Yamaha MT-07 2018: not even detuned does it lose its habit! [ROAD TEST]

Yamaha MT-07 MY2018 - Entry level for new drivers? There are quite a few, the market offers a good number of interesting proposals. Easy and perfect bikes for learning, with which to gain the first satisfactions as a motorcyclist, perhaps with good quality and a competitive price ratio. Often, however, when we try them, we have to "calibrate" when expressing an opinion, because they are certainly not bikes that make the power and fun of a funbike their strong point. Well, there are some exceptions, among which the MT-07 stands out. It is not the only one, but it is the one that has been able to unanimously convince everyone (or almost everyone), achieving second place overall in Europe in terms of units sold. The formula is simple, yet complex to implement with the right balance. At the center is an engine, the 2 cc CP689, capable of 75 “good fun” horsepower, with an exciting output to say the least.

Around the engine, however, it sports a fashionable look, in the past very minimal, now a little more refined and which makes it resemble its older sister MT-09. An equally successful chassis completes the picture of a bike in which it is easier to find advantages rather than defects. In the past it was perhaps a little too essential in its look, which is now more convincing, while its desire to be a "hard and pure" funbike, a concept which clearly clashed with the safety needs of a new driver, has now given way (for law) in the presence of ABS, while traction control remains absent, even among the options. Thank goodness some would say, for the fun of being a bit of a hooligan by raising the front wheel, which is done well even with the throttles that bring the power to the 48 horsepower required by the standard to be able to drive it with the A2. Remaining in the field of "legal" driving, the twin-cylinder is fluid and without those peaks that would force you to put the electronics on it, all it takes is a little attention in conditions of low grip.

Aesthetics and finishes:

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Dark Side of Japan, a look inspired by its older sister and more refined

The first MT-07, which arrived on the market 4 years ago, caused a lot of talk. Above all for a completely new approach, because he wanted to combine the concept of a funbike with that of a motorbike suitable for a new driver. To do this it needed to be simple and economical, let's remember that the very first ones arriving in Italy were snapped up, even for a rock-bottom price of around 5.700 euros. Over time it has raised the bar, the regulations have brought ABS as standard (which was initially a 500 euro optional), while with 2018 it now gains a refined chassis and a new, more refined look. All this to tell you that, until now, the MT-07 had one of its possible defects precisely in a very minimal aesthetic approach, perhaps too much so, given that some considered it economical in some of its choices.

Now it becomes slightly more difficult to distinguish it from the MT-09, precisely due to the introduction of some new features. So many elements change, to the point that we would first list what has not been updated. More angular lines for the side panels and conveyors, but also for the headlight, the tank and saddle were the subject of restyling, the latter also for reasons of ergonomics and comfort, as well as aesthetics. Greater attention to detail and finishing, which becomes evident in the area of ​​the engine and the components that revolve around it.

The instrumentation has also been repositioned and has a better designed appearance, looking at it from the front of the bike, where before it was more spartan. Thus the MT-07 is less "poor" and more mature, relegating the choice to opt for the XSR 700 (which costs 900 euros more) to a question of style, whereas in the past it could have been a question of quality and necessity, at least for the most demanding customers on the aesthetic front of a motorbike.

Engine and performance:

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The CP2 is incredible, it doesn't get boring even with 27 less horsepower!

There's no point in denying it, we were waiting for the opportunity to try the new MT-07, both to be able to tell you about it, but above all because it is one of the most fun bikes you can ride. An easy "toy" in any context, but with an engine that makes it a funbike in all respects. Especially for fun (where it is possible to do so), raising the front wheel. However, when they offered us to try a weakened example, the whole poem left room for a bit of discouragement. There was only one question, linked to how it would go with the chokes, which reduce its power from around 75 to 48 horsepower (the famous 35 kW linked to the possibility of driving it with an A2 licence, that of new drivers). More specifically, the question was: “will he get up?” You will have already understood the answer by looking at the photos. The incredible thing is that the twin-cylinder doesn't change much in character, but only loses at high revs. At the bottom and in the middle it pushes like hell and a little help from the clutch is enough to make the front wheel lift to the sky, and not just in first gear!

