2021 Yamaha MT-07 first look

Revisions to the bodywork and headlight are the most obvious changes to the MT-07, and arguably the most needed as the 07 wore Yamaha’s early “Hyper Naked” styling long after the other MTs got facelifts. Even the family’s baby brother, the MT-03, got the new LED headlight design language last year: a cyclops eye flanked by thin DRLs. I’d personally like to see the MT-07 with an accessory windscreen once they’re available.

The rest of the bodywork is “more refined and distinctive” for that centralized-mass look Yamaha’s been championing for the last few years. A revised duct feeds air to the engine, where a tweaked fuel injection system, a new ECU, and a two-into-one exhaust get the MT-07 clear of the latest emissions standards. Yamaha claims “these changes give a more linear engine response and deliver a smoother torque/rpm curve for thrilling acceleration,” although we’ll have to wait until we get our hands on a test unit to see just how different the engine feels after these modifications. 

The last year has given us quite a few refreshed models across the industry as manufacturers get their lineups EURO 5-compliant in a trend that has largely benefitted stalwarts like the MT. Unlike some other updates, Yamaha didn’t increase displacement to squeak the MT past emissions sniffers, and hopefully that means the 2021 MT-07 is fundamentally the same high-value, low-cost bike it’s always been. No word yet on similar updates for the XSR700 or Ténéré 700, both of which use the same CP2 powerplant.

The MT-07’s dual front discs have grown from 282 mm to 298 mm for improved braking performance, though my colleague Ari points out that Yamaha makes no mention of an updated fork spring rate to match the new brakes. Rider-specific fork springs are already a fairly common modification for these models, at least. Handling is further improved by the bike’s new Michelin Road 5 stock tires. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed the Road 5s here at Common Tread, and they probably account for most of the $100 price increase by themselves. If I can’t have both new tires and new fork springs on the MT, I’ll take better tires all day, so it’s still a win.

There’s also a revised LCD dash controlled by switches mounted on the new tapered handlebar. Yamaha also ditched the bulky “pumpkin” turn signals for 2021 and went to thin LED units, hoping all these little changes will add up to a feeling of higher quality and more pride in ownership. In the end, the MT-07 will no longer be the odd Yam out (aesthetically) on dealership floors, and these changes should also give the bike some additional appeal in a highly competitive class that includes the Kawasaki Z650, the Suzuki SV650, the Honda CB650R, and now the Triumph Trident.

2021 MT-07s will hit your local dealership floors in January and will be available in Storm Fluo, Team Yamaha Blue and Matte Raven Black. 

Image Gallery