MT 07
- motorcycle model, Yamaha brand
The Yamaha MT-07 naked model was first introduced in 2013, and official sales started in 2014. The model was aimed at most world markets, including Japan, Europe, North America (since 2015 under the name FZ-07) and Oceania. The MT series abbreviation literally stands for “Masters of Torque”, i.e. "Masters of Torque" The main feature of the engines of this series is not outstanding power capabilities, maximum torque in the widest operating range.
The main feature of the Yamaha MT-07 is its in-line 2-cylinder liquid-cooled engine with a capacity of 689 cc. see, producing about 75 hp. power and 68 Nm of torque. At the same time, the maximum torque is fully available at 6500 rpm. The use of a 270° crankshaft made it possible to achieve the character of a V-shaped engine with an essentially in-line cylinder arrangement. This technology is in many ways similar to that used on the TDM and TRX 850 series models. The cylinders themselves are shifted a few millimeters back (relative to the crankshaft), which reduces friction losses.
The rear suspension is a pendulum with a monoshock absorber located almost horizontally to the ground, under the seat (inside the subframe), as close as possible to the engine. This arrangement was used on Buell motorcycles and made it possible to centralize the mass as much as possible and not lengthen the wheelbase, which led to a noticeable improvement in handling.
In 2016, based on the engine, frame and chassis of the Yamaha MT-07, a scrambler model was introduced - the Yamaha XSR700. In the same year, a touring modification was introduced - the Yamaha MT-07 Tracer (also known as the Tracer 700). It was distinguished by the presence of a front fairing, an enlarged fuel tank and rear suspension settings (slightly more travel). The Tracer modification is only available in the European and Australian markets.
In 2022, the model name Yamaha MT-07 becomes the main one in the North American market (instead of the previous one - Yamaha FZ-07).
At the end of 2022, Yamaha announced the Yamaha Ténéré 700 touring enduro model, based on the engine from the MT-07.
At the end of 2022, the Tracer 700 modification is undergoing changes. The 2020 model year version received a new appearance, an adjustable front suspension with new springs, LED optics, turn signals and running lights, an updated LCD instrument panel and changes to the engine to comply with Euro-5 emission standards (maximum power decreased to 73 hp .). The model also received a wider handlebar, a new saddle shape and a more convenient windshield adjustment system.
For 2022, Yamaha has introduced the new MT-07. The model received an updated appearance, an engine that meets Euro-5 standards, LED optics, a new dashboard and enlarged front brake discs (282 → 298 mm).
Bike features
Here are the characteristic features of this machine:
- aggressive angular design emphasizing the beauty of the naked bike;
- maneuverability and compactness;
- low cost.
This motorcycle is intended only for the city, and somewhere on a rural highway it clearly will not please its owner. It is good, first of all, because it is budget-friendly, because there is more than enough plastic on it. This, as well as its general high-tech, makes the Yamaha MT-07 completely fit into the modern trend.
Yamaha MT-07 is so good that it makes no sense to change anything about it
Despite the fact that 4 years have passed since its debut, the Japanese did not have the courage to make big changes to the MT 07 engine. Which is good, because it is great. It continues to impress with its flexibility and significant boost in the lower rev range.
It's true that it doesn't pack a punch with power, but it's the MT-09. Perhaps this fall we'll see it in a new role - as a drive in a new touring enduro, codenamed T7.
Post Views: 3,203
Dimensions and weight
When the 14L fuel tank is empty, this bike weighs 160kg. By the way, the car’s gasoline consumption per hundred kilometers is only 4.5 liters, and possibly less, so the gas tank capacity will be absolutely sufficient. The saddle height of 805 mm makes the MT-07 most suitable for people of average height.
Seat, suspension mt 07
The weak point of the first version of the Yamaha MT 07 was the seat: after 200 km of non-stop riding, you would be tempted to throw it in the trash. That's why the new one is much larger and tighter wrapped, so the distance I had to walk during the test drive wasn't an issue. The Japanese have announced that they have lengthened the seat by reducing the fuel tank by 10mm, so it is now closer to the steering wheel. This change is so subtle that hardly anyone will notice the difference.
In the previous model of the motorcycle, when setting the suspension, it was set to Comfort mode. Result: We often complained that they felt underdamped when riding aggressively over bumps, so we quickly reached the limit. The new settings have made it so that, although the motorcycle remains comfortable, it operates much more accurately. Additionally, the fork now has 6% stiffer springs and 16% more damping. On the center shock you can change the spring rate setting (like the previous model) but also adjust the rebound damping. Moreover, wide tires should not reduce comfort. The MT-07's rear end is still 180mm wide, while competitors (Suzuki SV 650, Kawasaki Z 650) are 160mm wide.
Chassis and brakes
The brakes on the MT-07 are good and reliable. Not only is there, of course, no such archaism as a drum brake, but all three discs are quite large in diameter, not two-piston, but four-piston calipers are installed at the front, and there is also an ABS system, which increases safety.
The excellent handling of the MT-07 is associated, among other things, with the local suspensions, the travel of which is not too large, but not small either, and amounts to 130 mm on both the rear swingarm and the front fork.
The frame is very simple, tubular in type, and made of steel. A modern naked bike doesn’t need anything else.
We are not improving the Yamaha MT-07
Moreover, we had the opportunity to verify its durability. We tested the Yamaha MT motorcycle over a distance of 50,000 km, after which it was disassembled down to the smallest screw and all components were precisely measured. The diagnosis was clear - no signs of wear, all that was left was to fold it again and enjoy the ride. In 4 years, the Japanese produced more than 120,000 Mt-sevens and in just a year more than 17,000 were sold in Europe.
