The MT-10 SP sits at the top of Yamaha's Hyper Naked range - a position it earns not by offering a more powerful engine than the standard MT-10, but by surrounding the same 998cc CP4 with the world's first production Gen-2 Öhlins semi-active suspension, braided brake hoses, a three-piece belly cowl, and an exclusive Icon Performance finish. The question for any buyer is whether those additions justify the premium over an already exceptional base model. This review addresses that question for Australian riders considering both at Procycles, part of the Yamaha Maximum Torque lineup. Quick Spec Snapshot: MT-10 SP vs MT-10 Spec MT-10 SP MT-10 Engine 998cc CP4 crossplane inline-four 998cc CP4 crossplane inline-four Suspension Gen-2 Öhlins semi-active (6 modes) Optimised KYB (fixed settings) Belly cowl 3-piece SP-exclusive Not fitted Brake hoses Braided steel (SP-exclusive) Standard rubber Display 4.2-inch full-colour TFT 4.2-inch full-colour TFT IMU 6-axis 6-axis Brembo master cylinder Yes Yes Cruise control Yes Yes Quick Shift System Yes Yes Colour Icon Performance only Multiple options Wet weight ~214kg ~212kg Seat height 835mm 835mm Note: pricing should be confirmed with Procycles before purchasing, as Australian MRRP is subject to change. What the SP Adds Over the Standard MT-10 The SP upgrade is almost entirely about suspension and finish. Both models share the same CP4 engine output, electronics package, Brembo radial master cylinder, 6-axis IMU, cruise control, variable speed limiter, Quick Shift System, and 4.2-inch TFT display. The SP does not add power - it adds precision and exclusivity. SP-exclusive features: Gen-2 Öhlins electronically controlled suspension with six selectable modes - the defining upgrade 3-piece belly cowl for aerodynamic styling and directing cooling air to the oil cooler Braided steel brake hoses for improved lever feel and fade resistance under sustained hard braking Icon Performance colour - the SP is available in one colourway only, which gives it an unmistakable presence Everything else - including the electronics suite, display, and engine character - is shared with the standard MT-10. Suspension Deep Dive: Gen-2 Öhlins Semi-Active The MT-10 SP is the first production motorcycle in the world to be fitted with Öhlins' Gen-2 electronically controlled spool valve suspension. This is not a marketing claim - it is a genuine engineering first that gives the SP a meaningful technical advantage over any other production naked motorcycle at this price point. The system offers six selectable modes: Mode Type Character A-1 Semi-active Softest auto mode - urban and comfort focus A-2 Semi-active Balanced auto mode - mixed road use A-3 Semi-active Firmest auto mode - spirited riding and track M-1 Manual Softest manual setting M-2 Manual Mid-range manual setting M-3 Manual Firmest manual setting In automatic modes (A-1 through A-3), the system continuously adjusts compression and rebound damping at both ends to suit current riding conditions - braking, acceleration, cornering, and road surface variations all trigger real-time responses from the suspension. The spool valve technology provides a wider range of damping adjustment and faster response than conventional electronically controlled suspension. The practical effect on road riding is noticeable. The SP in A-2 mode on mixed urban and back-road surfaces provides noticeably more composure than the standard MT-10's fixed KYB setup - particularly over sharp-edged bumps mid-corner where the MT-10's suspension requires more active rider input to maintain composure. In A-1 mode for urban commuting, the SP is genuinely comfortable for a bike of this performance level. Manual modes are for riders who want precise electronic control over their specific damping settings - useful for track days where consistent setup matters, or for riders of specific weight who want to dial in their own preference rather than relying on the automatic system. Brakes, Feel, and Wheelie Control The braided steel brake hoses are the SP's second most impactful exclusive upgrade. Braided lines resist expansion under pressure better than standard rubber hoses, providing a firmer, more consistent lever feel - particularly relevant under repeated hard braking where heat build-up causes rubber hoses to expand slightly and introduce sponginess. Paired with the Brembo radial master cylinder (shared with the standard MT-10), the SP's brake setup delivers precise, progressive deceleration with strong initial bite and fine modulation through the stroke. Both the MT-10 and MT-10 SP use the dual 320mm front discs with four-piston radial-mount calipers. The SP's advantage at the lever is the hoses, not the caliper hardware. The 6-axis IMU manages the full electronics suite - traction control, Slide Control (SCS), Lift Control (LIF/wheelie control), Engine Brake Management (EBM), and Brake Control (BC). Wheelie control on the MT-10 SP is a multi-level system adjustable through the TFT display: level 1 provides the least intervention for experienced riders who want to manage front lift themselves; higher levels progressively reduce the window for front-end rise. The system can be turned off entirely. Electronics and Rider Aids Both the MT-10 and MT-10 SP share an identical electronics package managed by the 6-axis IMU. The distinction here is important: the SP's electronics advantage is not in the software suite, but in the suspension hardware that the electronics can now control with greater precision. Yamaha Ride Control (YRC) provides four power modes adjusting throttle response and power delivery character - the same system on both models. The Quick Shift System on both handles clutchless up and down shifts across the rev range. Cruise control operates in fourth gear and above at speeds above 50km/h, using the YCC-T throttle-by-wire system. The Variable Speed Limiter allows a top speed ceiling to be set - useful for maintaining a consistent legal speed on unfamiliar