Since its launch in 2014, the Yamaha MT-07 has been quite the crowd-pleaser in the naked middleweight class, thanks to its wonderfully tractable yet wickedly fun parallel-twin engine, sporty handling and affordable pricing. This year, the 2021 Yamaha MT-07 is set to receive a styling and ergonomic update, larger front brake discs and a few Euro 5 spurred tweaks to the peppy parallel-twin engine. Note that the MSRP is still an approachable $7,699, too — a $100 increase above last year’s price tag.
The news of the 2021 Yamaha MT-07 comes shortly after the tuning-fork-brand announced a nearly complete overhaul to the popular Yamaha MT-09.
For the model year 2021, the 689cc liquid-cooled CP2 parallel-twin engine returns with some massaging, undoubtedly done to meet Euro 5 emissions standards. Mechanically, the engine is virtually identical to prior generations with its fun-loving 270-degree Crossplane Concept crankshaft design and 80mm bore and 68.6mm stroke. However, there are some notable upgrades.
New to the party is a redesigned air intake, partially brought on by the aesthetic refresh and a new 2-into-1-exhaust system. Going hand-in-hand with those changes are updates to the ECU specifications and fuel injection settings, which Yamaha says have improved low-rpm throttle response. Hopefully, the FI updates have cured the throttle abruptness that we have noticed on past MT-07 generations. Also, new exhaust valve seats are introduced. Lastly, the six-speed gearbox is said to boast improved shifting feel due to the new cut angles in the dog gears.
The Master of Torque styling is in its third-generation, and the MT-07 borrows heavily from its big brother, the 2021 Yamaha MT-09. Notable styling changes include revised bodywork throughout, with the most noticeable update to the all-new LED headlight. Importantly, LED turn signals are featured, ridding the MT-07 of its polarizing pumpkin-esque indicators. Three color choices are available for no additional charge; Storm Fluo Yellow, Matte Raven Black and Team Yamaha Blue.
Other aesthetic changes come in the form of its updated negative LCD instrument panel. While still an LCD readout, the 2021 MT-07’s dash appears to be far easier to read, benefitting from larger displays of the clock, gear indicator, trip/odometers and tachometer. Also, 10,000-12,000 rpm is indicated in red, which is shown in white on prior models.
Ergonomically, the 2021 Yamaha MT-07 will encourage a more neutral, upright riding position with a new tapered handlebar that is 32mm wider and 19mm taller than before. For taller riders, this will surely open the cockpit up and increase comfort. Meanwhile, the approachable 31.7-inch seat height remains the same.
What has not changed is the steel-trellis chassis and non-adjustable 41mm KYB fork with 5.1-inches of travel. In the rear, the single KYB shock featuring spring-preload and rebound damping adjustment and 5.1-inches of travel returns as well. With its 406-pound claimed wet weight, the MT-07 has always been nimble and accommodating for a variety of riders.
Braking performance is not ignored either, as the front discs grow in size from 282mm to 298mm. ABS is still standard.
Lastly, high-quality Michelin Road 5 120/70 and 180/55 tires will be part of the package in 2021.
We’re quite excited about the 2021 Yamaha MT-07, which is expected to hit dealers in January 2021 and can’t wait to put these changes to the test. Until then, feast your eyes on Yamaha’s updated MT-07.
2021 Yamaha MT-07 First Look Review Photo Gallery:
2021 Yamaha MT-07 Specs:
Base Price: $7,699
Website: yamahamotorsports.com
Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cyl.
Bore x Stroke: 80.0 x 68.6mm
Displacement: 689cc
Transmission: 6-speed, cable-actuated wet clutch
Final Drive: Chain
Wheelbase: 55.1 in.
Rake/Trail: 24.8 degrees/3.5 in.
Seat Height: 31.7 in.
Wet Weight: 406 lbs. (claimed)
Fuel Capacity: 3.7 gals.
MPG: 86 PON min. (avg) NA
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