MT-07 ABS Test Ride Review: The engine is even more energetic! Can’t decide which to choose between the new YZF-R7 and the new MT-07?

Motorcycle Reviews

Photo by AtsushiSekino

MT-07 ABSDetails and Test Ride Review

I thought that the basic body structure was unchanged and that the appearance had been changed mainly to comply with Euro 5. But after riding it, it seems that the new MT-07 has a very different character! Former editor-in-chief of a motorcycle magazine for beginners, Hiroaki Yatagai, reports on the test ride.

 

Mono-eye styling for a more fearless appearance

Oberall length/Overall width/Overall height: 2,085mm/780mm/1,105mm
Vehicle weight: 184kg
Distance between shafts: 1,400mm
Minimum ground clearance: 140mm

The overall styling retains the previous image, but the front mask has been redesigned. The 'bi-functional LED headlamps' combine the low and high beams into one. LED indicators and position lights were also adopted for the first time on the MT-07. The position lamps are independent on both sides, and the compact design of the headlight area makes the new MT-07 instantly recognizable.

[Sales Price]
pastel dark gray
Deep Purple Blue Metallic C
Matte dark gray metallic 6
814,000 yen (tax included)

Position with different handlebar height.

Seat height: 805mm

Thanks to the slim bodywork and narrowed seat, there's enough leg room to keep you on your toes. The handlebar position was also revised for this model change, becoming 32 mm wider and 12 mm taller than the previous model. The new handlebar position is 32mm wider and 12mm taller than the previous model, giving the rider a more comfortable position for swinging the MT series machine.

Euro 5 compatible, mid to low speed is energized! -Actual riding review-

New ECU and fuel injection management settings.

It complies with Euro 5 emissions. Before I test ride the new MT-07, that was the only thing I knew about the model change. In terms of engine specs, the maximum output of 73 horsepower remains the same, but the rpm range has been lowered from 9000 rpm to 8750 rpm. As for the torque, there is no difference in the 9000 rpm range, but the torque has dropped slightly from 6.9 kg-m to 6.8 kg-m. Fuel economy, on the other hand, increased from 23.9km/L to 24.6km/L in WMTC mode.

I thought that the environmental performance had been improved to support U5, and the appearance had been changed to match. I heard that the torque curve was actually smoothed out.

However. When I actually drove it, I was a little surprised. The torque in the low to mid range seemed to have increased. The previous model started off smoothly and effortlessly. Even though it was a 270 degree cranked para-twin that tends to have a strong pulse, I remember it having a very smooth start-up characteristic. This produced a very gentle and gentle torque feeling, which I personally liked very much.

On the other hand, the acceleration of the new MT-07 is quite manly. From the moment you open the throttle, there's a strong torque response, and it blows up strongly with a pulsating sound.

It's true that the sound is a big part of the effect, but there's a distinctly powerful feeling to it. I was curious, so I asked the developers of the new MT-07 about it, and they told me that they had a lot of work to do to get this flavor.

In order to comply with Euro 5, the gasoline mixture had to be much thinner than the previous model. However, this would have resulted in a significant loss of power. The new model's ECU has been updated and the fuel injection management has been reset. The result is an acceleration feel with more MT-like torque.

Moreover, in addition to this, a new 2into1 shaped exhaust pipe was adopted. In terms of the internal structure, the mission dog angle has been changed to improve the direct feeling when re-accelerating in 2nd and 3rd gear.

Just like the rest of the MT series, the MT-07 has a more refined appearance, and while we thought the Euro 5 compliance would reduce power, that was not the case. The intake and exhaust system, engine management, sound design, gear feel, and many other factors have all helped the MT-07 to meet the regulations and still feel powerful. Furthermore, the fuel economy is also much better, which can only be described as appalling.

The MT-07 was originally popular as an entry-level machine for beginners to large motorcycles, but now it has a big motorcycle engine feel that will appeal to a broader range of riders, while maintaining the easy handling and rideability of its predecessor.

Modification point

Front mask

While inheriting the unique slant shape with a low profile, the halogen headlights were replaced by a projector type and adopted the mono-eye common to the series. The light source was also changed to LED.

Tail area

The tail cowl has also been redesigned, and the tail lights are now LED, as well as the turn signals. However, only the number lights use bulbs.

Engine

Engine type/Displacement: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke DOHC parallel twin-cylinder/688cc
Maximum output] 54kW (73ps)/8,750 rpm
Maximum torque: 67 N・m (9).(8kgf・m)/6,500 rpm

In addition to a new ECU with new engine management, the new model has a new intake and exhaust system with new 2-into-1 exhaust pipes and silencers that emphasize the pulse of the sound. These changes are said to be in line with the Tracer 700 that uses the same engine. Incidentally, the direction of the flavor is fundamentally different from that of the off-road Ténéré 700 equipped with the same engine, and the new YZF-R7 is equipped with a slipper clutch to pursue a sportier flavor.

Meter

LCD multi-function meter with negative display. The brightness can be changed in four levels, and gear position, average fuel consumption, etc. are also displayed. The fuel gauge shows approximately 2.7 liters remaining when the last bar flashes.

Displayed items
Speed/Engine RPM/gear position/fuel gauge/clock/odometer/Trip meter x 2/fuel trip/instantaneous fuel consumption/average fuel consumption/water temperature/atmospheric temperature

Reinforced brakes

The front brake has been strengthened and the disc size increased! From the previous φ286mm, it is now φ298mm, the same as the new YZF-R7, and the fork outer tube has also been reshaped accordingly. The fork outer tubes have also been reshaped. The tires have also been updated from Michelin Pilot Road 4 to 5.

Aluminum Taper Handle

The 745mm handlebars have been widened by 35mm to 780mm, and an aluminum taper has been adopted. The new handlebars are 35mm wider and 780mm longer than the 745mm handlebars. The height of the end section has also been increased by 12mm.

See YAMAHA Moto Index Page
See Accessories for YAMAHA YZF-R7 (OW-02)
See Accessories for YAMAHA MT-07 (FZ-07)

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