When it goes to the US, the Yamaha MT-10 becomes the Yamaha FZ-10. Same 160bhp performance though. And the same, massively ugly, headlamp unit. What's with those bug eyes, Yamaha…?!
Yamaha have released official pics and specs of the 2017 FZ-10, which was first unveiled in Europe (where it's called the MT-10) in November last year. The FZ-10 is the first supernaked from Japan that's ready and willing to take on hard-edged European streetfighters and in terms of its performance intent, is supposedly a notch or two higher than its Japanese rivals like the Kawasaki Z1000 and the Suzuki GSX-S1000.
Like its European cousing, the FZ-10 is powered by Yamaha's R1-derived 998cc inline-four, which pumps out an impressive 160bhp and 111Nm of torque. The engine retains the R1's crossplane crank tech, but has been retuned for improved low- and mid-range torque delivery. It's packed with electronics, including ride-by-wire throttle, adjustable traction control and ABS etc. Its aluminium 'Deltabox' chassis is stiff and light and Yamaha have given it top-spec suspension components – fully adjustable KYB inverted fork and shock – which have been tuned for high-speed handling. The bike rides on 17-inch five-spoke aluminium wheels, shod with 120/70 (front) and 190/55 (rear) Bridgestone Hypersport S20 rubber. The FZ-10 weighs 210kg (wet weight) and delivers close to 13kpl in terms of fuel efficiency.
With its comfortable, upright ergonomics, powerful engine and capable chassis/suspension, the FZ-10 is, for the first time, a real alternative to the rather more brutal streetfighters like the BMW S1000R and the Aprilia Tuono V4R. Yamaha says the FZ-10's styling is futuristic, we think it's just massively ugly. Not aggressive, just ugly. Still, given all its performance and high-tech, it's not a bad deal at all for US$12,999.
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