s not just in the paddock where you can get up close. Some circuits offer some spectacular spectator banks to get you closer to the action than ever. A personal favourite of ours is at the bottom of Pilgrim’s Drop at Brands Hatch as the riders peal into the ridiculously fast Hawthorn bend. Standing on the inside makes you feel a part of the bar-to-bar action. 

The atmosphere is amazing
If you’ve ever been to a sports event, you know the atmosphere makes up 75% of the event – and that’s no different in motorcycle racing. 

The passionate fans surrounding some of the greatest circuits in the world, watching with bated breath as they await what will happen next. And when it does, you know about it as fans anxiously shout at the big screen trackside.  

It delivers something that watching on television doesn’t capture.  

The raw emotion of watching 30 200+hp Superbikes racing passed you. The noise, the smell, and the adrenaline you witness trackside are seriously unmatched.  

It's a great weekend out
Motorcycle racing is perfect for the family. If the weather’s right, a bank holiday weekend trip to Oulton or Cadwell Park can be really enjoyable. There’s always lots on, whether that’s on track or off it, and there’s always something for fans of all ages.  

There are plenty of stalls to sink your teeth into and pick up a souvenir or a bit of team merch on the way and the three-days track side gives you plenty of opportunities to walk around and take it all in. 

We guarantee after your first motorcycle race, you won’t be able to stay away!  

Perfect opportunity to meet like-minded people
If all of your mates are heading to Wembley for the FA cup final to watch the Football, but you’d much rather go and stand trackside at your favourite motorcycling event – there’s plenty of opportunities to meet people racing and the motorcycle community is certainly a friendly bunch!  

Where’s better to meet new people who share the same passion for the sport than at a race event? You surround yourself with people of all ages and very quickly get talking to people and before you know it, you’ve made a new friend or gained a new contact for the future.  

So, if you’re planning your 2023 trips, make sure to put down a motorcycle event. 

If you’re interested in learning more about what race events we have coming up this year, make sure to give our 2023 race calendar a quick read. 

Check your bike’s condition – tyres, rust, nut/bolt check
As the winter approached, many bikers across the UK put the cover over their bikes and lock them in the garage until warmer days come back around. But as we approach the end of winter in late March, motorcyclists will begin preparing for the season ahead, but not everyone gives everything a thorough check. 

As your bike stands, several things can degrade. Tyre pressure is one of the first things to check when preparing your motorcycle for the rides ahead. Starting your way from the bottom and working your way up means you’re going to cover everything you need to cover and ensure your bike is fit for the road. 

Tyre pressures vary, however, the average pressure for motorcycles is typically recommended between 30 and 50 psi. Check your Owners Manual for detailed information. And while there’s nothing easier than checking tyre pressures, there are a few things you need to make sure of. Use a reliable pressure gauge with the correct measurement for an accurate reading, make sure you fully screw the gauge onto the valve and make sure to top up the pressure if needed. 

It's not only tyre pressures you need to check. Make sure your tyres are legal. UK law demands a minimum tread depth of 1mm across ¾ of the tread pattern with visible tread on the remaining ¼ for bikes over 50cc. There should be no lumps, bumps or cracks in the tyre. 

While you’re at the bottom of the bike, check over any pipes, brake lines or wiring for any splits, cracks, or abrasions before working your way up. Make sure your brake pads have enough meat on them, the minimum legal limit is around 1.5mm. Also, give your brake disc a check-over. Make sure there are no cracks and that it hasn’t warped.  

It’s also vital to ensure your nuts and bolts are in top condition and tightened. There’s no harm in grabbing a spanner or a rachet and socket and going over each nut and bolt to confirm they’re correctly secured and tightened to the correct torque settings, which can be found in your motorcycle’s handbook. If you need to grease a few bolts with either standard grease or metal grease, now is a good time to do that too. Make sure the spindle, brake calliper bolts and fork yoke bolts are nice and tight too. While you’re at the forks, make sure there’s no fluid seeping from the fork seals too. 

Over at the rear of the bike, make sure your rear brake reservoir, usually found just above the rear brake pedal is between the minimum and maximum levels, and that the braking system functions as it should.  

Before moving up to the engine, make certain the chain is safe and not too slack or too tight. If the chain is too slack, it can jump off the sprocket, too tight and it can snap. Also, make sure your sprockets are in order and the teeth are nice and sharp to avoid the chain slipping. 

Check your fuel, oil and coolant
So everything is ready to go towards the bottom of the bike, and now it’s time to make sure the engine itself is ready to go. Some bikers drain the fuel, coolant, and oil out of their motorcycles before storing them. So, it’s vital to check your fluids to avoid any serious mechanical complications.  

Make sure there’s fuel in the tank, and that it hasn’t gone off. If needed, drop a bit of fuel in to help with your pre-ride checks before taking a trip to the petrol station. While you’re at the fuel tank, check for any corrosion, splits or cracks while also checking all your fuel lines and any pipework in and around the fuel tank. 

Moving on to the oil. A glance in the owner’s manual will confirm the oil level grade needed, and using the spyglass, or the dipstick, check how much oil is in the motorcycle and top up accordingly. If you’re putting oil back in the bike for the first time, fill it between the minimum and maximum marks before running the bike up allowing the oil to be transported around the engine. Once the oil has settled after turning the engine off and leaving the bike for a few minutes, top up accordingly.  

