The Yamaha MT-07 roadster has been a storming success since it was released in 2014 thanks to an all-round appealing package of great styling, an incredibly enjoyable engine and a brilliant value price.
There have been some mild revisions along the way since 2014 to improve the overall bike and upgrade the suspension but, overall, little has changed with the 689cc parallel-twin powered motorcycle. The 2021 model doesn’t risk upsetting the legions of MT-07 fans and Yamaha talks of ‘progressive evolution’ – in other words ‘we aren’t going to mess it up!’
A ‘new’ look
From a distance, to the non-core MT-07 fan, spotting a 2021 model at a glance, isn’t going to be easy as the evolution of the outgoing bike has been fairly mild. Most notable is the new LED headlight which echoes that of the bigger Yamaha MT-09, which was revealed last week.
This stripped back design of the front light gives a Y-shaped ‘face’ to the bike and this frontal design works with two newly-designed air ducts either side of the 14-litre fuel tank that direct air into the airbox under the fuel tank. Either side of the LED projector headlight are two daytime running lights that sit under translucent panels.
The styling links to the MT-09 are certainly a bit stronger than they have been previously, but while the MT-09’s new look has raised a few eyebrows; this MT-07 design isn’t quite so different to be alarming.
Updated MT-07 engine – now EU5 compliant
The Yamaha CP2 689cc parallel-twin engine has been a highlight of the MT-07 since it was released in 2014 thanks to friendly manners, a great sound and a 270 degree crank that gives the crossplane concept engine a lot of character.
Euro5 compliance is a big task for some engines to meet, but the modern design of the CP2 motor has ensured it hasn’t needed to go up in capacity to make up for more restrictive emissions and noise controls that sap power.
Yamaha state the 2021 engine delivers a smoother torque curve for with maximum torque of 67Nm produced at 6,500rpm. Maximum power is claimed to be 73bhp at 9,000rpm.
A new electric purge cut valve and lightweight battery ensures easy starts even when the machine has been parked for longer periods. The updated 2021 engine also features new Crystal Graphite Grey engine covers, as well as a new silver-coloured exhaust pipe and new silencer and exhaust protectors.
Bigger brakes, updated handlebars and new dashboard
One of the most important changes to the new MT-07 are larger 298mm diameter front brake discs, which have replaced the outgoing 282mm items. Not only will they increase stopping power but Yamaha claim this has been done with no increase in weight. New Michelin Pilot Road 5 tyres (180/55/17 rear and 120/70/17 front) are the same and those specified on the new Triumph Trident 660, giving a claimed increase wet weather stopping power and control too.
New, wider handlebars are tapered aluminium and give a more upright riding position for increased comfort and, thanks to handlebars that are 32mm wider, more steering control. The seat height of 805mm remains low enough for the vast majority of riders to feel comfortable and to be able to get their feet down when stopped.
A new LCD instrument cluster with areas of colour is similar to that used on the Yamaha Tracer 700 model and for 2021 this means larger readouts of the clock, gear indicator, tripmeters and tachometer too.
Along with the new LED headlight are updated and full LED indicators too.
The new MT-07 will be available in three colours: Storm Fluo, Icon Blue and Tech Black.
Deliveries to European Yamaha dealers will commence from early March 2021 but as yet, no UK price has been set. The current bike has a list price of £6697 which Yamaha is no doubt going to try very hard to stay close to – especially with new rivals like the Triumph Trident 660 recently announced at £7195.
