Bike Files: Yamaha MT-07

Yamaha’s feisty middleweight changed the game more than a decade ago

What’s so special about the Yamaha MT-07 then?

The Yamaha MT-07 arrived in 2014 and changed the way we looked at middleweight naked motorcycles.

Until that point, roadsters had always been detuned sportsbikes without the fairings and with lower spec cycle parts (think Honda Hornet, Suzuki Bandit and Yamaha’s own Fazer) but the MT was different because it was built from the ground up as a new model.

The twin-cylinder engine, dubbed CP2 by Yamaha in reference to its crossplane crankshaft and two cylinders, was feisty and the chassis light and flickable. Sure the spec on early examples wasn’t much to write home about but they were enormous fun while being very easy to ride.

Over the years the specification has increased and, almost as a reverse of how things used to be, the MT-07 has donated its platform to a wider range of models including the Tracer 7, Tenere 700 adventure bike, XSR700 retro and R7 sports bike.

What’s the Yamaha MT-07 like to ride?

The appeal of the MT-07 is that it is just so accessible. It’s a great first ‘big’ bike, but that doesn’t mean experienced riders can’t enjoy it too. It is a lot of fun and the simplicity means any biker with a pulse is going to get off an MT-07 with a smile on their face.

Suspension and brakes on early examples were a bit crude but the MT-07 is now on its fourth-generation model. Having seen Yamaha’s success, pretty much every other manufacturer has a competitor model in their range – which has meant Yamaha has had to up their game to stay ahead of the pack.

The latest generation machine is the best yet. The 690cc engine is an evolution of the original. It pumps out 70bhp, just enough for a bit of fun but not too much to be intimidating, and tech includes riding modes and traction control.

From 2025 you’ve also been able to spec your MT-07 with Yamaha’s Y-AMT automatic transmission. That makes it even more accessible, especially to newer riders, and allows for either a fully automated shift or a semi-automatic clutchless gearchange using a handlebar mounted rocker switch.

So what are those competitor bikes you speak of?

Kawasaki’s Z650 was probably the first middleweight parallel twin. It predated the MT-07 but is an older design and heavier machine. Yamaha took the category to a whole new level with the MT and other ground up new designs followed from Aprilia (Tuono 660), Honda (Hornet 750) and Suzuki (GSX-8S). Meanwhile Triumph entered the race with its Trident 660, with a three-cylinder engine rather than a parallel twin.

Is the MT-07 fast?

It is fast enough, that’s for sure.

As we’ve mentioned before, performance is lively without being intimidating but it can still haul. If you need any proof, TT ace Peter Hickman has lapped the Isle of Man TT course at an average of over 120mph on a heavily modified Yamaha R7 (the faired version of the MT-07). That’s fast! 

Does the MT name mean anything?

According to Yamaha, MT stands for ‘Masters of Torque’. It represented a new design philosophy, prioritising torque and drivability over outright power.

It first appeared on the MT-01 of 2005, which mated a sportsbike level chassis with a lumbering 1670cc V-twin engine from one of Yamaha’s Harley-styled cruisers. It was not a success.

Soon after, the original MT-03 was born. That featured a single-cylinder 660cc motor from its XT off-roader and, again, it proved a sales flop.

Fair play to Yamaha for persevering with the concept. They proved to be ahead of the game and found the secret sauce with the MT-07 and the three-cylinder MT-09.

These were ground-up new designs with brilliant motors, light weight and aggressive styling. The range expanded to cover the learner legal MT-125, the A2 friendly new MT-03 (with a 321cc parallel-twin motor) and the bonkers MT-10, which repurposes the four-cylinder R1 superbike engine.

Yamaha’s schtick is ‘The Dark Side of Japan’, which they say represents the edgy spirit of the range, which share aggressive styling cues they say is inspired by Tokyo’s underground motorcycling scene. It’s all a bit cliched, admittedly, but don’t let it put you off. These bikes are all truly class leading. There’s not a bad MT among them.

What else has it got going for it?

Price! The original appeal of the MT-07 was that it offered exceptional performance for not much money. It might not quite be the great value it once was, but it still offers one of the most affordable ways into full-sized motorcycling.

Sounds good, but I want a bit more…

The MT-09 is Yamaha’s one-step-up model, with almost 120bhp available from its 900cc three-cylinder engine. It’s the same basic formula but in a faster and higher-spec package. There’s an SP model too, which is universally considered one of the best bikes you can buy today.

Why should I buy a Yamaha MT-07?

You want a great lightweight machine which is accessible and has enough power to have fun on, without being super expensive or intimidating. Whether you’re looking for your first full sized motorbike or are an experienced rider looking to downsize, the MT-07 will definitely put a smile on your face.