Spy special: New turbocharged Yamaha MT-10 spotted – and a full-dress BMW R18 bagger, too

● Yamaha’s new 200bhp turbocharged MT-10 spotted in testing

Yamaha are working on a turbocharged version of the MT-10 that could be with us later this year. The Iwata factory have stayed clear of forced induction since the XJ650T bombed back in the mid-80s, but patents revealed last year showed they had plans up their sleeves – and with the Euro5 deadline approaching they’ll have to get to work. Now these photos are the first sign that Yamaha are actively working on a new machine with the technology. Hidden behind the new fairing is a serious amount of pipework, all of which forms the necessary plumbing for the turbocharger. The current machine already produces 155bhp, so a turbo could see the next MT-10 pushing 200bhp – right up there with the latest crop of ultra-powerful super nakeds. To fit it, Yamaha have done some serious work completely redesigning the clutch cover, waterpump and engine cases. They’ve also moved the oil-cooler as well as fitting a smaller, double-stacked radiator, and a deeper sump. The pipework is also wrapped in heatproof tape, while the large fairing seems to be designed to suck as much air into the radiators as possible in an attempt to dissipate the huge amounts of heat generated.

As well as the new lower fairing, some of the models in the test have a tweaked face and screen fitted, with a set of small winglets by the clocks. The lights are much larger, similar to the Tracer, and also feature a set of cornering lights. Given the success of the Tracer models, as well as BMW’s S1000XR, it’s not a huge stretch to imagine Yamaha will replace the MT-10 Touring with a Tracer 1000, as well as bringing us a new, more focused MT10. There are also a couple of smaller features that suggest a more premium model, such as the indicators in the mirrors, and what appear to be a turbo boost gauge by the clocks. The standard LCD dash looks to have remained, however a few models in the Yamaha range (including the MT-10 SP) now have TFT dashes, so it’s possible the finished machine will have one. We contacted Yamaha about the bike but they declined to comment on the machine seen here, however we expect the model to be unveiled at the EICMA motorcycle show in November.

● ‘A turbo could see the next MT-10 pushing 200bhp’

Kawasaki’s H2-SX is going to have a fight on its hands Instant 50bhp increase Fitting a turbo to the MT10’s already fruity motor will give it an extra 50bhp without the need for expensive tuning

Emperor’s new clothes The MT-10 has fallen behind the latest crop of super nakeds, so a power boost from the turbo could be just the trick More than just a restyle The new machine has a larger screen and fairing, which would make it an ideal sports tourer to replace the MT-10 touring