2021 Yamaha MT-07 First Look

Troy Siahaan
by Troy Siahaan

Styling tweaks, bigger brakes, and LEDs highlight the changes to the MT-07

Yamaha revealed an updated MT-07 that… well, let’s just say that if you aren’t a fan of the 2021 MT-09‘s new look, you likely won’t be a fan of this either. Chances are you won’t be a fan of the MT-10‘s next update either if it follows Yamaha’s smaller “Master of Torque” naked MT models.

The 2021 Yamaha MT-07 adopts a similar LED headlight to the MT-09, with a compact high/low beam projector lamp bracketed by two position lights. This new headlight is the most obvious and distinct design change for the new MT-07. There never really was much in the way of bodywork for the FZ/MT-07, but for this new redesign, the fuel tank shape is sculpted slightly differently with a higher shoulder line and reshaped fuel tank panels.

The radiator guard is also more streamlined (at least it looks that way from the photos), and the front turn indicators are much smaller LED stalks that don’t stick out nearly as much as the old incandescent bulbs on the previous model.

Go past the fuel tank, and there’s not much change in the styling except for a new license plate holder with LED indicators. The seat and seating position look the same, too, however, the new redesign brings with it wider aluminum tapered handlebars which should place the rider slightly more upright. Because the exhaust headers have been slightly repositioned, a new cover/guard can now be seen on the lower right side of the bike to protect from the hot surface.

The changes extend beyond the styling, as the CP2 engine gets some minor tweaks to help meet Euro5 regulations. A revised intake duct, new 2-into-1 exhaust routing (which meets behind the aforementioned heat shield), and a new ECU result in a very slight decrease in power. According to European power figures, the new MT-07 makes 72.8 hp at 9,000 rpm and 49.4 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm. Contrast this with the outgoing model which made 75 horses and 50 lb-ft at the same engine speeds.

Braking power gets a boost from larger 298mm discs replacing the 282mm discs used before. ABS comes standard. The MT-07 now rides on Michelin Road 5 tires, a good choice for all-around, sporty grip and handling.

The 2021 Yamaha MT-07 will arrive at Yamaha dealers beginning in January and will be available in Storm Fluo, Team Yamaha Blue and Matte Raven Black for $7,699 MSRP.

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Troy Siahaan
Troy Siahaan

Troy's been riding motorcycles and writing about them since 2006, getting his start at Rider Magazine. From there, he moved to Sport Rider Magazine before finally landing at Motorcycle.com in 2011. A lifelong gearhead who didn't fully immerse himself in motorcycles until his teenage years, Troy's interests have always been in technology, performance, and going fast. Naturally, racing was the perfect avenue to combine all three. Troy has been racing nearly as long as he's been riding and has competed at the AMA national level. He's also won multiple club races throughout the country, culminating in a Utah Sport Bike Association championship in 2011. He has been invited as a guest instructor for the Yamaha Champions Riding School, and when he's not out riding, he's either wrenching on bikes or watching MotoGP.

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  • T L T L on Nov 05, 2020

    Looks like they avoided providing any closeup shots of the headlight from the front. Good thinking.

  • AM AM on Nov 06, 2020

    All the very cheap stuff still there. No inverted forks, swing arm with no place for spools and crap chain adjuster. Junk suspension and another 3 pounds heavier. (8 lbs from 2016 ). But with just 11 lbs more, + 42 HP and just about double the bike in performance, the MT09 is even a better bargain at just $1600.00 more.
    Triumph 660 will be the better bike on that category and just $300.00 more.

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