Yamaha MT-07 (2025) – Review

Yamaha struck a chord when it introduced the MT-07 with more than 200,000 sold since 2014. Ten years later it is still the best seller in class by some distance. The 2025 MT-07 is the most significant update of the bike that captured 30% of European sales in its sector in 2024.

There's a new chassis with new suspension, wheels and brakes. Revised ergonomics make it easier for a wider range of riders to be comfy and revised electronics add more control over performance

The MT-07 is also offered with Yamaha's new Y-AMT (Yamaha Automated Manual Transmission) semi-automatic transmission as an option.

Pros & Cons

2025 Yamaha MT-07 - Price

The base model MT-07 costs £7704 and the Y-AMT version (which also has cruise control in addition to the semi-automatic gearbox) is £350 more at £8054

Yamaha's PCP offer with a typical deposit of £1950 means you'll pay £92.84 a month for 36 months and then an optional final payment of £3740 to own the bike. Used MT-07s hold their value well, which, makes a new bike (if you can afford the payments) a better buy than many used examples. The current used price of a three-year-old MT-07 is around £5500-6000 in dealers so there should be plenty of equity left in your bike at the end of your PCP for the deposit on your next one.

Three colours are available: ‘Ice Storm’ (light-grey to you and me), ‘Icon Blue’ or ‘Tech Black’ will be available on both manual and Y-AMT versions.

2025 Yamaha MT-07 - Engine & Performance

With 72.4hp (54kW) at 8750rpm and 49.4lb-ft (67Nm) of torque at 6500rpm there’s no change to the output of the ‘CP2’ engine compared to the previous model, and internally it’s unaltered, but that doesn’t mean it’s identical to the previous version.

For those new to Yamaha's jargon, CP2 stands for 'crossplane 2-cylinder' where crossplane refers to the 270-degree firing order of the crankshaft which makes a parallel twin engine feel a bit like a V-twin. For 2025 there are significant changes to the electronics and intake side of the engine, which – like the MT-09 – has been revised to improve the sound that the rider hears. The changes include a new air cleaner, intake ducts and funnels, plus a ‘sound enhancer’ in the form of small grilles in the top of the fuel tank cover to direct the engine’s intake roar at the rider without increasing the overall volume to passers-by.

It works too. The MT-07 sounds more aggressive and raspier to the rider and as daft as it sounds it increases the emotional connection with the bike. The 689cc CP2 motor has always punched well above its weight, being as exciting when barrelling down a twisty road as it is easy-to-use threading through rush hour traffic. For 2025 the throttle response is slightly sharper making the bike feel a little bit more alive and somehow, a little bit quicker too when you need it.

That new sharpeness is largely down to the introduction of Yamaha's YCC-T (Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle) ride-by-wire system which also opens the door to three ‘YRC’ (Yamaha Ride Control) settings to alter the engine’s power delivery, as well as two-levels of traction control. The Y-AMT version also has cruise control. There isn't an IMU fitted meaning no cornering ABS or lean-sensitive slide control.

On the road, it's a lovely engine to use. Smooth power, flexible enough to give riders a choice of gears in most situations and economical too (we averaged mid-60s mpg). The clutch is light and gearchanges are slick but positive. New riders will find this an easy engine to feel confident with while older hands will find plenty to make them chuckle.

The optional Y-AMT is probably the biggest news of all. Similar to the system available on the latest MT-09, it eliminates both the clutch lever and the conventional gear-shifter in favour of electronically-controlled servo-motors operating the clutch and gearshift. There are two fully-automatic settings. D is the more laid back of the two allowing the gearbox to change up at lower revs for a more relaxed ride in town or on motorways. D+ is a sportier setting where the engine holds onto revs for longer before shifting. A separate MT (manual) mode lets you control the shifts via thumb and forefinger paddles on the left bar. The automatic clutch makes stalling impossible, even in manual mode, and the electronics can also prevent you from overrevving the engine.

