The MT-10 SP is a compact, powerful, sophisticated machine that sits at the top of Yamaha?s Hyper Naked range. (Photos by Joseph Agustin)

Gracing the cover of Rider?s October 2022 issue was the Yamaha MT-10, a thrilling naked sportbike based on the YZF-R1. I had the privilege of riding the MT-10 at the press launch in North Carolina, and afterward, Yamaha loaned us an accessorized version for further testing (we?ll have a report in a future issue).

Related: 2022 Yamaha MT-10 | Video Review

Yamaha also offers an up-spec version called the MT-10 SP. Priced at $17,199 ? a $3,000 premium over the standard model ? the SP features Öhlins semi-active suspension, steel-braided front brake lines, a polished aluminum swingarm, a YZF-R1M-inspired Liquid Metal/Raven colorway with blue wheels, and a color-matched lower fairing.
The Yamaha MT-10 SP Goes for the Gold

The Öhlins NIX30-SV fork has the company?s signature gold fork tubes and titanium-nitride low-friction coating on the stanchions. Damping is controlled electronically in automatic and manual modes.

The MT-10 SP is the first production motorcycle to be equipped with the Öhlins NIX30-SV fork and TTX36-SV rear shock. The ?SV? stands for ?spool valve,? a new damping technology that Öhlins claims improves rider comfort ? not typically something high-performance sportbikes are known for.

According to the Swedish makers of those coveted yellow and gold suspension components, ?unlike a traditional needle valve...