「Owners Review」To Be Honest, What do you think of the Yamaha “MT-07”

Motorcycle & Industry

From the Webike Community's My Bike, the "Owner Review Summary" introduces various motorcycles based on the voices of owners who actually ride or have ridden them. This time, here's what the owners have to say about Yamaha「MT-07!」.

To be honest, Yamaha "MT-07" is this kind of bike!

If you step up from a normal motorcycle license to a large license, you can buy any motorcycle in the world, but if you are still worried about your driving skills, you can buy a 600-800cc "large middle class". A machine with a displacement range is recommended.

This "large middle class" model has a larger engine than the 400 cc model, which allows it to cruise at high speeds with ease on highways that require high-speed cruising performance. At the same time, thanks to its moderate power, it is easy to handle and can be enjoyed on everything from city streets to mountain passes without hesitation.

Although the intense power of the over-liter class is momentarily enjoyable, it tends to be too much for Japanese roads, which are often narrow and winding with lots of "go & stop" traffic.
This means that nervous riding is required at all times, and the rider may tire easily or feel pain during long hours of riding.

The Yamaha MT-07 is a typical example of a large middle-class model that is not difficult to handle.
This model, which was introduced in Japan in 2014, has been thoroughly pursued ease of riding in all kinds of situations, with its slim and comfortable size, lightweight chassis, and easy-to-pull-out side stand.

However, the biggest secret of the MT-07's ease of riding lies in its body character. When we talk about the "fun of a sport bike," it is easy to fall under the illusion that "the faster the better! But actually, this is not true. The essence of the fun of a sportbike is nothing other than "controlling the motorcycle" at will.
Thanks to the MT-07's ease of handling, it is easy to enjoy the feeling of "controlling the motorcycle at will" among many other motorcycles.

Moreover, it is not a special place like a winding road or a circuit but can be experienced at the level of an intersection in town. It is impossible not to enjoy the pleasure of steering a motorcycle just by driving in the city.

In 2021, the MT-07 underwent a model change to renew its appearance with a focus on Euro 5 compliance, and its engine characteristics were slightly shaken in a more energetic direction.
However, the basic chassis design, which emphasizes ease of handling, has not changed, and the latest MT-07 will be a good companion for big bike debuts.

How do Webike users feel about MT-07?

MT-07

Average price of the new model: approx. 6031 USD
Used model price: approx. 4924 USD
Number of reviews: 128
Data as of April 14, 2023

Average owner satisfaction rating: 3.93 out of 5 (746 evaluators)

It should be noted that handling, driving, fuel economy, and looks scored over 4 points. Although the average score was only 3.93, the lightweight, slim chassis and easy-to-handle engine feel seem to be the key points of a high evaluation.

On the other hand, the load ability is rated low, but the addition of cargo hooks and seat bags seems to have made up for the shortfall.

MT-07, Quick Summary

Advantage

Lightweight and torquey engine equivalent to a mid-size model
Compact and easy to maneuver
Cool cyber monocular headlights
Good fuel economy, so it can operate 300 km without worry.

Disadvantage

Seat firmness may be an issue
The wind is hard on the highway
Hardly anything can fit under the seat
Some parts feel cheap for the price

MT-07 Owner's Voice

Here are some of the most impressive voices among the many reviews.

MOSS

Motive for purchase, intended use, and comparative models I wanted a simple-is-best bike as my first big bike.
I wanted a model change and a cool front face with a fearless MT-like appearance.
Advantages/Satisfactory points  As the name MT (Master of Torque) suggests, the CP2 (two-cylinder) engine is excellent, with torque rising from low rpm.
The upright riding position provides a wide field of vision and is very easy to ride.
The cyber monocular headlights are cool and match the matte black body color, making the motorcycle very satisfying.
Disadvantages/Dissatisfactory points I have the impression that the gear ratios are not well matched to the engine characteristics, so frequent gear changes are necessary. Since there are no convenient functions such as an assist and slipper clutch, it is a pain to operate the clutch when stuck in traffic on the way back from a long-distance touring trip.
Advice for prospective buyers Overall, it is a wild ride and definitely a very fun motorcycle.
It has plenty of engine power and torque and is really fun from highways to winding roads.
I was reluctant to give it up because my XSR900 was delivered much earlier than planned, but I think it is a good all-around motorcycle.