Let's be clear, nothing dangerous, if you don't intend to do so, the MT-07 remains lively, but it is certainly not a bike that makes the presence of traction control mandatory, as we have already said. As its acronym CP2 says, the engine uses a trademark, the "crossplane", with cross valve timing and 270° crank mechanism. A technical solution mediated by the very sporty R1 and which makes the delivery of this twin-cylinder particularly pleasant, with a "V2" character and a nice reach, with the maximum power of 75 horsepower reaching 9.000 rpm, which however is cut here from the limitation to 48 horsepower, delivered at 7.500 rpm, while for both configurations the torque is 68 Nm at 6.500 rpm. We remind you that, after two years and after having taken the driving test to unlock the limitation and move on to the A3 license (this is the rule for those who obtained the A2 license after 18 January 2013), the motorbike can be returned to full power, with an update of the booklet. Finding fault with this engine is difficult, even the gearbox is excellent and the clutch never gets heavy. Perhaps, but just to nitpick, it is affected by a bit of on-off when reopening the throttle at low speeds, but not having the "by wire" control it is essentially impossible for this not to be the case.

Ride and handling:

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Quick and easy to handle on narrow roads, it gains a firmer suspension setting

The MT-07, perhaps a matter of taste, has always convinced us more than its bigger sister with an extra cylinder. You want it for the fun but less demanding engine, but also for an equally easier chassis. The new Mt-07, in 2018 configuration, gains, in addition to the retouched and better maintained aesthetics, also a nice refinement package on the chassis front. We are talking specifically about a new, sportier fork setting, the rear shock absorber with rebound adjustment, but also a slightly higher riding position, in order to optimize both riding comfort and ergonomics. . It is now more capable of making all riders, of all sizes, comfortable (obviously staying within the limits of "normality").

In more detail, the front part of the saddle has been lengthened, up to the side parts of the tank. The new configuration also gives a more compact profile. On the suspension front, oils and springs have been adopted which give an increase in rigidity, both at the front and at the rear, more substantial in the second case, while the fork now has a travel of 130 mm. The mono is stiffer, but gains a new shock absorber rebound adjustment, an element that facilitates the setting of the MT-07, depending on the different riding conditions. It confirms itself as a "featherweight", with a dry weight of just 164 kg, which rises to 182 in running order. The brakes are also excellent, featuring a double 282 mm front disc, gripped by 4-piston calipers.

Also in this case, as for the engine, the MT-07 is confirmed, because the changes do not upset a project that was born well 4 years ago, made better with the various refinement steps that have taken place up to today. In our opinion, the most important remains the arrival of ABS as standard (this is not new this year), which is fundamental for a bike that is also aimed at an audience of novices, but not just for them. It remains a perfect motorbike for use in the city, for its weight and its reduced dimensions, but also for its extreme agility and handling, combined with an engine with always brilliant power delivery. However, real satisfaction can be achieved by leaving the urban context, on narrow mixed terrain, where the MT-07 brings out all its best qualities. Here in our opinion it is superior, at times, to the MT-09, if only for the greater naturalness with which everything is done. Very communicative, intuitive as only the best Japanese can be, the MT-07 is perfect for those without great experience, thanks to its exceptional ease, but it also gives great satisfaction to those who increase their pace consistently. A bike that is small, quick and easy to handle, but also sufficiently stable on motorway bends, thanks also to the generous 180 tire on the rear, but not only that.

Price and consumption:

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The news does not lead to an increase in the price, which remains stuck below 7 thousand

The new MT-07 is available in three colors: Night Fluo, Yamaha Blue and Tech Black. Despite the substantial innovations and improvements of the MY 2018, its list price remains that of 6.790 euros. The same amount is expected both for the standard version and for this version weakened to 35kW for those with an A2 driving licence.

For those who wish, it is then possible to customize your motorbike, drawing from the good number of original Yamaha accessories. Among these we find, for example, the Akrapovič slip on exhausts, soft and rigid bag kits, but there is no shortage of various choices for saddles and windshields, as well as a series of bolt on aesthetic accessories. Billet guards and levers are also available. To simplify the task and the choice, it is possible to take advantage of the Yamaha "My Garage" online configurator, which allows you to virtually customize the motorbike, viewing it in 3D at 360°. The configurator, as well as being on the site, can be used through a free application, both for Android and iOS.

In closing, consumption is declared in the mixed cycle at 4.3 l/100km (just over 23 km/l). In our test we detected an average figure of around 20 km/l, even by making full use of the CP2, which makes it plausible to approach the approval values ​​without effort, if not even do better. With 14 liters available in terms of maximum tank capacity, the autonomy is around 300 km.

PROS AND CONS
We like it:
Handling, ease, fantastic engine, improved look with the 2018 version
We do not like it:
The saddle has improved, but is still a little hard

Yamaha MT-07 MY2018: the Motorionline Report Card

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Tester clothing:
Jacket: Tucano Urbano Aeros
Trousers: Tucano Urbano Genova Gag
Gloves: Tucano Urbano Aero Touch
Shoe: Alpinestars Lunar
Helmet: Nolan N100-5