Yamaha MT-07 First Bike: The Short Answer
A Yamaha MT-07 first bike choice can work for a rider who wants a light, manageable middleweight naked, but it is not the smallest machine you can buy. The 689 cc engine and 403 lb (182.8 kg) wet weight set the expectations. This guide covers who the bike suits, the specs that matter, and what to check before you buy.
Overview
The MT-07 is an unfaired middleweight that Yamaha says connects to its rider in a way few others can match, with nothing added unless it improves the riding experience. For 2025, Yamaha describes it as the highest specification MT-07 yet. The 2025 changes included a stiffer frame and revised electronics.
One middleweight naked test compared the MT-07 directly against the Honda CB750 Hornet and Suzuki GSX-8S. Reading comparisons like that alongside the manufacturer’s material gives you a fuller picture of where the bike fits.
Engine & Performance
The MT-07 uses a 689cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC inline twin-cylinder engine with four valves per cylinder. The engine is a DOHC design, and it uses the CP2 platform with fuel injection.
The crank is a 270-degree Crossplane Crankshaft Concept design. Displacement is 689 cc, and one review says the CP2 engine is basically unchanged for 2025. The 2025 model produces 49 lb-ft of torque, which is the number to watch if you are new to throttle-heavy bikes.
The 2025 MT-07 uses a new Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) for more linear power delivery. Fuel injection with YCC-T and TCI ignition manages the engine’s output. Taken together, these details suggest the goal is predictable response rather than peak numbers.
The 6-speed transmission has a multiplate wet clutch with Assist and Slipper functions. The updated Assist & Slipper clutch reduces lever force and inhibits excessive engine braking on downshifts. One reviewer felt the slipper function lacks enough slip, which caused rear tire squeal on clutchless downshifts.
For riders moving up from smaller bikes, one tester said the engine is perfect for riders climbing the ladder from an MT-03.
Chassis & Ergonomics
| Spec | Figure |
|---|---|
| Wet weight | 403 lb (182.8 kg) |
| Seat height | 31.7 in |
| Ground clearance | 5.9 in (149.9 mm) |
| Front suspension | 41mm KYB inverted fork, 5.1-in travel |
| Rear suspension | Linked-type monocross KYB rear shock |
| Front tire | 120/70ZR17 Dunlop Sportmax Q5A |
| Rear tire | 180/55ZR17 Dunlop Sportmax Q5A |
| Rear brake | 245mm hydraulic disc with ABS |
| Final drive | Chain |
Yamaha lists the wet weight at 403 lb, including all standard equipment, fluids and a full tank of fuel. That figure excludes options and accessories. Another listing calls the same 403 pounds curb weight, so check which definition a dealer is using when you compare bikes.
Seat height is listed at 31.7 in, and the seat and fuel tank are slimmer to make reaching the ground easier. Yamaha lists ground clearance at 5.9 in (149.9 mm). The handlebars are wide tapered aluminum, slightly lower and closer to the rider, for a more engaged riding position.
The front uses an inverted 41mm KYB fork with 5.1 in of travel. Sources disagree on whether the fork is adjustable. One description lists a new inverted 41mm KYB adjustable fork, while another lists a non-adjustable KYB inverted 41mm fork with 5.1 inches of travel. Check the exact spec on the bike you are considering.
The rear wheel rides on a 180-section tire, and the rear brake is a 245mm hydraulic disc with ABS. Reviewers described the handling differently. One said the new chassis and front forks are more composed and precise than the previous model. Another described the MT-07 as a willing dance partner in the canyons because of its short wheelbase and steep rake.
Not every tester agreed. One said the upright riding position and torquey engine make the front end feel vague. Another said the MT-07 is the softest of the three bikes compared, with the most street-focused damping and spring rates.
Features
The headlight is a minimalist LED unit. The YRC system includes SPORT and STREET presets plus a customizable YRC mode, so you can pick a setting that suits your riding as your skills develop.
Turn signals self-cancel after 15 seconds or after the bike travels more than 500 feet, and a soft click flashes them three times. A sound amplification system channels induction roar to the rider.
Full turn-by-turn navigation is available through the Garmin StreetCross app. Music and calls require an aftermarket Bluetooth headset, which is not provided, so budget for that if you want it.
There is no quickshifter fitted as standard, and Yamaha sells one as an accessory. The bike has a kick stand, and a wind deflector is optional.
Price & Trims
Yamaha lists the 2025 MT-07 at a starting MSRP of $8,599. The 2025 updates added $400 to the price, so compare the current sticker against older listings with that change in mind.
The bike comes in three colors: Ice Storm, Matte Charcoal Black, and Team Yamaha Blue. The warranty is a 1 year limited factory warranty.
The MSRP excludes tax, title, prep, or destination charges, and dealers set actual prices. A $500 customer cash offer applies to select models between 10/1/2026 and 12/31/2026. Whether a specific MT-07 qualifies depends on the offer terms, so confirm with a dealer before you count on it.
Who It’s For
The MT-07 suits riders who want a light, approachable middleweight and are ready for a torquey twin. Yamaha calls the 403 lb wet weight low, which helps when you are maneuvering at low speed in a parking lot or driveway.
The slimmer seat and tank make it easier to reach the ground. Testers found the clutch pull very light, so it is easy on the left hand. Those details matter more for a new rider than any single horsepower figure.
Before you buy, weigh the trade-offs. The slipper function drew a squeal complaint on clutchless downshifts, and there is no standard quickshifter. Fuel economy figures are estimates, so treat any number as a starting point. If you are also weighing other middleweight nakeds, the Kawasaki Z650: Middleweight Naked Bike Profile is a useful reference.
FAQ
Is the Yamaha MT-07 too powerful for a new rider?
The MT-07 is a 689 cc twin with 49 lb-ft of torque. Whether that is too much depends on your training and how smoothly you can handle the throttle. Yamaha’s YCC-T is designed for more linear power delivery, which helps with predictability. A rider training course is a good way to test your comfort before you commit.
Does the MT-07 have ABS and a slipper clutch?
It has a slipper function. The Assist & Slipper clutch reduces lever force and inhibits excessive engine braking. The rear brake is a 245mm hydraulic disc with ABS. The facts available do not confirm front-brake ABS, so ask a dealer for the full brake specification.
How much does the Yamaha MT-07 cost, and what isn’t included in the price?
The 2025 starting MSRP is $8,599. The MSRP excludes tax, title, prep, or destination charges, and dealers set actual prices. Ask your dealer about those extra charges, and about the 1 year limited factory warranty.
Bottom Line
The Yamaha MT-07 can be a sensible first bike for a rider who wants a light, torquey middleweight, and it also suits riders stepping up from smaller machines. The 2025 starting MSRP is $8,599, and the warranty is 1 year limited. Reviewers described the chassis as more composed and precise than before. Before you buy, confirm the out-the-door price, take a rider training course, and check your state’s licensing requirements.
Sources
- 2026 MT-07 – Specifications | Yamaha Motorsports USA
- 2026 MT-07 | Yamaha Motorsports USA
- 2025 MT-07 – Key Features | Yamaha Motorsports USA
- 2025 MT-07 | Yamaha Motorsports USA
- 2025 Yamaha MT 07
- Yamaha MT-07 (2025) Review: Both Manual and MT-07 Y-AMT Tested
- 2025 Yamaha MT-07 First Look [11 Fast Facts]
- Comparison: 2025 Honda CB750 Hornet vs Suzuki GSX-8S vs Yamaha MT-07
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