Private User

Motive for purchase, intended use, and comparative models I compared various models and found the one that matched my needs.
I was looking for a motorcycle that could be used for mini-circuit, gymkhana, street riding, and long touring.
The Ténéré 700 was the most competitive in the comparison, but I gave it up because I am short and it is hard to ride in town.
Advantages/Satisfactory points  It is lightweight, so it is good for city riding, touring, and fuel economy.
The more you turn the throttle, the more power you get, and if you don't turn the throttle, the less power you get, so machine control is easy.
Disadvantages/Dissatisfactory points I weigh 60kg and the suspension feels very stiff. The rear is adjustable but not the front. If you are a little aggressive rider, it is hard to ride without improvement.
If you are a relaxed rider, you may not mind.
Advice for prospective buyers It is fine for normal riding.
My motorcycle was new so the chain loosened initially and made a strange noise like a dry clutch when decelerating, but this was fixed by adjusting the chain.

AY411

Motive for purchase, intended use, and comparative models I have always loved YAMAHA.
I rode various motorcycles to find a motorcycle that suited me, and I thought MT-07 would be the one I would end up with.
I wanted to make use of my large motorcycle license (I wanted the power that the Grom lacks).
Advantages/Satisfactory points  Style (overall balance and smartness)
Lightness (exhaust system+ other minor customization to make it less than 180kg)
Unique sound (thump, thump, thump)
Ease of use (easy to get on and off the road, easy maneuverability, regular fuel specifications, good fuel economy)
Minimal equipment (ABS only is OK for me)
Disadvantages/Dissatisfactory points Poor indicator switch (click feeling is weaker than 09, so it is hard to know if it is on or off if you are not used to it).
Advice for prospective buyers I think you will enjoy riding more comfortably if you try various motorcycles and finally choose a motorcycle with performance that is not too much or not enough for what you are looking for!

Check out MT-07's competitors

When considering a rival to the MT-07, the MT-09 of the same series is probably the one that cannot be dismissed. Although they share the same styling image, MT-07 is equipped with a 270-degree crank parallel twin engine, whereas MT-09 uses a parallel three-cylinder engine. Moreover, in contrast to the MT-07, which is easy to ride anyway, the MT-09 is given a character that is quite yanked and suitable for professionals in both engine and chassis. It is best to choose the MT-09 based on these characteristics.

In the large middle class in the same displacement range are Honda's CB650R, Suzuki's SV650/X, and Kawasaki's Z650/RS. All of them are good choices for big bike debuts, thanks to their easy-to-manage engines with a moderate sense of power.

※ Average owner satisfaction and the number of reviews are as of April 14, 2023.

YAMAHA MT-09

Average Owner Satisfaction: 3.79 (1046 people rated)
Average price of a new model: (approx.) 8649 USD
Average used model price: (approx.) 6719 USD
Number of reviews: 196

HONDA CB650R

Average Owner Satisfaction: 3.95 (238 people rated)
Average price of a new model: (approx.) 7473 USD
Average used model price: (approx.) 7309 USD
Number of reviews: 21

SUZUKI SV650

Average Owner Satisfaction: 3.90 (491 people rated)
Average price of a new model: (approx.) 5548 USD
Average used model price: (approx.) 4805 USD
Number of reviews: 90

KAWASAKI Z650RS

Average Owner Satisfaction: 4.24 (42 people rated)
Average price of a new model: (approx.) 7668 USD
Average used model price: (approx.) 9490 USD
Number of reviews: 5