YAMAHA MT-07 (2014 - 2018) Review

I'm not sure what the baseline is from other reviews but the suspension is the worst of any bike I have ever owned. It is so bouncy and atrocious, the brakes are OK but a bit wooden. And for the record I haven't owned superbikes or something just typical run-abouts but the cost cutting is really obvious with this one. Don't get me wrong neither brakes nor suspension are dangerous or desperately need to be replaced immediately like others have indicated - but they're for either light people (under 170 pounds I'd say) or just for commuting. And above all, you can still embrace the goofy pogo stick ride and the brakes will get you stopped they're just clearly subpar. The rider and pillion seats are pretty good for a naked bike however. Despite these scathing comments - its a cheap bike! I'd rather they sell a pogo stick hooligan bike for cheap that keen owners can stick ohlins on than sell a slightly better riding bike for a fortune like everyone else seems to be doing. For the record I'm also not a fan of how bolt up-right you sit on the bike but that seems to be the norm these days.

Stock pipe is pretty quiet and tinny. Haven't replaced the stock pipe yet but will shortly which I'm hoping will unlock that 270 crank raucous personality. Nothing else to add - every review has nailed the engine - it's definitely a gem though is no longer unique now everyone makes odd-ball crank/firing order twins.

Reliability wise there's no denying this bike is clearly near flawless however quality is slightly subjective. To my eye there's quite a bit of cheap materials, plastic etc. around the place that were needed to meet that crazy low MSRP

Related to reliability - running costs are exceptionally low on most Yamaha's and the MT-07 is particularly good. Super simple maintenance, essentially nothing ever breaks, no complaints. Value is essentially the biggest sales point of the entire bike. 70ish HP, loads of torque, good mileage as I indicated - at a time when cash is tight, salaries are low, redundancies are common, bang for your buck motorcycling is more important than ever. Especially in an era of more tech, more wizardry, more stuff no one needs, Yamaha absolutely nailed the barebones basics and knocked that MSRP as low as it could go - without needing to build the bike outside Japan.

Has fuel gauge, gear indicator, mileage readout (unsure how accurate). No ABS on this one. By no means poor equipment but compared to 2020 onward machines with TFT, ride modes etc. is definitely behind the times. For the record I don't think it needs any of those things and the R7 likely nailed this again.

The suspension is the only weakness on the first gen MT07 that I owned. I was looking at Ohlins and other options for the rear shock and even forks because I love to ride aggressively. Brakes are great, the ABS saved my ass in the rain over bad roads when my front tire locked up. Not intrusive at all, and stopped me riding off the road into a literal cemetery.

This engine is fantastic. So much fun, so light, so responsive. It's an ideal amount of power for daily rides and to push in the twisties - just swap the suspension if you're riding on the edge.

Great quality. Reliability is outstanding - had a colleague with 130,000km on his same-year bike. The only issues he had were because he took the bike off-roading with knobby tires (fork seals). I had no problems after about 10,000km on mine (bought it used with 20,000 already on the odometer). Regular maintenance and it wasn't always kept clean. I would give it 5 stars but have to say the paint on the swingarm and frame is very thin and allows the bike to rust over time if not cleaned. If you're going to ride in the dirt or gravel roads, just keep an eye on rust.

Doesn't get any better value for money than this. Fit an aftermarket pipe, tail tidy and sort the suspension and you have a daily rider you can keep for life.

For this money there's nothing to complain about. It's fantastic value. You get an average fuel consumption reading, basic clocks, ABS. The quality is generally very good, the paint on the plastic shines even after 30,000km on the road in all conditions.

Soft suspension means it is comfortable but can be bouncy. It's decent for a first timer, although I suspect people will upgrade as soon as they can. Brakes are grabby, Not much in terms of feel but stop the bike adequately. Could do with an upgrade if you want more stopping power. Rear Brakes are pretty minimal in my opinion, compared to the Z650. I can ride for around 2/3 hours before I need a bit of a break, and thats usually due to the suspension not being as comfortable as I would like.

