Strengths & weaknesses: Yamaha MT-07 experiences

What makes the MT-07 so special? The community speaks!

The Yamaha MT-07 has proven to be a popular naked bike from hour one. But what speaks in its favor and where does it fall short? The 1000PS community shared their experiences with us.

by Der Horvath on 26/05/2024

"Leave us your experiences in the comments" is not a meaningless sentence that we put at the end of a 1000PS video. No one can give a deeper insight into the nature of a motorcycle than its owner. That's why your comments are so valuable. We've combed through the comments of numerous Yamaha MT-07 videos to collect your experiences here in this report.

About the Yamaha MT-07

The Yamaha MT-07, also known as the "Master of Torque," was first introduced in 2014 and has quickly established itself as one of the most popular models in the middleweight class. The MT-07 is known for its agile handling, user-friendly nature, and powerful, high-torque engine. At the heart of the machine is the CP2 engine, a 689cc twin-cylinder in-line engine prized for its smooth power delivery and reliability. Originally developed as part of Yamaha's "MT" range, which aims to provide a dynamic riding experience, the MT-07 has received continuous updates and improvements. These include optimizations in ergonomics, the addition of modern electronics, and improvements to the suspension and chassis. With its combination of performance, affordability, and riding enjoyment, the Yamaha MT-07 has gained a loyal following and remains a best-seller in the naked bike segment.

You can find our tests of the MT-07 here: Yamaha MT-07 reviews on 1000PS.

Yamaha MT-07 Strengths

Based on your comments under the YouTube videos, the strengths of the Yamaha MT-07 are as follows:

Response:

Engine and performance: The CP2 engine is frequently lauded. It is powerful and provides a lot of riding fun, both on country roads and highways. The engine is robust, agile, and responsive, making the MT-07 very competitive in its class. * Handling and agility:** Many users emphasize how easy and pleasant the MT-07 is to ride. It is light and agile, which makes it very manageable, especially in tight bends and in city traffic. These characteristics also make it ideal for beginners. * Price-performance ratio:** The MT-07 is often described as an affordable motorcycle that offers high performance and good equipment despite its comparatively low price. This makes it an attractive choice for many buyers. * Versatility:** The MT-07 is described as very versatile, suitable for different riding styles and conditions. It is well suited for both daily use and longer tours. The low fuel consumption and comfort for the pillion rider are also mentioned positively. Sound: The sound of the MT-07, especially with an aftermarket exhaust system such as Akrapovic, is often praised. The sound is described as powerful and addictive, which makes the riding experience even more enjoyable. You can find a sound video here: Yamaha MT-07 Akrapovic Sound.

Exhaust systems - such as those from Akrapovic - are popular conversion measures.

Yamaha MT-07 weaknesses

Based on your comments under the YouTube videos, the weaknesses of the Yamaha MT-07 are as follows:

Response:

  • Suspension: The suspension is often criticized for being too soft. Some users report that it feels unstable at high speeds or with an aggressive riding style and is not optimally tuned to the road. The lack of an upside-down fork is particularly criticized, as this should be standard in this price range by now.
  • Ergonomics and comfort: Taller riders often find the riding position uncomfortable. People over 1.80 m in particular complain about a slouched riding position and the resulting back pain. The upholstery of the seat is also described as inadequate, especially for longer journeys.
  • Equipment and features: The lack of modern driver assistance systems such as traction control and lean angle-dependent ABS is seen as a disadvantage. These features are already available on many competitors and are missing on the Yamaha MT-07.
  • Optics: The design of the Yamaha MT-07 is highly polarizing. Many users find the design, especially the front mask, unattractive or badly aged. This can put off potential buyers who value a modern and appealing design.
  • Price-performance ratio: Although the Yamaha MT-07 is considered affordable, there are those who criticize the price-performance ratio compared to other current models. The higher price for the 2023 model is not always felt to be justified, especially when you consider the lack of modern features and the chassis.

You can find current offers for the bike here: Yamaha MT-07 price.

Although now available with a TFT display, the MT-07 is still purist when it comes to driver assistance systems.

Yamaha MT-07 problems

The MT-07 is not exactly known for problems, but some owners are bothered by two points:

Response:

  • There have been repeated complaints about problems with the fuel gauge, which is unreliable or inaccurate. This can lead to uncertainty while driving. ** Lighting: The illumination of the front lights is described as insufficient on halogen models, which can be particularly problematic when driving at night. Some users mention that they have to drive with the high beam in order to have adequate visibility.
Early models with halogen lighting are not known for their light output.

Conclusion: The strengths and weaknesses of the Yamaha MT-07

The Yamaha MT-07 impresses with its powerful engine, manageability, and excellent price-performance ratio, making it attractive to both beginners and experienced riders. Its sound, especially with the aftermarket exhaust, is also praised. However, there is criticism of its soft chassis, ergonomics for taller riders, and the lack of modern riding assistance systems such as traction control. The reliability of the fuel gauge and lighting is also criticized. Despite these weaknesses, the MT-07 remains a fun and versatile motorcycle that still has room for improvement in some technical areas.