Yamaha has announced the release of its remaining 2023 motorcycle lineup, which includes the first extensive update to the Yamaha XMAX Sport Scooter since its 2018 introduction. Additionally, the 2023 Yamaha MT-07 has received tech updates, and the Yamaha Ténéré 700 returns for 2023 with two new color/graphic options.

2023 Yamaha XMAX Sport Scooter

The 2023 Yamaha XMAX retains the key attributes that Yamaha says make it a class leader in the Sport Scooter category. It uses a liquid-cooled 292cc Blue Core single-cylinder engine, a telescoping front fork, a 15-inch front wheel, a 14-inch rear wheel, traction control, and disc brakes front and rear.

The scooter has a two-position windscreen, adjustable handlebars, underseat storage with room for two full-face helmets, a 12-volt accessory outlet, and Smart Key keyless ignition. 

Claimed fuel economy on the 2018 XMAX was 75 mpg, which should yield more than 250 miles from the 3.4-gallon tank, and the scooter comes in at a claimed 397 pounds wet.

Related Story: 2018 Yamaha XMAX Scooter | First Look Review

Going beyond the familiar, Yamaha says the 2023 XMAX represents the biggest step forward in the company’s scooter design in recent years, from a new look to new tech.

Updated Styling

Virtually every part of the XMAX’s exterior has been redesigned to create what Yamaha says is “a more compact and visually impressive machine.” New X-shaped LED headlights and taillights complement the aggressive styling, and new high-mount LED front indicators add to the streamlined look. While the seat height remains at 31.3 in, Yamaha says it has been completely redesigned for increased comfort and decreased leg reach to the ground.

New Yamaha Motorcycle Connect

New for 2023, Yamaha is introducing Y-Connect smartphone connectivity allowing riders to connect their smartphone directly to their scooter, enabling a wide range of new capabilities, including phone and music control, as well as a newly available Garmin turn-by-turn navigation system.

The 2023 XMAX comes equipped with a new 4.2-inch color TFT infotainment display  located below the 3.2-inch LCD speedometer , as well as a new handlebar-mounted switchgear to enable connectivity control. Y-Connect and the Y-Connect app are free and provide the following functionality for the new XMAX: 

• Onboard navigation through the installation of the Garmin StreetCross navigation app on the user’s smartphone. 
• Call, text, and email notifications through pairing with a Bluetooth headset, as well as weather forecasts, time, phone battery level, and connection status information on the TFT display.
• Music capability. 
• Vehicle running information such as engine speed, average fuel consumption, coolant temperature, battery voltage, and ambient temperature. Vehicle data can also be collected within the app for viewing information such as service interval recommendations or the last known location of the vehicle on the user’s smartphone. 
• Riding log and a ranking function that compares things like a rider’s mileage or fuel economy with other Yamaha riders within the U.S. or around the world.

The 2023 Yamaha XMAX will be offered in Granite Gray and will be available from dealers beginning January 2023 for an MSRP of $6,099.  

2023 Yamaha MT-07 

The 2023 Yamaha MT-07 includes key upgrades that enhance the overall package while remaining true to the hypernaked bike’s basic concept.

The MT-07 still features a liquid-cooled 689cc DOHC parallel-Twin. In our First Ride Review of the 2021 model, the dyno testing reported 68 hp and 46.5 lb-ft of torque at the rear wheel. Yamaha says on its website that the CP2 engine “provides both outstanding low- to mid-range torque and strong high-rpm pulling power.” Our reviewer put it as “all the thrill the combustion forces working below can exert but with none of the hairiness.”

The MT-07 has a steel frame with the engine as a stressed member of the chassis, lightweight 10-spoke cast aluminum wheels with Michelin Road 5 tires, and a 3.7-gal. fuel tank, all of which combine for a claimed wet weight of 406 lb.

The MT-07’s front suspension features a 41mm KYB fork with 5.1 inches of travel and a link-type KYB rear shock that’s adjustable for both rebound damping and spring preload. With 5.1 inches of rear travel, the shock is positioned below the seat with an almost horizontal alignment to help make the chassis even more compact. Stopping power comes from 298mm front brake discs with four-piston calipers and a 245mm rear disc. ABS comes standard.

One of the most significant additions for the 2023 Yamaha MT-07 is the installation of a new 5-inch full-color TFT display that provides a choice of two different screen modes. The “Street” mode is a more modern layout with a bar-type tachometer, digital speedo, and gear-selection readouts. The “Touring” mode features a more conventional circular analog-style tachometer on the right of the screen and digital speedometer on the left.

The 2023 MT-07 also now features Yamaha Motorcycle Connect smartphone connectivity, which works in conjunction with the free Y-Connect app (available for iOS and Android) to enable a direct connection between motorcycle and smartphone. See above in the XMAX section for all the Y-Connect capabilities.

Finally,  the new MT-07 is pre-wired with the necessary electronics for installation of a quickshifter, making it  easy to install Yamaha’s Quick Shift System, which is available through the Yamaha Genuine Accessory catalog.

The 2023 Yamaha MT-07 will be offered in three color options: Cyan Storm, Team Yamaha Blue and Matte Raven Black. It will be available from dealers beginning April 2023 for an MSRP of $8,199.

Other Updates and Returning Models

The Yamaha Ténéré 700 returns for 2023 with two new color/graphic options: Team Yamaha Blue and Shadow Gray.

Yamaha’s remaining 2023 models – including the Yamaha MT-03, MT-09, MT-09 SP, MT-10, MT-10 SP, XSR700, XSR900, Bolt R-Spec, Super Ténéré ES, FJR1300ES and Zuma 125 – all return unchanged.

See all of Rider’s Yamaha coverage here.

No model-year 2023 Tracer 9 GT has been announced for the U.S. market at this time. Please contact your local Yamaha dealer for availability and price on any of these models.  

For more information related to all Yamaha products, visit the Yamaha Motorsports website. 

Follow Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, at Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. #Yamaha #YamahaMotor #YamahaMotorUSA  

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Source: RiderMagazine.com