The 2020 Yamaha MT-10 is the flagship model of Yamaha’s Hyper Naked street motorcycle segment that includes the new MT-03, MT-07, and the MT-09. As the leader of this self-proclaimed army of darkness, the MT-10 is equipped with the exciting 998cc crossplane inline four-cylinder engine derived from the high-tech R1 superbike. The similarities don’t stop there either.

The MT-10 chassis is designed around the lightweight Deltabox aluminum frame, again similar to the R1, along with fully adjustable 43mm inverted KYB fork and piggyback rear shock. Brakes are equally impressive with standard ABS assisting a pair of radial-mount four-piston calipers gripping large 330mm front rotors. Lightweight alloy wheels and a low-slung exhaust help the MT-10 offer excellent agility in the corners while remaining locked to the road under acceleration. We’ve ridden the MT-10 enough to know that this is a streetfighter that provides an exciting ride no matter where you find yourself.

But it is the look of the MT-series that Yamaha is hoping you will embrace. Sure, the performance is there but it’s the sinister-looking, futuristic stance of the big Hyper Naked that seems to be the appeal. An angular front light pod houses a pair of projector beam headlamps and LED running lights while providing spectators a memorable first impression as it approaches them from the dark seedy underbelly of Anytown, USA.

Yes, it is a bit of play on the streetfighter segment, but you cannot deny that Yamaha is having a great time developing and marketing the MT-10 and its smaller cousins. It is a hooligan bike with the requisite combination of awesome power, nasty looks, and high-tech hardware and software that make this motorcycle such an intriguing option. It ticks all the boxes, has that dreamy crossplane crank howl from its open-class engine, and will be available in two colors for the 2020 model year: Ice Fluo (white) and Matte Raven Black with an MSRP of $12,999.