Some motorcycles impress you on paper. Others win you over with design, specs, and technology. And then there are bikes like the Yamaha MT-07 — motorcycles that don’t tell their story on a spec sheet at all. You have to ride them. This blog post is based on several weeks of riding the MT-07 in real life: city commuting, mountain roads, twisties, short trips, and everyday use. No marketing talk — just honest experience.
First Ride: Why Did I Ignore This Bike for So Long?
I’ve been riding motorcycles for almost 20 years. Japanese bikes, classic nakeds, Hondas especially — CB400, CB1000, CB1300… naked bikes were always my thing. Yet somehow, the MT-07 never landed in my hands. Not once.
It’s ironic, because the MT-07 is one of the most popular naked bikes in Europe, often:
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a first motorcycle
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a daily commuter
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or a downsizing choice for experienced riders
So when I finally threw a leg over the 2024 MT-07, I didn’t come with high expectations. I just wanted to understand why so many people love it. The answer came within the first few minutes.
CP2 Engine: The Real Reason This Bike Exists
Let’s get the obvious out of the way. The CP2 parallel-twin engine is the heart of this bike — and it’s brilliant. It was first introduced on the MT-07 and later became the foundation for:
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Ténéré 700
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Tracer 7
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XSR 700
This engine doesn’t chase top-end power or crazy numbers. What it delivers instead is:
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instant torque
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direct throttle response
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character
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and fun at legal speeds
You don’t need to ride fast. You don’t need to push hard. At 50–70 km/h, the bike already feels alive. Every small throttle input gives you feedback, connection, and that old-school mechanical feel that many modern bikes have lost. This is not about performance. This is about emotion.
Riding Experience: Like a Bicycle… With an Engine
The best way I can describe the MT-07? It feels like a motorized bicycle — in the best possible way.
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Extremely light
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Super flickable
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Effortless to maneuver
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Zero intimidation factor
On twisty mountain roads, the bike just falls into corners. You don’t fight it. You don’t force it. You simply think — and it turns. I ride the same roads on bigger touring and sport-touring bikes all the time. On those bikes, riding fast requires effort and focus. On the MT-07? You’re smiling instead of concentrating.
Comfort & Ergonomics: Great… Until You’re Tall
This is where honesty matters. I’m 188 cm tall, and yes — the MT-07 is small. Surprisingly, at first:
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seating position feels relaxed
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bars are comfortable
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seat shape is actually very good
For riders around 165–175 cm, this bike is close to perfect. But for taller riders:
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knee angle becomes tight after ~1.5–2 hours
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long rides are not comfortable
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frequent stops become necessary
If you’re tall and planning long rides — this is not your bike. No matter how fun it is.
Suspension & Brakes: Better Than You’d Expect
Front suspension is non-adjustable. Rear shock is adjustable. Out of the box:
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suspension is on the firm / bouncy side
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excellent on smooth roads
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less happy on rough or broken asphalt
I played with rear shock settings a lot. It helps, but doesn’t fully transform it. That said — for:
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city riding
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twisty roads
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everyday fun
It works well. Brakes, too, are absolutely fine for what this bike is meant to be.
Technology: Minimal by Design
This bike is proudly low-tech. What you get:
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ABS
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TFT color display (2024 update)
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smartphone connectivity
What you don’t get:
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ride modes
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traction control
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ride-by-wire
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slipper clutch
For experienced riders, this is refreshing. For new riders? That’s debatable. In 2024, having no traction control on a torquey twin is something Yamaha should rethink — especially when competitors offer it. Still, the simplicity is part of the MT-07’s charm.
Design: Love It or Hate It (Until You Ride It)
Let’s be honest — design is controversial.
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aggressive
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futuristic
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“too young” for some riders
Many people don’t like the front end. Some prefer older generations with round headlights. But something interesting happens: The more you ride the MT-07, the more the design starts making sense. You stop seeing it. You start feeling it. And that’s the point.
Practicality & Touring: Not Its Strong Side
This is not a touring bike — and Yamaha doesn’t pretend it is. Limitations:
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small fuel tank → shorter range
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limited OEM luggage options
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installing a top box is complicated
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no real factory touring setup
Aftermarket helps a lot (SW-Motech, tank bags, etc.), but if touring is your priority — look elsewhere.
Vibrations & Character
Yes, the bike vibrates:
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low RPMs
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high RPMs
But these are non-painful vibrations. No numb hands. No buzzing fatigue. Just mechanical feedback — the good kind.
Why the MT-07 Is Special (Despite Its Flaws)
On paper:
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not the most powerful
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not the most advanced
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not the best looking
In reality:
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insanely fun
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incredibly easy
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emotionally engaging
Every ride — every single one — puts a smile on your face. You don’t ride it to impress. You don’t ride it to chase speed. You ride it because it reminds you why you started riding motorcycles in the first place.
Who Is the MT-07 For?
Perfect for:
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new riders
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city commuters
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experienced riders downsizing
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riders who value fun over numbers
Not ideal for:
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tall riders
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long-distance touring
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tech-focused riders
Final Thoughts
The Yamaha MT-07 is not a “special” motorcycle. And that’s exactly why it’s special. It’s pure. It’s simple. It’s honest. A bike that doesn’t try too hard — and succeeds because of it. If you judge motorcycles by specs alone, you’ll miss the point. If you judge them by how they make you feel? You’ll understand why the MT-07 has been a bestseller for over a decade.