The Best Part of this bike is the low down torque, runs out of puff a little too early in my opinion but the engine is an absolute solid one, And it will always make you smile. Playful in 1st,2nd,3rd gear, and the power wheelies are pretty common. Shoots off the line, usually with the front up. Power delivery is linear, very easy to manage when you get a handle on the clutch, so everything can become predictable quickly. No Engine modes sadly, but it doesn't need them. The engine has character and I know a few people who have downgraded from bigger bikes for the playfulness of this one.

Quality is great. No Issues, whatsoever, Slight rust on the swing arms but this is common from what I gather. Previouis owner has scrapped the handlebars a little and theres a slight scratch on the tank, but this is more age related if anything. Paint quality is very good, not corrosion whatsoever.

Great MPG, a doddle to fill up and not much to fill up either

I got the Motocage for a bit more hooliganism, and plus they're not so common on the road. Comes with everything I needed besides heated bars. The Stock tyres (Bridgestone Battlax) are okay but don't inspire much confidence in the rain when leaning. I'll possibly be upgrading to something a bit better to handle the wet roads. The 'Motocage' accessories can be taken off, I havent because I like the colour, gives it more of a character.

Brakes are good. Ride quality isn't - easily unsettled on bouncy roads.

Cracking engine at legal speeds. Lots of power. Lots of character.

Completely reliable.Swingarm and frame very prone to rust.

It's a basic, simple bike.

Suspension is budget snd struggles if pushed

Torque and very smooth.. is great put can run out of puff top whack

If looked after and not left to rot ...

Cheap to run and service

Riding position , exhaust is so quiet, missing a screen and tail tidy

Great engine1st gear a bit clunky, Really pulls out of slow corners.just let down a little with suspension.

Some rust issues on other bikes but mine is absolutely mint . Maybe it's how you look after them.

Cheap to service.

The looks if the bike are great. Just get an exhaust swap, tail tidy and screen.

I can ride it all day, for context I’m 5ft 11 with a trouser measurement (instep) of 32 inches. Best for nipping around as it’s so light

Torque is good, tops out at 115ish... Not the best when out with bigger bikes or 600cc sport bikes

Slight corrosion on swing arm, starter switch is a common problem

Simplicity

Oxford handle grip heater works very well.

Great value all round bike, can do150 mile day with a quick mate (XSR700). We can blow away most stuff on A/B roads. Not enough bite in the brakes for me and will be upgrading to sintered pads at the next service. If thats not enough braided lines may help?

Great little torquey engine with the power in the mid-range where you need it for the road.

Have to keep on top of rust issues, touched up the swingarm 3 times in 3 years. No issues with reliability, this is a great value bike.

Stick an aftermarket exhaust on for better sound, performance and asthetics. Stock tyres are okay but I upgraded to Battlax BT016s for a slightly sportier feel with the detrimental effect of shorter life span.

Bike performance is excellent one up , a bit cramped two up, brakes good ,excellent with EBC HH , single rider ok for 200 miles, two up 60 miles depending on size of pillion

For real time riding , engine is a Jem , the only thing to remember is the 24,000 mile valve check, mine needed adjustment to four exhaust and two inlet valves, this service cost £400 my next big service was done at 45,500 mile, with air filter and plugs £375 no adjustments needed to valves .

Cooling pipes finish is poor quality, and swinging arm paint along weld seam , I had my cooling pipes and swing arm replaced under warranty, when these new parts arrived I had them powder coated , then fitted under warranty.

While bike under warranty bike was serviced by dealer, over first 2 year £300 not including tyres, after warranty this can be reduced to £40 for oil change and filter easy DIY, plugs will easily do 18,000 miles main service at 24,000 and 48,000 dealer serviced

Equipment is adequate, you have a option to change to KPH for EU riding, Head light a little weak , I have fitted led H4 fitting .

Can ride for a few hours before needing a stretch Good all rounder but if I was a regular distance rider I’d suggest the Tracer verdion

Responsive sounds good and surprisingly economical with 55 mpg ridden with gusto

Mechanically very reliable although Yamaha heated grips had to be changed under warranty due to water ingress. OEM Bridgestone tyres didn’t inspire confidence in Autumn and Winter weather

Approx £200

Don’t like electronic extras do basic bike was spot on. Ride all year round so heated grips a must and swapped to Pirelli gt2 tyres

Pulls like train.

