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.

first look 2018 yamaha mt 07, Seat now extends around the tank for more rider comfort
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.

first look 2018 yamaha mt 07, Larger headlamp is more imposing says Yamaha How rude
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

first look 2018 yamaha mt 07, New tail light is slimmer trimmer
New tail light is slimmer, trimmer.
first look 2018 yamaha mt 07, Blue on blue looks tasty
Blue-on-blue looks tasty.
first look 2018 yamaha mt 07, Electric green wheels pop on the Matte gray version
Electric green wheels pop on the Matte gray version.
first look 2018 yamaha mt 07, The simple yet spicy red and white scheme may be my fave
The simple-yet-spicy red-and-white scheme may be my fave.
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2 of 6 comments
  • 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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