First Look: 2018 Yamaha MT-07

Gabe Ets-Hokin
by Gabe Ets-Hokin

New looks for a darker side.

Yamaha announced some mild improvements to its FZ-07 middleweight “hyper-naked” motorcycle, including an all-new name. Meet the Yamaha MT-07, restyled and upgraded for 2018. Changes include new bodywork, suspension tweaks, and more. The MT moniker – Masters of Torque, don’t cha know – goes along with Yamaha’s “Dark Side of Japan” marketing campaign to highlight the edgy nature of the 07 and its bigger bros, the MT-09 and MT-10.

The MT-07’s USA pricetag – including ABS, now standard for 2018 – is $100 more than the 2017’s $7,499 MSRP, but there are plenty of improvements for that Benjy. The bodywork is redone, including a new tank cover to mimic the MT-09’s air scoops, a smaller tail light, a re-done front fender and blacked-out components, because Dark Side of Japan and all that. There’s also a new seat, which should be a little roomier for larger riders.

Seat now extends around the tank for more rider comfort.

We like the MT, née FZ-07, every time we ride it, but we’ve had complaints about the soft, underdamped suspension. For 2018, the MT-07 gets “sportier” – I assume that means firmer and more dive resistant – spring rates and damping settings in front, along with a rear shock with rebound adjustment as well as spring preload.

Larger headlamp is more “imposing,” says Yamaha. How rude!

Sounds like a good package of improvements to match the revised MT-09 and new-for-2017 MT-10. We’re looking forward to our first ride.

Follow the rest of our 2017 EICMA show coverage

New tail light is slimmer, trimmer.
Blue-on-blue looks tasty.
Electric green wheels pop on the Matte gray version.
The simple-yet-spicy red-and-white scheme may be my fave.
Gabe Ets-Hokin
Gabe Ets-Hokin

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  • Jimmy Jimmy on Jan 20, 2018

    YBR 125 G is one of the models in 125 cc range introduced by Yamaha in Pakistan. Now Yamaha must introduce their international models in Pakistan also.

  • Johnny Nightrider Johnny Nightrider on Jul 28, 2018

    Have got one heck of a bad headache and I need to take med and elevate my head a lil and turn off lights.

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