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Yamaha MT-07 test - killer fun at a bargain price
The Yamaha MT-07 has been a top seller for years for a reason. I grabbed the strikingly styled naked bike for our first test to find out why it is so popular in freezing temperatures. The surprise was much smaller than expected: it's simply plain.
Yamaha MT-07 test - killer fun at a bargain price
Handling
The low weight (we measured 188kg with a full tank: 91kg at the front, 97kg at the rear) and the active riding position make the MT-07 an agile naked bike with great potential. Alternating curves can be navigated extremely easily with small steering impulses. It also takes fast, long curves very calmly. Only near top speed should you hold the handlebars rather calmly in order to avoid small pendulum movements. The very neutral handling without any pitfalls will certainly make the hearts of the MT-07 drivers beat faster.
Engine/gearbox
The absolute showpiece discipline of the MT-07. The 689 cc parallel twin hangs superbly and 100 percent transparently on the gas. Even the slightest twist of the throttle grip is immediately implemented by the engine without delay. I didn't feel any constant jerking. The very straight pressure (max. 68 NM) is already away from idle. Coupled with the high revving power, the engine is an absolute king of country roads, despite “only” 75 hp. I kept thinking to myself: Why do I actually need more? There is no traction control. It doesn't need to be, the engine never surprises you badly. With grippier rubbers (original Bridgestone Battlax BT023) you can safely turn the tap fully at the corner exit and the MT-07 shoots forward. Great engine. The transmission is also not weak, the gear changes are precise, smooth as butter and the switching distances are neither too short nor too long. The Yamaha guys did it perfectly. Hats off.
Undercarriage
Despite the simple, non-adjustable telescopic fork and the shock absorber, which can only be adjusted in several stages using hooks (in the on-board tool kit), the suspension works solidly. During our test it was a maximum of 10 degrees, which noticeably helped the fork oil. The fork tends to be on the soft side and also deflects strongly when braking. The shock absorber, on the other hand, is a little tighter, but starts to swing a little in alternating curves when moving around on the MT-07. Here you can feel that this is an inexpensive motorcycle. Nevertheless, the chassis - once you have adjusted to it and maintain a rather soft, round driving style - offers enough feedback to drive around corners very ambitiously. There is potential for tuning.
Brakes
The axial brake calipers including the axial brake pump seem a bit old school at first glance, but thanks to the two 282 brake discs at the front, they are anchored very decently. The feedback on the handbrake lever is good to very good. One finger is enough to bring the MT-07 to a safe stop. The ABS, which cannot be switched off, regulates noticeably, but the intervals could be a bit shorter. The ABS on the rear wheel brake works very roughly, the rear wheel even blocks briefly, and the control intervals feel significantly longer than with the front brake. Beginners and those returning to the sport have plenty of reserve, but experienced brakers will find the ABS a little too good.
Noticed
How small the motorcycle is. Despite the seat height of 80.5 centimeters, the motorcycle looks like it has been washed too hot for my 185 centimeters height. The knees are surprisingly close to the wrists. If you want to fold yourself up for maximum slipperiness, your butt is right up against the pillion cushion. Size S. The swing arm design on the right side is very successful. The small exhaust stub produces an acceptable sound and looks cool. The workmanship is very good.
Failed
The speedometer. As beautiful and informative as the fully digital display is, its position in the middle of the handlebars, directly above the fork clamp, requires you to turn your head down to read it. This is impractical and unfortunately a bit unsafe – especially for beginners. But it can be read perfectly when doing a wheelie. What's really bad is the wind protection, which simply doesn't exist. If you want to do motorway and longer day trips beyond 100 km/h, you can't avoid a cockpit window. Unless you have a bull neck like Arnie.
Test verdict:, by a.chaibi
More information about Yamaha MT-07
With kind support from TOTAL Austria
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