The Y-AMT system adds just 2kg to the bike (Honda’s more complex - and it should be said, slicker - DCT system is around 10kg extra), bringing the Y-AMT-equipped model to 186kg

2025 Yamaha MT-07 - Handling & Suspension (inc. Weight)

Changes to the shape and thickness of the frame’s tubes increase the rigidity by between 12% and 13% while keeping the weight the same as its predecessor at only 14.8kg. The main changes are focussed around the swingarm pivot area. That pivot holds a completely new swingarm for the first time in the MT-07’s history, with its own rigidity optimised to suit the rest of the new chassis.

At the front, there are new die-cast triple clamps that save 400g over last year's bike. These grip 41mm upside-down forks in place of the right-way-up units of the previous model. There are four-piston radial brake calipers instead of the old bike’s axial-mount designs, while the rear shock is also tweaked with adjustable preload and rebound damping.

Early MT-07 models had a reputation for 'loose' handling in twisty corners from their soft under-damped suspension. The last revamp in 2021 brought more control and consistency to the handling and this one builds on that making the new MT-07 a very easy bike to get down a twisty road.

The new bike’s handlebars are 18mm wider, 22mm lower and 9.3mm further back than on the old version, which adds more leverage for less effort. Describing how a motorcycle steers always feels a bit odd - even to someone who's been road testing since the 90s. The differences between bikes are subtle and often down to the the tyres as much as the bike. The best way I can describe the MT's steering is that it turns easily and appropriately for the amount of input into the bars. Be forceful and it turns quickly and confidently. Be more gentle and the MT can be more subtle than the image of the bike presents..

That predictability is something all the MT Yamahas possess. What isn't quite so straightforward on the MT-07 is the balance in the suspension between roadholding and comfort. The 2025 MT-07 is very good at the going-round-corners bit of handling, but the rear shock absorber is much less skilled at, er...absorbing shocks. The rider feels every bump through their backside as if the shock is bottoming out too quickly. Tight testing schedules meant we didn't have time to play with the adjustment, but if you buy one I'd definitely suggest learning about setting up rear preload and rebound damping or asking you dealer to set it up for you.

Yamaha says that if all else was equal, the new bike’s additional equipment would lead to a 4.5kg weight gain, but thanks to the new chassis and other revisions including lightweight bodywork, the reality is that the 2025 model is just 1kg lighter than its predecessor at only 184kg including a full 14-litre tank of fuel.

One of the big contributors to that weight loss is the adoption of Yamaha’s ‘Spinforged’ alloy wheels, previously used on the MT-09, which are lighter but no less strong than conventional designs thanks to a patented manufacturing technique. By losing weight from the wheels, Yamaha is also cutting unsprung and rotating masses, which brings significant benefits to how the bike steers, while reducing suspension loads when leant over.

2025 Yamaha MT-07 - Comfort & Economy

Accessibility has always been an MT-07 strong point, with an accommodating riding position and seat height that suit a broad range of rider shapes and sizes. The 2025 bike's redesigned seat is the same 805mm height as before, but the fuel tank is slimmer making it easier to get your feet down (something new or shorter riders will appreciate). The footpegs are 10mm lower to add more legroom, a little more comfort and room to shuffle about on the bike.

A new assist-and-slipper clutch requires less finger strength to pull in, while the Y-AMT version eliminates that stress altogether. The gearbox has also been redesigned to make gearshifts easier.

Long motorway trips are fine in warm, dry weather. On cold, wet mornings they are less comfortable. Not just because of the lack of weather protection but also because the engine has a lot of vibration at motorways speeds that numbs your fingers after an hour or so. Riding the Y-AMT version with cruise control allowed me to set the speed and then lift my hands off the bars for a few seconds. When you put them back on you can really feel how significant the vibration is.

Riding the same journey in warm, dry weather didn't give the same numbness even though the vibes are still there and I don't remember the same issues riding a Tracer 7 which has the same engine but more weather protection.

Fuel consumption has always been a strength of this engine and the new bike is as good as ever. Even in full wide-eyed road-test mode I was getting around 60mpg, rising to close-on 70mpg on the motorway. Tank capacity remains at 14 litres giving a theoretical range of around 190 miles mixed riding before running dry.