No problems at all.

A charging point as standard would have been good. Also let's have an option of an enclosed chain.

Brakes 5 out of 5. Ride 4, it’s been on a Nitron shock for most of its life.

Lively and engaging.

Only one issue I’ve had, the starter solenoid packed up when it was 6 months old. Replaced under warranty.

DIY serviced, access to the top of the engine is a bit fiddly and to take the swinging arm out takes some setting up.

Dash is fine but there isn’t much else.

Decent all round bike used for commuting and a weekend blast. Lively and torquey engine is its best point however suspension is weak and front brake lacks bite although its functional.

This is the best feature of this bike. The engine is lively and punchy and great fun. It suits this nimble lightweight bike to a tee and I love it. On the negative side the engine braking is overstated and the throttle is twitchy from the off. However, I have added a modification (explained later) to combat this.

Swinging Arm especially prone to rust and generally paint work is poor in that its thin on coats.

Cheap and cheerful bike to run and maintain

Have added a Rapid Bike Easy modulator to smooth flat spots across the rev range. But mainly to reduce enginer braking and throttle response which is a bit eratic. Basically it makes for a much smoother ride at £150. Would also like to see some optional modes on the bike especially a sport mode as with its bigger bother the MT10.

0

very easy to ride and handle very good all round first big bike

vary economical to run and own

Shame about Yama Rust on Swing Arm

For first service but can vary from dealer to dealer

Good fun just lacking something...

Solid powerful engine!

Good solid engine no problems/issues

Cheap to service and reasonable price to buy

No real equipment on bike

No reliability issues but overall finish is not the best and lacks quality, rust soon appears on painted swing arm welds.

It's my first bike, nothing to compare it with.

Every time I overtake something I seem to be doing 80+

Only had 3 months with 400miles on the clock, waiting summer days....

Who cares, it's a toy!

No comment, basic factory model

Just brakes and suspension can be improved but if your not planning to race it in the Isle of Man I don’t think it’s a problem

Only done 2k on the bike but starts on the button each and every time.

Not the best on fuel but I do thrash it around from time to time (well %99.9 of the time)

Engine is brilliant nice and torquey. Have the akrapovic titanium on and sounds amazing. It’s a must have as the tail tidy is also a must have extra. The sound Reminds me of the ktm 690 I had.

I can happily spend 2-3 hours in the saddle before I really need to stop. With regular stops you can ride all day. I haven't had a pillion on the back yet but to be fair would get a different bike if that were a regular requirement. It's just a good all-round but still very fun bike. The brakes are strong but the ABS can sometimes cut in too easily.

The best part of the bike is the engine as it gives the bike it's character. There's a very flat and wide torque range for a bike of this size and it easily keeps up with larger bikes. Having worked in a Harley dealership, this engine with it's offset firing order competes for character once you are on board, and with the Akrapovic system gives the bike a really good sound on and off the throttle; there's enough volume without being in-yer-face too.

Many of the nuts and bolts and exposed aluminium parts seem quick to oxidise, otherwise it's been bullet-proof so far.

Very cheap to run and service, if you're happy to research there are plenty of accessories available but a lot of the genuine accessories are expensive. Even if ridden sensibly the tank range seems less than claimed and also most other bikes.

Good sports touring tyres as standard from new (Battlax's). Good clear instrument panel and easy to use interface; no rider modes but I like the simplicity. I fitted a tank bag as there's less storage space than most 125's otherwise, but again that's not in the bikes standard character. That said I would have no reservations in fitting some panniers and riding round Europe; it wouldn't be as comfortable as a massive tourer but it would be more fun once on the good roads - just a different mixture.

Once the rear shock was stiffened slightly the ride improved a lot. Brakes were ok but have fitted better pads and brake lines and the difference is very noticable

Superb, lots of power and torque for me

So far so good, no complaints

I'm a truck driver so ride economically and get 65-75 mpg and have done 230 miles on a single tank but that was pushing it.

Seat and horn lets it down

Seat gives you a bit of an ache after an hour or so... but thats not what this bike is about, if you want a tourer - get a tourer. Brakes and as postive as I'd perhaps like, but coming from a CB1300sa I'm more used to the Massive Honda stopping power.

