‘At first all it wanted to do was wheelie everywhere’
“I bought myself a 2014 Fireblade as soon as I gained my full unrestricted licence as I’d always lusted after a proper sportsbike – but despite the fact I loved the bike, I just couldn’t live with its riding position. I was doing trips from Ipswich to Cornwall at the time to visit family and the Fireblade was agony, so much so that I decided to trade it in for an MT-10. “I bought an MT-10 Touring Edition because it came with a few extra creature comforts such as the panniers, taller screen, comfort seat and knuckle guards, making it ideal for longer journeys. But it wasn’t all plain sailing and initially I thought I might have made an error. “Although I loved the MT’s upright riding position and the fact it had loads of power, it was hard work to ride. All it wanted to do was wheelie and when you just wanted to accelerate past cars it was always lifting the front and getting skittish. To be honest it was a right pain and after a while I was getting really frustrated with it, especially as its throttle response was also quite jerky at low speed, and after five months I was all set to trade it in. Then I got it re-mapped by BSD Performance in Peterborough, which absolutely transformed it. “As well as vastly improving the throttle response at low speed, the work they did made it so much easier to ride without ruining the bike’s character and fun factor. And all while still on the original exhaust. It was enough to convince me to keep the bike and now, over 9000 miles later, I absolutely love it. “The MT-10 is a really versatile bike that is as happy on a trackday as it is touring. I’ve taken mine to Snetterton and Cadwell Park and it keeps up with sportsbikes on the straights until over 120mph and aside from its
‘I had my bike re-mapped and now I love it’
brakes feeling a bit lacking, it was hard to fault. And touring is a breeze thanks to its screen and comfortable seat, which make a big difference. I’m planning on taking mine on a trip around Scotland soon. “Although I still have a bit of an itch to own a sportsbike again, it will be hard to give up the MT-10. “Aside from a slightly odd clutch issue and stone-chips on its lights (new units are £700!) it has behaved perfectly and is a great do-it-all with bags of spirit and performance as well as unique looks.”