First launched in 2014, Yamaha’s crossplane crank, twin-cylinder, MT-07 has been a smash hit.
Following in the tyre tracks of the three-cylinder MT-09, which arrived a year earlier, it has been a Europe-wide best seller due to its affordability, performance, character and broad appeal, almost creating a new class of motorcycle which has included top bikes like the Honda Hornet 750 and Suzuki GSX-8S in recent years.
In an attempt to fight off this hot competition, this year’s fourth-generation version sees the biggest updates yet, including a host of electronics, a new dash and switchgear to complement the introduction of a ride-by-wire system; a more sporty naked attitude and look (in line with last year’s revamped MT-09) and, perhaps most significantly, the option of Yamaha’s Y-AMT semi-automatic transmission.
All of these upgrades add lustre, features, improved handling and a new dimension to what was already a brilliant bike. Raw performance may not have changed much, if at all, but then it arguably didn’t need to. Handling is enhanced though, as are its looks, dash, switchgear and other features. It’s also roomier and classier, and the Y-AMT only broadens its appeal further. It was already the benchmark, but the new MT-07 is most definitely the middleweight roadster all others have to beat.
The MT-07’s ‘CP2’ crossplane parallel twin, with 74bhp and a rich midrange, has been the class leader for a decade and, in this guise, is only updated subtly with a new Y-CCT (Yamaha’s Chip-Controlled Throttle) ride by wire system. This enables updated electronics, optional new features such as a quickshifter and the Y-AMT system, and it allows fueling tweaks to get it through Euro5+.
It also gets subtle gearbox and clutch modifications, but then there wasn’t much wrong with the MT-07 in the first place. Its infectiously fun twin combines class-competitive performance with an invigorating, distinctive, midrange drive which still appeals to both experienced sports riders and lesser experienced ‘newbies’. Instead, the biggest engine upgrade is the new Y-AMT semi-automatic transmission option as first introduced on the MT-09 in 2024.
As before, it works impressively, offers plenty of choices and, on the MT-07, seems more valid than ever. Via bespoke switchgear, you select either fully automatic Drive (D) or the sportier D+ mode and away, ‘twist and go’ style, you go. Better still, if that doesn't appeal, there's also 'Manual' mode (MT) which lets you toggle up and down through the gears via thumb and finger paddles on the left-hand switch pod. It’s easy, fun and effective and, although still maybe not for everyone, surely a sign of what’s to come.
Handling-wise, not only are there new 41mm USD forks, the whole chassis has been improved. The rear monoshock has been refined and the tubular steel frame) revised to make it stronger and more rigid. There’s a new steel swing arm, and even the wheels are new and of the lighter ‘spin-forged’ type first introduced on the MT-09.
The resultant motorcycle is 1kg lighter than before, more rigid and controlled and the whole bike’s posture is sportier but also feels more secure and refined. The modifications make it more of a sporty roadster than ever and add a sheen of class. It no longer feels like a slightly budget model.
The 2025 MT-07’s riding position has been significantly revised (in a similar way to that of the 2024 MT-09) which not only changes the whole bike’s attitude, making it sportier in feel, but also makes it more comfortable and roomier, especially for larger riders.
The handlebars are 22mm lower, 9.3mm further back, with 1.3 degrees more rise and are 9mm wider each side; seat height is unchanged at 805mm but is more accessible for shorter riders by being 25mm narrower the front to reduce the straddle. The footpegs are 10mm lower and the result is sportier but roomier. For this 6’3” (190cm) tester the old MT-07 always felt a bit ‘dinky’. This one doesn’t.
As a naked roadster, the MT-07’s never going to have the long distance or pillion appeal of a faired sports-tourer – Yamaha’s Tracer 7 is available for that. But as ‘a city commuter that’s also capable of sporty Sunday rides’ the new MT-07 certainly delivers. It’s easy to ride, unintimidating, appeals to more mature riders and comes with more accessories than ever (including fly screen and small luggage items). The new Y-AMT option should broaden its appeal to riders of all ages and experience too.
Along with uprated front USD forks and new radial brakes, the 2025 MT-07 also has a host of equipment upgrades including a new, smart 5” TFT dash which is Bluetooth enabled and can also act as satnav if you download the free Garmin Streetcross system. There’s also new switchgear which, on the whole, is a big upgrade, plus a whole range of optional extras including quickshifter, cruise control plus things like luggage, screens and, for the first time, an Akrapovic silencer.
At launch the UK price of the standard version was a very tempting £7700 (EUR9599 in Ireland) on the road, with the Y-AMT version £8050. All the existing reasons for buying an MT-07 remain but this new version adds to that with improved looks; a more sporty attitude; a roomier riding position and more premium feel; better equipment including new forks, brakes, dash and switchgear and it even sounds better, thanks to a new ‘acoustic amplifying system’.
On top of all that, the new MT-07 now also has another ace up its sleeve – Y-AMT transmission. It might not be for everyone, nor is it perfect (it does sometimes change gear not quite when you want or… not) but it is really impressive and, for the first time, it might be the one I would actually buy.
2025 Yamaha MT-07 specification
Price: From £7700 (YAMT £8050)
Engine: 689cc twin, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, liquid cooled
Power: 72.4bhp (54kW) @ 8750rpm
Torque: 68Nm (50lb-ft) @ 6500rpm
Transmission: Six-speed, chain
Frame: Steel diamond
Suspension: (F) 41mm USD telescopic forks, preload adjust (R) preload adjustable single shock.
Wheels: Cast aluminium, (F) 17 x 3.5in/ (R) 17 x 5.5in
Tyres: Dunlop Sportmax (F) 120/70 x 17, (R) 180/55 x 17
Brakes: (F) 2 x 298mm discs, four-piston radial calipers, (R) 245mm disc, single-piston caliper. Cornering ABS
Weight: 183kg (wet) [186kg Y-AMT]
Wheelbase: 1,395mm
Seat height: 805mm
Fuel tank: 14 litres
Fuel consumption: 51mpg (claimed)
Service intervals: 6000 miles/12 months
Warranty: 36 months unlimited mileage
Contact: https://www.yamaha-motor.eu
Words: Phil West
Photos: Yamaha