Torque - Brilliant. Snatchy throttle due to the numpty Eu-emissions fuelling is a pain - hard to make smooth gearchanges in lower gears.

Get on - ride - Grin - act twenty years younger than I am - get off - rinse & repeat. Check it to adjust, clean, tinker... put tools away and go for another ride..

Too early to tell only had the first service and thats a dealer's flat fee.

Bit spartan - but it is what it is.

It is a budget bike and suspension is basic - replaced rear shock for aftermarket item and this has much improved the ride quality

Great little power plant

Paint on coolant pipes disappeared within months - overall quality of finish I would categorise as average

60 plus mpg

Brakes are poor and I changed the pads which improves them but would also recommend braided hoses. The front is to soft and the rear shock is pretty poor although not as bad as some people report.

The best bit about the bike although does run out of puff at the top end.

Build quality is the worse of any bike I have owned in over 20 years and will never buy a Yamaha again. It is clear this is the area they are saving money on.

Does about 55mpg although insurance is more than a street triple for some reason. Obviously due to the corrosion issues this will mean the bikes will start to depreciate pretty rapidly especially when Yamaha don't even care.

The horn button is in the wrong place and when going to press it you end up hitting the indicator. I personally think this is a very dangerous as on a number of occasions when cars have pulled out I have missed the horn.

Not exceeded 50 miles per journey yet - joy of living on a small island

For a 700 twin the engine is a cracker . Good torque & flexibility + ample power when wound up without being intimidating .

Finish a bit thin but everything fits as it ought . Thoroughly reliable thus far .

Purchase excellent value - not yet up to service mileage .

Engine bars allow good fitting of auxiliary lights & promise effective protection in a spill . Touring screen provides stylish protection at a reasonable price .

Best for shorter distances due to slightly cramped riding position (I am 5'10). Great handling, good (non ABS) brakes. Very user friendly bike.

Great engine, acceleration is brisk when needed, never misses a gear.

Just 12 months old, no probs so far!

Just coming-up for first annual service. Fuel economy is good.

Fitted a small screen when bought on the advice of the salesman who commuted 80 miles a day. Well worth the money! Everything else works well on this bike

Very smooth with fun character. Good strong brakes although it does take a hand full to scrub off speed.

Had a Street Triple before this and the little MT does everything that could but cheaper. This will happily pop a wheely, torque coming out of bends is great.

Now 2 years old my bike has whitening on a few bits due to road salt. Plastics by your legs can't take too much rubbing so recommend protectors for that area. Other than that modern day Japanese quality.

65 mpg. Low weight so doesn't kill tyres also due to the way it handles you spend a lot of your time searching out the twisty roads.

Funky starter. Put an Ermax screen on it but that's it really.

The ride cannot really be faulted. Ignoring the pure fun of the thing for just a minute, the riding position is comfortable with the padded seat stopping the inevitable numbness on everything apart the longest journeys. Ride it to work. Ride it for fun. Ride sedately or chuck into corners on twisties - it doesn't really matter because the bike can handle whatever you throw at it. It makes for an awesome commuter bike as well as a machine to play about on during the weekend. I'm 6'2 and can happily ride for miles on it without any issue.

Power output is predictable, in a good way. The throttle is smooth, though because of the responsiveness of the engine, the bike will give you a nudge if you're snappy with the right hand. You could argue for a higher top end, though not sure why. Apart form anything, it's a naked bike so wind resistance is a bit self-limiting anyway. If you want brutal TT-esque speed, buy a sportbike

Build is solid and functional. No problems with any of the equipment, no failures or issues. The bike has been (and continues to be) the epitome of reliability.

Servicing costs obviously vary from place to place and from mileage level. I've found these costs to be about the norm, in no way extortionate.

Favourite feature? It's a no frills bike so it's not littered with tricks and gimmicks. However, I do find the gear indicator extremely useful. Used as a quick reference, just helps when coming into a corner or junction, roundabout etc. Other reviews have claimed the digital display is too low and that "you have to take you eyes off the road in order to look at it". I find this sort of comment mind-blowing - when I check the speed when in my car, my eyes are on the speed display, NOT the road!! Anyway, a quick flick down with your eyes is all you need to check everything from gear, to speed, to fuel and even rpm.

