New 2020 Yamaha MT-07 Spied Testing

Spy photos reveal Yamaha is testing out an updated version of the popular MT-07 platform, possibly ahead of a 2020 release.

With Euro 5 emissions standards coming into effect next year, many manufacturers are busy tweaking models to accord with the changes. Yamaha appears to be among those readying for the update. The 689cc, liquid-cooled DOHC MT-07 looks to have a revised exhaust system, with the bent header pipes converging much sooner than on the 2019 model.

The brake rotors also appear to be changed, no longer sporting the slight wave used on the 2019. It’s also apparent that ABS is being considered from these shots, so there’s likely an updated braking package on the way.

You can also see that the shape of the top of the instrument panel is new, so it’s likely to be equipped with an updated display. Could this also mean more electronics options, like traction control or ride modes? It’s not far-fetched to expect some revisions in this regard, considering the lack of such options on the 2019.

It’s hard to say for certain, but underneath all that tape it looks like the headlight design might be new as well.

Much of the rest of the bike seems to be unchanged, with fork, wheels, engine casings and layout all seeming to be carried over from the predecessor.

It might not be a massive upgrade, but the MT-07 is a pretty solid bike as is. With a few tweaks to get emissions up to par and, hopefully, some advancements in the electronics department, this bike will be better than ever in 2020.