Yamaha MT-10 Insurance

The Yamaha MT-10 — previously known as the FZ-10 here in the States — is the flagship of the company’s MT series of “Hyper Naked” machines, including the parallel-twin MT-07 and triple-cylinder MT-09. MT stands for “Master of Torque.” Introduced in 2016, the MT-10 boasts a re-tuned version of the venerable YZF-R1 superbike engine, offering 158 horsepower and 82 pound-feet of torque — good for a quarter-mile time of 10.6 seconds.

Of course, such blistering performance can translate into high insurance rates. While the MT-10 shouldn’t cost as much to insure as a liter-class sportbike like the R1, the rates can be prohibitively expensive if you don’t shop around.

Yamaha MT-10 Insurance Rates

Since rates vary widely between riders and locales, it’s hard to know what you should be paying. In order to give you an idea of what to expect, we collected actual rates from a variety of real MT-10 owners.

• Male, 28, Washington State, Full Coverage, AAA / Progressive: $650 / year
• Male, 32, Indiana, Full Coverage, State Farm: $1344 / year ($1000+ deductible)
• Male, 37, Illinois, Clean Record, Full Coverage, State Farm: $735 / year
• Male, 42, Texas, Clean Record, Full Coverage, Progressive: $495 / year ($500 deductible)
• Male, 43, Texas, Progressive: $350 / year
• Male, 51, California, Clean Record, Full Coverage, Geico: $1300 / year
• Male, 60, California, Clean Record, Full Coverage, State Farm: $1100 / year (Quoted up to $3200 from others.)

As you can see, the rates vary widely. Says one veteran member of the leading FZ/MT-10 forum:

“The rates have many factors involved, which include the number of claims made on a specific model (crash rate, theft, total loss claims), also where you live and how you store your bike, your driving record, and also your credit rating…”

What’s more, different insurers may categorize the bike differently, leading to huge differences in rates, such as the last owner in our survey who was quoted rates 2-3 times higher than his current policy. This only reemphasizes the importance of shopping around before you buy. Fortunately, we can help. Enter your zip code to start comparing rates and policies from powersports insurers in your area.

Yamaha MT-10:  Model History

In North America, the MT-10 began life as the FZ-10, Yamaha’s largest and most powerful “Hyper Naked” motorcycle. Now known as the MT-10 in all markets, the bike boasts a version of the R1’s inline-four tuned for better torque and midrange punch — a direct correlation to street riding — and  an aluminum “Deltabox” frame.

The cutting-edge features continue. The bike has a fly-by-wire throttle, known in Yamaha parlance as Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T), which allows for adjustable engine response, as well as adjustable traction control, cruise control, and a quick-shift system.

Reviews of this liter-class naked sportbike have been positive from the start, largely focusing on the sporting, well-rounded nature of the machine. Says Ultimate Motorcycling of the bike:

“The 2018 Yamaha MT-10 is one of the very best motorcycles available today for real-world sport riders who want massive, all-round performance in an amazingly friendly package…”

And Cycle World has been similarly kind to the MT-10:

“It is rich in character with a unique sound and feel thanks to its crossplane-crank configuration.”

In 2016, Yamaha debuted the MT-10 SP, complete with Öhlins electronic suspension, full-color LCD, and an exclusive livery.

Coverage Recommendation: Yamaha MT-10

While the most affordable option may be liability-only coverage, which only meets the state minimums for coverage, we highly discourage this type of policy. Liability covers only that — your liability for damages to other people and property. It does not cover your bike in the event of a collision, theft, act of God, or other mishap.

If you financed your MT-10 through Yamaha or any other lender, they will require you to carry full coverage, consisting of collision and comprehensive coverage. After all, they want their investment protected. We highly recommend that you consider this policy even if you own your MT outright. If you’re comfortable with a higher deductible, as in $1000-$2000, this could drastically reduce your annual premium for full coverage, while still covering you in the event of a major mishap.

If you shop around, it’s possible to find full coverage that won’t break the bank. Enter your zip code to begin comparing rates and policies in your area.