Perhaps a model whose debut is obvious to us now, hindsight always being 20/20, Yamaha has just dropped the 2016 Yamaha MT-10 on us at this year’s EICMA show.

The Yamaha MT-10 helps round out Yamaha’s MT brand, with affordable and edgy models available from 125cc all the way up to now 1,000cc.

Without even riding the Yamaha MT-10 we are fairly certain that this street bike, with its Yamaha YZF-R1 race track DNA, is a hoon to ride with its over-abundance of personality – it would have to, with a face like that.

As we mentioned, at the Yamaha MT-10’s core is a the venerable YZF-R1’s cross-plane, inline-four, 999cc engine. This means that the MT-10 also gets some of the R1’s electronics, including a three-level traction control system, three riding modes through Yamaha’s “D-Mode” throttle mapping, as well a slipper clutch

A little something for everyone, long-distance riders will enjoy the addition of cruise control (4th, 5th, and 6th gears only), while canyon carvers will find the short wheelbase as a benefit.

There is no word yet if the 2016 Yamaha MT-10 will come to the USA, potentially supplanting the Yamaha FZ-1 from its perch. Considering how different those two bike demographics are though, we have a hard time seeing it.

Perhaps they’ll live side-by-side to each other, or perhaps US immigration won’t let the MT-10 past quarantine. Time will tell.

Highlights of the 2016 Yamaha MT-10:

Natural and versatile forward leaning riding position

Wide and upright tapered handlebars

Aggressive mass forward body design

Shortest-in-class 1,400mm wheelbase for light and neutral handling

Lightweight aluminium Deltabox main frame with optimized strength/rigidity balance

YZF-R1-derived race-developed suspension with revised settings

320mm dual front discs with radial mount 4-pot calipers with ABS

Lean and athletic mass forward body styling with iconic MT family DNA

17-litre fuel tank

Lightweight 5-spoke cast aluminium wheels

Specially-developed Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport tyres

12v DC outlet as standard equipment, to power Genuine Yamaha heated grips

Newly designed LCD multi function instrument panel

QSS (Quick Shift System) available as an option

Powerful and aggressive mono-focus dual LED headlights

LED position light with newly designed lens

LED turn signals and license plate light

Source: Yamaha Motor Europe

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