Would you get a Yamaha MT-turbo over a Z H2?

Yamaha files patent for MT-based turbo naked

Ever since Kawasaki first unveiled the supercharged H2, its competitors have been rushing to develop a turbocharged or supercharged bike to compete against it. While there have been many rumors from Honda, it seems Yamaha is actually closer to a production model.

Just recently, Italian site, Motociclismo has revealed patents and photographs that show a new turbo Yamaha model in development. The site says it’s using the 847cc three-cylinder engine of the MT-09.

To accommodate the addition of a turbo and intercooler, however, the engine has been fitted into the frame of an MT-10. Besides the leaked photos, there are also blueprints that show how the turbo and intercooler will be mounted.

The site says the new engine is capable of producing 182.4 Ps at 8,500 rpm and 176 Nm of torque. 90% of that torque comes as early as 3,000 rpm. It’s no coincidence then that Yamaha has chosen the MT platform as it stands for Master of Torque. Yamaha has tuned the turbo to provide more boost on the lower end of the powerband, providing more torque sooner and improving acceleration.

Besides the turbo, the new engine is also making use of variable valve timing and direct injection. These two innovations will constantly adjust themselves throughout the rev range to ensure clean and complete combustions, not only making the MT-turbo more powerful but also resulting in cleaner emissions.

Of course, it’s still too soon if this new MT will be out any time soon. For now, it appears to be a mule and may still change in shape and form once closer to production. Nonetheless, it’s very likely it will be a naked bike and hopefully carry the MT name as Yamaha’s supersport bikes use different platforms.

Should Kawasaki and the Z H2 be worried?