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Yamaha Updates the MT-09 and MT-10 for 2017

Yamaha’s top naked bikes went through a refresh, and both have been unveiled at the INTERMOT show in Cologne now. They look meaner and come with a bunch of upgrades that make the two faster and more desirable.
2017 Yamaha MT-10 26 photos
Photo: Yamaha
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Starting with the Yamaha MT-09, the most obvious change can be seen at the front, where it now sports a dual symmetric LED headlight looking almost like the one on the bigger MT-10.

The new headlight unit is also as embracing both forks now instead of sitting in the center, while the LCD has been mounted closer to it in order to declutter the upper section and give the bike a more aggressive stance.

Next thing you notice is the very clean tail section, which is now shorter, thanks to a 30 mm shorter subframe and the replacement of the numberplate holder and fender on the swingarm through an aluminum stay.

New 3D-effect taillights adorn the tail, and their double-apex bending creates an M shape when viewed from above. The seat is also 5mm higher than before and was also reshaped to enable the rider to better maintain position during cornering, braking, and accelerating.

Mechanically, the MT-09 was given a new A and S (Assist and Slipper) clutch that engages more solidly when pulling away from a standstill and during hard acceleration. It also requires 20 percent less effort to actuate the lever.

Moreover, a new Quick Shift System (QSS) found its way onto the bike as well as relocated compression and rebound functions to each of the fork tubes. By relocating the two in separate tubes, the flow rate of hydraulic oil can be optimized and help a lot with adjustability and better performance.

The bigger Yamaha MT-10 naked bike gets even better through an Ohlins Electronic Racing Suspension (ERS), Quick Shifter System, revised engine mapping for smoother throttle characteristics and a new Silver Blue Carbon color scheme.

Another novelty on the MT-10 is the Thin Film Transistor (TFT) dash display which uses technology borrowed from the YZF-R1M to give a superior definition in full color. Speaking of which, the rider can choose dark or light backgrounds to see better during day or night.
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Editor's note: Is it me, or the new MT-09 looks like one of those worms in Men in Black? (pic attached in gallery)

 

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