Yamaha MT-07 Review
Posted: 17 Jul 2015, 17:29
Well i managed to get an hour on one today and after my disappointment with the MT-09 i really didn’t know what to expect tbh.
The MT-07 was fairly high on my list as a bike replacement based on price, reviews and looks, but you can never truly judge a bike until you have ridden it.
Early impressions while first sitting on the bike were good as its a lot lighter than the MT-09 and also a little lower. The bars are much much better positioned and switchgear is the same as the MT-09 so it gets the same irritating close horn button to the indicators. To be honest it fits my tall frame well. The biggest ergonomic change is the tank shape is far better and you can lean off easily when required. I was pleased to see i got an ABS model too, which is what i would have.
Anyway it rained as soon as i set out so i went carefully, pottering around looking for dryer roads. Its very easy to ride, fuelling is very very good for a twin and you can ride around in traffic in 3rd all day without problem. Impressive start but slippy conditions.
15 mins in and ive adjusted reach of everything to my liking and sorted out a favourite seating position, its small but roomy so you can sit right back, which i like. Then some dry roads, so time to up the pace.
The engine doesn’t have any different maps and really doesn’t need it. Drop a cog and pull it wide open in second - wheelie!! For a 600 odd cc twin its suprisingly torquey and very easy to control - don’t like to wheelie? Lean forward. Want to wheelie? Lean back
It inspired confidence from the off and once the dry roads appeared it really shines and for once the reviewers are right - its brilliant. you can wring its neck and still keep it in control - suspension on the front needs a bit more damping but it should be enough with some adjustment, back seemed ok based on my limited skills but it never feels what it actually costs - this thing is an absolute bargain compared to other rivals. Quality is very good and the only thing i can find wrong with it is the horn button is too close to the indicators.
100 mph was not a problem in 3rd (on my private racetrack) and very quick to get there. Its clearly low geared but its light too so on the twisties is excellent. All you need do while filtering is dip your shoulder and your round the car - very responsive. Its a fantastic commuter bike - every day would be a GP.
Its gone to the top of the list. I cant ignore the fun and quality for the price. It needs a small screen and maybe the akra exhaust - its not bad, but a bit louder would be perfect.
Biggest issue is getting one - Yamaha UK have run out and the place i tested it in have one new one and a demo. There is more stock in france and they are cheaper there so thats where one will get bought unless my other tests beat it. Tough act to beat. I can get one in France with ABS for the equivalent of £4800 - brand new. £1000 less than the UK and its still a bargain here.
Highly recommended.
You wouldn’t believe that one company can make two bikes so different in the same series....
The MT-07 was fairly high on my list as a bike replacement based on price, reviews and looks, but you can never truly judge a bike until you have ridden it.
Early impressions while first sitting on the bike were good as its a lot lighter than the MT-09 and also a little lower. The bars are much much better positioned and switchgear is the same as the MT-09 so it gets the same irritating close horn button to the indicators. To be honest it fits my tall frame well. The biggest ergonomic change is the tank shape is far better and you can lean off easily when required. I was pleased to see i got an ABS model too, which is what i would have.
Anyway it rained as soon as i set out so i went carefully, pottering around looking for dryer roads. Its very easy to ride, fuelling is very very good for a twin and you can ride around in traffic in 3rd all day without problem. Impressive start but slippy conditions.
15 mins in and ive adjusted reach of everything to my liking and sorted out a favourite seating position, its small but roomy so you can sit right back, which i like. Then some dry roads, so time to up the pace.
The engine doesn’t have any different maps and really doesn’t need it. Drop a cog and pull it wide open in second - wheelie!! For a 600 odd cc twin its suprisingly torquey and very easy to control - don’t like to wheelie? Lean forward. Want to wheelie? Lean back
It inspired confidence from the off and once the dry roads appeared it really shines and for once the reviewers are right - its brilliant. you can wring its neck and still keep it in control - suspension on the front needs a bit more damping but it should be enough with some adjustment, back seemed ok based on my limited skills but it never feels what it actually costs - this thing is an absolute bargain compared to other rivals. Quality is very good and the only thing i can find wrong with it is the horn button is too close to the indicators.
100 mph was not a problem in 3rd (on my private racetrack) and very quick to get there. Its clearly low geared but its light too so on the twisties is excellent. All you need do while filtering is dip your shoulder and your round the car - very responsive. Its a fantastic commuter bike - every day would be a GP.
Its gone to the top of the list. I cant ignore the fun and quality for the price. It needs a small screen and maybe the akra exhaust - its not bad, but a bit louder would be perfect.
Biggest issue is getting one - Yamaha UK have run out and the place i tested it in have one new one and a demo. There is more stock in france and they are cheaper there so thats where one will get bought unless my other tests beat it. Tough act to beat. I can get one in France with ABS for the equivalent of £4800 - brand new. £1000 less than the UK and its still a bargain here.
Highly recommended.
You wouldn’t believe that one company can make two bikes so different in the same series....
I'll bring all my junk round so I can make way in my garage for more 