We tested the Yamaha MT-07: a balanced naked motorcycle for the A2 license that succeeds with the (controversial) aesthetic change

When a motorcycle sells well, it is normal for the corresponding brand to be very interested in keeping the product up to date. In 2021 the Euro5 regulations have arrived and with it a new generation of the Yamaha MT-07, a little before the end of its usual life cycle.

Between the previous generation and the one we bring you today, three years have passed, and perhaps for this reason it is time to speak of an evolution rather than a revolution. The MT-07 has changed a lot on the outside but not so much in essence to continue being one of the most popular bikes on the market. And all without even exceeding the barrier of 7,000 euros.

Yamaha MT-07: institution among the naked media

By now it's hard not to know the Yamaha MT-07. It is a motorcycle that since it landed on the market in 2013 has been postulated as one of the absolute references within the naked socks suitable for the A2 license. Since then it has shown that in Iwata they have done a great job with a motorcycle that is accessible both in terms of price and size and performance, balanced in its operation and aesthetically attractive.

Okay, yes, on paper it's a motorcycle that works, but the arguments of this MT-07 go much further. So much so that it has managed to overcome the barrier of 250,000 units sold in less than 8 years, and monopolizing an overwhelming market share of 38% with respect to its direct competition.

Achieving this in the segment of naked socks for the A2 card with such a polarized offer from all fronts is very complicated. At Yamaha they know it and that is why for this 2021 and taking advantage of the arrival of the Euro5 regulations they have given a twist to one of their most important motorcycles.

The Japanese firm has introduced the third generation of the Yamaha MT-07 after those born in 2013 and 2018. A third evolution that represents a full stop in the aesthetics of the intermediate 'Master of Torque' and a full stop in the mechanical section.

Precisely starting with the aesthetic section, the Yamaha MT-07 has hit a big change. When we saw it for the first time a few months ago, we were shocked by the double corkscrew jump that the MT family has taken, starting with the Yamaha MT-09 and with the MT-07 entering the slipstream. It is true that the previous headlight already needed a change, but for some it may have been too much.

Of course, the new look of the MT-07 is not what we were used to and we doubt if it is a design that would work in person. We took a hard look at the new generation and yes, this new front fairing takes some getting used to, but yes, it's a design that works too. In person, it wins a lot thanks to the fact that its volumes are appreciated, something that is very difficult to capture in photos or videos.

The entire design of the 2021 Yamaha MT-07 revolves around a front fairing with a small LED headlight in the center and two complementary marker lights on each side. The new front end captures all the attention at first glance, but the truth is that the rest of the bike also changes to form a well-integrated whole.

The front mask includes small side pieces painted in the color of the bodywork that unite a set where the fuel tank monopolizes the central weight of the shapes. A tank that has gained volume (maintaining its 14-litre capacity), integrating the air intakes on the sides and gaining muscle while adopting more organic forms.

Then, a fine seat gives way to a minimalist-looking tail, topped by a rear light with a new Y-shape inspired by the logo of the MT saga. In fact, all the lighting has now become full LED, including the turn signals, giving the design a plus of modernity and neatness.

It's a convincing bike in person. The touch of the plastics is solid, the assemblies are good and both the materials themselves and the paint leave a good impression of quality. One of the best in its class in general terms.

Philosophy faithful to the 'Master of Torque'

Putting ourselves behind the controls of the Yamaha MT-07 it's hard not to feel comfortable. Well, comfortable as the one who gets to sit in a known place, because the MT-07 has changed just enough at its controls to be just as welcoming as before.

The height of the seat placed at only 805 mm with respect to the ground allows us to reach the asphalt with both feet with complete peace of mind. Moving it while standing is also easy as it maintains a figure on the scale of 184 kg.

The controls are still the typical ones, with quite compact pineapples and small buttons. Its touch is very good and the image is clean, although for our taste they are too small, especially to handle with winter gloves with which on the one hand you have less touch and on the other are more bulky.

One detail that has changed and that has not yet convinced us is that of the ignition lock. The bowler goes from being located in the tank behind the steering head to being placed in front of the dashboard in a place that, in fact, we cannot control with our eyes.

And speaking of the dashboard, the new Yamaha MT-07 now uses a digital panel that is still monochrome, although with a more refined aesthetic, more modern graphics and a dark look with a black background.

Includes on-board computer with double partial, average and immediate consumption, outside and coolant temperature, apart from the typical time clock, tachometer, speedometer and gear sensor. It also shows the capacity of the tank.

The maturity of TM-07

We hit the road and, as usual, the Yamaha MT-07 starts with a very nice husky exhaust sound and notes of power. It will be a relatively small motorcycle, but one of those that hides an engine that is a small wonder.

And it is that the CP2 engine developed by Yamaha is one of the greatest successes of the Japanese firm. Since it was released in the first MT-07 we have seen it in other models such as the Tracer 700, XSR700 or XTZ700 Ténéré. In all its iterations it has always been characterized by having a more than solvent behavior and in this Euro5 update it was not going to be less.

The internal dimensions of the engine do not change, with a parallel twin of 690 cc (80 x 68.6 mm) that moves thanks to a crossplane crankshaft set at 270º and that is to blame for giving it that characteristic sound and the feel of a V-twin.