2025 Yamaha MT-07 - Equipment

The MT-07 was already strong when it came to electronics, thanks to a 5-inch colour TFT dash with phone connectivity for calls and messages, but the 2025 model ups the game with its electronic throttle, engine modes and switchable traction control system.

As before, you can use the Yamaha MyRide app for basic phone connectivity, but now there’s also the possibility of turn-by-turn navigation via the free Garmin StreetCross app. New bar switches control it all in a logical, easy-to-understand manner that other manufacturers would do well to look at.

The indicators now have a ‘three-flash’ feature for lane changes with a single, light touch of the button. I tried it a few times with varying amounts of success but the regular system is so easy to use that I mostly used that. There is also a new emergency stop signalling system that flashes the hazard lights when you’re hard on the brakes.

Cruise control is fitted to the Y-AMT version only. Some riders don't understand the value of cruise control on a bike but in long stretches of average speed cameras it can be a licence saver and, when suffering from the cold-weather motorway vibes mentioned above, it made a huge difference. The Yamaha system is really easy to use. It only operates in third gear and above, which is fine - I can't think of a situation where you'd want cruise control in first or second gear.

2025 Yamaha MT-07 - Rivals

While the MT-07 had few direct competitors when it was launched a decade ago the market for affordable, naked middleweights has evolved since then – so for similar cash there’s a variety of two, three, and four-cylinder options on the table. Honda’s CB650R is an obvious one, particularly when equipped with the E-Clutch system that’s a halfway-house towards the full automated transmission of the MT-07 Y-AMT. But for riders happy to shift gears themselves, the newly updated Triumph Trident 660 has got to be on the ‘possibles’ list, along with the Suzuki GSX-8S.

Honda CB650R | Price: £7829

Read more

Power/Torque

944bhp/46.5lb-ft

Weight

203kg

Triumph Trident 660 | Price: £7895

Read more

Power/Torque

81bhp/47.2lb-ft

Weight

190kg

Suzuki GSX-8S | Price: £7999

Read more

Power/Torque

81.8bhp/57.5lb-ft

Weight

202kg

2025 Yamaha MT-07 - Verdict

If you've ridden a previous-generation MT-07 or are about to part-ex yours then you'll be really impressed with how much improved the 2025 bike is. Many of the individual changes are subtle, but as a package they make a bike that feels sharper and quicker, but also (mostly) easier to ride too.

If you've never ridden any of the older MT-07s you might not appreciate the changes but you'll still appreciate all the performance, poise and brilliance of this bike.

The engine is as engaging as ever but still flexible and new-rider friendly. The chassis will help those new riders find their confidence and practice those essential skills while it also flatters us older riders and does plenty of things that our older bikes never did.

The Y-AMT gearbox will be very welcome for new and older riders alike. Some might moan that it takes away the pleasure of shifting manually, but I disagree - it just changes it from foot-to-fingers adding even more control and enjoyment. With increasing numbers of new riders coming over from auto-shift cars, having a slick semi-auto option makes huge sense for the future of motorcycling.

There's a lot more competition for this year's MT-07 than for previous models and Yamaha has acknowledged this by the effort that's gone into this update. It feels like they learned a lot from their customers and built the bike those customers want.

Do you own this bike? Tell us what it’s like, or ask us questions about it at bikeclub.bennetts.co.uk.

2025 Yamaha MT-07 - Technical Specification

What is MCIA Secured?

MCIA Secured gives bike buyers the chance to see just how much work a manufacturer has put into making their new investment as resistant to theft as possible.

As we all know, the more security you use, the less chance there is of your bike being stolen. In fact, based on research by Bennetts, using a disc lock makes your machine three times less likely to be stolen, while heavy duty kit can make it less likely to be stolen than a car. For reviews of the best security products, click here.

MCIA Secured gives motorcycles a rating out of five stars (three stars for bikes of 125cc or less), based on the following being fitted to a new bike as standard:

• A steering lock that meets the UNECE 62 standard

• An ignition immobiliser system

• A vehicle marking system

• An alarm system

• A vehicle tracking system with subscription

The higher the star rating, the better the security, so always ask your dealer what rating your bike has and compare it to other machines on your shortlist.