Four years after the premiere, it was time for a change. Okay, but how to improve something that is already very good? Benchmark tests and user reviews were helpful.
No one found fault with the appearance or engine of the first MT 7. Moreover, the first one was recognized as extremely modern. That is why the changes in the new MT 7 model are cosmetic in nature and must be done by the seven other cars of the MT family.
CHOICE
If you took care of the engine (did timely maintenance, purchased high-quality consumables, monitored the valve clearances), then there is no catch. Although, when examining a vehicle with a mileage exceeding 20,000 km, it makes sense to carefully inquire whether the spark plugs have been changed or not. The fact is that this procedure is not a simple one, requiring the dismantling of the gas tank and part of the lining, which is why some mechanics are trying to avoid it.
The asymmetrical pendulum, 530 mm long, is welded from stamped steel parts. It’s a pity that it wasn’t painted in the best way, so that on some examples it began to rust almost as soon as they left the dealership. The areas most prone to oxidation are the weld under the brake caliper bracket and the chain guard mount. Particularly persistent owners even managed to replace the entire unit under warranty. But most make do with local touch-ups. It must be said that Yamaha is aware of this problem, because on the second generation, produced since 2022, protective vinyl stickers have appeared on certain sections of the swingarm.
It happens that the transmission indicator starts to lie. Most often, the problem lies in the gearbox sensor, which suffers from grease flying from the driven star (it is located directly above it). And for the sensor to work again, sometimes it is enough to unscrew it and clean the contacts.
Among liquid crystal analogues, the interface of the MT-07 monochrome panel is probably one of the exemplary ones. The speedometer and tachometer readings, the number of the selected gear and the fuel level are brought to the fore. Everything else can be called up as needed: daily and total mileage, engine and ambient temperature, as well as average fuel consumption. And there is nothing surprising in the fact that exactly the same one is installed on the Tracer 700. But the XSR700, in order to match the retro style, received its own - round shape.
The chassis causes much more trouble. The characteristics of the engine are such that the motorcycle easily rises to the rear wheel from the gas in the first two gears. However, very few people know how to land carefully, which is why the fork seals and steering axle bearings suffer. In addition, increased wear is partly due to “forgetfulness” during maintenance: the steering nuts should be checked for tightness at every maintenance, and refilled with grease every 20,000 km (more often is better). The same applies to the pendulum with all its “links”.
The aluminum frame cover suffers from constant contact with the feet, which is why abrasions and bald patches soon appear on it.
The MT-07 pendants, by the way, were selected with an eye to a modest price tag. Moreover, it is so modest that many people want to choose an alternative to them immediately after buying a motorcycle. Moreover, Yamaha itself began to offer cartridges, springs and an Öhlins monoshock absorber as an option just a couple of years after the debut of the “seven”.
The starter key (it also controls the engine shutdown) sometimes gets stuck in the lower position: many cases were recognized as covered by warranty, but as a preventative measure it is better to force it into the middle position.
However, if for the “rear” replacing it with an advanced analogue is almost the only option (besides congenital laxity, there are cases when a standard shock absorber died in just half a season), then with a strong desire you can get by with a fork with little expense.
According to suspension specialists, the height of the lower bushing (part no. 4FM231254000), which should work as a piston ring, is 5 mm less than required. When reassembling, if you install a bushing of the required size, high-quality oil seals and stiffer springs (9.0-9.5 N/mm instead of the standard 8.5 N/mm), and at the same time fill in a different shock-absorbing fluid, the fork will be unrecognizable.
The first generation MT-07 suspensions often cause criticism from owners, mainly due to their insufficient damping and poor survivability. Moreover, if the fork is treated by selecting springs, valves and seals, then the monoshock absorber is exclusively replaced. It is significant that Yamaha added Öhlins components to its catalog of options already in the second year of production of the “seven”.
With brakes the situation is simpler. Exactly the same front calipers Advics (ex-Sumitomo) were once installed on the sports “erks” YZF-R6 and YZF-R1. True, for the sake of a soft grip, the pads were not selected to be the most effective, which is why you have to press the lever harder than desired. It is not surprising that many people replace rubber hoses with reinforced ones, and “stock” pads with options with a less tenacious, but more “toothy” Sintered compound with the HH index.
The front Advics calipers (ex-Sumitomo) are capable of stopping the tank. True, the selected pads are not the most effective, which affects the ability to stop in time. Treated by replacing the pads.
However, the most annoying Achilles heel of the MT-07 is the quality of the paintwork. Both the frame with the pendulum and numerous linings become covered with abrasions and ulcers over time, which can sometimes be gotten rid of only by repainting the entire part, which will require disassembling half the motorcycle.
So a thorough inspection for paint falling off in flakes (especially under facings and on welds) will definitely not be superfluous. Plus, attention to about can tell about both experienced falls and active city life: damage from contacts with fellow travelers and asphalt, scratches and dents on wheels from encounters with potholes, etc.
It’s a pity, it’s not so easy to inspect the steel pipes of the cooling system: they often rust from the inside.
After modernization in 2022, the MT-07 received the head light from the MT-09 of the 2014-2016 model. However, regardless of the version, the plastic of the headlight requires gentle handling, otherwise it quickly becomes cloudy, scratches and even cracks.