Finally, make sure your cooling system is topped up. Using either water or specialist coolant, make sure the levels are correct and all piping and fasteners are in top order. 

Make sure you’re noticed on the road
A quick check of lights, indicators and the horn is vital. As we approach summer, the nights are still drawing in early, and with it still being dark on your commute home, you must be both seen and heard when needed.

Make sure your headlights are visible, all indicators are functional, and your horn operates as it should. 

Wear the right gear!
There’s nothing worse than riding with cold hands, or feet, so checking your riding gear condition before throwing your leg over your bike is vital. Make sure your leathers have no tears which expose your skin, and that your gloves and boots are in a safe condition. 

Take it steady
It’s still cold, damp and very sketchy outside. Take your time getting back on the road. Don’t turn off your driveway and think you’re the next Valentino Rossi. Make sure to read the road safely, making the most of your lane and leaving a safe distance between the vehicle ahead and your motorcycle. 

Give yourself an extra few seconds at junctions and ride sensibly. 

We hope we’ve given you a few handy tips to get back on two wheels safely. Remember, if you’re unsure of anything and want to get your bike looked over by a professional, give one of our trust dealers a call. You can use our handy dealer locater to find your closest.  

Adventure rider Nick Sanders MBE is a prolific world traveller who has circumnavigated the globe by motorcycle eight times, successfully completing his most recent round-the-world attempt in June 2022 on board his Yamaha Ténéré 700. 

Fresh off the back of cycling 6,000km from Nordkapp in Norway to Tarifa in Spain on our Wabash RT eBike, Nick has announced a series of exclusive screenings of his new feature film, The Final Ride, for 2023. 

Shown only at select Yamaha dealers across the UK, this new 80-minute feature film will explore the strange reality of a person motorcycling around the world, with his beloved 2019 Yamaha Ténéré 700 at the heart of the story. 

“You see, 99% of a journey like this is ridden alone. It’s just you and the bike. This film is an observation of someone spending months riding solo, unsupported, far away from home.”, Nick says. 

The Final Ride is a must-see glimpse into the world of an experienced adventure bike rider who has clocked over one million kilometers across the globe and set several Guinness World Records. “Things do crop up on journeys like this. For example, I didn’t know how to handle a bike in the sand, but I learnt how to tip the bike over and wiggle it free. For a lot of people, this would have been a problem but when you’re on your own with no one around to help you, you just deal with it.” 

It’s also worth knowing that everything you’ll see in The Final Ride has been captured and edited by Nick alone, resulting in a truly authentic film about the gritty realities of circumnavigating the globe onboard two wheels. 

You won’t be able to see The Final Ride online for at least 12 months, so be sure to book your place for a fantastic evening of exclusive motorcycling cinema, plus chats and a Q&A session with the man himself. 

Ticket information is available at select Yamaha dealers listed on Nick’s (below) which will have more screening dates coming soon. If you have specific questions about the tour, please contact Nick directly at nick@nicksanders.com.  

Find out more: 
https://www.nicksanders.com/yamaha-cinema-tour

As part of BIKE Magazine’s latest group test celebrating the best-selling bikes of 2022 in the UK, the team led by John Westlake put our very own MT-07 through its paces to see how it performed against some very strong competition.

With over 160,000 bikes sold, the MT-07 has held the number-one spot in the class since it was launched in 2014. With a torque-rich 690cc CP2 engine, a compact agile chassis and a huge amount of character, it’s no surprise that our middleweight Hyper Naked made it into this BIKE feature! 

“‘I love this,’ Dom from BIKE said after a frantic ride down the B660. ‘The engine so revvy and eager.” 

“The MT-07’s perfectly judged ratios get you off the line almost as fast as the bigger bikes in the test, despite having half the power. Then, with the wind whistling past your ears, the suspension shimmying, and the howl of the parallel twin doing the rest: you can’t help but feel like you’re a TT hero piloting a Supertwin round the Isle of Man.” 

With its wide bars, assertive riding position and powerful dual 298mm front brake discs, the MT-07 is right at home on winding roads. 

“The MT scampers down the B-road section of our test route, fidgeting as it skims over bumps before darting into corners with a nudge on the bars. Like the best naked bikes, it’s exciting without being unstable and continually entices you to behave badly.” 

“‘The MT turns in beautifully too,’ said Dom. ‘I found I was getting the ’pegs down occasionally, which certainly isn’t normal for me on a late autumn/early winter day.” 

When it comes to the quality of the finish, the MT-07 stood out from the competition, despite some machines costing almost double the price of the MT. “‘I think it looks great,’ says Dom. ‘I don’t think it looks budget in any way at all. The swingarm looks proper and the turquoise wheels look great.  

Now it’s worth mentioning that the model BIKE used for this test was the 2022 edition of the MT-07, which has since undergone a big development for 2023 introducing a new 5-inch colour TFT display with switchable Street and Touring themes. It also includes full smartphone connectivity displaying text and call notifications to keep the rider connected while out on the road for an even more refined riding experience. 

But for now, what were BIKE’s final words after testing the best-selling bikes of 2022? 

“On our day on the B-roads, the MT-07 was the one we wanted to ride most, the one we did terrible wheelies on, and the one we checked used prices for when we got home. It’s ace.” 

Discover the MT-07: 
https://www.yamaha-motor.eu/gb/en/products/motorcycles/hyper-naked/mt-07-2022/