It has been modified internally with revised intake ports, a tweaked fuel injection system, low-friction valve actuators, and a new exhaust line (with a large bowl at the front partially obscured by a badge), as well as receiving a new control unit to overcome the Euro5 and a revised gearbox. The figures are very similar to those of the previous model, with 73.4 hp and 67 Nm of torque.

Translated to asphalt, these technical attributes translate into a very pleasant response with plenty of forcefulness for day-to-day driving. It's an extremely docile engine at low revs and one that can drop into revs without coughing.

On the other hand, in the mid-range it is very solvent, with a good dose of torque available to undertake incorporations or overtaking without messing up and with a very usable high area although to tell the truth it has not fully exploded. In any case, it is a good motorcycle for everything, because its great virtue is in its balance.

A good part of this balance is also offered thanks to a cycle part that worked before and has hardly changed in 2021. Why touch it if it was already good?

The frame is the same tubular steel Trellis frame with a cast subframe mated to a conventional KYB 41mm front fork with 130mm of travel and a KYB rear monoshock with spring preload and rebound adjustability. .

These three elements work wonderfully with a set-up that favors comfort in the first half of the ride and stiffens as it compresses. Thus, in the city and on potholes or bumps they digest irregularities quite well, while on the highway they behave precisely without flailing.

It is true that they are far from sporty suspensions, which give way under strong braking and do not provide a touch of line drawing, but their commitment is well achieved, especially if we take into account that the front fork is not adjustable.

As for the brakes, we have mixed feelings. The front end receives a new pair of wider discs, 298 mm (previously 282 mm), bitten by semi-monobloc four-piston axial anchor calipers. Its feel is better than the previous one, with more bite and a lever on which you have to apply less force than on the outgoing model, although its position is very far from the handlebar even in the closest of the five positions it has.

At the rear we also have a new 245mm disc and that works well. What doesn't work so well is the pedal anchor. During the test we noticed a spongy feel on the right pedal and we thought it was from the circuit, but when stopped, when we stepped on it we saw that the entire pedal support and the pump flex, making the feel inaccurate.

Another thing we miss on this model is a slipper clutch. Yes, it must be recognized that the change works directly, with short and almost surgical routes, but it loses a lot of integers when releasing the clutch because the engine generates a lot of retention and tends to hit the rear wheel with some jerk. A slipper clutch would do a whole lot better for a set that works really well, both upshifting and downshifting.

Another change that this new MT-07 incorporates is the modification of the standard tires. Before, I used to ride a Bridgestone BT-23 which is now Michelin Pilot Road 5. There will be those who like them more and those who like them less. It seemed like a change for the better to us because the Japanese tires were a point to improve in their day.

Where there are no changes is in the electronic section. The MT-07 is a simple motorcycle in that regard and continues to rely on equipment that only uses ABS; there is no traction control. The engine pulls very well even on surfaces with little grip and at very cold temperatures, but that extra security provided by traction control never hurts.

Yamaha MT-07: revalidating the candidacy

It would be fun to do the exercise, but we would have to see if blindfolded we would know how to differentiate between whether we are dealing with a 2018 MT-07 and a 2021 MT-07. Yes, there are changes and they are noticeable, but you have to spin too fine to perceive them. Beyond the aesthetics, the sound, the braking or the feel of the engine change, although without marking a notable breaking point. And be careful, because that is also something difficult to achieve.

With all the changes, it must be recognized that Yamaha has done a good job, because by adding equipment between aesthetics, revised engine, catalytic converter, larger discs and other modifications, the MT-07 has gained between 1 and 2 kg (depending on the data that we look at from the brand itself). Engineers have worked to keep weight at bay. Dry weight is estimated at 168 kg.

There is no doubt that the Yamaha MT-07 continues to be one of the favorites for the general public. A motorcycle that as standard is as suitable for the user who has just obtained his A2 license as it is for the experienced motorcyclist who does not want or need fat motorcycles to be happy both on a day-to-day basis and on weekends.

The new Yamaha MT-07 is available in three different colors: Storm Fluo (grey and red), Icon Blue (blue and black) and Tech Black (all black). Of the three combinations, the two most colorful win by a landslide, with a lively and attractive design, while the totally black one left us a little cold, losing much of its personality. Although it is already known that colors are for tastes.

Regarding the price of the MT-07, at Yamaha they continue to bet on keeping it contained and not skyrocketing, preserving that facet of an accessible motorcycle. For this generation, the Yamaha MT-07 costs 6,999 euros (200 euros more than before), so it remains within the average.

Perhaps its most direct rival is the Kawasaki Z650 which now costs 6,599 euros on sale (7,399 euros at a price). A motorcycle that although it is not at the level in terms of engine, dynamics and finishes of this Yamaha, it does have a slipper clutch.

But to tell the truth, the most difficult rival has come out in Europe. The arrival of the Triumph Trident can hit the segment of naked stockings with a more powerful proposal, more solvent at a dynamic level, with more technology and an aesthetic with a lot of British style, yes, notably more expensive, for 7,995 euros.

The market for naked motorcycles for the A2 license is getting (even more) interesting.

Yamaha MT-07 2021 - Rating

Yamaha MT-07 2021 - Technical sheet

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