2021 Yamaha MT-07

The MT-07 continues to give riders what they really need, while nixing things they don’t. It’s raw, it’s fun, and it has a broad appeal.

With an ultraversatile engine, low price point, and nimble handling, the Yamaha MT-07 leaves very little to be desired. It was introduced in 2014 under the FZ name and has been easy to love ever since. Yamaha has hit many of the MT-07′s components with updates for the 2021 model year for what we called “a brilliant job of engineering editing.”

Updates start with making the CP2 engine Euro 5 compliant, and this entails revised ECU specs, a new intake system with shorter intake runners, and a new 2-into-1 exhaust with repositioned catalytic converter, among others. Other powertrain updates include exhaust valve seats with increased heat tolerance and tightened dog spacing on second and third gear. Bigger front brake discs (that are now round rather than wave-rotor shaped) are also new to aid with stronger stopping power. Ergonomics have been revised with the new taller and wider handlebar. The MT also experiences a face-lift with new styling, LED lighting, with a new LCD display and rearranged handlebar cluster.

The MT series is well known for its affordability. The MT-07, of course, represents well with a $7,699 price tag.

The MT-07′s 689cc parallel-twin engine now meets Euro 5 regulations with changes, but what hasn’t changed is its easy-to-ride character. Contributor Steven Anderson wrote: “With relatively short gearing and a torque curve that stays above 40 pound-feet from 3,500 to 8,800 rpm, the MT-07 rockets away from traffic lights. It’s a machine that feels strong anytime 4,000 shows on the tach; a machine that you can ride like a supersport, keeping the rpm high, or relax a little and let the torque pull you along with less engine speed.”

On our in-house dyno the 2021 MT-07 produced 67.02 hp at 8,720 rpm and 46.28 pound-feet of torque at 6,240 rpm.

Anderson further commented: “The MT feels like you can place it anywhere on the road at any time. It’s quick and responsive and agile, a motorcycle that will make any rider feel as if his skills have improved just by hopping on.”

Suspension remains the same as year’s past with a 41mm KYB fork and a link-type KYB shock, the latter of which is adjustable for preload and rebound. Sharp-edged bumps may have you wishing for more sophisticated suspension, Anderson said, but generally it works well.

The brakes have seen some refinements to the front rotor shape and its size. The full package includes a four-piston caliper with 298mm discs (front) and single-piston caliper with a 245mm disc. ABS is standard, though it does not see the upper-spec cornering ABS as seen on its MT-09 sibling.

Yamaha estimates 58 mpg for the middleweight MT-07.

In order to make the middleweight MT comfortable for a range of rider sizes, Yamaha has made the handlebar 32mm wider and 19mm taller. This also contributes to a slightly more upright riding position with an increase in steering leverage. A passenger seat is included, but other comforts like a fly screen or cowl would have to be purchased separately. Cycle World staff measured the seat height at 31.7 inches and a fully fueled wet weight of 407 pounds.

The MT-07 has ABS as standard, LED lighting, and information is located on the multifunction negative LCD display.

Yamaha has a one-year limited factory warranty for the MT.

Look up “most bang for your buck” and you will find the MT series listed. The MT-07 has an easy-to-love engine, agile chassis, and improved brakes for a price that will be approved by the wallet.