THe salesman described it as RAW-he was right. Yamaha have at least 5 things to fix -NOW . Seat, bars, gear lever,engine vibs, screen. Buy a CB500 or Suzuki Gladius or Wee Strom -much better bikes

Way too much vibs -believe me ive owned 65 bikes this is not a smooth engine above mid revs.

Taunt handling. Rev counter very hard to read -numbers are way too small to see unless you are stopped!

The bike is at it's best either commuting or fun rides out as it takes it all in it's stride. Very easy to weave through or around traffic, more than enough acceleration to get away from the traffic lights way ahead of any cars and motorways are fine if you keep below 80 ish but a fairing will sort that out. 60/65mpg never below 60 even thrashing it around. I haven't carries a pillion so can't help there. I've regularly ridden for over 2 hours during the summer months and found it very comfortable only stopping for a ciggie or some chips! Brakes are fine for a light weight bike, front's giving more than enough grip to bring you to a standstill in little distance. The rear is very snatchy and will lock up quiet easily, I readjusted the brake pedal down approx: 1" and found that to be better as you don't need to lift your foot of the peg I have more pressure control of the rear brake now.

Power delivery is slightly sluggish below 3k in any gear 3rd up. The bike will moan and puff but will pull, above 3 things get a lot better and from 5k to 8k it's just pure torque all the way. Pulling away from stand a still should be done with great care and gentleness otherwise you will find yourself pointing skyward in 1st and 2nd gears, and if you haven't learn by then you'll find 3rd is still trying to buck you off. You tend to automatically lean forward once the above has happened to you but if your prepared and expecting the front to raise it's very controllable even if a little scary, once you've mastered the control it feels fantastic!

The MT-07 is very nicely put together my only gripe being the rear seat is slightly lose but not a big deal. No rust as of yet and, yes, I ride in all weathers apart from slow! I smother it in AC-50 which helps a great deal I think. No parts have failed and it starts first time even on the freezing winter mornings and it's not garaged just left under a cover. I also added some front gators just to protect the forks from stone chips and road salt,

Just oil and filter changes, I let the garage do this as it's not to bad a price and I know it's done correctly (I hope).

For the price it's got all the necessary parts as standard, a very nice LED read out with 2 x trip counters, average mpg, instant mpg, automatic reserve mile counter, engine temp, environment temp, rev counter, clock and a gear indicator! Mine came with Michelin Pilot3 tyres. You really don't need to add much to the standard bike if you just intend to commute or just fun rides out. But there are so many add on parts why not add on some extra's! A decent exhaust, fly screen, front fender extender, rear hugger wouldn't hurt and won't brake the bank but will make your bike that little more your baby! I've added just about everything you could add as I'm hoping to keep her for quiet some time.

Coming from a 125 it was an intimidating step up, one that might have ended badly if it wasn't for this incredibly user friendly, engaging engine.

It's built very well considering the price but there have been a few bits I wasn't too impressed with. One being a material defect of the sump case, when I changed the oil, the casing cracked. Yamaha repaired it on warranty though so not much harm done.

I was very tempted to give it a 5 purely because it's so cheap so they have to budget somewhere. The OEM equipment is perfectly reasonable but there is serious room for improvement on the suspension. I'm installing Ohlins springs and rear shock soon and I hear it transforms the bike. The exhaust is also dismally quiet and doesn't do the engine justice. I thoroughly recommend the Zard, phenomenal sound. Other than that everything is stellar.

Like many have said the rear suspension is a little wayward, and I have to agree. On the other hand it is a budget bike and I can't really complain. Some have recommended a Nitron shock upgrade, but I'm happy with stock at the moment.

For a budget bike it feels really well put together.

Compared to my 125, this is awful, but having said that I use a tank a week, and I get around 125 miles before needed to fill up again (I don't know where the MCN review got 207 miles!!)

For a sub 6k bike new, there is a lot of kit that many other bikes have. I am a massive fan of the LCD on the MT-07, so much info.