roads. Design, Finish, and Practical Details The three-piece belly cowl is an SP-exclusive that serves both aesthetic and functional purposes. It directs cooling air toward the oil cooler during sustained hard riding and gives the MT-10 SP a more complete, composed visual silhouette compared to the standard model's exposed underbody. The cowl is lightweight and does not add meaningfully to overall weight. The Icon Performance colourway is the SP's visual signature - a finish that references Yamaha's R1M heritage and is available exclusively on this model. There is no colour choice for the MT-10 SP: Icon Performance is the only option, which is either a satisfying statement of purpose or a limiting factor depending on your perspective. The stitched seat and premium finish on the SP feel noticeably more upscale compared to the standard model's seat trim. These are small details that reinforce the premium positioning without affecting function. Road Test Notes: Real-World Usability In urban conditions the MT-10 SP's A-1 suspension mode transforms the riding experience for a bike of this class. The CP4 engine's crossplane character - strong torque from low revs with a distinctive uneven firing sequence - suits city riding well when managed with a light throttle hand. Fuel consumption in mixed urban and back-road riding is typically in the range of 7-8L/100km depending on throttle use. On B-roads and mountain passes, the SP reveals the full benefit of the Öhlins system. A-3 mode firms the chassis for corner commitment while retaining road-surface compliance that the standard MT-10's fixed suspension cannot easily replicate without manual adjustment. Highway riding with cruise control activated reduces fatigue on longer runs. The MT-10 SP is not a touring machine - the riding position is upright but not designed for extended highway hours - but for mixed commuting and weekend riding it covers both roles without major compromises. Comparison Table: MT-10 vs MT-10 SP Feature MT-10 MT-10 SP Engine 998cc CP4 998cc CP4 Power ~122kW (~166hp) ~122kW (~166hp) (same) Front suspension KYB optimised fixed Öhlins Gen-2 semi-active, 6 modes Rear shock KYB Öhlins semi-active Brake hoses Standard rubber Braided steel Belly cowl Not fitted 3-piece SP-exclusive Colour options Multiple Icon Performance only Seat Standard Premium stitched finish TFT display 4.2-inch 4.2-inch Electronics Full IMU suite Full IMU suite (identical) Brembo master cylinder Yes Yes Cruise control Yes Yes QSS Yes Yes Pricing, Value, and Ownership Considerations Australian pricing should be confirmed with Procycles directly before any purchase decision - contact the team at St Peters or Hornsby for current MRRP and availability. The SP commands a meaningful premium over the standard MT-10; whether that premium is justified depends almost entirely on how much the Öhlins suspension matters to you specifically. Running costs between both models are essentially identical - same engine, same service intervals, same consumables. Insurance may vary slightly given the SP's higher purchase price. The ownership case for the SP is strongest for riders who will actually use the suspension modes - track day riders who want precise semi-active control and manual override, experienced road riders who understand suspension setup and want to manage it electronically, and buyers for whom the Icon Performance finish and premium details represent tangible value. Riders who primarily commute and occasionally ride back-roads will find the standard MT-10's fixed KYB setup entirely adequate, and the price difference better spent on accessories. Is the Yamaha MT-10 SP Worth the Upgrade? Short verdict: The MT-10 SP is worth the upgrade for riders who will genuinely exploit the Gen-2 Öhlins semi-active suspension - it is the only meaningful technical advantage over the standard model, and it is a significant one. For all other riders, the standard MT-10 delivers identical engine character, electronics, display, and ergonomics at a lower price. Choose the SP if: You plan track days, want precise electronic suspension control, value the braided hose brake feel improvement, or the Icon Performance finish is a priority. Stay with the standard MT-10 if: Your riding is road-focused without track aspirations, the KYB suspension meets your needs, or the price premium represents a meaningful budget consideration. FAQ Is the MT-10 SP worth the extra cost? For riders who will use the semi-active Öhlins suspension - on track, on technical roads, or for dialling in precise settings - yes. For everyday road riders, the standard MT-10 delivers the same engine, electronics, and ergonomics at a lower price. What is different between the MT-10 and MT-10 SP? The SP adds Gen-2 Öhlins semi-active suspension (6 modes), braided steel brake hoses, a 3-piece belly cowl, and an exclusive Icon Performance colour finish. Everything else - engine, power output, electronics, TFT display, Brembo master cylinder, cruise control, and Quick Shift System - is shared with the standard MT-10. Does the MT-10 SP have more power? No. Both the MT-10 and MT-10 SP use the same 998cc CP4 engine producing the same output. The SP upgrade is suspension and finish, not engine performance. Is the MT-10 SP suitable for everyday road riding? Yes. The A-1 semi-active mode provides a comfortable, compliant ride for urban and mixed-road use. Cruise control, variable speed limiter, and upright ergonomics all contribute to practical daily usability. It is a more capable and comfortable daily machine than the standard MT-10 for riders who will use the suspension modes. Book a Test Ride at Procycles The MT-10 SP is available at Procycles alongside the full Yamaha motorcycle range. Read our Yamaha MT-09 SP review to see how the SP philosophy compares in the 890cc class. Book a test ride to experience both the MT-10 and MT-10 SP back to back. St Peters: 140 Princes Highway, St Peters NSW 2044 - 02 9564 8000 Like you, we live to ride.